Chapter 119: The Crying Eigth Wonder

[Chapter 119: The Leading Lady Confirmed]

At twenty-four, Brooke Shields took everyone's breath away with her beauty, and although she had appeared in several films since making her debut at the tender age of twelve, Eric didn't feel inclined to be complimentary about her impressive yet somewhat notorious track record. She had the dubious honor of being named the Worst Actress at the very first Golden Raspberries, and had popped up as a contender for that title at the second, fifth, and tenth ceremonies as well. On top of that, she had also been nominated for the Golden Raspberries' Worst Actress of the Decade and Worst Actress of the Century. If one had to find a Hollywood star with a comparable reputation, it could only be Madonna, who was known for her perseverance despite a string of misfires.

If it hadn't been for the fact that the audition didn't require much in the way of acting skills, Eric might not have even had the desire to evaluate the beauty sitting before him. He wasn't at the point of gambling on a big-budget film merely for looks.

Since the casting call was for the role of a working girl, most auditionees had taken the time to dress in outfits befitting an office environment, and Brooke Shields was no exception. Consequently, Eric missed the chance to appreciate the way her jeans hugged her long legs.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Eric finally asked, "Miss Shields, we're looking for someone with a softer, more girl-next-door vibe, but your demeanor is a bit too sharp for that. If you were to land the role, would you mind if our makeup team made some necessary adjustments to your look?"

Brooke Shields tilted her head, "Mr. Williams, could you be more specific?"

Eric scrutinized her for a moment before saying, "For instance, your eyebrows are a bit thick. If they were thinned out a bit, it would lend you a more gentle appearance. Of course, that's just my personal opinion; the final makeup suggestions will come from the professionals."

At Eric's explanation, she nodded without hesitation, "No problem. If I can secure the role, I'm open to the makeup team's suggestions for some necessary changes."

"Oh," Eric replied, feeling somewhat disinterested, mumbling to himself, 'The publicity is all lies.'

Despite Eric lowering his head to jot something on the file, Brooke Shields picked up on the subtle shift in Eric's expression. She felt uncertain about where she had faltered, but it was clear that the young director wasn't pleased with her previous answer.

Moments later, Eric raised his head again and said, "Alright, Miss Shields, let's try a few takes."

"Sure," Brooke Shields said with urgency but then realized no crew member handed her a script. Unperturbed by her brief moment of confusion, Eric slowly stated, "Miss Shields, pay attention. You are playing a... uh," he paused for a moment and quickly fabricated a backstory for the character, "a junior employee at an architecture firm."

As he spoke, Eric suddenly stopped and turned to his assistant, Allen Fisman. "Allen, make a note of that," and once he saw Allen grab a pen, he continued, "She is a junior architect, leading a monotonous nine-to-five life. But one day, she falls for a mysterious man she met on the bus. After meeting him a few times, he vanishes without a trace, yet she remains infatuated, riding that same bus over and over in hopes of encountering him again."

Having laid out the premise, Eric glanced at the bewildered Brooke Shields and asked, "Miss Shields, did you understand what I just said?"

Brooke Shields nodded eagerly.

Eric pointed to a small door next to the audition room, which led to a makeshift changing area. "Miss Shields, the shot you're going to perform is this: the lady, after a long day, takes that bus home again but still doesn't see the mysterious man. Imagine stepping off the bus -- convey the feelings she has as she disembarks."

Brooke Shields hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Mr. Williams, could you explain that a bit more clearly?" Her pleading expression was something no man could resist, causing Eric's steady heart to skip a beat. Not wishing to put her in a tough spot any longer, he elaborated, "Alright, you need to show the fatigue of a long day, the disappointment of not meeting him again, and the solitude felt amidst the bustling street -- it's essentially those emotions."

Keeping quiet, Brooke Shields stepped into the changing room. Moments later, the door opened slightly, and she emerged, keeping her head down and walking slowly. It was evident that she hadn't quite found her rhythm; each careful step she took felt like walking a tightrope, and her strained expression could only convey discomfort.

From the small door to the wall across was a distance of about seven or eight feet, and she crossed it quickly but knew full well that her performance was lacking. She finally said, "Mr. Williams, can I try again?"

