Chapter 50 – You Are the Most Talented Man I Have Ever Seen

Ava Gardner was engrossed in the script. The film, categorized as a Western adventure, featured a protagonist named Jon. The name made her smile, as it was clearly inspired by Hardy.

She was surprised to see that the heroine's name was Marisa, wondering if Hardy had deliberately chosen a name similar to hers for the character. The script had a compelling story, and Ava was impressed to learn that Hardy was the author. She had initially perceived him as a rough man but now saw him as someone with a remarkable talent for writing.

Ava admired Hardy even more, seeing him as not just a formidable leader but also a man of artistic talent. She reflected on how he had saved her from her previous troubles and realized how much he had influenced her life.

Just then, the door opened, and Hardy walked in with Director Nolan. Ava snapped out of her thoughts and stood up quickly.

Seeing Nolan, Ava felt a bit cautious. Nolan was struck by Ava's beauty. She was stunning, even among Hollywood's top actresses. Her well-proportioned figure, slender calves, and majestic beauty made it clear why Hardy was so attentive.

"Ava, let me introduce you. This is Jonathan Nolan, the director of 'Red Dead Redemption,'" Hardy said.

"Hello, Mr. Nolan," Ava greeted gently.

"Hello, Miss Gardner," Nolan replied, shaking her hand.

Hardy turned to Nolan and said, "This is the heroine I found for you. What do you think?"

Nolan studied Ava, then shook his head. Ava's heart sank. Did Nolan disapprove?

"She is exceptionally beautiful. Marisa was not meant to be this stunning in my imagination, but now I see she fits the role of someone who could captivate Romon," Nolan said.

Ava's spirits lifted slightly.

Nolan addressed Ava, "Miss Gardner, have you read the script?"

"Yes, I have," she replied.

"Could you perform a scene from the script? It doesn't matter which one," Nolan requested.

Ava, having studied acting for over a year, felt prepared. She took center stage, her eyes reflecting melancholy as she began:

"Romon, don't hurt my child. Please, don't."

She turned, clutching an imaginary figure, tears streaming down her face.

"Please, Romon, let him go. He is innocent. I will return with you willingly. I promise I won't run again."

Her performance was filled with sadness and despair.

"That's very good. Miss Gardner is perfect for this role. I think we can confirm her as the heroine," Nolan announced.

Ava was overwhelmed with joy and barely contained her excitement. This was her first significant role, and it meant everything to her.

The three of them sat down, and Nolan addressed Hardy, "Now, we need to find an actor who embodies Jon's character. There are several suitable actors in Hollywood. Henry Fonda would be ideal, but his fee is $350,000, which is too high. McCree or Cobain could also work, but their fees exceed $100,000."

Hardy shook his head. "We're not using big names to draw attention. We'll allocate the budget for the film itself. There are talented second-tier actors who can fit the role perfectly."

Nolan agreed with Hardy's approach. "Alright, I'll have someone from the actors' union find suitable candidates and present the list to you. I'm eager to start assembling the team."

Nolan left, and Ava, unable to contain her excitement, threw herself into Hardy's arms. "Hardy, I really got the role of the heroine! I'm so happy, it feels like a dream."

"Is it a sweet dream?" Hardy asked with a smile.

"Yes, a very beautiful dream," Ava replied, her eyes sparkling.

"Then keep dreaming, and don't wake up," Hardy said.

As Ava excitedly held the script, Hardy made himself a cup of tea and lit a cigar, contemplating the film's promotional strategy.

The reason film companies hire big stars isn't just their acting skills but their ability to draw audiences. Hardy considered how to promote his film effectively without relying on high-profile actors. He pondered innovative advertising strategies that could substitute for costly promotions.

Suddenly, Ava asked, "Hardy, does the movie have a theme song?"

"A theme song?"

"Yes, like 'My True Love' from 'Gone with the Wind.' Theme songs can become very popular and draw people in."

An idea sparked in Hardy's mind. If he could release a popular song and advertise it as part of the movie, it could generate curiosity and excitement even before the film's release.

Hardy began humming a tune he had adapted from a British folk song, "Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Please say hello to the one who lives there. He used to be my true love."

Ava was captivated by the melody. She had never heard such a beautiful tune.

Hardy stopped singing and looked at Ava, who was visibly moved. "This is a song I wrote, adapted from a folk tune. What do you think?"

Ava, wide-eyed with admiration, responded, "Hardy, you can compose music? It's stunningly beautiful. I was completely enchanted by it."

She took Hardy's face in her hands and whispered, "Hardy, you are the most talented man I have ever seen."