From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

“Um…”

Anson gently raised his chin, drawing out the end of his words, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“So, you noticed me, not because of my acting work, but because of the band?”

That meaningful tone was unpredictable, and for a moment, it was hard to tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

However, Mangold didn't care and didn't try to read Anson's intentions at all.

“Yes.”

Crisply and neatly, Mangold admitted it directly.

“We heard ‘Roar Hey,’ and incidentally, that's a really good song. We like ‘Roar Hey,’ but we feel about ‘Long Live Life’…”

Mangold paused for a moment, not saying much, his right hand flat in front of his eyes, flipping it up and down, a troubled expression on his face.

“Haha.” Anson laughed directly. This Mangold was definitely a special character.

Beside him, Kitchell covered his forehead.

However, Mangold seemed completely unaware that his bluntness was like a bull crashing into a banquet, bulldozing his way through unreasonably.

“In short, we like it.”

“Including Johnny, to be precise, Johnny mentioned you first. He thought you might be able to bring surprises, which was an unexpected but correct choice.”

“We reached a consensus.”

“In my vision, all the performances in the entire movie need to be done by actors. We not only need to sing live, but even the equipment will all use those old-fashioned devices from the sixties and seventies, restoring the truth as much as possible, truly presenting Johnny's charm.”

“So, singing is acting, and it's a crucial part.”

“Considering everything, you are the best choice.”

“No, the perfect choice!”

Finally, after a long, rambling speech, Mangold finally got to the point.

This was indeed an accident.

Anson never expected that his band, which was originally just a hobby, could actually bring him acting work. This was really too unexpected.

Anson looked at Mangold seriously, “But?”

Because Mangold's words sounded like there was still a turning point.

Mangold finally noticed Kitchell's actions, but he didn't mind, “Hey, James, let's be honest. Anson isn't Joaquin. You've been worried about Anson's acting skills, haven't you?”

Kitchell finally couldn't bear it anymore and wailed, “Oh, God, James, you should learn to shut up. The world would be a much better place.”

Mangold didn't feel any blow, “I bet you wish I could shut up, and then you would use a bunch of Hollywood bullshit to tell Anson some nonsense that you yourselves don't believe. Trust me, Anson is a smart man. He knows you're lying. He can see through you.”

“In my opinion, telling the truth is a form of respect.”

Kitchell raised his hands in surrender, refusing to continue entanglement.

Mangold didn't care and looked at Anson again.

“We found Joaquin Phoenix. Do you know Joaquin Phoenix?”

Anson nodded in agreement—

Joaquin Phoenix, the famous younger brother of River Phoenix. Although he started acting in the early nineties, he had always lived under the halo of his brother, the 'boy genius.'

In 1993, River died of an OD in front of his close friend Johnny Depp's bar. At the time, Johnny Depp and Joaquin Phoenix were on the scene.

His brother's death had always been a lingering shadow for Joaquin.

In 2000, with his excellent performance as both good and evil in 'Gladiator,' Joaquin garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, finally making a name for himself as an actor and becoming an outstanding representative of this generation of actors. Later, he had wonderful performances in works such as 'The Master,' 'Her,' etc., and won the 92nd Academy Award for Best Actor with 'Joker.'

So, how could Anson not know Joaquin?

Mangold didn't care and continued rambling.

“Joaquin frankly admitted that he had no confidence in this role, lacked confidence in his performance, and had no confidence in performing live. He is not a professional singer.”

Anson interjected, “Neither am I.”

Mangold was stunned, “But to us, you are professional enough.”

Anson, “Thank you.”

Mangold wore a smile, “Yes, that's right.”

“So, we have been deliberating and weighing. We also know that you have a reputation, a handsome guy, a man who can become very popular by relying on his appearance.”

“Choosing Joaquin, or other actors, they can handle the acting, but the music may be a mess.”

“Choosing you, your live performance and musical interpretation have no problems, but the acting may face serious challenges.”

Anson, “Ouch.”

No more words were needed. Anson covered his chest with one hand and let out a wail, which was enough.

Mangold's expression was a little awkward, and the hands he was waving paused in mid-air, revealing a slightly struggling expression, looking shyly at Anson.

“Too sharp?”

“I thought my skin was thick enough, but obviously it still needs more practice.”

“Sorry, I can't seem to stop myself. How about we start over?”

“And be humiliated again?”

Back and forth, although the content of the words was full of complaints, the expressions of the two people always maintained a smile, and finally both laughed tacitly.

Mangold raised his right hand, “But, Anson, there is still a but here.”

“Indeed, we have our own worries; but, after seeing you, all these worries have disappeared.”

“Don't believe me, ask him. We have now reached a consensus that you are the best choice.”

Kitchell nodded frantically.

“So, what do you think? Is this ‘but’ convincing enough?”

Both Jameses looked at Anson.

Anson pondered for a moment, “So, is that your initial answer? I happened, didn't I?”

Mangold nodded vigorously, “You can feel it after actually meeting. Maybe you and Johnny don't look alike, but your temperament and charm have a wonderful resonance.”

Kitchell finally regained his attention, “Your aura when you get along with others, the way you treat strangers, your smile, your demeanor, everything, everything is the best reason.”

“Do you remember 'Men in Black'?”

“In fact, this title was first born because of Johnny. For most of his career, he wore black.”

Mangold naturally continued, “Although I have never said it, but… Joaquin's height is a lot shorter than Johnny's.”

“In Hollywood, it's not that easy to find an actor as tall, handsome, and dashing as Johnny.”

Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., Joaquin Phoenix, and Tobey Maguire were all collectively shot.

Mangold looked Anson up and down again, “I only have one thought in my mind now, you are the perfect choice. I sincerely hope that you can participate in this work. It will become a masterpiece, I guarantee it.”

Kitchell nodded repeatedly, “Absolutely. One hundred percent.”

The two Jameses sang in harmony and jointly double-teamed, showing their eagerness and belief in all directions from their tone to their expressions, and a powerful momentum came over them.

Anson could clearly feel the enthusiasm, the rolling heat of the burning fire.

His gaze moved back and forth between the two, and a smile quietly climbed onto the corner of his mouth.

“So, let me summarize and see if it's correct?”