Chapter 157: Coaching

[Chapter 157: Coaching]

After finishing the scene, around one in the morning, the crew wrapped up, and Link returned to the hotel for some rest.

"Link, have you noticed that Ben Affleck keeps staring at you? Wherever you go, his eyes follow. Is he maybe developing a crush on you?" Sophia joked from across the bathtub, splashing a handful of water onto his chest.

"Don't delve into fantasies; he's just trying to learn how I direct films," Link replied, leaning back in the tub with a warm towel over his face, arms draped over the edge as he relaxed in a classic bubble bath style.

"Is that so? I thought he was just captivated by your charm," Sophia teased, leaning into him and playfully scratching his chin.

"I'm not exactly dollar bills; I don't have that kind of allure," Link chuckled, wrapping his arms around her slim waist and giving her a playful pat.

"What if Angelina Jolie and Liv Tyler pursued you? Would you say yes?"

"Only if they decided to make the first move," he smirked.

"They definitely would! I'd bet on it."

"What would you bet?" He lifted her chin with a smile.

"Oh, just myself," Sophia replied, grinning back.

"Deal!" Link laughed, lifting her and settling her on a nearby cushion.

After enjoying their bath, they had a late-night meal delivered to their room. They ate together and then drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

---

The next day dawned bright and sunny as the crew continued filming in the luxurious area of Poughkeepsie.

After Tod's tragic death, the police discovered his body. Upon investigation, they ruled it as suicide, believing Tod felt guilt over his brother George's accidental death. Tod's father accepted the police's conclusion. However, the protagonist Alex sensed something off.

Before Tod's death, Alex noticed ominous signs, including thunder and lightning in the sky, and an owl landing on the window. When he threw a magazine at the owl, it got caught in the fan, scattering pages everywhere -- one of which bore the name 'Tod'.

From this ominous sign, Alex deduced that something was wrong. He rushed to Tod's house only to arrive just in time to see the police carrying Tod's body away.

The female lead, Clear, also possessed a sense of foreboding, and she arrived on the scene shortly after Alex did.

...

"Scene 8, take one, action!"

In this scene, Alex races to Tod's house, and it featured Ryan Phillippe and Liv Tyler, who would appear together for the first time.

Ryan, just 19, had played a minor role in the TV show One Life to Live the previous year and was still considered a newcomer. He would soon soar to fame with roles in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Cruel Intentions, Flags of Our Fathers, and Crash.

With his sun-kissed blonde hair and charming looks, Ryan fit the youthful protagonist well, leading to a standout audition that landed him the lead role.

Liv Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith's frontman Steven Tyler, was a rising star in Hollywood, though she was still finding her footing at this point in her career. Despite being somewhat inexperienced, Liv's looks fit the character of Clear perfectly with her striking 5'9" figure, long legs, and captivating blue eyes, which resonated with an almost ethereal quality.

During casting, the selection committee decided that she meshed best with Ryan and Edward Norton among the contestants.

Link had tested both their acting, noting their potential, and with some coaching, he believed they could shine as the leads.

...

"Cut!"

"Ryan, your performance lacked intensity; go run three laps around the street outside before we continue," Link ordered.

"Sure thing, director!" Ryan nodded, scratching his head before running off.

"Liv, let's focus on your scene. Do you remember how to play it?" Link asked Liv Tyler, who stood nearby.

Having gained fame later for her roles in films like Stealing Beauty and The Lord of the Rings, Liv was still somewhat inexperienced, and she was often accompanied on set by her mother, Bebe Buell, who looked out for her.

"Absolutely! We've rehearsed this countless times. Don't worry, Director Link," Liv's mother interjected.

"Mrs. Buell, let's hear what Liv has to say. She's the lead, and I need to know her perspective on this," Link replied, gesturing for Liv to take over.

Liv stole a glance at her mother, stepping forward. "Director Link, I know how to perform this part, but could you give me some pointers?"

"Sure! Go ahead and give it a try," he encouraged.

"Oh!" Liv nodded obediently as she walked to the set to deliver Clear's lines.

...

After watching her performance, Link called Liv over. "Clear lost her father at a young age and has a strained relationship with her mother. She's an independent and somewhat rebellious girl. You need to embody that naturally. Think about what Clear is worried about; once you understand her mindset, you won't need reminders from me."

"I understand, director. I grew up without knowing my father until I was 11, so I relate to Clear's experience. I'm confident I can portray her well," Liv replied earnestly.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Bebe said, reproachfully swatting Liv's arm.

"Alright, let's do it again," Link said, ignoring their family banter and insisting Liv take another shot.

...

However, the second attempt didn't quite land either. Liv wasn't fully immersed in her role; instead, she seemed to be reflecting her own identity rather than Clear's, overly concerned with her appearance instead of engaging with the storyline.

Link remained calm and ordered the cinematographer to turn the camera off, allowing Liv to continue acting without the lens. If she couldn't get it right once, they'd shoot ten times, and if that failed, they'd go for a hundred.

This method wasn't to put Liv through unnecessary stress, but rather to ensure the film as a whole remained strong.

Clear was crucial to the story, and if her earlier scenes didn't work, it would be challenging to elevate her character's arc later on, impacting the entire film's quality. By being stricter upfront, Link aimed to hone every detail of her performance, insisting on retakes until Liv embodied Clear fully, achieving a seamless integration of character and actor.

As a seasoned director, Link found it manageable to coach a newcomer like Liv, who had the potential but needed guidance.

...

While he was fine-tuning Liv's performance, Ryan gasped as he returned from his run, drenched in sweat.

"Alright, actors, places. Everyone get ready. Let's continue filming."

"Scene 8, take two, action!"

The sound technician clapped the slate before the crew resumed shooting.

*****

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