Trying an Indian Restaurant

The Platoon contract was signed, solidifying Alex Hayes's move into more serious, adult-oriented cinema. The news was immediately released to the press, detailing the unique deal they had made, which instantly raised widespread curiosity across Hollywood. The unique backend deal, with its lower starting percentage and escalating cap, was a testament to Alex's confidence in the project and his own star power. However, while the contract was finalized, the commencement of filming was still six months away. This was a war film, a genre known for its logistical complexities and demanding physical requirements. Pre-production for Platoon would be extensive, focusing on rigorous military training for the cast, scouting challenging jungle locations in the Philippines, and the painstaking process of assembling a large and diverse ensemble cast to portray the stark realities of the Vietnam War.

Meanwhile, as the summer of 1985 transitioned into August, Alex Hayes shifted gears. After intense rehearsals and preparations, principal photography officially began for his next project, 'Say Anything...'. This film, a Cameron Crowe creation that Alex had been developing for years as his final "teen" role, promised a heartfelt and authentic exploration of young love and idealism.

Today, the set was a bustling suburban house, filled with the hum of equipment and hushed conversations. The scene they were filming was pivotal: Lloyd Dobler, played by Alex, was sitting on his bed, suddenly making a declaration to his two best friends, Corey Flood and D.C., about his plans for Diane Court. His demeanor filled with an unshakeable optimism. His friends, on the other hand, clearly worried about him getting hurt.

Sarah Jessica Parker, portraying Corey Flood, brought a sharp wit and empathetic understanding to her role. By August 1985, Parker was already a recognizable face, having built a solid career in both film and television. Her most notable role to date was in the hit film Footloose (1984), where she had played Rusty, one of Ariel Moore's best friends. She had also appeared in the film Girls Just Want to Have Fun (released earlier in 1985) and had a recurring role on the popular television show Square Pegs in the early 1980s. 

Beside her sat Mary Stuart Masterson, cast as D.C. Masterson, a talented young actress, was just beginning to make her mark on Hollywood. Her acting debut had come at the tender age of eight, appearing alongside her real-life father, Peter Masterson, in the 1975 film The Stepford Wives. After this early role, she had taken a hiatus from film to focus on her education, making only occasional stage appearances in New York. However, 1985 marked her return to the big screen with the film Heaven Help Us, where she played the role of Danni, a courageous teenager running a soda shop. Her casting in Say Anything... was one of her first major roles since her return, and she brought a grounded presence to D.C., making her an ideal confidante for Lloyd and Corey.

The scene began, Alex, as Lloyd, sitting on the bed, suddenly declares to his friends, "I'm going to take out Diane Court again."

Sarah as Corey, her brow furrowed in confusion, says "That's unlikely."

Alex continues ignoring her confusion "The movies are a good second date, you know, as a date?"

Sarah, still looking confused, says "But you never had a first date."

Alex says, "Yes I did- I sat across from her in a mall. We ate together. We ate, that's eating, sharing an important physical event."

Mary as D.C., has a faint smile playing on her lips at his absurd explanation.

Sarah says, "That's not even a scam."

Alex, curious, asks, "What's a scam?"

Sarah replies, "Going out as friends."

Mary interrupts with "No it's not. A scam is lusting."

"Then, what's a date?" Sarah questions.

"A date is pre-arrangement, with the possibility for love."

"Then what's love?" 

Alex interrupts Mary and Sarah's conversation saying, "I'm gonna call her."

"Diane Court doesn't go out with guys like you. She's a brain." Sarah declares.

Mary agrees with that "Trapped in the body of a gameshow hostess."

"Diane Court does not realize how good-looking she is." Sarah says to Alex.

Alex, unfazed with a smile on his face, "Sounds great to me, I'm going to call her, that's what's cool about her."

Sarah, in exasperation, says "Brains stay with brains. The bomb could go off and their mutant genes would form the same cliques."

Mary, with a worried look, says "I wouldn't get my hopes up Lloyd."

Sarah, her voice softening with concern, says "I'm sorry. It's just you're a really nice guy, and we don't want to see you get hurt."

Alex, his eyes shining with optimism and determination, says "I wanna get hurt!"

Cameron says cut. The whole scene is done in one take because of the extensive rehearsals they did.

As the scene wrapped, and the crew began resetting for the next shot, Mia Sara, who played Sloane, and Robert Downey Jr., who was playing Corey's ex-boyfriend in a smaller role, came over to where Alex and Sarah were standing.

"Great job, guys!" Mia said, a genuine smile. She then leaned in and gave Alex a quick kiss on the lips.

"Seriously, that was great," Robert added, clapping Alex on the back. He pulled Sarah to his side with his hand around her waist.

"Thanks, Rob," Alex replied, a genuine smile on his face. "The rehearsals really helped with that. We got into a good flow."

"Where did you disappear to, mister?" Sarah questions Robert.

Robert grinned. "Miss me?"

Sarah just rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away.

"I went out and found a great Indian restaurant nearby," Robert announced, looking excited.

Mia Sara asks with a slight raise of an eyebrow "Can you handle it? I mean, spicy food?"

Alex jokingly remarked to Mia, "Well, Mia, life is an adventure. We have to take risks sometimes!" 

Robert then interjected, "Guys, I'm saying to try Indian food, not jumping through a flaming circle!"

Alex declared, "Your funeral, Rob!" He then turned to Mary Stuart Masterson, who was gathering her things nearby, and asked, "Mary, care to join us for lunch?"

Mary hesitated for a moment, clearly flattered but unsure.

Mia, sensing her hesitation, stepped forward with a warm smile. "Come on, Mary. It'll be fun."

Mary's face brightened, and she nodded. "Okay, I'd love to."

With that, the group set off for the Indian restaurant.

*****

At the Indian restaurant, Robert Downey Jr. quickly learned what Alex meant by "risk." He couldn't handle the spice, and tears streamed from his eyes as he struggled with his dish. Mary and Sarah also felt the heat, but Alex, having already subtly reminded the manager to tone down the spice for his friends, ensured they weren't suffering as much as Robert. Robert, however, had clearly wanted a "regular" Indian food experience without any concessions for spice and was now paying the price.

Alex smiled at Robert's predicament, and even Mia, Mary, and Sarah couldn't help but laugh, despite feeling the heat themselves and knowing just how much more he was suffering. Alex, unable to watch his friend in such distress, quickly signaled for a glass of lassi to be brought over. Robert gulped it down, and the coolness immediately began to temper the fiery sensation.

"So, will you try another dish?" Alex asked, a teasing glint in his eye.

Robert vehemently shook his head, pushing his plate away. "Never again, Alex. Never again."

"I told you you should ask for less spicy food," Alex reminded him, a smirk on his face.

"Don't you feel the heat?" Robert countered, wiping his eyes.

Alex chuckled. "My hometown is famous for its rice production, so there are many Indian restaurants around. I have experience."

"You could have warned me!" Robert groaned.

"Well, he did," Mia reminded with a small smile. Sarah and Mary nodded in agreement.

Robert just threw his hands up in exasperation, admitting defeat. Everyone erupted in laughter.

They left the restaurant after lunch, but not before posing for a photo to be hung proudly in the establishment. 

From the very next day, customers doubled, drawn by the news that "Alex Hayes had dined here."