From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

“I don't agree with your opinion.” Tom retorted bluntly.

Steven, on the other hand, calmed down and looked at Tom. After all, he invited Tom to Paris to hear his opinions. Of course, the main reason was to see if Tom and Anson would click and create some chemistry.

Tom looked at Steven, "If you need me to shut up, please feel free to say so."

"In my opinion, Anson has already shown Frank's potential today. His purity and simplicity, his confidence and composure, his charm and wit. Honestly, I haven't seen a young man like this in a long time."

Steven looked at Tom with a playful expression, "Why didn't I see that?"

Tom shrugged lightly, "Maybe because of preconceived notions? You see, the moment you saw him, you labeled him a 'kid'; while I, because he reminded me of myself when I played 'Big', was already biased before the conversation even started."

Steven chuckled, "His agent deserves credit for that."

Tom remained noncommittal, "But, let's put aside these biases for now and think seriously about the situation you created, Anson's response, including the studio's reaction, and the demeanor he showed at dinner."

"Come on, Steven, you really can't ask for more."

"An eighteen-year-old kid, a newcomer who has only starred in two works, the bearing and attitude he has shown are already convincing."

"He is a diamond in the rough. Perhaps his experience is still lacking, but I don't think this will be an obstacle for him to play the role of young Frank Abagnale."

The wind and rain pattered against the window.

Involuntarily, Steven fell into thought and began to reflect—

Perhaps, he had never let go of Leonardo, insisting that Leonardo was the best choice, but because of Leonardo's scheduling conflicts, he had to consider other options. But when auditioning other actors, he still didn't abandon his preconceived notions, making a judgment before the audition even started?

Calming down and thinking seriously, Steven recalled a detail:

The first meeting at the studio.

When Anson appeared before him and formally greeted him, the composure and enthusiasm he showed, everything was just right, indeed subverting his preconceived notions, even giving him a small surprise.

As the chaotic and complex thoughts gradually untangled, Steven regained his reason, "Okay."

Tom, "What?"

Steven, "We'll give him another chance, get in touch further and see."

"This time, we'll tell his agent that this is an audition, and see how the kid performs, whether he can continue to bring surprises."

Tom glanced at Steven, slowly and calmly complaining, "There's no need to be so solemn. Even if we don't tell them, they'll probably know later. Any changes at the next meeting will be obvious. Believe me, you'll be the one who's embarrassed by revealing an answer they're not even curious about."

Steven chuckled, "Tom, are you sure? Don't think I'm so troublesome and difficult to deal with now, but once the actor is confirmed, I basically don't care. When the official filming starts, the person who really faces trouble won't be me."

Steven trusts actors, even to the point of relying on them.

When choosing actors, he is particularly careful, matching the actor's image, temperament, and feeling, and then relying on the actor to give the character a soul.

Therefore, when entering filming, unlike other directors, Steven rarely gives acting instructions or makes requests. He often lets the actors throw out things based on their own understanding and interpretation of the script, and he is responsible for capturing, refining, and structuring, allowing the camera to revolve around the actor.

That is to say, once Steven confirms Anson, he will not nitpick, but will be more inclined to completely trust the actor, even if it is a newcomer. Naturally, the real trouble and difficulty will fall on the actor.

For example, Tom.

After all, Steven has made it clear that "Catch Me If You Can" is about the subtle and complex tension between the two characters, Frank and Carl.

As soon as this sentence was uttered, Tom's smile froze at the corner of his mouth. With a simple and honest look, he greeted Steven's gaze with a kind and benevolent expression, "Okay, let's take another look, we're not in a hurry anyway."

Obviously, this was a joke.

Kate Capshaw, Steven's wife; Rita Wilson, Tom's wife.

Tom looked calm, "Don't worry, I will come with Rita separately."

Here, Steven and Tom are engaged in a discussion.

There, Edgar, as expected, launched an investigation at the first moment.

The difficulty of the investigation is somewhat high.

The news that Steven is choosing the cast for a brand new work is no secret. A little inquiry can reveal it; but the problem is that Steven and Tom came to Paris on an official mission, specifically to promote "Band of Brothers", because the series will be released as a DVD set in France.

And Jeff Robinov's conversation with Steven Spielberg was very secretive, and no news leaked in Hollywood, so that the puzzle lacked a key piece, and Edgar could not quickly piece it together.

If Steven and Tom are just visiting Anna, preparing to promote the DVD release in the French edition of "Fashion", it is also understandable.

Could it be that visiting Anson is really a coincidence?

"'Catch Me If You Can'."

With a turn, Edgar told Anson the answer.

Although Edgar is not sure about the real situation, an excellent agent should firmly grasp the opportunity, even if there is no possibility, he should create a possibility.

Since they have already appeared in Steven and Tom's sight, since Steven is indeed choosing the cast for a new work, whether it is a coincidence or not, Edgar believes that they should firmly grasp the opportunity.

"Anson, I know that we haven't seen the script yet, so we can't know the role and the quality of the script, but I think we should actively strive for it."

"That's Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this reason alone is enough. Even if it's a bad movie, even if the box office flops, it doesn't matter, but we should seize it, the opportunity is rare."

Edgar was a little excited, and his thoughts quickly expanded.

"Maybe this work can break the stereotype of idol vases and enter the academy's vision. Even if we can't win any nominations this time, at least people won't simply continue to regard you as a vase."

This also means that Edgar's concern about the possible negative impact of modeling work can be easily solved, even if "Catch Me If You Can" is a commercial film—

After all, that's Steven and Tom.

Edgar looked at Anson with bright eyes. He was about to continue persuading him, but he didn't expect Anson to simply nod and answer.

"Okay," he said.