Annie's Diary
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Could you drop some reviews? It helps to get this fic a rating.
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**Annika's Diary**
I awoke this morning, feeling sore all over, my head buzzing. It reminded me of the days I spent in Palm Springs during college, high on life, or more accurately, high on drugs. Now, I can't help but blame my child's father for introducing me to cocaine.
Charlize mentioned that I sleepwalked last night. I had no idea this problem still haunted me. It might be due to the constant stress from that newbie, Christian, who's been piling up work lately.
Nevertheless, perhaps my nocturnal wanderings genuinely scared him last night, as he surprisingly allowed me to rest. But that's not good news. Recently, I've discovered that 80% of the stocks I recently purchased are plummeting. I need to make a call and liquidate those stocks quickly.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
When I disclosed that I sold Cisco stock, Christian stared at me strangely, making me question my decision. Who does he think he is, Warren Buffett?
But it appears his visit wasn't solely about boasting his investment prowess. No, this novice director wanted to meddle in scene design and makeup. I mean, I understand he started as an artist, but why does he have to mess with makeup? It's making my life as a makeup artist quite challenging.
Can't he be like other novice directors who focus on getting the best performances out of the actors, rather than diving deep into technical matters? Sure, he may have admired James Cameron for his directing style in "Terminator 2," but it's a far cry from what I'm experiencing. Damn, Cameron.
Well, that was a bit harsh. To be honest, even the likes of Spielberg and that pitiful George Lucas were somewhat similar in their early days. Lucas has been idle for a while since "Star Wars." There's a rumor that he and his teacher, Kirshner, had a falling out over "Star Wars 2," and now he's too scared to tinker with his lines.
Still, I do have a soft spot for "Terminator 2." As a single mom, Sarah Connor's character resonates with me, especially with my son being named John.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
I'm livid, Christian's latest bizarre makeup request has consumed an entire day, and all he did was reject it. How can his demands be so unattainable?
In the original movie, making mutants look ugly was simple. All you had to do was make their eyes uncomfortable. But now, he's asking for an ugly, disgusting look while also conveying hideousness, mystery, and a sense of religious sacredness. What's that even supposed to mean? It's like trying to look left and right simultaneously. I'm not an avatar creator, and I can't give them two heads!
He's completely embarrassing me. If I could meet this demand, I'd be working on the "Alien" series and using it on a larger set. Can you believe this, in this small crew?
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Well, I may have underestimated Christian. He's not just a finger-pointer.
After he swiftly rejected my makeup plan yesterday, I felt lost. However, he surprised me today with a proposal to base the makeup on primitive religious totem paintings. It's an intriguing idea since primitive religion is inherently hideous, mysterious, and sacred. Most of their totems are considered ugly by modern standards and meant to intimidate enemies.
Christian even provided me with some rudimentary sketches to reference. Though his artistic skills aren't top-notch, I must admit the sketches hold some intrigue. I designed a new makeup plan inspired by those sketches, and it's turning out quite well.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Christian finally approved the new makeup plan, but for some reason, every time I apply makeup on the actors playing weird characters, he steps in and makes a few additions himself. I can't see how these minor touches drastically improve anything, but he insists it's the finishing touch.
Well, if it weren't for John's recent tuition bills, I'd confront him about insulting my professional skills. I'll show him what my makeup pen can do.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
It appears that our director isn't the only one finding fault.
Today, he expressed dissatisfaction with the "Cannibal house," the residence of the mutant weirdos, where several of our crew members stay. It's unofficially known as the "Cannibal House."
He ordered the crew to rearrange it and painted strange patterns on the floor that resembled a dark red sacrificial magic circle. The paint even emitted a rust-like smell. Could it be real blood?
But why all this fuss? We've already shot part of the cannibal house scene. Is it going to be reshot?
Perhaps, it's about saving time and costs. From the start, he rarely insisted on multiple takes, unlike most novice directors. It might be because the straightforward scenes have been smooth sailing so far, leaving room in his budget. Now, it seems he's ready to stir things up.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Thank goodness! Christian has finally shifted his focus to the actors, just as I predicted.
