Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 214: But You Don't Know Me...

Silence, the booth was filled with silence. Paul subtly peeked over the menu to observe the others. Renly, Andy, and Neil were all engrossed in their menus, as if making life-or-death decisions. Amidst this serene atmosphere, there was a sense of peace.

Only Vin, flipping through the menu impatiently, broke the harmony with the rustling sound. His furrowed brows openly displayed his discontent and irritation.

Paul was pondering how to break the ice when Renly's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Vin, when is 'xXx' filming its sequel? Can't you return for it?"

This not only shattered the silence but also the awkwardness. Instantly, Paul, Andy, and Neil's attention shifted to Renly, and of course, to Vin.

Vin's lips twitched, wanting to respond but holding back. The face in front of him was still as irritating as ever, with that mouth chattering incessantly. "I watched 'xXx: State of the Union' before, and my only thought was, why was this film even made? Honestly, the extreme sports in the first film really opened my eyes. That scene where you jumped off the bridge, was that you?"

"It was." His voice responded before his brain could process it, the emotions stirring within him broke through his rational control, starting to explain enthusiastically. "The situation at that time was like this..."

Andy lowered his head, continuing to peruse the menu, thoughtfully considering what to have for dinner, not worried about Renly at all. He vaguely sensed a heated gaze on him and looked up to meet Neil's inquisitive eyes. Andy smiled and raised his menu as if to ask: Have you finished ordering?

Neil also raised his menu in acknowledgment, then lowered his gaze, pretending to browse the menu while actually listening intently to the conversation. Vin's enthusiastic voice enlivened the atmosphere, with occasional interjections from Renly or Paul, but mainly it was Vin speaking.

It seemed less like a casting session and more like a friendly gathering.

Neil couldn't help but recall Renly's profile. Having appeared in only two productions and not yet twenty-one, he had risen quickly in just a few months, first with the Emmys and then Toronto. His meteoric rise was surprising. But beyond this, his profile was unimpressive.

Reflecting on the past two days at Telluride, "The King's Speech" and "The Social Network" dominated discussions, yet "Buried" and "127 Hours" were also frequently mentioned. "127 Hours" drew attention for Danny Boyle, while "Buried" was increasingly associated with Renly's name.

Tonight's performance was also remarkable. Andy's relaxed demeanor showed he had no concerns; indeed, with an actor like Renly, there was no need to worry—

Calm and wise, composed and elegant, he displayed none of the greenness of a rookie nor the nerves of an audition. From start to finish, he exhibited a rare poise, even subtly taking control of the conversation.

"Renly, you don't seem related to action films. If you became an action star, what would be your strengths?" Neil, after ordering, took the initiative, taking control of the conversation. His casual question had a decisive undertone, unlike Vin's earlier brashness.

"Well, I can run a hundred meters in under twelve seconds?" Renly pondered briefly before giving a seemingly unrelated answer. But everyone soon caught the implication:

What advantages are needed for an action star? The ability to fight, run, and be agile, all physical attributes. Renly couldn't demonstrate these now, so his absurd answer at least showed his athleticism.

Paul was the first to chuckle, followed by the others.

Renly raised an eyebrow, his gaze landing on Vin opposite him—he and Neil sat on the same side, making his glance slightly awkward. "I thought my appearance was an advantage," Renly's unexpected follow-up surprised everyone again.

It's still 2010. By 2014, even Colin Firth, a distinguished English gentleman, would star in "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and receive acclaim, showing that appearance never hindered action roles. Unfortunately, Renly couldn't cite Colin yet.

As Renly suggested, the "Fast & Furious" series is a classic, but it follows a routine of bigger scenes, bigger explosions, and more intense racing. Now, even casting follows this pattern, as seen with Dwayne Johnson joining in the fifth installment. But what about the sixth?

Truly excellent action stars shouldn't be too bulky, as that makes them slow. A lighter build can have advantages, as seen with Harrison Ford in "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," who weren't traditional action stars.

"Or do you think the role's design is far from my type? In that case, I don't see where this conversation is headed." With these two short sentences, Renly again subtly took the lead, throwing the question back.

Vin was caught off guard, momentarily stunned—when did a newcomer with only one film under his belt start taking the lead in an audition? When did an unknown rookie dare question the producers? How dare he!

Hollywood is flooded with actors, even those with one or two roles in indie films. Many actors don't even get to introduce themselves in auditions, being cut within ten seconds. Casting directors see hundreds of faces daily and avoid pleasantries.

Thanks to "The Pacific" and "Buried," and the platforms of Toronto and Telluride, Renly got a face-to-face audition. But essentially, he's still a newbie. Neil and Vin only heard of "Renly Hall" today.

Renly's counter-question stunned Vin. Poor Vin Diesel, sitting opposite Renly. If Neil were in his place, things might be better.

Neil calmly took over, "What's your idea for the character?" Vin turned to Neil, avoiding Renly's gaze, but his internal fire reignited—what kind of newbie is this? Arrogant, ignorant, rude, self-important—rejected! No doubt, outright rejected!

"You've seen the 'Fast & Furious' series? If you were to insert a character, how would you design it?" Experience matters. Neil smoothly extended Renly's question. Paul and Vin looked at Renly, signaling the real start of the audition.

Renly seriously considered and directly answered, "Jack Bauer." The protagonist of the classic series "24," known as the indomitable Jack Bauer.

As a counter-terrorism expert, Jack is a classic character—wise, brave, decisive, calm, and clear-headed. Kiefer Sutherland, who played him, wasn't a typical action star, not bulky but agile, with a sharp, rugged aura that made Jack iconic.

In adrenaline-pumping action films like "Fast & Furious," discussing character depth and philosophy would drag the film's pace, as seen with the less successful fourth and fifth "Bourne" films. Renly avoided this mistake.

Choosing a clear character concept to define and develop before filming, integrating it into the film's style, is crucial. "Bourne," "Mission Impossible," "007," and "Die Hard" succeeded this way.

Renly's example was precise. Neil instantly understood—Jack Bauer's style differs from Dwayne Johnson's but fits Renly's aura. Renly as a Jack Bauer-type character intrigued Neil, reminding him of Keanu Reeves in "Speed" and "The Matrix." Keanu wasn't a typical action star either.

Neil's curiosity was piqued, but he didn't show it, continuing, "Then we could just use Kiefer Sutherland. What's your advantage over him?"

"Heh." Renly chuckled lightly, unflustered, his subtle smile like a budding flower in spring. "Let's talk about my disadvantage. You all know Kiefer, but not me...wait, that's also my advantage." Renly turned to Neil, past Paul. "Isn't it?"