Time always flies when you're working with beauties.
Eric felt like he had just started, but the clock hands had already reached quitting time.
He couldn't help but sigh, "How did it end so quickly? I haven't had enough yet."
At this moment, Theron and Wednesday had both removed their makeup and changed back into their own clothes.
Without the enhancement of makeup, both of their looks instantly returned.
Even though Theron had been eating frantically to better portray her role since receiving it, gaining dozens of pounds in over a month.
But as the Star of South Africa, her foundation was simply too good; the extra weight still couldn't change her sexy and beautiful face; she was still a great beauty.
A bit of flesh is good; too thin is uncomfortable.
Theron walked over and said, "Eric, are we continuing tomorrow?"
"No, Patty and I only scheduled one afternoon. If we keep shooting, the movie won't be her style anymore."
"That's a shame. You're an excellent director, good-tempered, never scolds, and skilled at inspiring actors. It's very comfortable working with you."
"Really? Then how about I invite you to be in a play?"
Theron pouted and thought for a moment, "That depends on what kind of play it is. I'm a future Oscar Winner; I'm very picky."
"Hahahaha, I guarantee you'll be satisfied. The movie is scheduled to be shot next year, a big investment and a big production."
"What's it about? Do you have a script?"
Eric pointed to his temple, "There's no script yet, but it's all in here. The content is about dreams and reality."
"Like the matrix?"
Theron's eyes lit up, and she immediately became interested. Everyone knew how popular the matrix was; it not only propelled Keanu Reeves to the peak of his career, but the supporting actors also had more work than they could handle.
Although she had also appeared in many movies, and even co-starred with Keanu Reeves twice, the box office of her films at most hovered around 200 million, never reaching the level of a blockbuster.
If she could participate in a big production with an explosive box office, perhaps that would be the moment her career reached its peak.
"No, although it sounds a bit similar, it's actually completely different. the matrix describes virtual and reality, and its true intention is to embody humanity's pursuit of free will."
"My movie's theme is reality and dreams, and its core is human emotion, growth, and redemption. However, this will be a suspense film with a sci-fi exterior, containing a complex plot and twists."
"That sounds very interesting. Since my debut, I've never participated in a sci-fi movie. It might be good to try it. What's the movie's name?"
Eric smiled slightly, "inception, or the more common translation, inception."
In the original timeline, the English name of inception was inception, which means 'beginning'.
Since the appearance of this movie, the word 'inception' has been deeply linked with the film. Other movies almost dare not use this word, because using it would make people think of inception, except for those trying to ride on its popularity.
Similarly, friends makes people think of friends; avatar refers to Avatar; and The Avengers refers to The Avengers.
Many words give people fixed associations; this is the power of excellent film and television IPs.
"inception? Hmm, the name gives a very confusing feeling."
"Confusing is good; it's a suspense sci-fi film. Are you interested in learning more?"
Theron looked at the time, "Okay, I don't have anything else to do anyway."
"Then let's have dinner together; it's my treat."
"Where to?"
"I know a nice private restaurant on Xinhua Street."
"Leonard's restaurant?" Theron asked.
"You know it?"
"Of course, I often frequent their place."
"How about we meet in an hour? I still need to go handle something at the blue is the warmest color crew."
"Okay, see you later."
Returning to Studio 4, they were also finishing up there. American crews are very standardized in this regard; they generally don't work overtime, and if they do, overtime pay is mandatory.
Actors are like ordinary office workers, strictly adhering to time concepts, and do not arrive late without special circumstances.
This system is actually very good, because the standardized regulations are reflected in the actors' more dedicated work.
Seeing Eric return, Patty Jenkins pointed to the last two pages of the script and said, "Eric, I've left you the last scene; the sense of ritual is yours."
Eric chuckled, "How's my crew?"
"Great. How did you do it? The Olsen Sisters' acting skills are really good; I never noticed before. It seems those teen idol dramas really limited their development."
To this, Ashley and Mary could only smile and say nothing.
Eric, however, shamelessly said, "I have my own methods of training. I'm very good at training actors."
The two sisters secretly nodded, "He's indeed very good at training."
"Even though it was only one afternoon, I've already enriched the characters and plot for you, and changed a scene. I hope you don't mind."
"Which one?" Patty asked cautiously.
