America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 143. Inception

Time always flies when you're working with beautiful women.

Eric felt like he hadn't even started when the clock hands had already struck the end of the workday.

He couldn't help but sigh, "Why is it over so soon? I wasn't satisfied yet."

At this point, both Theron and Wednesday had removed their makeup and changed back into their own clothes.

Without the aid of makeup, their good looks instantly returned.

Even though Charlize Theron ate like crazy to better portray the character, gaining dozens of pounds in just over a month after receiving the role.

But as a South African star, she has such a great foundation that even the extra weight can't change her sexy and beautiful face; she's still a great beauty.

It's nice to have some flesh; if it's too thin, it'll feel uncomfortable.

Theron walked over and asked, "Eric, are we continuing tomorrow?"

"No, Patty and I only had an afternoon together. If we continue filming, it won't be her style anymore."

"That's such a shame. You're an excellent director, good-tempered and never yell at people. You're also good at inspiring actors. It's very comfortable working with you."

"Really? How about I ask you to do a movie with me?"

Charlize Theron pouted and thought for a moment: "That depends on what kind of movie it is. I'm a future Oscar winner, I'm very selective."

"Hahaha. I guarantee you'll be satisfied. The movie is scheduled to be filmed next year, a big investment and a big production."

"What's the content of the story? Is there a script?"

Eric pointed to his temple: "There's no script yet, but it's all in here. It's about dreams and reality."

"Like The Matrix?"

Charlize Theron's eyes lit up, and she immediately became interested. Everyone knows how popular The Matrix was; it not only propelled Keanu Reeves to the peak of his career, but also made supporting actors overwhelmed with offers.

Although he has acted in many movies, and even partnered with Keanu Reeves twice, the highest box office of the movies he has acted in is only around 2 million, and he has never reached the level of becoming a big hit.

If I could star in a big-budget production that becomes a box office hit, that might be the peak of my career.

"No, although it sounds similar, it's actually completely different. The Matrix describes the virtual and the real, and its true intention is to reflect humanity's pursuit of free will."

"My film's theme is reality and dreams, with the core being human emotions, growth, and redemption. However, it will be a suspense film disguised as science fiction, containing a complex plot and twists."

"That sounds interesting. I've never acted in a sci-fi movie before, so it might be a good idea to give it a try. What's the movie called?"

Eric smiled slightly: "The Beginning, or more commonly known as Inception."

In the original timeline, the English title of "Inception" is indeed "Inception," which means the beginning.

Since the release of this movie, the word "beginning" has become deeply associated with film. Other movies almost dare not use this word anymore, because using it will remind people of "Inception," not counting those that are just trying to ride on its popularity.

Similarly, "friends" evokes the sitcom "Friends"; "avatar" refers to "Avatar"; and "avengers" refers to the Avengers.

Many words evoke fixed associations in people; this is the power of turning excellent film and television works into intellectual property.

"Inception? Hmm. The name is a bit confusing."

"That's exactly what I mean by 'confusing,' it's a suspenseful sci-fi film. Interested in learning more about it?"

Theron checked the time: "Okay, anyway, I don't have anything to do."

"Let's have dinner together then, it's on me."

"Where to?"

"I know a nice private restaurant on New World Street."

"Leonard's restaurant?" Theron asked.

"You know?"

"Of course, I'm a regular customer of theirs."

"How about we meet in an hour? I need to go to the set of 'Blue Is the Warmest Color' to take care of something."

"Okay, see you later."

Back at Studio 4, they were also wrapping up. American film crews are very disciplined in this regard; they generally don't work overtime, and if they do, they must be paid overtime.

Actors are just like ordinary office workers, strictly adhering to the concept of time and never being late unless there are special circumstances.

This system is actually quite good, because the standardized regulations result in actors being more dedicated.

Seeing Eric return, Patty Jenkins pointed to the last two pages of the script and said, "Eric, I've left you one last scene; the sense of ceremony is yours."

Eric chuckled and asked, "How's my film crew doing?"

"That's amazing! How did you do that? The Olsen twins are really good actors. I never noticed before. It seems that those teen idol dramas really limited their development."

Ashley and Mary could only smile and remain silent in response.

Eric, however, brazenly declared, "I have my own methods of training; I'm very good at training actors."

The two sisters nodded to themselves: "They really know how to train."

"Even though it was only an afternoon, I've already helped you enrich the characters and plot, and changed a scene. I hope you don't mind."

"Which section?" Patty asked warily.

