Chapter 272: Sophie on Set

[Chapter 272: Sophie on Set]

"Director, Ms. Sophie Marceau has arrived."

On a film set in New York, Link was directing scenes when his assistant brought in Sophie Marceau dressed in a gray trench coat, blue jeans, and tall boots, embodying a casual style.

"Sophie, welcome to the set," Link greeted her warmly.

"Link, I hope I'm not interrupting your work," she replied with a bright smile.

"Not at all, I was just discussing scenes with the actors."

Link shook her hand and invited her to sit in the director's area. Back in May at the Cannes Film Festival, he had invited Sophie to visit his set sometime. 

Then, over the weekend, she called him saying she came to America for a visit and asked if it was fine to check out the set, so Link arranged for his assistant to welcome her.

...

After the meet and greeet, Link asked, "Do you have plans over the next couple of days? Would you like to do a cameo in my movie? It's a small part with just four lines."

"Sure, no problem!" Sophie responded without hesitation.

Link called over his assistant, handing Sophie an actor's contract along with a script of her lines. He instructed her to prepare for shooting in two days.

...

Sophie's character was a doctor. The male lead, Cole, got locked in an attic during a classmate's birthday party - an attic known for a tragic incident and rumored to be haunted. After being trapped, he let out a desperate scream. His mother, Mrs. Sear, rushed to rescue him and took him to the doctor.

The doctor informed her that Cole was fine, but had multiple bruises, leading to suspicions of possible domestic violence. This part wasn't difficult to play.

...

"Scene 78, Take 4, action!"

"What's wrong with Cole?" Lynn Sear asked worriedly.

"The tests indicate he did not have a seizure. In fact he's doing fine. After some rest, he could go home tonight."

Wearing a lab coat, Sophie sat behind the desk, pen in hand as she jotted down notes. Holly Hunter, portraying Mrs. Sear, conveyed emotions of both relief and pain - relieved that her child was okay yet distraught over the circumstances.

Holly had previously played a mute mother in The Piano and excelled in conveying nuanced emotions, making her performance impactful.

But catching the doctor's expression, she asks the doctor, "What is it?"

"There are some scratches and bruises on your son that concern me."

The doctor glanced at Mrs. Sear with an expression filled with doubt.

"Those are from sports, from playing. He's not the most coordinated kid, but I don't want him to stop trying, you know what I mean?"

"Mrs. Sloan over there is our social worker at the hospital. She's going to ask you some procedural questions," the doctor pointed to the woman standing near the doorway.

"You think I hurt my child?" Mrs. Sear got emotional, "You think I'm a bad mother?"

"At this point it's just procedure. And you should probably calm down."

"You want me to answer your questions?"

The doctor responded sarcastically, "I'm sorry if I was being vague -- yes, I do.

"Who's going to answer mine, you dick?" Seeing the doctor getting up with her files, she raised her voice, "What happened to my child today? Something was happening to him -- physically happening. Something was very wrong."

Without looking back, the doctor left the room, handing the files to the social worker.

...

"Cut!"

Link checked the footage; it had turned out well. Holly and Sophie both performed admirably. Unfortunately, Sophie's role was too minor to showcase her full talent, limiting any chance for an acting highlight even with two great actresses on screen.

"Link, you're incredible with filmmaking. Do you have time for lunhc this afternoon?" Sophie hesitated slightly.

"I don't have time this afternoon; I have three more scenes to shoot. How about I treat you to a takeout box instead?"

...

During mealtime on set, Link invited Sophie to join him for food. As Sophie ate her takeout, she occasionally stole glances at Link, intrigued by what kind of person he truly was and what he thought of her.

Across the table, Link was absorbed in his script, without any other thoughts occupying his mind.

During work hours, he focused solely on work, choosing not to waste energy on romantic distractions. Such pursuits not only wasted time but could also affect the quality of his work and ultimately the box office.

*****

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