As I suspected, the Cannibal house scene was indeed reshot. Not only did the scene change but the script and camera work were also overhauled. Our cinematographer, Addison Yang, even argued with Christian, but eventually, it seemed he was convinced.
The actors, especially poor Sally, bore the brunt of these changes. Her role has been significantly altered. Though the overall duration hasn't changed much, the level of difficulty has risen considerably. Performing on the surface and conveying deeper emotions now require entirely different approaches. I'm starting to believe Sally didn't secure this role through unmentionable means. It's becoming a real challenge; can anyone be as versatile as Jodie Foster?
**The Next Page of the Diary**
To achieve the "double-layer" effect in Sally's performance, Christian prepared two different scripts for her. The contents of these scripts are a well-kept secret. When I inquired about it, Sally simply said it was at the director's request.
This unique script mode seems to be working wonders. Sally is stepping up her game, and in the subsequent filming, she's excelling. Despite Christian's frequent reprimands, once she meets his demands, her performance exhibits a level of depth and texture that wasn't there before.
Especially in the scenes specially designed by Christian, there's an air of mystery and horror, and I sense an underlying darkness and enigma beneath her portrayal. This adds depth to her character, even to my makeup artist's eyes. Is Christian's mysterious second script truly this magical?
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Maybe the director possesses some hidden talent.
In recent shoots, not only Sally but also other major actors have markedly improved, especially in conveying emotions like fear.
Some argue that it might be because they're genuinely terrified by our director. His imposing presence on set has become overwhelming. When he's behind the camera, the whole set seems to drop a few degrees in temperature. The eerie, foreboding atmosphere he radiates is palpable, even to the crew. Actors, being at the forefront, bear the brunt of it.
Perhaps this man indeed has the knack for horror film direction.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Erica got scolded and broke into tears due to our director's harsh criticism.
As a supporting actress who dies early in the movie, Erica's role isn't very extensive, but it's her time to shine. Unfortunately, Christian was never satisfied with her performance.
Honestly, I'm not particularly fond of this girl, but Christian's criticism seemed overly harsh. Later, "Old Gun," the deputy director, asked me to console her. Well, being the only woman of a certain age in this crew, I guess it falls to me.
"Old Gun" is a genuinely good-hearted person. Without his mediation, Christian's relentless pressure on the actors would be unbearable. I've heard they used to be close friends, which makes "Old Gun" a truly stand-up guy willing to support his friends.
Plus, I have to admit, his rugged red beard is rather appealing.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
Today went well for the crew, and it seems like we might wrap up soon. But as a diary, it's a rather uneventful entry.
**The Next Page of the Diary**
I genuinely despise writing in this diary.
That so-called psychiatrist claimed that keeping a diary would relieve my psychological pressure and reduce my occasional outbursts. But after all this writing, I don't feel any better.
Is that young doctor, Sweet, even for real? He's so young, and his last name is...
For someone like me, a middle-aged single mother on a tight budget, the simplest way to reduce my psychological pressure is to find a reliable man. That way, I won't have to rely on toys for companionship.
Okay, I admit, those vibrating ones aren't half bad, but they do consume a lot of electricity...
Heaven, please send me a strong man. Amen. (Annika seemed embarrassed by this and attempted to cross it out)
**The Next Page of the Diary**
The Almighty Lord answered my prayer.
After the day's filming, "Old Gun" received a phone call from his ex-wife, who refused his request to see their child next week, leaving him feeling a bit down. Christian asked me to console him, and I agreed without hesitation. Before he left, he handed me a bottle of tequila.
We talked for hours, discussing his ex-wife and my son, John. One bottle of tequila led to another...
...When I came to my senses, we were already embracing each other, and my underwear was hanging around my ankles. I have to say, the "Gun" of "Old Gun" packs quite a punch, and he's anything but old.
We chatted late into the night, and the atmosphere was vibrant. With a few more bottles of tequila, he might have proposed. Unfortunately, a critical phone call interrupted us. It seemed an important investor was on the line. He didn't disclose any details, and I didn't press him.
My top priority now is to tell my little John that he might have a new father.
Okay, this may seem a bit hasty, but the "Old Gun" is a good man, and I must seize the opportunity.
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