The Greatest Showman #1097 - Back to the Crew

Surrey, located just a 30-minute drive southeast of London, is a tranquil town. The winding Thames River flows serenely through the area, adding to its peaceful charm. The University of Surrey, a century-old institution, brings a youthful vibrancy to the town, with bustling students infusing the local life with energy.

However, compared to other parts of the British Isles, known for their beauty and grandeur, Surrey has a more laid-back atmosphere. It's a town suited for settling down, but perhaps not as enticing for tourists seeking excitement and allure.

Standing along a country road by the reeds, Renly admired the rustic scene. The rows of dark red-brick homes spread out, the overgrown bushes, damp earth, and worn shacks painted a picture of untamed life. Overhead, dark clouds blanketed the sky, blocking the sun and casting a somber shadow over the landscape. The hurried footsteps of passersby added to the sense of urgency.

Yet, Renly stood still, taking in the quiet rural beauty before him.

An elderly man, bent over in his garden, carefully trimmed a lilac hedge. The rhythmic snip of the scissors in the wind was a soothing melody. The postman, cycling by, greeted a resident on a balcony with a bright smile. An elderly woman, dressed in a floral dress, stood at an intersection, waiting for the right moment to cross.

There were no grand moments, no striking images, just the everyday life of a small town. It was full of warmth and quiet charm that brought a sense of peace and contentment.

"What are you looking at?" Nathan asked, curious as he stood beside Renly, trying to follow his gaze but finding nothing of note.

Renly smiled softly, chuckling, "Just a corner of the town."

Nathan frowned, puzzled. Was there something special in that corner? It seemed like Renly was admiring a masterpiece, yet nothing stood out.

Before Nathan could voice his confusion, a voice with a playful tone interrupted him. "Artists' eccentricities are always unpredictable. Don't try to guess," said Rooney, coming up behind them.

Nathan turned to see Rooney, her dark hair tied in a casual ponytail, dressed simply in a white shirt, sky-blue jeans, and a smoky gray jacket. Her minimalist style exuded an effortless, cool elegance with a touch of Nordic calm. He blinked, confused—how had she arrived without him noticing?

She greeted them with a smile, her playful eyes making Nathan feel like he'd missed something important. She stood beside Renly and gazed at the peaceful rural scene. The shared quiet moment between them brought a calming atmosphere that eased Nathan's impatience.

Without rushing to get answers, Nathan joined them, but still, the question lingered in his mind: what exactly were they looking at?

After a pause, Rooney broke the silence, her voice light, "It's been a long time, huh? I imagine you must've missed all this."

Renly chuckled softly, shaking his head. He didn't deny it, but neither did he confirm it with certainty.

It had been ten months since Renly had stayed in one place. From Berlin to Los Angeles to London and New York, he had been constantly on the move. Since 2012, it had been one city after another, running from project to project without time to settle.

But now, finally, he was back in the countryside. Gone were the towering buildings and bustling crowds. The quiet felt like a balm, and the absence of noise created a sense of peace that was hard to find in the city.

"I thought you'd take some time off after Broadway," Rooney said, breaking his reverie.

Renly shrugged, admitting with a smirk, "Yeah, I regret it a bit."

Rooney laughed lightly, but Renly continued, "But it's worth it. This project is worth it." Then, he added, "After the last Broadway show, I couldn't put the script down. I had to dive into this whole new world."

Nathan, trying to keep up with the conversation, hesitated before speaking. "Wait, didn't you go surfing in Hawaii after the show?"

Rooney chuckled at Nathan's slip, but Renly remained unflustered. "I meant between surfing," he clarified, much to Rooney's amusement.

Renly had taken a weeklong trip to Hawaii right after Broadway wrapped. The time there helped him recharge before diving into "Gravity," making the transition less overwhelming.

"You sure your skin tone's right for being an astronaut?" Rooney joked, eyeing Renly's tan.

Renly responded calmly, "There's no rule saying astronauts can't like surfing." But then, with a wry grin, he added, "If the director needs it, I'll paint myself white."

Rooney laughed, but she didn't press further. Instead, she said, "I have to admit, this script is unlike any I've seen. Honestly, I'm still figuring out how I got this role."

Renly recalled their previous email exchange. "Didn't you just join a new crew recently?" he asked, wanting clarification.

Rooney turned to him, surprised. "That was two and a half months ago! Soderbergh's project moved fast, finished in less than a month. Once that wrapped up, I joined 'Gravity.' This is my first time working with you."

Renly realized that while he was busy with Broadway, Rooney had been fully immersed in her own work. He'd momentarily overlooked the progress of her career.

"Maybe I should get back to thinking clearly," Renly joked, making both Rooney and Nathan laugh.

"So, after diving into the script, what's your take?" Renly asked, genuinely curious.

Rooney's response was quick and direct. "The script leaves limited space for thinking, but the real performance space comes from the director. Before we start filming, the creative team needs to have a solid conversation to understand the director's vision for the character."

Renly nodded, understanding what Rooney meant. "Gravity" was an unusual script—heavy on one-man shows and filled with moments of silence where the actors' performances would shape the exploration of the story's core themes. To bring this vision to life, it was crucial for the actors to have a deep understanding of both the character and the director's vision.

For the film to succeed, Renly and Rooney knew they had to be fully aligned with the director's intentions and understand the character's past, struggles, and psychological state. Only then could they fully embody their roles and bring the story to life.

As they stood there, talking, they hadn't even officially begun filming yet. But already, they were diving deep into the creative process, eager to explore the complexities of their roles in "Gravity."