11. Bullying

"Taking just one glance, Winona Ryder recognized the man she had seen in the office corridor at noon, recalling her assistant's words. She turned her head towards Angelina Jolie, who was also looking at her, the disdain in their eyes barely concealed. The sharp gazes clashed, igniting sparks instantly.

"Bitch!"

Both Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie harbored the same thought.

Matthew stood opposite Winona Ryder, observing everything keenly. Having overheard the conflict between the two stars, he speculated that their feud might escalate.

Suddenly, Winona Ryder's gaze returned to him, and for some reason, he felt uneasy.

Winona Ryder first glanced at Matthew, then turned to look at Angelina Jolie, her mind filled with speculation. Rumors were circulating in the industry about Angelina Jolie divorcing Johnny Lee Miller. Was there a third party involved? Could it be...

Her eyes once again shifted to Matthew. Considering Angelina Jolie's promiscuous style, it seemed highly probable.

"James!" Winona Ryder suddenly turned her head, catching the attention of the cinematographer James Mangold, who looked up, "What's up?"

Winona Ryder nodded slightly and walked directly to Matthew, pointing at him, "That actor, replace him."

Although directors typically held significant power on set, James Mangold knew Winona Ryder was a producer, with authority far surpassing his own. As a director who couldn't even participate in post-production, he essentially served as a set director.

"This..." James Mangold hesitated slightly; after all, the scene had been set.

Matthew looked over, their voices not loud but audible from his position.

Then, he glanced at his agent Dennis Kurt, realizing it was his first time on set and unsure what to do next. Would he just be pushed out like this?

Dennis Kurt, standing on the periphery of the set, also heard their conversation and quickly retreated, hiding behind a stagehand.

It was evident that Winona Ryder had an issue with that fool, and Dennis Kurt didn't want to get involved in such matters.

Having some understanding of the production, besides Georgia Kennedy, the producer of "Soulful Lady," Winona Ryder wielded the most power in the crew.

For the sake of a minor role, confronting Winona Ryder? Matthew wasn't that foolish.

Dennis Kurt's pleading gaze went unnoticed by Matthew; perhaps he should leave early. As for Matthew, he could fend for himself.

Seeing Dennis Kurt hide from view, Matthew knew he couldn't rely on him and immediately shifted his gaze to Angelina Jolie. Given their interaction at noon, could Angelina Jolie, in conflict with Winona Ryder, say a few words on his behalf?

Angelina Jolie sat on the long sofa, turning to look towards Winona Ryder like most of the other actors; her displeasure was almost palpable.

Although unsure why Winona Ryder suddenly made such a demand, Angelina Jolie sensed it was directed at her.

She even felt the pleading gaze from the small actor.

However, Angelina Jolie had no intention of intervening. While she and Winona Ryder were at odds, causing a scene over a small actor wasn't worth it.

She had given him a chance and reached a verbal agreement, and this unforeseen circumstance was merely his bad luck.

"I'm the female lead!"

As the most powerful figure on set, Winona Ryder spoke confidently, providing a strong justification for replacing Matthew, "Having such a handsome caregiver behind me will distract the audience's attention from me!"

This was the legitimate authority of the female lead, valid wherever she went.

"You, come here!" James Mangold immediately waved to Matthew and said directly, "You're not participating in this scene."

Though reluctant, Matthew had no choice. Nobody cared about the feelings of a small actor; he could only walk out of the set.

Winona Ryder exchanged a few words with James Mangold, then entered the set. She deliberately glanced at Angelina Jolie, whose expression turned sour.

As preparations for the shooting continued, Matthew transitioned from a participant to a bystander. Observing from the sidelines, he pondered how to create an opportunity for himself.

Having finally created an opportunity, he couldn't just leave quietly; he was unwilling to do so.

Shooting proceeded intermittently, with the director occasionally calling for breaks. Angelina Jolie seemed to possess significant power on set, while Winona Ryder displayed average acting. Although Matthew was an amateur, he couldn't help but find Winona Ryder more appealing than Angelina Jolie, albeit unwittingly.

Perhaps this could explain some things, especially Winona Ryder's attempt to reduce Angelina Jolie's screen time.

After observing for a while, he grew perplexed. If Winona Ryder wielded such power on set, why did she choose Angelina Jolie as the secondary lead?

After some thought, he found an answer. According to Dennis Kurt's opportunistic informant, the film was produced by Sony Columbia Pictures, and there was another producer, likely the one who chose Angelina Jolie.

The afternoon passed swiftly. Except for restroom breaks, Matthew stood alone, waiting. However, as the crew prepared to wrap up, nobody remembered him, the temporary actor.

"Cut!" Director James Mangold called an end to the final shot of the day, "That's a wrap!"

He gathered the main actors and held a brief meeting to discuss tomorrow's shooting schedule, while other crew members began packing up to leave.

"What!"

At that moment, Angelina Jolie's angry voice echoed in the studio, "My two scenes for tomorrow are canceled? Why?"

James Mangold explained, "It's necessary for the entire film..."

Angelina Jolie didn't even listen to his explanation, turning to Winona Ryder, "You dare cut my scenes!"

Winona Ryder's voice remained cold, "It's a normal adjustment during filming."

All eyes in the crew turned towards them; such occurrences seemed not uncommon.

Matthew watched, his mind racing.

"I'll call Georgia Kennedy!" Angelina Jolie, now enraged, was at a loss against Winona Ryder, "I'll report the situation to Sony Columbia!"

Winona Ryder dared to act this way because she had some backing. With her fair complexion unchanged, she said directly to James Mangold, "Whatever, you can call anyone you want."

She turned to James Mangold, "Film according to the new schedule tomorrow."

Angelina Jolie seemed on the brink of explosion, but with nowhere to vent, Winona Ryder was clearly bullying her, yet she couldn't find a way to retaliate.

"Let's go!" Angelina Jolie called her assistant and strode towards the makeup room.

Matthew stood there motionless, watching Winona Ryder and the departing Angelina Jolie, torn between them. He believed what he saw and hoped to seize another opportunity. While a major role was beyond his reach, was there a chance for a supporting role with lines?

Should he approach Angelina Jolie or Winona Ryder? He didn't know which one to choose.

This action would likely have consequences, but Matthew, at the bottom of the Hollywood pyramid and society as a whole, had no capital to lose or anything to fear. Without unconventional means, he might have to wait for a long time.

Today's observations at the set made him realize how rare opportunities truly were.

Who should he choose? After two minutes of contemplation, Matthew made a decision.

In his limited memory of Hollywood, Angelina Jolie's future was illustrious, while Winona Ryder was merely known as Jack Sparrow's ex-girlfriend; he didn't even know what she looked like...

"It seems I have to become a powerful person too."

Sighing, Matthew headed toward the direction Angelina Jolie had left.

---------

Join my patreon for 20+ chapters and more coming soon

patreon.com/TranslationHub