From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

In 1988, thirty-two-year-old Tom Hanks starred in a movie called "Big."

This movie tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy who wishes he could grow up overnight. Unexpectedly, his wish comes true, and he really grows into a thirty-two-year-old overnight. He thought this was what he longed for, but he gradually becomes lost and confused in the adult world. Just turning thirteen, he begins to think:

Is this the life I want?

Undoubtedly, such a movie places strict demands on the actor. His appearance needs to look thirty-two, but his eyes and mentality need to remain twelve.

Back then, Tom Hanks, who was thirty-two but still had a baby face so tender you could pinch water from it, delivered an incredible performance in this movie. A little exaggeration would make him look like an idiot, and a little less would make him look hypocritical. However, Tom's pure and innocent eyes perfectly showcased the contrast.

Later, this movie earned Tom Hanks the first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in his career. At the same time, it grossed $114 million in North America, becoming one of only five films in 1988 to break $100 million at the box office, truly opening up Tom's acting career.

At this moment, Edgar mentioning this movie not only avoids directly comparing Anson and Tom, which would seem presumptuous, but also cleverly uses analogy to issue a reminder: don't form stereotypes based on preconceived notions. As an actor, Anson still has potential worth exploring.

The art of language is evident.

Moreover, there is a detail here, a detail that few people know.

One second. Two seconds.

Then, the smile on Tom's lips began to rise. He turned to look at Steven, spread his hands, "You have to admit, he makes a valid point."

Steven glanced at Tom, his eyes behind his glasses showing a hint of helplessness, and jokingly quipped, "Of course, everyone wants to be Tom Hanks."

Although there was no direct response, the atmosphere relaxed.

Tom looked at Steven with a puzzled expression, then looked at Edgar, raised his hand to hold his chin, "Fifteen years ago? Probably no problem, but if I knew what it would be like fifteen years later, I think everyone would hesitate, right?" As he spoke, he raised his eyebrows.

A self-deprecating remark completely relaxed the atmosphere.

Edgar quipped appropriately, "Then does that fifteen years include two little golden men and a series of $300 million box office hits?"

"Haha." Tom laughed heartily.

Steven's expression also completely relaxed, "He only has one $300 million movie."

Tom didn't refute at all, "Who's counting? I'm not counting anyway."

Then, Anna, who hadn't interjected for a while, complained with a disgusted expression, "Oh, God, men."

Boom!

A burst of laughter.

Including Edgar, everyone relaxed and smiled at this moment.

The commotion here finally spread out. Bruce and Anson, who were filming, both looked over, sizing things up in the dim light, but they didn't know if they could see the faces of the people clearly. But in the end, they didn't interrupt the filming, and Anson became busy again.

It wasn't until Bruce was satisfied, giving a gesture that all the filming was over, that the tense and tired atmosphere in the studio instantly dissipated, with applause and whistles, announcing the end of this busy day.

At this moment, Anson walked over —

Without having time to change clothes, he walked forward generously in the last set of filming clothes, stopping in front of the two big shots.

Letting out a long breath, Anson looked at Anna, then looked at Edgar, his expression seeming to be waiting for an introduction, but without waiting for Edgar to speak, Anson confidently extended his right hand towards Steven.

"It's a great surprise to meet you here, Mr. Spielberg, Wood, Anson Wood."

Neither humble nor arrogant, but with a hint of excitement.

Anson didn't hide his surprise, and without waiting for an introduction, he seized the opportunity to introduce himself proactively, not deliberately concealing his surprise at seeing the two big shots. The genuine expression seemed more natural.

But what really surprised Steven was the temperament that Anson exuded.

Completely different from the childishness just now, the Anson in front of him seemed calm and refined. The temperament emanating from the inside out instantly matured, and the unconcealed joy and excitement were filled with youthful vigor, making the whole person appear fresh and lively, a pleasant surprise.

So, this is the real self-introduction —

Not just a name, but also showing the charm as an actor and as an individual. A little contrast and subtle difference instantly leaves an impression.

This is not easy.

If Steven wasn't 100% sure that his reaction was random, and that Anson and Edgar hadn't communicated at all, he would almost suspect that this was the result of a pre-arranged conversation between the two, a good show.

Steven extended his right hand and shook Anson's right hand.

But before Steven could speak, Tom's voice cut in from the side, "What about me? Aren't you surprised to see me here?"

Anson wasn't in a hurry. He politely looked at Steven, completing the eye contact while shaking hands, very formally and very frankly completing the greeting, and then turned to look at Tom.

"Of course not."

"Maybe it's a surprise, but not unexpected. I think people also occasionally expect to see some special figures in fashion magazines."

Tom shook Anson's right hand, "Special?"

Anson shook it lightly, "Yes, figures beyond just being a pretty face."

Tom didn't expect such an answer. The smile overflowed in his eyes, "Okay, sometimes, I also envy Leonardo, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, etc. I also want people to scream for me because of my looks."

"Ah, ah, ah, Tom, Tom!" Anson immediately fulfilled Tom's wish.

Tom was stunned, "Haha." Unable to hold back, the more he thought about it, the funnier it became. He shook Anson's right hand heavily, "Hahaha." The laughter couldn't stop.

Steven's eyes lit up slightly again:

Mature, wise, humorous, calm.

Seeing big shots like Steven and Tom for the first time, Anson showed a completely different temperament, enthusiastic but not ingratiating, kind but not nervous.

Steven admitted that he had misjudged. How could this just be a child?

Looking back at Anson's work, it was more like a childlike innocence and fresh vitality than childishness, which immediately made people's eyes brighten. This once again proved what Edgar said.

This is indeed a surprise.

Steven thought, maybe this trip to Paris was still worth it. In the gap between Tom and Anson's conversation, he said.

"You probably haven't had time to enjoy dinner yet? We haven't either, together, how about it?"