"Of course," Eric nodded, waving his hand casually.

Brooke Shields rushed back, taking a full minute this time before stepping out again. Although her movements were more relaxed, she still fell short of expectations.

Naturally, she looked to Eric once more.

"Let's go again," Eric said.

...

"Don't worry. Relax and try again."

...

"That was alright. Let's go again."

...

"Good, you're getting some feeling there; let your expression relax a bit and try it again."

...

"It started off well, but why are you fixing your hair? After a full day of work, do you really care how you look? Let's go again!"

...

"Tone down the arm movements a tad, carry your bag in your hand instead of slinging it over your shoulder. Again!"

...

At first, it was Brooke Shields who requested a repeat, but after several tries, Eric had seemingly slipped into director mode, rising from his seat and waving around a paper tube, barking orders at her without mercy, commanding her to do it over and over again.

Brooke Shields was completely taken aback by Eric's fervor, nearly forgetting that she had the option to refuse. After the tenth attempt, her eyes were glistening as she performed just as Eric instructed.

They wound up going through nearly twenty takes before Eric saw her with her head bowed, a strand of hair hanging over her brow, making her look desolate as she walked out through the small door. Her expression was devoid of pretense as she took each step, almost ethereal, radiating a tinge of loneliness and melancholy. Where Brooke Shields' previous performance might have evoked desire, her current state would tug at the heartstrings of any man.

"Cut! That was fantastic! Everyone, pay attention, prepare for the next shot!" Eric's signature catchphrase flowed out almost instinctively.

Brooke Shields stood stunned, and the others in the audition room shared the same look of astonishment. As if on cue, Eric was also taken aback!

After a brief silence, someone finally broke the ice with a snicker, and soon everyone erupted in laughter. Brooke Shields, standing against the wall, let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth, while the tears she'd been holding back due to Eric's critiques streamed down her face unimpeded.

Feeling embarrassed, Eric relaxed his posture and sat down. He was unsure of what had just happened; perhaps it was simply the stark contrast between Brooke Shields' poor acting and his compulsive urge to correct it -- like some with serious OCD might couldn't help but straighten the fruit on a platter until it was just right.

"Well, that'll do for now, Miss Shields."

"You can just call me Brooke, Mr. Williams," she said, taking her seat again and leaning forward slightly, taking the initiative.

Eric raised an eyebrow, "Alright, Brooke. That'll be all. I think you have potential. Perhaps you didn't shine in those other films simply because those directors didn't want to overwork you."

"So, Eric, do I have a chance of landing this role?" she asked, picking up on his thread and leaning closer, her eyes sparkling as she grinned playfully, "I hope you'll give me a good 'workout' in it."

Everyone around, including the crew, turned their gaze to Eric, who, unbeknownst to them, had already made up his mind to not cast Jennifer Connelly in the lead role the previous night. They were curious how he would respond to Brooke Shields' flirtation.

Eric picked up a pen next to him, twirled it a couple of times, and nodded slightly, "You can head home now, Brooke. Someone will reach out to you with good news soon. But do keep in mind that even if your role isn't large, my standards will still be pretty high. I hope you won't shed any more tears like earlier; if your crazy fans find out I made 'the eighth wonder of the world' cry, they might kill me."

"Of course, I won't," she assured him cheerfully as she stood up and exited the audition room.

...

"Hey, Eric, what about that young beauty from yesterday?" Once Brooke Shields left, Nicole, the ever-curious gossip, slid closer.

Eric shrugged without offering an explanation. "Alright, let's continue the auditions and call in the next one."

The auditions that followed didn't offer any surprises, and ultimately Eric confirmed Brooke Shields for the role of the love-struck girl. After wrapping up the day's work, it marked the end of their workweek.

Coincidentally, it was also March 17, the first weekend of the Easter release period, with many new films hitting the theaters that day. Among them was a much-publicized film from United Artists, which had garnered 1,927 screens, an increase of several from the month prior's release. Having lacked major releases initially, United Artists had skillfully steered media commentary on the film, with most impressions being positive. However, following its opening day, the film faced a wave of harsh criticism on the very next day.

*****

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