From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

"So, let me summarize to see if I'm correct?"

"You like my band, you like my appearance and height—including this all-black look, but you uniquely dislike my performance."

"It's not that we dislike it, but that we distrust it."

"If I hadn't chosen the black look, but white, or blue, then the content and atmosphere of this conversation might be completely different."

"However, you still hope I'll nod and take on this movie project."

"Right?"

Looking left at Kichet, looking right at Mangold, Anson maintained his smile throughout.

The air suddenly quieted.

Without any warning, Kichet kicked Mangold under the table.

"Told you to tell the truth, told you to watch your mouth, now what do we do?"

Kichet leaned back in his chair, shoulders drooping, looking utterly hopeless.

The scene was a little funny.

After all, Kichet's hair was already gray, past his half-century mark, and he had been rolling around in Hollywood for more than thirty years, yet he still behaved so… vividly; he truly was a unique firework.

Mangold choked, "No, that's not right."

Anson's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Anson smiled, "No. I know my position right now. If you said you came specifically because of my superb acting skills, I wouldn't believe a word of it. After all, superb acting skills? In what work?"

Anson mocked himself.

Mangold smiled again, looking at Kichet, and couldn't help but rub his hands together.

Kichet also couldn't help but get excited, "So, what you mean is…"

Anson didn't respond directly, "Please allow me to sort out the situation."

"You just said that you wanted to explore Johnny's creative inspiration, that you wanted to show how Johnny transformed the pain of life into artistic creation. Obviously, this requires acting."

"Rather than finding an actor who is soulless, it is better to find an actor who can interpret the essence of Johnny."

"From this perspective, Joaquin Phoenix should be a more suitable choice, shouldn't he?"

Rational, objective, and logically clear.

Anson brought his attention back to the right track, and Mangold's thoughts followed, "Yes, that's the point."

"Acting."

"Here, the acting we're talking about isn't just about joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness; it's not just about the actor's presentation of emotions or lines; but rather a dual performance of drama and music."

"On the one hand, the actor needs to present Johnny's struggles. Yes, that's the truth. We won't avoid Johnny's dark years, alcohol, powder, affairs, etc., etc. He once fell into a very, very dark place, and we expect the actor to be able to show that."

"On the other hand, the actor needs to present how Johnny presented his music performances in the midst of his struggles, his understanding of music, the emotions vented through music, the connection established between him and the audience through music, and most importantly, completing music creation with life as the soil."

"Joaquin can't do this; but you can."

"If I remember correctly, your band's entire album was written by you, right?"

"I also specifically watched a series of your performances, New York streets, 'The Tonight Show', European street tours, etc., etc. No one could be more suitable than you."

"You create music, but the foundation is your understanding and perception of life."

"I believe you are the most perfect choice for Johnny."

Crackling, all in one breath.

Although it was still a little chaotic, and there were occasional slurs, in the end, Mangold still answered Anson's question directly this time.

Kichet also seized the opportunity, "Anson, I should apologize."

"Those prejudices mainly came from me."

"Please forgive me, I've known Johnny for half my life. He's not just my friend; I don't think anyone can play him, not you, not Joaquin. I've always been prejudiced."

"I thought that maybe—just maybe—Joaquin could make up for those shortcomings with his acting skills and finally present a different version of Johnny."

"But today, as James just said, no matter what the reason, or whether it's because of this black suit, the truth is…"

Taking a deep breath.

"I see Johnny in you. Not similar in appearance, nor similar in spirit. In fact, you have nothing in common, but the energy in you is so similar."

"I'm not sure what James thinks, but I really hope to see you play Johnny on the big screen. I'm curious which side of Johnny you will interpret."

"If we have offended you, I apologize again."

As he spoke, Kichet became a little frustrated—

Everything was a little chaotic.

Everything today didn't go according to plan. He now had a bad feeling. He felt like they had messed things up completely.

Just as Anson was about to respond, the cafe was suddenly pushed open.

Ding-a-ling.

The action was a little rough, so that the wind chimes collided randomly. All the eyes in the cafe looked over, including the two Jameses.

On the contrary, Anson, who was facing away from the door, was the most focused, and turned his head a beat later, only to see a tornado rushing over.

"Anson, hey, Anson!"

Slightly out of breath, looking like he had sprinted all the way here, he couldn't bother to catch his breath at this time, and took the initiative to look at the two Jameses, extending his right hand to introduce himself.

"Edgar Cook, sorry to interrupt you, really very sorry, but I need to confirm the situation with Anson."

After a brief greeting and simple pleasantries, Edgar turned to look at Anson, revealing a smile.

"How much longer will you be here? There are three interviews waiting outside. Kristen and James will be interviewed first, and you can go over later."

A short sentence, but with a huge amount of information.

Kichet and Mangold exchanged a look—

The agent's appearance meant that the next conversation would be conducted under the agent's supervision. Discussions could continue, but they would inevitably be constrained.

It wasn't targeted at Edgar, but all Hollywood agents were the same.

If you want to impress an actor, you rely on the script, the role, the co-stars, and the director; but if you want to impress an agent, you rely on the investment, the salary, and the shooting schedule.

Of course, agents also care about the script and the role, but the priority is slightly different, which inevitably leads to a subtle shift in the focus of the entire discussion.

This time, Kichet spoke, "Anson, since you still have work to do, we won't disturb you."

"Thank you very much for today. We visited rashly, rudely and discourteously, but you were still willing to take the time to have a conversation with us."

"Moreover, this has been far more than the time for a five-minute cup of coffee. Thank you."

After experiencing the entire roller coaster ride, now that he had calmed down and thought about it, Anson's patience, sincerity, and affability were undoubtedly the key.

Kichet couldn't help but sigh. There was a reason why Anson's reputation was so outstanding within the Hollywood industry.

Otherwise, logically speaking, who would care how a vase was, how it was?

Those subtle hidden details were more powerful than any language.

Kichet took a deep breath, "Then, we won't disturb you for now."