"Mainly scene 25, to make the character of Irene more complete. Also, I have a suggestion."
"You're the boss and the super producer. Go ahead, I'm listening."
Eric cleared his throat a few times, "It's the beginning of the movie. The script portrays Irene as a little girl dreaming of being a star. I think this setting is too cliché, and in reality, she wasn't like that."
"A biographical film should be more consistent with the character's life. Life is unpredictable; her childhood and youth experiences shouldn't be erased."
Patty was silent for a moment, "Actually, when writing the script, I considered this issue, but with too dark a plot, I was worried the audience wouldn't accept it, and censorship would also be a problem."
"Then do you think the current plot isn't dark enough? Or do you think the number of FUCKs appearing in it is too few?"
"Uh, when I was raising investment in the market, I was originally aiming for independent production companies, and didn't expect MGM to take an interest."
"You know, big companies like yours, when producing and distributing films, consider broader acceptance and commercial profit. If you can shoot G-rated, don't shoot PG13-rated, and R-rated is best avoided if possible."
"And independent production companies certainly can't compare to big companies like yours in terms of communication with censorship departments, so I deleted all the darker plots to reduce resistance to release."
"But if MGM distributes it, adding those rape, incest, abandonment, and drug use plots should also be good."
Eric nodded, "That's right! If it's going to be dark, go all the way! You don't need to worry about censorship; just shoot it!"
"Then I'll listen to you, Eric."
After seeing Patty Jenkins off, Eric patted his butt, ready to leave.
Seeing no outsiders around, Mary grabbed his hand, "Eric, come on, Ashley and I are treating you to dinner."
"Bad timing today, I've already made plans."
"Really? Are you going on a date with some woman?"
Eric glared at her and said righteously, "Am I that kind of person? Besides, who could be more alluring than you two?"
Mary grinned, "That's true. How about tomorrow?"
"We'll see. You know I'm very busy."
"Busy, busy, busy! Are you going to be busy to death? You're so busy, yet you often run to Studio 6. I think you're just going for Charlize Theron." Ashley frowned and said angrily.
Eric chuckled, "Although we're already in a relationship where I'm in you and you're in me, if you say that, I'll have to sue you for defamation."
"Alright, alright, come here for a hug. If I don't have plans tomorrow, I'll accompany you, isn't that enough?"
Embracing the Olsen Sisters, one on each side, the scene looked exactly like a classic moment from 'Little Li Flying Dagger'.
I'm sorry, I came at the wrong time.
No, you came at just the right time.
Having sent off the Olsen Sisters, Eric arrived at Leonard's restaurant fifteen minutes early; arriving early is a sign of gentlemanly conduct.
Not long after, the waiter led Theron into the private room.
Unlike ordinary restaurants, Leonard's restaurant offers private room service.
There's a big difference between the US and China in this regard. In China, almost every restaurant has private rooms, even small roadside eateries.
In the US, almost all restaurants don't offer them, and some even receive complaints for dining discrimination or status discrimination because of it.
Only a very small number, such as salons, clubs, private clubs, and private restaurants not open to the public, offer private room service.
The waiters here are also very fortunate; not only are their salaries higher than those at ordinary restaurants, but they also often see celebrities, and celebrities give generous tips.
Although the job doesn't sound very respectable, not comparable to an office white-collar worker, the actual income is higher than that of an average white-collar worker. The only thing they need to do is keep secrets.
After ordering the food, Eric asked, "Do you need wine?"
"White wine is fine."
"Two glasses of white wine."
Writing it down in his small notebook, the waiter left the private room.
"Theron, are you only eating this much?"
Theron nodded, "That's enough. I had a nutritionist calculate it; the calories are enough to last the night."
"People who can overcome their appetite possess immense willpower." Eric said with some emotion.
"No choice, female stars must pay attention to their figures. The requirements for male stars are a bit looser, but if they follow the idol route, it's also a painful process."
Eric nodded. He had heard before that Hugh Jackman, to maintain his physique and portray Wolverine well, underwent strict training and diet for over a decade.
Cristiano Ronaldo, to maintain his vitality, hardly touched sweets and carbonated drinks, a habit he also maintained for over a decade.
It's truly hard to imagine how they persevered, and how much temptation they had to resist when they saw others eating.
"Theron, since you're shooting monster now, I don't think you need to control yourself, right? Can't you lose the weight after filming?"
