Cannes, just after a rain shower, was filled with a damp smell. The subsequent heatwave made the air sticky, creating a restless and uneasy atmosphere.
Lyman slumped on the sofa, holding a long list in his hand. The process of finding actors was not going smoothly. He knew that for the project "Buried", they had to find an outstanding actor with impressive acting skills who could carry the scenes. The film had a small scope, with the focus entirely on the lead actor's portrayal. Even the plot's rhythm relied on the characters for transitions. If the portrayal lacked depth, it would be a disaster for the movie.
Yet, a week had passed, and he still hadn't made any progress. During this time, the recruitment advertisements in newspapers and various other promotional channels attracted many aspiring actors who were seeking opportunities.
He had probably auditioned around twenty or thirty people, but their performances were unsatisfactory, far from the character image Lyman had in mind. Some auditions were even awkward to the point where he didn't know how to critique them.
Although he knew that "Buried" was not an incredibly attractive project to begin with, this outcome was still disheartening. Time wasted like this could cost him his opportunity, and besides, his funds were not abundant to begin with. This made Lyman worry to the point where he started losing his hair. At this rate, the shooting start date for "Buried" might not meet the scheduled time.
"Hey, buddy, why do you have such a gloomy face again?" a playful voice interrupted Lyman's thoughts. He looked up and discovered that René had arrived at his place at some point.
"What's wrong? Haven't found the right actor yet? Let me tell you, just pick someone from the previous auditions."
Lyman sat up from the sofa, revealing a bitter smile. "You're oversimplifying it. It's a one-man show, and if the acting can't hold the stage, the film will fail." If he were to half-heartedly cast someone, he might as well take this investment and run away. At least that way, he wouldn't be wasting money.
"Do you have any auditions scheduled for today?" René also sat on the sofa, asking.
"Yes, we're waiting for someone in half an hour. Let's get started."
"I hope we find a suitable one today. I've taken care of everything else." Lyman didn't say anything, but that's exactly what he was hoping for.
After a short rest, the two of them went to Mann's studio. It was a rented cottage they had transformed into an audition venue. The first person to come in was a handsome blond guy. He handed his resume to Lyman and nervously introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Darren Coste."
"Let's start with an audition scene," Lyman briefly glanced at the resume but quickly lost interest. He needed to see their actual performance. "You are trapped in a small space, feeling panicked. How would your expression look?"
Darren furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. He took a deep breath. "Okay, here I go." He slowly closed his eyes, then opened them. His facial expression began to twist...
It was painful to watch. His acting was subpar. Lyman swiftly made a cross mark in his mind and shook his head, saying, "I'm sorry, but you don't meet my requirements."
"Oh, God!" Darren's voice trembled. "Can I have another chance? Please? I really want to be in a movie."
"No, I'm sorry," Lyman returned his resume, speaking with a heart of stone. "Your performance doesn't meet my expectations. I'm sorry."
Darren's eyes turned slightly red as he took the resume with a dejected look on his face and left this place...
Lyman had seen this situation too many times during this period. What use was there for mediocre talent when the opportunity for performance was right there? He had to be responsible for his own work, not show sympathy. Besides, who would sympathize with him? In this world, one had to rely on oneself in the end.
The next person was a muscular blond man. Lyman asked, "If you were to portray despair, how would you try to control your facial expression?"
"F*ck! What a weird question. Who would feel despair? Show me how it's done," the muscular blond man cursed loudly, then started shouting at Lyman and René with a fierce and menacing demeanor, "Just tell me if you want to choose me or not."
"I'm sorry, sir, but you don't meet my requirements," Lyman calmly stated a fact.
The muscular blond man slammed the table, staring with wide eyes. "What? You're saying I don't meet the requirements? Hey, are you playing with me?"
"Do you want trouble?" René, who was sitting nearby, couldn't stand it anymore. He stood up and stared back.
"F*ck!" The muscular blond man probably realized his threats weren't working. He glanced at the two of them, comparing their strong physiques, and grumbled as he left.
The morning passed, and they had auditioned over a dozen or so candidates but still hadn't found any reliable lead actors. This made Lyman even more worried. Why was it so difficult to find an actor with talent?
