Starting from scratch

The streets of Los Angeles always seemed unusually wide, without towering skyscrapers enclosing them. It was as though the whole world had opened up, basking in the unapologetic radiance of the sun. Palm trees, skateboards, vintage cars, and lemon soda were all bathed in a warm, milky hue. Even the hurried pedestrians appeared to carry a hint of contentment.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm late," Drake Doremus wiped the sweat from his forehead, his face illuminated by a radiant smile. He pulled out the chair beside Renly, taking his seat to Renly's right. "When did you arrive? You haven't been waiting long, have you? I'm really sorry. I know, according to Eastern time, I must be on your blacklist by now?"

Drake's speaking rhythm was always relaxed, with a smooth and steady cadence to his tone. Even as he panted slightly, his words bore a lively and playful quality, often accompanied by a playful jest. Coupled with his adorable curls and plump figure, this contrast created a vivid impression of him. His image was effortlessly outlined in just a few sentences.

"No worries, according to Pacific one, you arrived just in time. If we were to go by Barcelona time, you'd be much ahead," Renly's response made Drake chuckle, his laughter echoing in his chest.

Today was the day for the entire "Like Crazy" cast and crew to meet officially. It wasn't just an occasion for introductions and getting acquainted; it was also an opportunity to establish the tone and character styles of the project.

After signing the contract the day before yesterday, Renly had received the script. He had thoroughly read through it, distilled his thoughts, and prepared for today's event. In such an occasion, actors and the director could engage in discussions, exchange opinions and understandings, and set a direction for the upcoming shooting. This was essential to avoid getting caught up in debates during production – for an independent production, every phase was expensive, and just the cost of film itself was a burden.

This small detail revealed that compared to Rodrigo Cortés, Drake Doremus had much more experience directing feature films.

Renly had arrived twenty-five minutes ahead of the scheduled time and had barely been seated for less than ten minutes when Drake appeared, indicating that Renly hadn't been late.

Despite being late September, Los Angeles was still enveloped in the heat of summer. Drake was sweating profusely as he hurriedly beckoned a server to order an iced cola. When he turned back around, he met Renly's inquisitive gaze. He couldn't help but glance around, his eyes widening. "What's the matter? Is there something wrong with my attire?"

Renly smiled and shook his head, having been observing Drake all along. The script for "Like Crazy" was crafted based on Renly's personal experiences. While the character Jacob in the story wasn't his literal self, there were still traces of Renly within him. Thus, Renly was attempting to confirm his understanding of Jacob by observing Drake.

"No, it's just that I was reading the script earlier and had some curious thoughts," Renly smoothly transitioned the topic.

Drake didn't doubt him, his gaze landing on the script in Renly's hand. His excitement was palpable as he asked, "So, how is it? What do you think? Any concerns?"

"I'm curious about something else. How did you fall in love with her, your ex-wife, I mean?" Renly moved his tea aside, placing the script on the table. He engaged in the conversation earnestly. "Was it because of that little poem, or was it because someone confessed to you, causing your heart to start pounding like a deer's hoofbeats?"

Renly's casual remark brought a hearty laugh from Drake.

In the script of "Like Crazy", not much weight was given to the details of the two characters falling in love. Anna developed feelings for Jacob and wrote a little poem, which she placed on the windshield of his car. After Jacob read it, he asked Anna out. The two shared some lighthearted banter and later Anna showcased more of her poetry to Jacob, leading to a wonderful day and their eventual falling in love.

The script only featured two scenes: one in a café where the two cautiously engaged in conversation, and another at Anna's house in the evening, where they exchanged poems in their notebooks.

As Renly had mentioned, the entire script spanned a long period of time. The director couldn't possibly depict the gradual spiritual connection and spark of attraction between the two, like in "Before Sunrise" or "Before Sunset". Instead, they could only capture snippets of their life together and convey it through the actors' performances.

In the previous iteration of "Like Crazy", the performances of Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones hadn't managed to capture these details. They were akin to countless Hollywood romantic films, relying on the spark of love at first sight to explain things.

However, the lack of these nuances left the audience disconnected, without a deeper understanding of the intensely melting love between Jacob and Anna, let alone the subsequent estrangement. This stagnation caused the story to merely skim the surface: two young people falling in love passionately and drifting apart due to distance. Consequently, the film's exploration of the essence of love remained superficial.

