Chapter 98: Flesh and Blood

Opening the information on "The Mummy Returns," Matthew quickly found the focal point of his interest—the role for which Helen Herrmann was submitting his application.

The character didn't have much screen time but played a significant role, and Matthew remembered the character from watching a pirated movie—it had left a deep impression on him.

The Scorpion King!

A powerful, brave warrior who sold his soul to Anubis, a terrifying ruler!

Seeing this, Matthew couldn't help but size himself up. Although he didn't have exaggerated muscles, he was very fit, especially after military training, which made him appear even more formidable.

This wasn't self-aggrandizement but strong confidence stemming from the reality.

He skimmed the information for "The Mummy Returns," noting that the physical requirements for the role seemed manageable.

This type of action role didn't demand high acting skills, which Matthew felt suited him better. However, as Helen Herrmann had mentioned, securing the role would likely be very difficult since "The Mummy Returns" was a sequel to the blockbuster "The Mummy." The film didn't need to worry about casting new actors beyond its original cast.

"I have to try anyway." Matthew continued reading. "The Mummy Returns" was mainly filmed in the UK and Morocco from July to November, which conflicted with "Almost Famous." He sighed, "I'll consider it a backup option."

If the audition for "Almost Famous" didn't succeed, he could still pursue this opportunity.

Finally, he looked at the information for "The Fast and the Furious," which offered a very ordinary supporting role.

Matthew didn't pay it much attention, letting Helen Herrmann submit his information as another backup option.

This wide-net strategy's success depended on the auditions and operations.

After organizing the information for "The Mummy Returns" and "The Fast and the Furious," Matthew focused on "Almost Famous." He had to align with Helen Herrmann, and Angel Talent Agency had collected extensive information related to "Almost Famous" for him.

He took out the information he had received in the afternoon and started reviewing it seriously.

Movie scripts are highly confidential, and it's difficult for those without a formal contract with the production team to access them. Even those who do receive a script often must adhere to confidentiality agreements.

The information didn't include the script, only hearsay descriptions of the plot.

It was clear that "Almost Famous" was a movie about rock music, featuring a rock band, a boy aspiring to be a music critic, and a beautiful female assistant.

Angel Talent Agency had collected this information based on such details and the audition roles revealed by the production team.

While not 100% reliable, Matthew trusted the agency's capabilities, as they had helped him secure the role of Ronald Speirs in "Band of Brothers."

Since "Almost Famous" had no original novel, the preparation materials were significantly less than for "Band of Brothers."

Matthew first skimmed through the information, which covered topics like drugs, sex, touring, and "groupies," among others.

Drugs were synonymous with rock music in America, where it was said that rock musicians who didn't use drugs only existed in fairy tales.

Sex was well-known in Hollywood, not just among actors and models but especially in the rock scene. Successful members of a rock band, regardless of gender, were expected to have had numerous partners and participated in group parties.

Touring was similar to concerts or fan meet-and-greets.

Matthew paid special attention to "groupies," a new concept for him that needed understanding. His role, Russell Hammond, the band's guitarist, had a complicated relationship with the female lead, who was ostensibly the band's personal assistant but might actually be a seasoned groupie.

The term "groupie" emerged during the 1960s when rock music and fan cultures flourished, referring to female fans seeking romantic or sexual relationships with rock stars. Some even used "Star Fucker" as a synonym for "groupie."

Matthew's understanding was that if rock stars were gods, then groupies were devout worshippers.

The information provided an example of Bebe Buell, a famous groupie from the last century, known as a "rock muse." She was involved with rock stars from a young age and even bore the child of a rock legend, Liv Tyler.

According to the documents, groupies were an integral part of the rock music scene, essential for understanding rock culture.

In the information collected by Angel Talent Agency, Matthew's role and the female lead, played by Kate Hudson, had a similarly complex relationship.

Of course, this might not be entirely accurate since the information collectors hadn't seen the "Almost Famous" script and could only gather bits and pieces from various sources.

Additionally, the role might involve a bisexual identity.

Matthew, unfamiliar with this aspect, considered seeking out relevant communities for insight. With auditions in late May and preliminary selections likely in mid-May, he didn't have much time.

Fortunately, auditions for "The Mummy Returns" in early June and "The Fast and the Furious" even later did not conflict with "Almost Famous." If the audition for "Almost Famous" didn't go well, he could still try for the other two.

The challenge was that "The Mummy Returns" auditions were in London and "The Fast and the Furious" in Los Angeles, but such distances were minor issues in the age of air travel.

Matthew spent the evening at home, not venturing out, even ordering dinner in. He carefully reviewed all the information provided by Angel Talent Agency, gaining a clear outline of the production teams and roles he was competing for.

He then set aside other matters to prepare for the audition, maintaining communication with Helen Herrmann and contacting a former famous band guitarist to discuss their wild past. He also reached out to several former groupies, most of whom declined, but one was willing to share her experiences with him.

This woman, Lori Maddox, shared astonishing stories, including those about Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones.

Her vivid descriptions and revelations about the rock scene, including drug use and the libertine lifestyle, left Matthew astounded.

Despite the difficulties in understanding a bisexual man's mindset, Matthew's attempt to visit a gay bar for insights ended in harassment and no useful information.

Struggling to connect with the bisexual community, Matthew turned to Helen Herrmann for help, but even she couldn't find someone willing to discuss their experiences with a minor actor.

As Matthew waited for an audition invitation from "Almost Famous," he knew finding more information after passing the first round of auditions was still possible.

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