Chapter 111: The Fuse
Chapter 111: The Fuse
The young woman’s features were exquisite and flawless, as if sculpted by an artist’s own hands. She had silky black hair, fair skin, and a tall nose bridge. Perhaps to suit the audition, she was currently dressed in an office lady’s professional outfit and held a white handbag in her hand. Sitting in the chair opposite them, her entire being radiated a quiet and graceful beauty.
Deborah in Once Upon a Time in America had only been a thirteen-year-old girl, while many years later, the woman who finally escaped her awkward career situation through Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind no longer possessed the same stunning brilliance of her youth, leaving behind only a few traces of maturity and intellect tempered by time. Therefore, for her, her early twenties were the most breathtaking period of her life.
Without even needing to look at the file beside him, Eric blurted out, “Miss Connelly, please introduce yourself first.”
“Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Lynn Connelly. I’m nineteen years old and currently studying English literature at Yale University…”
The woman’s voice was slightly husky, carrying a hint of seduction. During the following questioning segment, Jennifer Connelly also performed calmly and composedly. It was only during the acting portion that problems appeared. Although Jennifer Connelly had already acted in quite a few films, she had never received professional acting training, so her acting remained very immature, even somewhat expressionless.
But that was fine. No one was born already able to run. She could be trained.
The important thing was that Eric was certain Jennifer Connelly could absolutely give audiences a stunning first impression. Moreover, when she displayed a vulnerable expression while being held hostage by the robber Andy, she would completely arouse everyone’s sympathy. Her impact was enormous.
After all the segments were completed, Eric placed a checkmark behind Jennifer Connelly’s name before raising his head and asking, “Miss Connelly, may I invite you to dinner tonight?”
All the staff in the audition room were stunned.
That was way too direct, wasn’t it?
Even if you wanted to use casting couch tactics, at least avoid doing it in front of us. Give everyone a beautiful illusion, alright?
Jennifer Connelly, who was just about to leave, was also stunned. Her expression changed several times. She had rushed back from Italy specifically for this audition and had even caused some unpleasantness with the director of The Dying Swan in order to finish filming all her scenes in time.
But if she could obtain this role, she could completely stop caring about The Dying Swan. Going to Europe to film art-house movies was a path many actresses only chose helplessly after hitting a bottleneck in Hollywood. European cinema in this era had not yet completely declined, so many actors still held hopes of winning awards at European film festivals when participating in European films. Once they won an award and returned home in glory, they would have greater leverage in developing their careers.
If the invitation had been made privately, Jennifer Connelly perhaps would not have hesitated too much. But under so many gazes, in full public view, the proud young woman found it difficult to let go of her reserve for a moment. She suddenly found herself trapped in a dilemma.
“I’m sorry. I was too abrupt, Miss Connelly. Thank you for your audition. We’ll notify you of the result as soon as possible. You may leave now.”
Eric truly regretted his invitation just now. His intention had originally been to help the young woman out of an awkward situation, but Jennifer Connelly instead believed that he had interpreted her hesitation as rejection. If that were the case, then she definitely would not get the role.
Standing in place without opening the door to leave, Jennifer Connelly hesitated for several seconds before softly saying, “Mr. Williams… I… I’m willing.”
“What?” Eric, who had already lowered his head to write something, raised it again. The young woman’s voice had been too soft just now, and he genuinely had not heard clearly.
Jennifer Connelly’s face immediately flushed red from Eric’s question. In front of so many people, she truly did not want to repeat herself.
Nickel could not help reminding him, “Hey, Eric, don’t go too far. The girl already agreed.”
Only then did Eric react. He quickly nodded and said, “That’s wonderful, Miss Connelly.” Eric swiftly wrote down a string of numbers on a piece of paper and handed it to her. “Seven tonight. I hope Miss Connelly can contact me then, and I’ll pick you up. After all, the auditions still have to continue. A lot of girls are still waiting.”
Jennifer Connelly lowered her head, quickly folded the slip of paper, and put it into her handbag before hurriedly leaving the audition room.
“Hey, Eric, is it settled just like that?” Nickel could not help asking.
Eric nodded. “Unless something unexpected happens, it’ll be her.”
“Then is there any need for us to continue the auditions?”
“Of course.” Eric opened the next actress’s file. “So many people are still waiting. Besides, maybe we’ll discover someone even more outstanding. So let’s continue. Call the next one.”
Everyone in the audition room already knew Eric had someone in mind, so they became even less enthusiastic about the remaining auditions.
By five in the afternoon, after the final auditioning girl left, everyone scattered impatiently.
Eric returned to his office, tidied up a bit, and was just about to leave when Jeffrey knocked on the door and walked in.
Handing a document to Eric, Jeffrey said, “Eric, this is the latest negotiation result. CAA won’t have the confidence to keep dragging things out with us much longer. Otherwise Cruise and Hanks definitely wouldn’t agree.”
“Should we try contacting actors from agencies like WMA and create the illusion that we’re replacing the leads?”
Eric shook his head and rejected the suggestion. “No. At least not for now. It hasn’t reached that stage yet. Let’s wait and see.”
The two did not discuss much further. After exchanging a few brief words, they each left.
Neither of them expected that Road House, like a fuse, would trigger a commotion far beyond Eric’s expectations.