From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Perhaps people dislike Universal Pictures, even despise their pettiness. Standing at the pinnacle of Hollywood, they never display the magnanimity of a large corporation. However, Universal's strategy has been successful, maintaining stability amidst fierce competition among large companies for a decade, which is a kind of ability.

It must be admitted that Universal Pictures is unmatched in its shrewdness, calculation, and cleverness, their abacus clicking busily.

From the perspective of a production company, they consider not the acting skills or attitude of the actors, but their value; everything is about numbers.

Universal Pictures' calculations showed that Anson was a wise choice. Focus Features also agreed, perhaps "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" could indeed become a unique work, targeting the market, shedding the shackles of the awards season, and becoming a favorite among artsy youths—

Just like "Before Sunrise."

However, things are not that simple.

Just as there was a misalignment of opinions between the producer and the soul of the "Ocean's Eleven" project, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" also faced a similar dilemma.

In fact, the initial inspiration for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" did not come from Charlie Kaufman, but from French director Michel Gondry.

Michel Gondry, like David Fincher, started as a music video director. He had collaborated with top musicians such as Daft Punk and Radiohead; but he always harbored a dream of becoming a film director.

In 2001, Michel directed his first feature film, "Human Nature," and he invited Tim Robbins to join, showcasing his industry connections.

As early as 1994, Michel and his friends conceived the story framework for "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and gradually refined it over the following years; however, he lacked confidence in the script.

In 1997, Michel approached Charlie Kaufman, hoping that the screenwriting genius could develop his inspiration and ideas into a complete script. At that time, the two brainstormed and quickly completed a thirty-minute short film script, believing it was very feasible.

However, Charlie Kaufman was busy with his own projects, including "Adaptation." and "Being John Malkovich," and he couldn't spare the time, which led to the "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" project being temporarily shelved.

In 2000, Christopher Nolan's film "Memento" was released and quickly became a frenzy among fans of niche, mind-bending films, which caused Charlie Kaufman concern.

Because the film also focused on memory, showing the impact and influence of memory on life, and it was also about chaotic memories.

Charlie worried that this might cause controversy, so he decided to withdraw from the project.

In the end, Michel persuaded Charlie that they would create a completely different film, extending a different universe around similar themes.

After another round of brainstorming and inspiration, Charlie Kaufman's mind sparked countless ideas again, which led to the subsequent creative ideas.

On one hand, after Charlie finished writing "Adaptation.", he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the creation of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," completely disregarding Focus Features, which made Focus Features slightly worried, but they had no other choice.

But obviously, Michel was not satisfied and did not stop looking for actors.

Then, a brand new name appeared—

Jim Carrey.

"After Jim learned about the script Charlie was writing, he showed great interest even without reading it; coincidentally, Michel greatly appreciated Jim, believing that Jim's comedic performances inspired countless filmmakers."

"The two hit it off immediately. As far as I know, they have already met once and had a pleasant conversation."

The matter, then, became slightly tricky.

Focus Features favored Anson.

The director favored Jim Carrey.

The screenwriter favored Nicolas Cage.

What is this, a crematorium?

On one side, there was Nicolas Cage, the undisputed king of connections in Hollywood, and also a former Oscar winner, with a close relationship with the screenwriter.

On the other side, there was Jim Carrey, one of the greatest comedic actors of the past decade in Hollywood. Oh, right, he was also the male lead of the movie in the previous life.

Now, Anson, with only three released works in his career, needed to compete with these two actors.

Finally, Anson understood, "It's exactly like 'Ocean's Eleven'."

The simple words revealed a lighthearted amusement and banter, showing that Anson was in a good mood.

This made Edgar also smile, "So, are you going to try to get it?"

For "Ocean's Eleven," Anson's attitude leaned towards avoidance, because the movie was a family-friendly work, a group of good friends gathered together to make money happily, bringing some moments of relaxation to the audience, and he didn't need to squeeze in among them and watch their faces.

So, what about "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"?

"Compete, of course I must compete." Anson's answer was without hesitation.

"I am willing to meet with the director. Isn't he looking for actors in Hollywood? Compared to Jim Carrey, my salary is not worth mentioning at all."

"I am also willing to meet with the screenwriter, if it doesn't interfere with his work, I believe I can bring him more inspiration, and avoid crashing into Christopher Nolan."

"Audition?"

"No problem, notify me of the time and location, and I will be there on time."

"Oh, so this script should be the script for that short film, right?"

After speaking, Anson raised the script in his hand, no wonder it was only thirty-three pages long.

Edgar looked at Anson, those clear azure eyes shining with bright light, a kind of joy, a kind of enthusiasm, a kind of passion was erupting—

So pure.

Edgar was slightly surprised. This Anson seemed to be the first time he had seen him like this, even more excited than during "Spider-Man" and "Catch Me If You Can."

Involuntarily, curiosity arose.

Edgar, "Why?"

"What I mean is, I understand that you like this work, but I have never seen you so excited, showing such a degree of initiative."

"Originally, we should be choosing the script, but now it seems that we have become the ones being chosen."

Anson shrugged lightly, "Well, because of the names of Jim Carrey and Nicolas Cage, my brain is a little overheated."

With a joke, Edgar laughed, but he knew it was a joke, he was still waiting for the real reason.

Anson thought for a while.

"Captain, you know there is a saying in the NFL Draft, maybe reason tells you a hundred reasons, a hundred formulas why you shouldn't choose a player, but if intuition tells you a different answer, then the only thing you need to do is: pick him."

"The script is the same."

"We can sit here and analyze rationally, the next script shouldn't be about middle school students, this script might establish a certain actor image, that script might open up the situation in the awards season, this project might continue to embrace the box office, that project might win a twenty million dollar salary."

"Reason, can analyze a lot, a lot."

"But sometimes there are some projects, without reason, you just simply like it. Then, you shouldn't miss it."

"Captain, I don't want to miss this project."