Chapter 102: I Need a Woman

The next day, the weather was nice. Richard, dressed in a black suit and large-framed glasses, arrived at New Cinema International Production Company to audition for the role of Tom Ripley in "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

This film is produced by New Cinema International and directed by the famous British director Anthony Minghella, known for his work on "The English Patient."

The film is an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel of the same name. It was first adapted in 1960 under the title "Purple Noon," starring the famous actor Alain Delon.

This is the second adaptation. There were rumors that the production company originally wanted to cast Tom Cruise as the lead, but with the box office success of "Mission: Impossible," Cruise was busy with the sequel and wasn't interested in an art film. So, the production had to find someone else.

The casting decision largely rested with director Anthony Minghella. It was said that the director had an agreement with the production company that if he were to direct the film, the actor playing Ripley must be able to impress him.

Richard glanced at his fists; with his strength, he was confident he could make an impression.

"Mr. Brad, please wait a moment."

Outside the director's office, the secretary greeted him and then returned to her desk.

Richard sat in a booth, reading the script and thinking about how to impress the director.

To impress a famous director, you need a good body of work, acting skills, and a suitable role. Richard had no advantage in the first two, so he had to focus on fitting the role. But how?

"Ha ha, Director Minghella, please wait!"

After a while, the office door opened, and a familiar face walked out. The man was dressed in a suit, wearing large-framed glasses, similar to Richard's outfit. It was none other than the popular star Matt Damon.

Last year, at the 70th Academy Awards, Matt was nominated for Best Actor for "Good Will Hunting" and shared the Best Original Screenplay award with Ben Affleck. Since then, he starred in "The Rainmaker" and "Saving Private Ryan," and had become one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood.

As Matt left, Director Minghella walked him to the door, chatting all the while, reluctant to see him go.

Seeing this, Richard knew his chances were slim.

Matt was clearly the director's top choice, and compared to him, Richard had no advantage.

"Mr. Brad, please come in!"

The assistant gestured.

"Thank you!"

Richard smiled lightly and walked into the office.

Although his chances were slim, he had to give it a shot. Who knows, maybe his powerful charisma could win the director over.

"Director Minghella, hello! I'm Richard Brad, the perfect candidate to play Tom Ripley, the actor you've been looking for."

Richard extended his hand.

Director Anthony Minghella was taken aback. Who is this guy with such confidence? Then he remembered: this was the boxer who was rumored to be quite the actor.

"Hello!"

Director Minghella shook his hand. "You said you can play Ripley?"

"Yes, Ripley is a scheming, ambitious young man who lives at the bottom of American society but aims for the top. There are many such people around us. Playing this role isn't hard; the hard part is earning your approval. You're looking for your vision of Ripley, not just the novel's. Do I fit your vision?"

Richard asked, striking a cool pose with his hands in his pockets.

Director Minghella stroked his chin, sizing Richard up.

This guy had an excellent look, more handsome and spirited than Matt Damon. Young, confident, full of charisma, and with a brooding, melancholic look in his dark eyes, he was a very appealing young man.

"Sorry, you're not."

"May I know why?"

Richard smiled.

"According to my vision, Ripley is thin and pale like a vampire. You're too muscular."

"I can lose weight. Weight loss is all about willpower and perseverance. I'm an athlete; this won't be a problem for me."

Richard said seriously.

"Ripley can play the piano and has a musician's aura. I don't see that in you."

Director Minghella said.

"That's not hard either. I learn quickly. Before joining the cast of 'A Perfect Murder,' I knew nothing about painting. After a month, I got the basics and even contributed two paintings to the film. Learning the piano is just a matter of time for me."

Richard said confidently.

Director Minghella suddenly smiled. "Richard, you are very much like Ripley: smart, confident, and sociable. The ambition and desire you exude match the character well."

Hearing this, Richard knew what was coming next: the turning point.

"But there's one thing: your presence is too strong, like a steel rod."

"This fits the 1960 version of Ripley, who was a more robust character. But our version is different. This Ripley is bisexual and occasionally delicate like a woman. It would be awkward to force you into that mold. Don't you think?"

Director Minghella asked.

Richard nodded. There was no arguing with that. A macho boxer playing a delicate, bisexual character would indeed be odd.

"Thank you for your advice, Director Minghella."

"No problem. Your audition was impressive." Director Minghella paused, looking at him again. "Are you interested in playing Peter, the pianist?"

"That character?"

"Yes."

"I need to think about it."

——

A moment later, Richard left the director's office.

"Richard, how did it go?"

Anthony pulled up in the car.

"It didn't work out. They're looking for someone with a softer, more feminine quality. I'm too rugged. Forcing it would look awkward."

Richard shrugged.

"Don't worry, we have plenty of other roles lined up."

Anthony reassured.

"But Director Minghella offered me the role of Peter, a handsome pianist. I'm considering whether to take it. They only gave me two days to decide."

"Of course, take it! Minghella is a renowned director. Working with him has many benefits. This film is great, and many people would kill for a role in it. Why pass up such a good opportunity?"

Anthony urged.

"But you just said we have plenty of other roles lined up. Besides, I have training. I plan to take on two or three supporting roles this year. If a lead role comes up, I'll take it, but my time is limited."

"You're right, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Why not secure this role first before looking at others?"

Anthony argued.

"Fine, it's up to you."

"Ha ha, no problem."

——

Ring ring~

"Hey, Richard, I heard you did well in the audition."

In the evening, after training, Richard was soaking in the bathtub when he got a call from Gwyneth. He shook his head and sighed lightly.

"Gwyneth, are you in love with me?"

"What?! Me, in love with you?"

Gwyneth retorted disdainfully.

"Don't deny it. Loving someone means constantly thinking about them. I think you're in love with me."

"You, ha ha, Richard Brad, aren't you overestimating yourself a bit? You're an orphan, poorly educated, and you grew up at the bottom of society, stealing, fighting, committing crimes. Why would I ever like someone like you? Ha ha, don't be ridiculous."

Gwyneth sneered.

"Really? But I think you're in love with me. Remember what Socrates said: the most beautiful things are those we can't have. You haven't gotten me, so you keep thinking about me, during meals, baths, dreams, even when you touch yourself, you think of me…"

"Shut up! You despicable, filthy lowlife! Talking to you pollutes my soul."

Click. Gwyneth hung up the phone.

Richard smirked. Trying to outwit me? You're too green.

Ring ring~

But less than five minutes later, the phone rang again. It was Gwyneth.

"Speak, what is it?"

Richard couldn't be bothered to bicker anymore.

"You bastard, I have something serious to discuss. I heard from the production company that Director Minghella was very impressed with you. If it weren't for Matt Damon, he would have considered you. Don't you want to try again?"

"How?"

"If you can take down Matt Damon, you'll get the role. You've done this before. Why not do it again? You're not exactly a saint."

Richard's lips twitched. "Go to bed early and stop overthinking. If you can't sleep, come to the Kimpton Hotel in West Hollywood. I need a woman tonight."

"What? Oh, damn you, Richard Brad, I'll kill you!"

Gwyneth gritted her teeth.

"Welcome! Bring a weapon."

Richard chuckled and hung up.

——

End of chapter.