82 Tom

[Los Angeles, California]

Sunlight streamed through the dusty window of the repurposed office, casting long shadows across the gathered actors. Lucas, Leonardo, and the others huddled around a worn table, their voices low and urgent.

"Inception," was shooting on location outside the studio, and closure of the film forced them to retreat to this makeshift room. Christopher Nolan, the meticulous director, and the studio were fiercely protective of the film's details, wanting to keep the before it was released.

Days passed, each one bringing Lucas face-to-face with the unique challenges of "Inception." The most persistent thorn was Warner Bros.' resistance to the agreed-upon budget, a tug-of-war that strained the production. Yet, Christopher Nolan, navigated the hurdles, ensuring the filming schedule remained on track.

Today, the filming was in a certain workshop in Los Angeles. Lucas, embodying Arthur, adjusted his tie, the silver lining catching the tungsten lights. Around him, a symphony of activity unfolded. Leonardo DiCaprio, portraying Cobb, hunched over a script with intense concentration. Ellen Page, brimming with Ariadne's youthful curiosity, bounced on the balls of her feet, eager to dive into the scene.

Grips scrambled, adjusting lighting and securing props. Costume designers fussed over the actors' attire.

Assistant directors barked orders, their voices weaving through the pre-shoot chatter, ensuring everyone was in their place. Nolan, observed with a keen eye, ready to film.

The assistant director raised a hand, silencing the room. "Five minutes to set!" he announced. The energy shifted; playful smiles gave way to focused expressions. Lucas, Leonardo, and Ellen took their positions, their characters simmering just beneath the surface.

A hush fell over the workshop room as Christopher Nolan adjusted his headset. His steady gaze flickered from the monitor displaying the scene to the bustling crew around him. Each member played their part with practiced efficiency, a well-oiled machine working in sync.

Lucas, poised as Arthur, stood in his mark, observing Nolan's meticulous direction. He couldn't help but admire the director's calm amidst the controlled chaos, his every gesture guiding the film towards his direction. Five minutes ticked by, filled with whispered adjustments and focused preparation.

Then, the triggering word: "Action!"

The camera whirred to life, its lens focused on Ellen Page, as Ariadne, stirring awake from a staged slumber. A beat of silence, then Leonardo DiCaprio, embodying Cobb, delivered his line: "Because it's never just a dream." His voice, low and gravelly, filled the room with measured presence.

Ariadne's gaze shot towards Cobb, now both actors seated in worn-out lawn chairs. Lucas, seamlessly slipping into Arthur's persona, observed them from the side, his posture relaxed but alert.

Cobb's voice echoed, "And a face full of glass hurts like hell, doesn't it? While we're in it, it's real."

Arthur countered, "That's why the military developed dream sharing – a training program where soldiers could strangle, stab and shoot each other, then wake up."

Ellen, as Ariadne, voiced her confusion, "How did architects get involved?"

Cobb's response, laden with unspoken meaning, "Someone had to design the dreams." He flickered his gaze towards Lucas, "Let's go another five minutes..."

Before he could finish, Ellen interjected, "We were only asleep for five minutes? We talked for an hour at least..."

Cobb explained, his voice patient, "When you dream, your mind functions more quickly, so time seems to pass more slowly."

Lucas chimed in, "Five minutes in the real world gives you an hour in the dream."

The air crackled with anticipation as Cobb concluded, "Let's see how much trouble you can cause in five minutes."

A pregnant pause hung in the air before the sharp cry, "Cut!"

The scene ended, the actors stepping out of their roles with sighs of relief. Lucas, Leonardo, and Nolan gathered around the monitor, reviewing the footage with focused eyes.

Meanwhile, Ellen glanced at Lucas, who stood conversing animatedly with Leonardo and Director Nolan. The ease with which this newcomer, cast in a supporting role, navigated the conversation surprised her. He wasn't just exchanging pleasantries; there was a genuine exchange of ideas, a respect and intellectual sparring she was accustomed to experiencing only with seasoned actors.

In their limited interactions on set, Ellen had recognized Lucas's talent. He brought a raw, nuanced energy to his character, a potential that mirrored her own early career.

A brief discussion ensued Nolan, Lucas and Leonardo, punctuated by nods and murmured suggestions. Finally, Nolan declared, "Good take. This scene captured the essence of the dialogue without being overly complex. Let's move on!"

---

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling "Inception" set as filming hummed along. Lucas, still riding the high of a scene he shared with Leonardo DiCaprio, caught sight of a new arrival. It was Tom Hardy, instantly recognizable with his imposing figure and intense gaze.

A wave of excitement rippled through the crew as Nolan and DiCaprio greeted Hardy with familiar warmth. They had clearly collaborated before, their easy banter hinting at a shared history. Hardy, the charming professional, then made his rounds, offering friendly hellos to Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, and the rest of the cast.

Finally, he reached Lucas, who stood nervously. Hardy extended a hand with a disarming smile. "Hello, mate. Nice to meet you. Tom Hardy, by the way."

Lucas, momentarily flustered, managed a grin. "Haha, you're already quite well-known, Mr. Hardy. I should be the one introducing myself. I'm Lucas Knight."

Hardy chuckled, his presence surprisingly approachable. "Lucas Knight, eh? Well met, then." He clapped Lucas on the shoulder, the gesture conveying a genuine camaraderie.

They lingered for a few minutes, exchanging pleasantries and sharing a few lighthearted discussions about the film. Hardy, despite his aura of stardom like Leonardo, possessed an easygoing charisma that put Lucas at ease. Their brief conversation offered a glimpse into the camaraderie that existed within the cast, a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect that the differences in experience and fame never boasted.

As the scene preparations began, their conversation came to a natural end.