Previously, I had only heard about it, but now I finally get to truly experience the role of an agent. Different agents have distinct styles in career planning and choosing projects, which indeed creates different kinds of actors.
Take James Franco, for example.
Actually, the scripts and roles for "The Company" and "Annapolis" were average at best, and it's hard to see any strategic planning for an actor's image from these choices. Additionally, the reviews and quality of these works were all mediocre.
However, James doesn't mind because these projects themselves aren't important. Connections are what matter. Through these projects, he establishes a network in Hollywood. Even if the projects fail, it lays the groundwork for his future.
Because of this, even though the box office for "Spider-Man" exploded and the media focused entirely on Anson, James seemed unfazed.
Clearly, everything is part of James's agent's plan.
Anson, however, is different.
From the start, Darren Star's connections already made an important step forward. Now, Edgar is more focused on starting with the work itself, using the projects and roles to establish Anson's image as an actor and build a foundation in the industry.
Different styles and methods, but they all lead to the same end; they just result in different images presented to the audience.
Anson's words were brief, but Edgar immediately understood, feeling his heart warm up.
During this period, Edgar had been thinking a lot. "The Butterfly Effect" wasn't just a project discovered randomly—
"Elephant," with Darren Star's networking, not only allowed collaboration with a well-known director like Gus Van Sant but also broke free from the confines of a "pretty face," effortlessly helping Anson step into the independent film world, laying the initial foundation for developing beyond just looks.
This step was brilliant and sophisticated.
Most importantly, it was done casually, without effort.
That's the power of industry connections.
This made Edgar feel a sense of crisis. If Anson could easily make a breakthrough, how should he keep up and prove his value?
Unable to sleep, deep in thought, Edgar hadn't rested well for some time, always contemplating and searching. "The Butterfly Effect" was the answer—
Also, an experiment.
Ultimately, Edgar stuck to his belief and strategy, focusing on opening doors around Anson's image as an actor. He believed Anson was more than just a pretty face and that there was much more to discover in him.
Now.
Anson gave positive affirmation, once again confirming Edgar's thoughts:
This is the actor he's been dreaming of. The success of "Spider-Man" is only the first step. There are more glories awaiting in the near future.
Edgar smiled. "I'm glad we had this conversation. So, are you ready? When do you want to meet the two directors?"
"After I get back from Columbus," Anson wasn't in a rush.
Recently, from an intense promotional period to filming and then recording an album, he has been constantly on the move and needs some buffer time.
It's not just about physical strength and energy.
Physically speaking, being young and vigorous, there's naturally no issue; but acting requires energy. Jumping from one role to another, continuously throwing himself into performances, also requires inspiration. Anson doesn't want to rush things—
Haste makes waste.
However, these are just superficial reasons; the real reason is about Anson himself.
In his previous life, after the age of twenty-five, he never stopped, couldn't stop, and didn't dare to stop. Pausing might mean the collapse of his world; he had to keep running, keep moving forward to barely maintain a fragmented life. Even taking a breath could be risky.
Especially in the age of social networks, everything is so fast and overwhelming, like a storm sweeping everyone into its vortex of anxiety and impatience. Life gets fragmented into countless moments by short videos and information snippets, unable to connect, and unknowingly suffocating.
But this time, he doesn't want to live like that.
He hopes to slow down, to enjoy life—
Sometimes, he wants to waste time.
Yes, he wants to idle away time, to enjoy life in its pauses.
Indeed, he could meet with the directors of "The Butterfly Effect" tomorrow, but he doesn't want to. He needs to slow down.
What if he misses the chance?
It doesn't matter. In Hollywood, if you miss one, there's always another.
Life is the same. Otherwise, life gets caught in the vicious cycle of "fear of missing out, forcing oneself to seize every opportunity, trying to grab this and that, but never giving oneself a break." There's nothing that can't be missed, except for your happiness.
Coincidentally, the new house needs some remodeling. Anson plans to go to Columbus for inspiration, clearing out the space so Charles and Nora can fully use their skills.
Everything is perfect.
Edgar was a bit surprised but after a slight hesitation, he smiled. "Now you're starting to act like a superstar."
"What?" Anson was puzzled.
Edgar replied, "This, this 'I don't care if I miss the opportunity' nonchalance and ease."
Anson shrugged slightly. "If that's the demeanor of a superstar, everyone can become the superstar of their own life, as long as they can resist their own greed and desires."
Edgar said, "That's the most difficult part, which is why life is an adventure and a trial."
Anson's smile fully blossomed. "A trial where only you have the answers."
Edgar looked around, picked up a whiskey glass. Instead of the amber liquid, it was filled with a milky white substance, but he raised it nonetheless and made a toasting gesture toward Anson. "Here's to a trial where only you have the answers."
After saying that, Edgar dramatically downed the milk in one go.
...
In a blink of an eye, time slid from September into October. The summer sun gradually became gentle and light, and even in Los Angeles, where there's no winter, you could faintly feel the coolness of autumn.
However, the bright sunlight still filled the world, making every day perfect for going out.
The silhouettes of people jogging in shorts and T-shirts, couples going out for picnics hand-in-hand, figures pushing strollers and holding coffee on street corners soaking in the sun, and ladies dressed up, sitting in outdoor cafes enjoying afternoon tea, all pieced together the leisurely and pleasant ambiance of an autumn afternoon.
"Deep breaths, deep breaths, Eric."
Jonathan Mackye Gruber looked at his friend, whose cheeks were flushed, and gently patted his shoulder in comfort.
Eric Bress, however, paid no attention, his face full of tension.
Jonathan couldn't help but chuckle, "It's just Anson. Not Angelina Jolie."
Eric shook his head repeatedly, "Just? Just! That's Anson Wood. My God, he's our best chance. We need to seize it. But, but..."
Jonathan laughed out loud, "He also has two eyes, one nose, one mouth, just like us. Does he have three ears or something?"
Then.
A voice came from the side.
"When I checked this morning, I still had two ears, but it seems like my hearing has gotten sharper. I accidentally heard something I wasn't supposed to. Maybe I should go check to see if a third ear has appeared."