Now, Renly was trying to understand the story beyond the script – the aspects only the actors knew, conveyed to the audience through their performances. These unseen elements, these unread details, formed the foundation of the actors' portrayal and the basis for the story's elevation. He had to start from scratch, erasing the scenes from the previous version of the film that still lingered in his mind, and rebuild the character.

"I guess, there should be," Drake hesitated and then vigorously rubbed his cheeks with both hands, emitting a frustrated sigh. "It's been too long, everything has become so distant now, memories have blurred." He lowered his hands and looked at Renly. "Do you really need to know all this?"

Renly pursed his lips, gracefully picked up his coffee, and took a light sip. Although he didn't utter a word, his intention was glaringly evident.

Drake's shoulders sagged, he lowered his head in contemplation, and then took a deep breath. He finally looked up at Renly again. "You know, I used to be quite the introverted homebody. Well, I still am. I pursued an extremely niche major that no girl would be interested in. And I'm not great at conversing; I didn't know how to make a girl laugh. So when a girl suddenly confessed to me, I must admit I was overjoyed."

Drake delved into his memories, remaining silent for quite a while. A smile gradually curved his lips, and even the spaces between his eyebrows displayed a blissful expression. Renly couldn't help but speculate that even though Drake had divorced, deep inside, they must still have loved each other. Despite the passage of time, the luster and warmth of those memories hadn't faded.

"I'm a little nervous, and also excited. But one crucial thing is, I love her words," Drake leaned forward, locking eyes with Renly. His eyes held an excited gleam, as if he had returned to the moment he received his first love letter. "She... she's truly a talented girl. Her poetry possesses a delicate touch that I adore. And, by the way, her handwriting is beautiful."

Engulfed in memories, Drake's smile held a touch of melancholy.

However, Renly couldn't help but ponder—how tumultuous must Drake's sense of loss have been when he chased his ex-wife to London? After returning to Los Angeles, what encounters led him to a new partner, and how complex were his emotions when she moved into his studio? Though they still loved each other, they were propelled by the torrents of life, facing the helplessness and powerlessness that were lamentable.

"Do you still remember why you broke up?" Renly suddenly recalled this question and voiced it.

As Renly anticipated, a glint of confusion flickered in Drake's eyes, and he remained silent for a long while. Such is life—vast and profound, where thunder sounds silently in the boundless void. Two people who loved each other chose to part ways, while two who despised each other chose to hold hands. Gazing back, the fragmented memories deep within had become indecipherable. Even Drake himself didn't know how their journey together had come to an end.

This, indeed, was the profound essence of "Like Crazy", a movie that delved into the truth of life.

"It's been so many years since the separation. What do you remember most vividly about her now?" Following the subtleties in Drake's expression, Renly posed another question.

Drake's gaze gently fluctuated, seemingly lost in memories, and then his lips involuntarily softened. "Her eyes. You know, she had a beautiful pair of eyes, as if they were brimming with starlight." A simple sentence, yet it held the most beautiful sentiment in the world. But remembering their regrettable conclusion added a tinge of sorrow.

"Hey, I didn't keep you waiting, did I?" A breathless voice abruptly intruded, accompanied by a hint of panic in its hurried tone. Disheveled strands of hair were blown onto her lips by the wind. She instinctively raised her hand to brush them away. Her bright eyes came into view, their glint containing a resilient determination.

In just a fleeting glance, Renly understood why Drake had chosen her to play Anna.

"Sorry, I went upstairs and only realized it when a server asked me what I'd like for lunch. I was wondering if I had mistaken the time." The girl before them blushed slightly, a hint of shyness evident. She lightly bit her lower lip, trying to conceal her flustered and embarrassed state. She turned to face Renly and extended her right hand. "Felicity Jones!"

Beneath her determined gaze was a hint of absentmindedness, a trace of girlish naivety mixed with a touch of uncertainty. "Renly Hall!" Renly shook Felicity's right hand, offering a friendly self-introduction.

"Is this the place? It is, right?" A cheerful and clear voice followed immediately, and then they saw... a tall and slender blond young man striding toward them with purposeful steps. He halted beside Felicity, acknowledging Drake with a courteous nod. "Director, long time no see."

Soon after, between the two of them, another head popped up, standing on tiptoe. She looked around left and right, just about to greet them when a surprised exclamation escaped her lips, "You're here?"