In fact, those seasoned actors hadn't paid attention to a small production like "Buried", and the other novice actors hadn't had much training or the experience to develop their acting skills.
"It's already noon. Let's take a lunch break and continue in the afternoon," René said without complaining. He had been helping Lyman with the auditions these past few days, while Thomas took care of other preparations. Seeing Lyman's bad mood, René provided timely comfort.
"Let's go." Although Lyman felt disappointed, he knew he couldn't force it. Regardless of the circumstances, life had to go on.
They had lunch at a nearby small restaurant. At a time like this, they couldn't afford to be extravagant, so they had a simple meal to fill their stomachs, and It only cost them €23.
Although René had some money left, he understood the situation and didn't say much about the food. He still wanted to save money to invest in the production. After all, the money was decreasing day by day, and the filming work still didn't have a specific start date. He could understand Lyman's anxiety.
In the afternoon, they resumed a series of audition work. With each consecutive rejection from Lyman, his mood became increasingly agitated. Until this moment, another candidate arrived.
He wore a black t-shirt and black jeans. His short, golden-brown curly hair casually fell on his head, and his facial features couldn't be described as delicate, but they had a unique charm, especially his eyes, which were particularly lively. At first glance, Lyman felt a very familiar sensation.
"Hello, my name is Heath Ledger..." The introduction of the newcomer quickly dispelled Lyman's sense of familiarity. Indeed, the person appearing in this audition room was none other than the renowned "Joker" of the future, albeit in a younger shell.
Seated in the chair opposite Lyman's desk, Heath Ledger seemed a bit apprehensive. "I'm here to audition for the lead role in the movie. What do you need me to do?"
Although Lyman didn't know why Heath Ledger, who had made his debut and developed his career in Hollywood, ended up in this French land, it didn't hinder the audition process for him. In the future, his acting skills would undoubtedly be recognized by most people, but at his current young age, it was hard to say. Moreover, his youthful appearance differed greatly from the character Paul's setting in "Buried". Paul was supposed to be a middle-aged man in his thirties, having a family and a lovely daughter, facing certain difficulties in life.
The initial excitement upon hearing the introduction quickly faded, and Lyman suppressed his inner disappointment as he spoke, "Can you perform a scene portraying inner emptiness and despair?"
"Can I take a look at the script first? If it's not convenient, I..." Some projects would wait until the actors were confirmed before distributing the script to avoid exposing the plot. Heath Ledger's words allowed enough room for maneuvering without making the situation awkward.
Lyman didn't have such concerns. If any of the actors he auditioned wanted to see the script, he would provide it. However, most of them were simply looking to act, without caring much about what they were acting. So, there weren't many who would seriously study the script.
"Here." René took out a printed film script from the drawer and handed it to Heath Ledger.
"Thank you." With a polite expression of gratitude, Heath Ledger held the script and started flipping through it. There was a lot of information missing from the previous notice board, and he didn't even know the general character setting of the role he was auditioning for, except that it was the protagonist.
After reading the detailed plot, Heath Ledger understood why the gentleman who had asked the initial question had a hint of disappointment. The protagonist Paul was depicted as a middle-aged, family-oriented man, and being so young, it was natural for people to doubt whether he could portray the character well.
While appearance could be changed through makeup, life experience and temperament couldn't be endowed. However, regardless of the character's setting, he had come here to audition in the hope of giving his all and competing for the opportunity to perform. He wasn't someone who easily gave up!
"Alright, sir, we can start the audition now." Returning the script with both hands, Heath Ledger took a deep breath. "To portray a sense of inner despair, right?"
"Yes."
This selected emotional excerpt depicted the moment when the protagonist Paul had tried numerous times to make desperate phone calls for help, only to be crushed by the ruthless reality. Having read the script and understanding the general situation, Heath Ledger slowly closed his eyes, adjusted his posture, and in his mind, he envisioned himself trapped in a narrow space, feeling isolated and helpless. Endless darkness descended slowly, enveloping him completely and beginning to constrict bit by bit. He no longer thought of himself as auditioning, but wholeheartedly focused his thoughts on the character of Paul, who was trapped underground...