I am Hollywood

[Chapter 1048: Finally, Going Crazy]

Eric heard Michelle Simmons' words and laughed, saying, "Usually, there's a 'but' at the end of such lines. So, what's the 'but'?"

"Eric, this is just a supporting role. I'm currently negotiating several leads for Charlize," Michelle Simmons replied, pulling two scripts from her bag and handing them over. "These are what Charlize and I have picked out from those offers. One is Woody Allen's new film. You know, Woody Allen is great at crafting roles for actresses, and his films could likely bring Charlize some awards or nominations. The other is from Miramax, called The Cider House Rules. Both scripts are excellent and, compared to Girl, Interrupted, the themes cater more to the taste of Oscar voters."

Even though the trio had re-signed with MGM for two agent-verse films, with the overall momentum of the agent-verse slowing down, the three girls found themselves with more time to delve into other projects.

Listening to Michelle introduce the two scripts, Eric understood that Charlize had decided during this two-year hiatus to pursue some art films to garner more acclaim for her acting skills.

He took the two scripts but didn't flip through them, casually placing them under his arm as he looked at the two of them and said, "I don't have time to read these. Let's talk about Girl, Interrupted. Honestly, Charlize isn't the best choice for this role. If you set aside all subjective factors, I'd cast Angelina Jolie as Lisa." Remembering that Angelina Jolie probably hadn't fallen out with her father over her last name yet, Eric added, "I mean Angelina Jolie Voight, Jon Voight's daughter. Do you know her?"

Charlize showed a puzzled expression, but Michelle nodded. "I've heard some things about that girl. She seems quite rebellious."

Eric shook his head. "Rebellious is a compliment for her. In reality, Jolie is more hysterical than the antisocial Lisa. You can see that in how she handles romance; when in love, she easily writes her partner's name in blood on her clothes, and when she's angry, she could just as quickly wield a knife and make it bloody. If she played Lisa, she wouldn't even need to act; she could easily embody the role and even walk away with an Oscar. That's something Charlize couldn't do."

Charlize felt that Eric wasn't exactly praising Jolie, but she was slightly offended by the last remark, whispering, "Eric, why can't I do it?"

Eric smiled, "Because our little Charlize is a good girl."

That was probably meant as a compliment, but it had a teasing undertone, causing Charlize's face to redden as she looked away from Eric.

Eric admired Charlize's charming demeanor and continued, "It's because you're just too beautiful and too young. To catch the attention of critics and award voters, you need to play roles that allow people to overlook your looks. Overly attempting to play down your beauty isn't suitable for you just yet, and I don't like that either. Therefore, a character like Lisa fits you perfectly. You should know, this role isn't merely about being a crazy person. She's fierce, volatile, indifferent, and controlling, yet at the same time, she possesses a tremendous charm that makes all her patients see her as a leader. Although the film won't start shooting until early next year, you need to begin preparing for this role now."

Charlize thought she hadn't truly agreed to anything, but someone had already made the decision for her, making her glance at Michelle, hoping she might interject.

At the very least, she didn't want to agree so blindly.

She had to struggle a bit.

However, Michelle seemed fully engrossed in Eric's analysis, completely oblivious to Charlize's silent cues.

After finishing his thoughts, Eric looked at his watch and said, "That's it, Charlize. If your performance in this movie is remarkable, I could help you secure an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. While the Best Supporting Actress award has a higher chance of winning, getting nominated for Best Actress will serve you better for your future. I really hope you'll be the first among your generation of actresses to snag an Oscar for Best Actress. So, any other questions?"

Despite a tiny spark of rebellion against some Hollywood tyrant rising in her heart, Charlize found herself nodding in agreement.

Eric nodded in satisfaction. "Great, by the way, the party for The Ring is at the big ship's restaurant tonight. Do you want to join?"

"I already have an appointment tonight," Charlize said with a hint of challenge but then added unexpectedly, "It's a birthday party for a good friend of Kate's."

Eric chuckled and stood up. "Then never mind, I'll take you two out."

...

Charlize and Michelle stood up together, chatting and joking with Eric as they left the Gravity set. It wasn't until they turned a corner, ensuring that Eric could no longer see them, that Charlize shot a frustrated glance at Michelle. "Now what?"

Michelle suddenly laughed, eyeing Charlize's guilty expression. "You still like him, don't you?"

Charlize immediately turned her head away, pretending she didn't want to hear Michelle's nonsense as she quickened her pace.

Michelle, however, had to keep up, her smile still evident.

In truth, Charlize had initiated today's meeting, although her excuse of not wanting to play a supporting role like Lisa seemed more like a cover story to Michelle.

Being a seasoned Hollywood agent, Michelle knew perfectly well that the character of Lisa in Girl, Interrupted was actually a better fit for Charlize. Although she had some initial reservations about the salary Eric offered, the moment Eric expressed a desire for Charlize to be the first among this generation of actresses to win the Oscar for Best Actress, all of Michelle's discontent disappeared.

Given Eric's current standing in Hollywood, if he hoped for Charlize to be the first one among her peers to snag an Oscar, then she had a good chance of becoming that lucky girl.