"The main focus is on scene 25, which would help to further develop the character of Eileen. I also have another suggestion."

"You're the boss and the super producer, so tell me, I'm listening."

Eric coughed a few times: "It's the beginning of the movie. The script portrays Eileen as a little girl who dreams of becoming a star. I think that's too cliché. She's not like that in real life."

"Biographical films should be more in line with the person's life story. Life is unpredictable, and the hardships she suffered in her childhood and youth should not be erased."

Patty paused for a moment: "Actually, I considered this issue when I was writing the script, but I was worried that the audience wouldn't be able to accept a plot that was too dark, and that it would also be blocked by censors."

"So you think the current plot isn't dark enough? Or do you think there aren't enough 'FUCK' moments?"

"When I was initially looking for investment in the market, I was looking for independent production companies. I never thought MGM would be interested."

"You know, big companies like yours, when producing and distributing movies, consider the broader acceptance and commercial profit. If you can make a G-rated movie, don't make a PG-13 movie, and if you can avoid making an R-rated movie, don't make one at all."

"Independent production companies certainly can't communicate with censorship departments as well as you big companies, so I cut out the darker parts to reduce obstacles to its release."

"But if MGM were to release it, adding those rape, incest, abandonment, and drug-related storylines would probably be quite good."

Eric nodded: "That's more like it! If you're going to go for it, go all the way! Don't worry about the censorship, just film!"

"Then I'll do as you say, Eric."

After seeing Patty Jenkins off, Eric dusted himself off and prepared to leave.

Seeing that there was no one else around, Mary grabbed his hand: "Eric, come on, Ashley and I will treat you to dinner."

"Unfortunately, I've already made all the arrangements for today."

"Really? He's not on a date with some woman, is he?"

Eric glared at her and said righteously, "Do you think I'm that kind of person? Besides, who could be more alluring than the two of you?"

Mary grinned. "You're right. How about tomorrow?"

"We'll see. You know I'm very busy."

"Busy, busy, busy! Can't you be busy to death? You're so busy and you still go to Shed 6 all the time. I think you're just after Charlize Theron." Ashley said angrily, her brows furrowed.

Eric chuckled and said, "Although we're already intertwined, I'd sue you for defamation if you said that."

"Okay, okay, come here for a hug. If I don't have any plans for tomorrow, I'll stay with you, alright?"

Holding the Olsen twins in his arms, one on each side, the scene resembled a classic moment from the classic Chinese novel "Little Li Flying Dagger".

I'm sorry, I've come at the wrong time.

No, you've come at the perfect time.

After seeing off the Olsen sisters, Eric arrived at Leonard's restaurant a dozen minutes early, a gesture of gentlemanly conduct.

Not long after, the waiter led Theron into the private room.

Unlike regular restaurants, Leonard's restaurant offers private dining rooms.

This is a big difference between the United States and China. In China, almost every restaurant has private rooms, even small roadside eateries.

Almost all restaurants in the United States do not offer this service, and some restaurants have even been complained about for dining discrimination or discrimination based on social status.

Only a very small number of establishments, such as salons, clubs, private clubs, and private restaurants that are not open to the public, offer private rooms.

The waiters here are quite lucky. Not only do they earn significantly more than those in ordinary restaurants, but they also frequently see celebrities, who give them generous tips.

Although the job may not sound very prestigious and can't compare to that of an office worker, the actual income is higher than that of a typical white-collar worker, and the only thing you have to do is keep it a secret.

After ordering the food, Eric asked, "Would you like some wine?"

"The wine is ready."

"Two glasses of white wine."

The waiter wrote it down in his notebook and left the private room.

"Theron, is this all you're eating?"

Theron nodded: "That's enough. I had a nutritionist calculate it, and the calories should last all night."

"People who can overcome their appetite have tremendous willpower," Eric remarked with some emotion.

"There's no way around it, female celebrities have to pay attention to their figures. The requirements for male celebrities are a bit more lenient, but if you want to take the idol route, it's also a painful process."

Eric nodded. He had heard before that Hugh Jackman had undergone rigorous training and dieting for over a decade to maintain his physique for the role of Wolverine.

To maintain his energy, Cristiano Ronaldo almost never touches sweets or carbonated drinks, a habit he has maintained for over a decade.

It's truly unimaginable how they managed to persevere, how much temptation they had to resist when they saw others eating.

"Theron, since we're filming 'Monster' now, I don't think it's necessary to control the weight. Can't we just cut it back down after filming?"

