Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 204: "Renly, this role is meant for you!"

A/N - Had irl stuff to do ??╭?╮??

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The feeling was somewhat subtle—your favorite movie now coming to you, hoping you could act in it. A swirl of emotions surged within your chest, making it hard to find the right words to describe the sensation.

On one hand, sheer joy burst forth, every muscle in your body trembling slightly. Your hard work, your struggle, your efforts were finally being recognized, and by something you love. On the other hand, an uncontrollable anxiety welled up. What if your performance didn't meet expectations? What if the director changed his mind after talking to you? What if your involvement caused the quality of the movie to suffer? Wouldn't that mean you personally ruined a masterpiece?

Previously, Renly had actively sought out roles in "Pacific War" and "Buried," both of which he had carefully chosen and fought for. But today, the opportunity came to him, and it was a project he genuinely loved. The magic and beauty of this moment felt unprecedentedly real.

"So, this is a movie about the true face of love," Renly said, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind with a smile.

Drake was slightly surprised. He had pitched this script dozens of times seeking investment, and everyone focused on the long-distance relationship aspect. No one realized the true purpose behind the script until now. But on second thought, Drake wasn't entirely shocked. His intuition was correct—Renly wasn't just an ordinary actor.

"Yes," Drake nodded, confirming. "I want to explore how, in many cases, life isn't filled with melodrama. There is no right or wrong in love, just a gradual drift apart. They tried, they persevered, but in the end, they couldn't stay together. Not every love story has a happy ending, and not every love story succumbs to reality."

Many films depict love with dramatic events like terminal illness, car accidents, financial struggles, affairs, or bad relationships. But often, in real life, love fades away quietly before one even realizes it.

"Distance is a reality. More accurately, love has no right or wrong, no winners or losers. It either integrates into life or defines it," Renly said. His words caused Drake's expression to pause, his deep eyes swirling with complex emotions—excitement and agitation.

Drake felt an unexpressed but palpable conflict, making him restless, like he was sitting on a scorching volcanic rock.

Renly couldn't help but smile sympathetically. He could sense that Drake was a genuine film enthusiast. Maybe Drake wasn't a genius like Paul Thomas Anderson, but he was definitely a passionate and loyal cinephile.

"Does this movie have a title?" Renly asked. All his previous thoughts were just guesses. What if he was wrong?

Drake opened his mouth to speak but choked on his words in his excitement. He quickly grabbed his latte and took a few gulps to calm down. "'Crazy Love.' I'm planning to call it 'Crazy Love.' You know, everything seems to go crazy from start to finish."

Indeed.

"Renly," Drake set down his coffee cup and gathered his thoughts before speaking. "I know this is just a love story, and I'm not Woody Allen. I also know it's a low-budget independent film, and I can't pay you a high salary. But, but!" Drake saw Renly about to speak and immediately raised his hand to stop him, speaking quickly. "I guarantee it's a fantastic project! And it's a real test for actors!"

Drake's words became breathless in his urgency. "Like you said, I want to explore the essence of love through this movie, presenting its truest form. So, the actor is crucial. I need you to convey the helplessness and reality of love, not repelling the audience but evoking their empathy. That passion, that struggle, that intensity, that... sadness, that complexity... I mean, the intricate emotions, I need the actor to fully display them. Without dialogue embellishments or camera hints, the audience should be able to read their own answers!"

Drake finally finished his speech, though somewhat disordered, without interruption. "I sincerely invite you to be the leading man in this project."

With those words, Drake watched Renly, his emotions fluctuating wildly, like a plane encountering turbulence in winter. No one knew if the flight would safely reach its destination.

Drake was certain—Renly was the leading man he had been searching for, unprecedentedly certain.

Though today's "Buried" was the first time Drake met this young actor, Renly's performance on the big screen completely captivated him. The explosive yet delicate acting showcased emotional tension vividly, allowing every audience member to deeply feel the fear, panic, and despair of being in an extreme situation.

Most importantly, Renly's deep brown eyes were full of story. Just a look could draw one into the hidden narratives. This was precisely what Drake needed for Jacob's character.

"Crazy Love" was a script based on Drake's true story. If an actor could understand his life experiences and family background, it would add subtle nuances to the role. After their brief conversation, Drake's earlier hesitation vanished completely. Renly was the one! No one else!

Moreover, Renly's appearance was an added bonus. Though not critical, it was still important. No one wanted to see a chubby guy with curly hair in a romantic movie, unless it was about a midlife crisis like "Sideways." Renly's youthful look was perfect for a story about young love.

Looking at Renly, Drake's anxiety intensified. Everything happened too fast, and he hadn't prepared adequately. He hastily invited Renly, overwhelmed by the thrill of discovering a treasure. Only those who have experienced it would understand this anxious excitement.

What if Renly refused? What if he wasn't interested? What if he found the script dull? What if he thought the theme was too heavy? What if his schedule didn't align? What if he didn't want to do an indie film? What if his agent wanted him in big-budget productions? What if he demanded an exorbitant fee?

But Renly was Drake's only choice—the unique choice. If he missed Renly, what would happen to "Crazy Love"? Would he never find the right leading man?

Countless conflicting thoughts surged in Drake's mind. Meanwhile, Renly pondered over the proposal, finding it an unexpected delight.

As a viewer, Renly liked "Crazy Love." But as an actor?

As Drake said, Jacob and Anna were unique characters without many distinctive traits. They were just ordinary college students, neither geniuses nor eccentrics, completely relatable. This relatability was the basis for audience empathy.

These characters' uniqueness lay in their ability to express the full spectrum of emotions in love, requiring actors to use their skills to build the characters' foundation and spirit, giving the film a vibrant soul.

However, "Crazy Love" differed from "Buried." "Buried" was an extreme disaster scenario, where a lack of performance intensity meant a lack of realism. It was a one-man show, with all tension and drama on one person's shoulders. But "Crazy Love" had room for error because the story was rich enough for the plot and characters to complement each other.

"Crazy Love" spanned nearly five years, condensed into ninety minutes. It could easily become a bland chronology if not handled well.

If the acting wasn't up to par, the audience would feel the emotional transitions lacked depth, leaving them confused. They might understand the director's intention but wouldn't connect with the characters' unique emotions, let alone reflect after watching.

But if the acting breathed life into the characters, their resonance with the plot would effortlessly draw the audience in, making them feel the script's conflicts and tension. The explosive power in life's mundane moments could deeply move one's soul, much like the later film "Boyhood."

Undoubtedly, "Crazy Love" demanded a high level of acting skill, posing a severe challenge. But...

"Renly, this role is meant for you!" Drake interrupted Renly's thoughts with resolute determination. His eyes burned with a passionate determination, expressing his unwavering commitment.