Similar events, similar circumstances, but switching perspectives can change everything.
With just a brief thought, Michelle and Kristen both suddenly understood. Their eyes lit up, and they exchanged a glance.
Then Michelle said, "This could actually work?"
"The method isn't the point. What's important is that the effect is achieved."
"Alright, let's do it this way."
"Kristen, you're good with this?"
Kristen gave Michelle an "OK" gesture and nodded enthusiastically.
Satisfied, Michelle turned and left, leaving Anson and Kristen at the clinic's front desk. Anson noticed Kristen's intriguing gaze, looking him up and down with a half-smile.
Anson asked, "What?"
Kristen replied, "Was this a sudden flash of inspiration, or had you planned it all along?"
Anson raised an eyebrow, pretending not to understand.
Kristen didn't mind, continuing, "You see, Mary is the one who's had the memory-erasure procedure, so it's only natural that her actions feel vaguely familiar. This also sets up a nice little hint for the later plot."
"And in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,' Peter Parker moved on first, which ties seamlessly with 'Spider-Man's' ending, where Mary Jane becomes the unsuspecting victim. So it's only logical she'd feel confused now."
"I can imagine the audience's minds exploding with possibilities when they see this scene in the theater."
In short, Anson's seemingly casual decision to swap roles had brought out the true potential of Michelle's spontaneous plan.
That was Anson's greatest strength.
Anson neither confirmed nor denied this, smiling warmly at Kristen. "Oh, if everyone's minds exploded in the theater like fireworks, that would be quite the spectacle."
Just like the thrilling finale of Kingsman: The Secret Service.
Kristen paused, then couldn't hold back a laugh—
Indeed, when it came to creativity, Kristen believed no one could outmatch Anson.
Suddenly, her mood brightened.
Kristen thought for a moment, "So, do you think I should exaggerate a little more?"
Anson looked puzzled.
Kristen elaborated, "When I look at you, should I show more of that shock and awe, like I've finally found the familiar figure I've been searching for?"
"Haha." This time, it was Anson who couldn't help laughing.
Kristen's smile faded slightly, but there was a hint of sincerity in her eyes. "I'm serious."
"Honestly, I really like this script, a lot, but I can't quite grasp Mary's mindset. I don't understand her choices."
"Why does she keep falling for Howard, more than once? Isn't Stan also pursuing her?"
"Stan's a good guy, completely devoted to Mary. And he makes her happy. She likes him too, right?"
Stan, played by Mark Ruffalo, is Howard's assistant. Joel is Stan's first solo memory-erasure client; meanwhile, Stan has an undeniable crush on Mary.
But Stan is introverted, even more reserved and shy than Joel, always hovering around Mary, quietly waiting by her side.
Kristen shook her head, showing some frustration.
"I know, I know—love has no reason. It just happens. We can't overanalyze it."
"But as an actor, I need to understand the character. I need to build her, and I need a reason."
"Jack wasn't much help either."
Then Kristen looked at Anson.
Back when they filmed Spider-Man, Anson had stepped in to help.
Anson chuckled, "I don't have a reason either."
That answer made Kristen's expression fall.
But Anson's eyes twinkled with humor, "But I do have some theories."
Kristen perked up immediately.
"I have some guesses. They're not exact, but maybe they'll help. Ultimately, it's up to you to breathe life into the character."
Kristen nodded eagerly.
"You see, when Mary's with Stan, she's happy and carefree. There's a pure joy because Stan loves her and accepts everything about her."
"But when she's with Dr. Howard, she's reserved and restrained. She tries to show her intellectual, rational, and knowledgeable side—her best self—because she's in love with Howard."
"We always think love should be perfect, and we try to present the best version of ourselves, chasing an unattainable ideal."
"Maybe with Stan, Mary sees herself. But with Dr. Howard, she sees the doctor."
Kristen's thoughts began to expand with Anson's words.
Even though Anson didn't provide a definitive answer, he'd sparked many ideas in Kristen's mind.
Kristen asked, "Are you saying Dr. Howard has qualities Mary longs for but doesn't possess?"
"Like what?"
Anson shrugged, "Professionalism. Knowledge. Experience."
"We don't need to get into whether Mary lacked her father's approval growing up or if she has a father complex. But at the very least, her quoting famous sayings shows she's trying to impress the doctor."
Snap.
A spark of inspiration.
Kristen said, "Maybe Mary didn't go to college, and she's not that smart. People see her as the typical blonde, which makes her long for that professional, intellectual image."
Suddenly, the character came into focus.
"In her day-to-day life, she's brash, even a little crass and shallow. But deep down, she's always wanted to be a career woman."
"So she's not interested in Stan, who makes her happy, but yearns for Dr. Howard, who's out of her league."
"That's why, even after their romance fails, she stays at the clinic, hoping to maintain that professional facade."
"Maybe I should add some mannerisms to enhance the 'dumb blonde' stereotype?"
Kristen looked up at Anson.
Anson snapped his fingers. "Good idea. But don't make it too obvious—Mary's always trying to escape that image."
Kristen thought for a moment, then suddenly stood up and ran off toward the clinic's bathroom.
In just two or three minutes, Kristen returned, but the details had changed—
Her upper body's silhouette.
Kristen had never relied on her figure to draw attention, and even in the next twenty years, sex appeal wouldn't define her public image.
Of course, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind didn't emphasize this either.
Kristen's previous outfit was plain and modest, with no standout features: a simple navy-striped sailor shirt under a white nurse's coat, and that was it.
Ordinary. Almost no defining traits for the character.
No wonder Kristen had struggled to find the character's essence.
Now, after just a brief trip to the bathroom, Kristen had made some subtle adjustments. Her sailor shirt was still neat, but her curves were now more pronounced.
It was impossible to miss.
Kristen looked at Anson with satisfaction, her smile revealing charming dimples.
"How about this?"