From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

"Sorry, is this some kind of prank show?"

Anson's sincere expression and reaction completely caught the two people in front of him off guard—

Clearly, from the very beginning, the two sides were not on the same wavelength, creating a sense of miscommunication and a ridiculous sense of humor that naturally emerged.

Unfortunately, the other party did not share Anson's leisure and interest.

The white-haired man sneered, not hiding his anger, "What, do we look like a joke to you? Jesus Christ."

Joking aside, Anson knew what was important and refocused his thoughts.

However, Anson still couldn't understand why James Mangold would personally visit him on set, but bypass his agent. What was the reason for this?

Of course, Anson could think of some possibilities for a work project needing to bypass the agent and directly contact the actor, and they were all quite intriguing.

Anson put on a smile again, looking at James Mangold, who was staring intently at him, "'Identity', I personally really like it, watched it twice in the cinema this year. If it's the director, then of course, I can spare five minutes for us to have a cup of coffee."

"How about you guys head to the cafe diagonally opposite Studio Three and wait for a moment? I'll change my clothes and come over to meet you right away?"

After speaking, Anson took a small step back, showing off his soaked and disheveled appearance. Water droplets could still be seen sliding down his short hair, but his bright eyes still pierced through the falling strands of hair to look at the two people in front of him. The panic and restlessness instantly calmed down.

James himself didn't realize that his smile was returning, "Of course, no problem. See you in a bit."

James turned to leave, but found that the white-haired man next to him was still standing in place. James sighed softly and tugged on the other man's arm.

"James…"

"Hey, James!"

The white-haired man was also a "James"?

He stared intently at Anson, and it was difficult to distinguish what emotions were present. It wasn't just anger, but also some reminiscence and attachment in his eyes.

But in the end, he still turned around with James Mangold and walked towards the studio exit.

James Mangold seemed to have completely missed the white-haired man's complex emotions, and he even seemed a little excited, "Anson is truly a remarkable person, isn't he? He's even more perfect than I imagined."

Beside him, James Keach shook his head repeatedly, "He doesn't even know Johnny, I don't think this can work."

However, Mangold didn't mind at all, "James, Anson was born in the eighties, he and Johnny are not from the same era at all. It's only natural that he doesn't know Johnny, isn't it?"

"If we're hoping to find a young actor, the chances of him not knowing Johnny are definitely high."

Keach suddenly turned his head to look at Mangold, "What nonsense are you talking about? Johnny is a singer comparable to the Beatles, no, he can't be compared to the Beatles, he's one of the greatest singers in American music history. How could Anson not know him? How could he not?"

Mangold sighed softly, "James, even I can't say I'm familiar with Johnny. I know him, I like his music, but that doesn't mean I understand him. That's why I need your help, that's why I read his two biographies, to understand him deeply."

"To us, Johnny is a symbol, a belief. He's not an ordinary person, he has a halo, but at the same time, it also means we can't truly enter his world. When we look at Johnny with admiring eyes, Johnny is not the real Johnny, he's just a perfect symbol projected in our minds."

"Think about it calmly, if we find an actor who looks at Johnny with the eyes of an idol, do you think he would dare to deconstruct Johnny's life? Do you think he can calmly and objectively enter Johnny's world? Do you think he can interpret Johnny based on his own understanding?"

"So, do you want to see an actor interpret his idealized version of Johnny, or a Johnny constructed without prejudice and stereotypes?"

"I thought we had already discussed this, and Johnny also expressed his agreement, didn't he? Why do you seem so surprised?"

Blah blah blah.

Obviously, Mangold had different ideas and was able to remain rational and objective about the whole thing. He finally quieted Keach down.

Although Keach's expression was still stubborn, he ultimately didn't continue to nag, briefly sinking into his own thoughts—

He needed a little time to digest it properly.

So, who exactly is Johnny Cash?

Johnny Cash, one of the greatest singers in North American music history.

This legend is one of the most important singer-songwriters who influenced modern American country, rock, pop, and folk music. He is known as the representative of the American grassroots spirit and has a profound impact on American music and popular culture.

Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley debuted around the same time, with comparable influence. However, his main area of activity was in country music, and he later inspired rock and folk music, so his influence in overseas markets was inferior to Elvis Presley.

But Johnny Cash's influence is undeniable. Nashville, which everyone knows now, has his cultural heritage in every corner.

Throughout his career, he sold over 50 million albums, won countless awards and Billboard championships, and was hailed as a legendary singer who could compete with or even slightly dominate the Beatles at their peak.

The only slight regret is that Johnny Cash's true influence was still in the country genre. Compared with legends such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan, his influence has always been rooted in the North American continent and has not been able to open up a wider market.

Moreover, the legendary singer's influence gradually declined in the 1980s and 1990s. Young people like Anson, if they are not interested in country music, it is normal that they do not know Johnny Cash at all.

After all, the music world of the 1990s belonged to rock, R\u0026B, and pop.

Now, Mangold and Keach are talking about this legend.

Obviously, Keach was not satisfied that Anson didn't know Johnny Cash. How could Anson not know Johnny Cash?

Unforgivable!

Anger was burning fiercely in his chest.