Charlize Theron quickly refused: "That won't do. I've gained almost 30 pounds, and now is the perfect time to play Erin."

"We've already been filming for over ten days. If I suddenly gain or lose weight, even a small amount, it will affect the audience's viewing experience."

This was indeed a reason to consider, and soon after, the food and wine were delivered.

Boom!

The two clinked glasses lightly and each took a sip.

Charlize Theron picked up a piece of broccoli, put it in her mouth, and slowly chewed: "Tell me about your movie, what was it called again?"

"Inception".

"Yes, Inception. Tell me more about the plot; it sounds very interesting."

"Yes, Dom Cobb, who is also the male protagonist, is a seasoned thief, but unlike ordinary thieves, he is a dream thief."

"He has the ability to enter other people's dreams, explore and steal the secrets deep within their hearts. These secrets could be bank card passwords, safe deposit box passwords, or anything else."

"He and his team committed crimes repeatedly, moving between various powerful forces, and became an international fugitive. This story takes place between two conglomerates."

Eric briefly summarized the plot, and Theron listened attentively, gradually stopping her eating.

After Eric finished speaking, she frowned and asked, "That's quite a complicated story. I didn't understand much, but I can roughly guess that there should be two important female characters in this play, right?"

"Yes, Dream Weaver Iridney and Phantom Mel. The former was an assistant Cobb found to complete his mission, and the latter was his wife, or more precisely, his deceased wife."

"So, which role are you going to have me play?"

"Phantom Mel, considering your temperament, appearance, age and all other aspects, you are the best candidate for Mel."

"Why not Irene the Dream Weaver? That character sounds cooler," Theron asked.

Eric explained, "Because I'm going to cast Christian Bale as the male lead. He was born in 1974, and you were born in 1975, only one year apart."

"He is 188 cm tall, and you are 177 cm tall. That's a perfect ratio difference."

"He's handsome, though not quite as good-looking as me."

puff!

Charlize chuckled, then quickly wiped her mouth: "Sorry, you shouldn't have made me laugh while I was eating."

"Is this a joke? Do you think Bell is more handsome than me?"

Theron shook his head: "Of course not. You are different types of handsome men. If we have to compare, you are better."

Eric nodded: "That's more like it!"

Charlize Theron continued to cover her mouth and laugh.

"Okay, okay, stop laughing. Anyway, you and Bale make a perfect on-screen couple, so I hope you'll play the role of Mel."

"What about Irene? Has anyone been chosen yet?"

"Nicole Kidman, Iride Nicholas is a dream architect who is even stronger than Cobb. This role requires a woman with a strong presence and charisma, and I think Nicole Kidman is very suitable for the role."

"We can't have her and Bale play a couple on screen; just imagining that scene makes them seem mismatched."

Theron considered the possibility for a moment, then agreed: "It's truly unimaginable that the two of them have absolutely no romantic feelings for each other."

"Yes, just imagine it. This year, Nicole Kidman won Best Actress at the Oscars, and next year it will be you. Then two Best Actresses come together in one movie. That sounds very appealing."

"Of course, the quality of the film is the most important thing. I won't rely on such underhanded methods for publicity."

"I can tell from the script changes you made on set for 'Monster' that you're a director with ambition, Eric."

"Hehe. Thank you for the compliment!"

"By the way, have the other roles been cast yet?"

"Yes, I plan to use Heath Ledger as Outpost Arthur, and the other characters..."

Just as Eric was about to say that he hadn't decided on any other roles yet, he suddenly realized that Theron might be trying to get a role for her boyfriend.

He had to give her a few actors to appease her.

But then I thought, wouldn't that be too obvious? It would be better to give the other person a chance to audition first, which would make me seem generous and classy.

Anyway, the movie won't start filming until next year, so maybe we'll get rid of that kid this year.

It doesn't matter if we don't get rid of him; we can just make things difficult for him during the audition and get him rejected.

The Thirty-Six Stratagems: Feigning Indifference to Capture the Enemy.

Thinking of this, he said, "We haven't chosen anyone for the other roles yet."

"Really? My boyfriend, Stuart Townsend, might be able to audition for a role. Of course, I'm not making a request, just a suggestion," Theron said somewhat reservedly.

Eric naturally pretended to be generous: "No problem, we'll have him audition. If he performs well, he'll be given priority."

"Thank you, Eric, let me toast you!" Theron said with a smile, raising his wine glass.

"You're welcome, really!"

"I won't use him anyway," Eric muttered to himself.

(End of this chapter)