During this time, ICM had renegotiated agent contracts with the trio. After receiving a scolding from Eric, Kate and Penelope hadn't left ICM but merely switched to a dedicated independent agency team. Michelle, during this process, wisely chose to keep Charlize as her client, and she was now able to appreciate the correctness of that decision even more.

While still under the same agency, the dynamics between them were markedly different.

After what had happened last time, it was evident that Eric now favored Charlize more than the others among the trio. If Charlize could become the first to win the Oscar for Best Actress among them, Michelle Simmons, as her agent, would undeniably elevate her status in Hollywood.

The two arrived at the parking lot and got into the car. As Michelle buckled her seatbelt, she glanced over at Charlize in the passenger seat and remarked, "If you really don't want to act, I can talk to Eric."

"Forget it; I don't want to be scolded by him again."

Michelle teased, "Really don't want to?"

Charlize shot her agent a glare. "Michelle, if you keep talking like that, I will get angry."

"Okay, okay," Michelle surrendered, starting the engine as she drove out of the parking lot, her expression turning slightly serious. "Actually, among the three of you, Eric clearly has the highest expectations for you."

Charlize hadn't intended to speak, but after a moment, she couldn't help but say, "I can't see it at all! He's so focused on Penny and Kate..."

She trailed off suddenly.

Michelle didn't respond but understood completely.

All three girls must have had close encounters with Eric.

Though Charlize seemed to have the most independent personality among them, she was actually the most sensitive. Because of her background and the fact that she had wandered alone in a foreign land, she had a habit of wrapping herself in layers of protection, not letting people in easily.

However, if someone managed to break through that protective layer without realizing it, it would be challenging for them to leave.

Eric had single-handedly elevated the once-obscure Charlize to her current status, which meant so much to her. Paired with Eric's power and standing in Hollywood and his assertive personality, he could provide the kind of security that Charlize had long lacked as a child. Thus, he had become the most likely person to break into her heart.

Just like last time, when Charlize was the first among the trio to accept the compensation conditions presented by Firefly, it wasn't hard to understand that Eric had played a significant role in her decision.

Otherwise, if the three girls had formed a united front, even Eric would likely have to make some compromises in the end.

"It's a pity he's such a dazzling person," as the car drove out of Firefly Studios, Michelle sighed regretfully and then glanced at Charlize. "But you could take the initiative; should I help you find an invitation for tonight's The Ring party?"

Charlize didn't rush to deny it this time. After a moment of silence, she said, "Michelle, do you think that would lead to any results?"

Michelle looked at the road ahead. "Well, that depends on what kind of result you want. You know, I've heard he has a very, very smart daughter. Remember Eric's cameo in Men in Black? Kepler said he thinks that girl is like a little Pandora," saying this, Michelle suddenly realized she might have overshared and quickly cautioned, "Just listen, but don't spread it everywhere."

Charlize knew about the rumors that Eric had two children, but she suddenly recalled that one evening a few years ago, he had taken her to see Men in Black. She couldn't help but chuckle and said, "I don't want that; it would just make me seem like a gold digger."

"Ha! If you can strike gold with Eric Williams, I assure you everyone would envy you." Michelle said, "So, do you want that invitation or not? I could still get one if I call now; otherwise, it might be too late."

"Let's skip it," Charlize shook her head. "I just turned him down."

"Then you'll have to seize your own opportunity."

Charlize realized that she seemed to have been led off track by Michelle. "When did I say I wanted to seek that opportunity?"

"That's on you," Michelle replied, passing the buck. "Let's discuss Girl, Interrupted; this is indeed a role that needs careful preparation. If you manage to outshine Winona Ryder, you'll definitely attract critics' attention, even without Eric's help."

"I think, given Lisa's character, it should be easy." Charlize decisively dropped the previous topic and merely said this, casting a worried glance toward Michelle. She was worried that she would be exposed by Michelle for having carefully thought about the script beforehand. She had said that she didn't like this movie, and today they came together to meet Eric.

Michelle didn't seem to catch on. "Winona already has two Oscar nominations. If you think you could just shallowly act like a manic and steal her spotlight, you're being naive. Eric's analysis was spot on; beneath the crazy exterior, Lisa has a very complex array of character traits -- fierceness, volatility, indifference, controlling behavior, and that leadership charm. You must thoroughly understand and perfectly portray all of these to actually outshine Winona. See? That's where the gap between you and Eric lies."

"Alright, Michelle, what should I do?"

Michelle thought for a moment and suggested, "Maybe you could spend some time in a mental facility?"

Charlize shivered but considered it and gritted her teeth. "If necessary, I might agree."

"Just kidding," Michelle shook her head. "Some actors have tried that route, and they really went crazy in the end. So, even if you were willing, I'd stop you. How about this? I'll reach out to a few psychiatrists in the coming days to help you deepen your foundational knowledge. I will also find some videotapes of antisocial personality disorder patients."

Charlize wasn't entirely satisfied. "Don't I need to interact with these people?"

Michelle replied, "Not at all! What you need to experience is the character of Lisa, not to imitate someone with a true antisocial personality. To understand Lisa, you should delve into Susanna's original biography and the script we have, supplemented with some professional psychological theories; that should be sufficient."

*****

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