Theron quickly refused, "That won't do. I've already gained nearly 30 pounds, and now is the best time to portray Irene."
"And we've already been filming for over ten days. If I suddenly gain or lose weight, even if the change isn't significant, it will affect the audience's perception."
These were indeed reasons to consider. Soon, the food and wine were brought over.
Clink!
The two gently clinked glasses and each took a sip.
Theron speared a piece of broccoli and slowly chewed it, "Tell me about your movie. What was it called again?"
"inception."
"Right, inception. Tell me more about the plot; it sounds very interesting."
"Well, Dom Cobb, the male protagonist, is an experienced thief, but unlike ordinary thieves, he's a dream thief."
"He has the ability to infiltrate other people's dreams, explore and steal their deepest secrets in their dreams. These secrets could be bank card passwords, safe passwords, anything."
"He and his team constantly commit crimes, moving between various factions, becoming an international fugitive. This story takes place between two financial groups."
Eric briefly summarized the plot, and Theron listened intently, gradually stopping eating.
After Eric finished, she frowned and asked, "This is truly a complex story. I didn't quite understand it, but I can roughly tell that this play should have two relatively important female roles, right?"
"Yes, the architect Ariadne and the phantom Mal. The former is a helper Cobb found to complete his mission, and the latter is his wife, or more accurately, his deceased wife."
"Then which role do you plan for me to play?"
"The phantom Mal. Considering temperament, appearance, age, and all other aspects, you are the best choice for Mal."
"Why not the architect Ariadne? That role sounds cooler." Theron asked.
Eric explained, "Because I plan to cast Christian Bale as the male lead. He was born in 1974, and you were born in 1975, only one year apart."
"He is 188 cm tall, and you are 177 cm tall, a golden ratio difference."
"He is handsome and charming, though still a little less so than me."
Pfft!
Theron burst into laughter, then quickly wiped her mouth, "Sorry, you shouldn't make me laugh when I'm eating."
"Is this a joke? Do you think Bale is more handsome than me?"
Theron shook her head, "Of course not. You are different types of handsome. If I had to compare, you have the edge."
Eric nodded, "That's more like it!"
Theron continued to cover her mouth and laugh.
"Alright, alright, stop laughing. Anyway, Bale and you together make a perfect on-screen couple, so I hope you play the role of Mal."
"What about Ariadne? Have you found anyone for that role?"
"Nicole Kidman. Ariadne is an architect stronger than Cobb. This role requires a woman with a strong aura and charm to play it, and I think Nicole Kidman is very suitable."
"We can't have her and Bale play an on-screen couple; just imagining that scene, it just doesn't fit."
Theron thought about it for a moment and then agreed, "Indeed, I can't imagine it. They completely lack the feeling of lovers."
"Yes, imagine this: Nicole Kidman won the Oscar Winner this year, next year it will be you, and then two Oscar Winners gather in one movie. It sounds very appealing."
"Of course, film quality is the foundation; I won't rely on such crooked methods for promotion."
"I can see that. From the moment you changed the monster script on set, I could tell, Eric, you are a director with ambition."
"Hehe, thank you for the compliment!"
"Oh, have other roles been cast?"
"Hmm, for the Point Man Arthur, I plan to use Heath Ledger. Other roles..."
Just as he was about to say that he hadn't decided on other roles, Eric suddenly realized that Theron might be trying to get a role for her boyfriend.
He had to name a few actors to put her off.
But then he thought, wouldn't that be too obvious? It would be better to give her an audition opportunity first, making himself appear generous and gracious.
Anyway, the movie won't start filming until next year. Maybe that guy will be gone by this year.
Even if he isn't gone, it doesn't matter. He can just make it difficult for him during the audition and then reject him.
Thirty-Six Stratagems: to let the enemy off in order to catch him.
Thinking of this, he said, "Other roles haven't been cast yet."
"Really? My boyfriend Stuart Townsend might be able to audition for a role. Of course, I'm not making demands, just a suggestion." Theron said somewhat reservedly.
Eric naturally pretended to be generous, "No problem. Let him come for an audition then. If he performs well, he'll be given priority."
"Thank you, Eric. Let me toast you!" Theron said with a smile, raising her wine glass.
"No thanks, really!"
"Anyway, I won't use him." Eric muttered to himself.