Chapter 70: Eve of the Showdown
"You are one of the most talented young directors I have ever seen."
Sitting at a table, Roger Ebert looked across at Duke, like an experienced, knowledgeable teacher instructing a student with raw talent but no skill. "You have a unique touch when it comes to capturing images, logical editing, and applying camera techniques..."
He spoke with earnest gravity. "You shouldn't waste these gifts on vulgar commercial films. Go to the independent film circuit. That is the only place you can hone extraordinary cinematic artistry."
"Art?" Duke wore a puzzled expression.
"Only there can you earn artistic validation," Roger Ebert said, "and become a top-tier director."
"Mr. Ebert, you are an authority in film criticism. I'm young and inexperienced, so I trust you wouldn't lie to me."
Duke paused for a moment before continuing. "Are you saying a director who only shoots commercial or popular films can never reach the pinnacle of the cinematic world?"
"Popular?" Roger Ebert shook his head outright. "Mass appeal means vulgarity. Art has always rested in the hands of the few! Duke, your destructive desires currently overshadow your artistic pursuits entirely. You are heading down the wrong path..."
He then adopted a pained expression. "I appreciate you immensely, as do Kenneth and several other critics. We all admire your talent. You are young, gifted, and driven. If you could just correct this early misstep..."