The air was somewhat still.
Clearly, Eric and Mikey did not expect Anson to take the initiative and start the conversation.
They also did not anticipate Anson's first question to be, "Why do you think I'm suitable for the role of Evan?"
Eric looked at Mikey, and Mikey looked at Eric. They thought they were fully prepared, yet they both stumbled over the first question:
To be honest, they hadn't really considered it.
"The details and plot twists of the film are almost perfect, reflecting the painstaking effort and constant adjustments you've made, but in this story, Evan is still not a complete character."
This was a fresh experience.
Anson wasn't aggressive. After posing his question, he stepped back and gave them space, waiting for Mikey and Eric to respond.
"We believe you can perfectly portray the role of Evan."
Could this disaster get any worse?
"Of course, in commercial films, such motivation often isn't important; a simple 'long live love' can make any story seem reasonable. But what's different about this movie is that this love becomes the fulcrum that moves the entire world, even serving as Evan's motive to sacrifice his life. If the movie doesn't explain this clearly, it would undoubtedly be a pity."
"Naturally, you have no expectations for the actor."
The points Anson raised were the same ones Eric and Mikey had repeatedly discussed. They just hadn't expected Anson to bring them up right away.
Taking a deep breath, Mikey regained his composure.
"If he loves Keller so deeply, even to the point of burning himself like a moth to a flame, why didn't he contact her at all in the seven years they were apart, not even once?"
Anson continued, "All the praise is about me, but there's no description of Evan. It sounds like a bunch of clichés that could apply to any actor, regardless of who's sitting here today, because it has nothing to do with the character."
Eric grew uneasy.
If someone were to criticize or reject them, the two would certainly defend the script without backing down, even to the point where their strong stance could stall negotiations.
"I know you're looking for investment or perhaps seeking a name that could help you secure funding for your project. I am that name."
Mikey was stunned, "What?"
The smile on Anson's lips broadened, "Relax, relax. This isn't a courtroom, and you're not defendants. I'm just trying to start a conversation."
Mikey: ...
"Or, let's say, no phone calls, but there's also no trace of her in his life."
Anson noticed this and kept smiling, "Don't worry, I'm not angry, and this isn't an interrogation. I'm just discussing a fact."
"Rather than the actor."
"So, I guess, it's not just any name that would work, right?"
"Have you ever considered why me?"
Moreover, when Anson posed this question, the brain started working, really thinking, but still found no answer.
A bit of affirmation showed Mikey's sincerity. Whatever his real thoughts were, at least his attitude at this moment was flawless.
However, Anson wasn't buying it.
"You could say I'm just a gimmick, a headline."
Since both writers remained silent, Anson continued.
They knew Anson was a handsome guy and charming, but it wasn't until they sat down face-to-face that they realized they had no real understanding.
Anson slightly lifted his chin, "So, it's all about me, not about Evan."
"Honestly, it doesn't matter if a pretty face or a serious actor plays this role because the actor isn't the focus, right?"
They had spent seven years on this script, knew every detail inside and out, and had revised and adjusted it repeatedly. While it might not be flawless, any challenge would not escape their notice.
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Eric glanced at Mikey.
So, is Anson really suitable?
Their minds turned, and they realized they... had no answer, stuttering in a situation they never imagined.
Things were going off track.
"What if—just hypothetically, I'm not the right choice?"
"A character that moves the audience is never about coincidence or luck; your performance breathes life into the character."
"Especially when the film is so perfect and impeccable in other aspects, leaving a flaw at the origin and motive, I think it's an important issue that deserves discussion."
Maybe they were all wrong.
However.
Mikey took another deep breath, reluctantly regaining his composure, and forced a smile, "Anson..."
"My acting career might hit a small snag, but even worse, the script you've worked so hard to complete goes down the drain, which is a more severe blow to you."
More importantly, Anson was sincere and gentle, without provocation or arrogance, engaging in dialogue on equal footing.
"You're just trying to convince me to take on this project, but you still haven't answered my question: Am I suitable for the role of Evan?"
"Let me guess, you never really considered whether the actor is suitable for the role because when you were creating this story, you focused on a setting, a concept, a gimmick, but never truly thought about the character's origin, which is the character's motivation."
Clear, sincere.
The atmosphere was slightly tense.
"Of course. You're perfect for this role."
"We watched 'The Princess Diaries,' we watched 'Spider-Man,' and your performance was outstanding. In the roles you played, we didn't just see a simple high school student; we could see his thoughts about life, his pursuit of ideas, and his charm radiating from within."
"What I mean is, I don't mind being a gimmick. But the point is, if we find investors, and the film starts shooting, but if I'm not the right actor, if I'm not suitable for the role of Evan, the film won't succeed."
The words were disjointed, due to a lack of confidence.
So Anson interrupted again, not letting Mikey continue, and flashed a smile, "Heh, you're in trouble, right?"
Unconsciously, they really started listening to what Anson had to say—
—That statement was a bit harsh.
"This is the root cause, and also the motivation."
Normally, if someone criticized their script, Mikey would have fired back long ago.
"A pretty face, an idol, is he suitable for this project?"
But now, Mikey couldn't find the words; it seemed things were out of their control from the beginning.
The Anson before them completely defied expectations with his carefree, nonchalant, and relaxed demeanor. Whether it was his hairstyle, attire, or overall presence, everything deviated from what they had anticipated, leaving their minds in disarray.
Unconsciously and silently, Eric and Mackey found themselves deep in thought, their minds racing; meanwhile, Anson took a step back and quietly composed himself.
The atmosphere had subtly shifted places.