Chapter 101: Look, There's a Beauty

[Chapter 101: Look, There's a Beauty]

"Do you believe in ghosts, the legend of the Blair Witch?"

"That sounds familiar. My sister went to Blair High School. That forest starts crawling like it's alive around Christmas time."

...

Clap!

"Ben, why are you tossing the script? Pick it up; let's keep rehearsing."

In the villa, Matt Damon was reciting lines, noticing Ben Affleck throwing his script aside and sprawled out on the couch.

"I don't want to read anymore."

Ben Affleck grabbed a bottle of soda and gulped it down, munching on chips.

"Why not?"

"This script looks terrible, the plot is boring, and the characters are dull. Who would actually want to watch a movie like this?"

"Of course they would! This is Link's movie. Are you questioning that Link's films won't be successful?" Matt Damon challenged.

"Let's not talk about Link. Just looking at the script, is the plot interesting? It's about three college students who, after seeing the reports on the Blair Witch, decide to explore Illinois. They interview people along the way and end up lost in the forest, getting killed by the witch.

It sounds like a fantasy adventure, but throughout the script, there's not even a witch character, no special effects, no fight scenes, and definitely no heroics where the leads team up to outsmart the witch and defeat her. Instead, they just get killed by her.

This plot avoids all the exciting moments, making the whole movie feel bland and boring. I bet once it's released, hardly anyone will go see it."

Ben Affleck slumped further into the couch, speaking while munching, crumbs dropping onto his hoodie.

"I disagree. Have you seen Buried or Paranormal Activity? If I showed you the script for those before watching, would you think they'd be good?" Matt Damon asked.

"It seems so. You mean this script might actually turn out good as a film?"

"Of course! Actors and directors think differently. What we're seeing is a simple script with a boring plot, but in the director's mind, the script is alive -- full of colors, sounds, movements, and a terrifying atmosphere. Maybe even some effects. Combining those elements will definitely make it exciting."

"I'm not so sure. But I do think it feels a bit impulsive that we chose Blair Witch over School Ties and Dazed and Confused."

"We already made that choice, so there's no point in lingering on it. We've been working hard on this movie for days. What we need to do now is focus on rehearsing the script and playing our roles to make this film even better. What do you say?"

Matt Damon reached out his hand to Ben.

Ben Affleck smirked, using the leverage to lift himself off the couch.

The two continued with their rehearsal.

...

Riiing!

The phone rang.

Matt Damon set the script aside to answer the phone.

It was their agent, Patrick Whitesell, calling to tell them that Guess Pictures was ready to start shooting Blair Witch and wanted them to come to the office for a script meeting and an audition scene.

"Finally! We're starting production!" Ben Affleck punched the air with excitement.

"Wait a minute, Patrick. Is there any news from Castle Rock Productions about when they're filming Good Will Hunting?" Matt Damon asked.

"Not yet. I'll let you know when there's an update."

"Alright."

...

Hanging up, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck drove to Guess Pictures for the meeting and audition.

"I really don't understand why Link named the company Guess Pictures. It sounds so weak. If it were my film company, I'd call it 21st Century Pictures, Roaring Lion Productions, Galactic Productions -- it would sound way cooler." Ben Affleck complained, eyeing the Guess Pictures logo.

"Guess Pictures has its charm, though. When you hear that name, you wonder, what exactly are they guessing? Why that name? The curiosity makes you remember the company. Also, Link's first two movies were thrillers, and 'guess' indicates what kind of films they focus on. Why are you not moving?"

Just as he spoke, Matt Damon bumped into Ben Affleck's shoulder.

"Look, there's a beauty -- a really gorgeous one!"

Ben Affleck nodded toward the front.

A tall, stunning woman walked down the hallway, wearing a white blouse and a black skirt, her long, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. Her skin was fair, and she had a sultry appeal, with long eyelashes making her eyes look big and red lips adding to her striking beauty.

She possessed an allure that was quite captivating.

"That's Ms. Bellucci, Link's girlfriend. Keep your eyes to yourself," Matt Damon whispered to Ben.

"I saw rumors in the newspaper a few days ago about Link and Jennifer Connelly dating. How is Ms. Bellucci also Link's girlfriend?"

"That's Link's private business; don't go there. Here comes Ms. Bellucci."

...

Matt Damon quickly stepped back, politely greeting Monica Bellucci.

Ben Affleck also pulled himself together, managing a polite hello.

"Are you Matt and Ben?"

Monica Bellucci stopped, sizing them up with a smile. "I heard Link mention you, along with your train incident. Go on in; Link's waiting for you in the office."

"Sure thing, Ms. Bellucci."

"Goodbye, Ms. Bellucci!"

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck stepped aside, waving as Monica walked away in her heels.

..

"Monica is really beautiful," Ben Affleck murmured.

"Keep it to yourself."

"So, who's Link's girlfriend? Monica or Jennifer Connelly?"

"That's not our concern. We're here to make a movie, not dig into gossip. Do your best to take it seriously."

"I know, I know. But aren't you the least bit curious? Or maybe they're both Link's girlfriends? Goodness! Link is incredibly lucky. When I become rich, I want to have two girlfriends too... no, three! One more than Link!"

"Link's coming!"

The two entered the Guess Pictures office area just as Link walked in with a blonde girl. Although she wasn't as breathtaking as Monica, she still had a nice look and a lovely vibe.

"Looks like I'll need to find four, just to keep up with Link!" Ben Affleck said softly.

Matt Damon stepped down hard on his foot.

Ben gasped, his expression twisting in pain.

...

"Hey, Matt, Ben, welcome to Guess Pictures! It's nearly noon. How about we grab some food at the KFC downstairs and chat?"

"Sure, we'll follow your lead."

Matt Damon smiled.

*****

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