Chapter 26: Evan's Charm

Just as Evan Bell sat down, someone approached him and looked him up and down. After inspecting him several times, the person frowned and said, "Stand up and let me take a look."

The tone was direct, without addressing Evan by name, and the person didn't even make eye contact. Evan knew this must be the stylist, sizing him up to choose the right clothes.

In the movie Donnie Darko, the character wears typical high school attire, but with some specific requirements to highlight his personality. While the clothes didn't need to be custom-made, they still had to fit a certain style, so visual estimation of his measurements was necessary.

Soon, the costume designer came over with a T-shirt and a shirt, comparing the sizes against Evan. Since the movie was set in the 1980s, the clothing style was retro. Then another man approached and started scrutinizing Evan's face carefully.

Although Evan guessed the man was a makeup artist, he still felt uneasy under the scrutiny. This reminded him of his time on Broadway, where makeup artists would meticulously examine an actor's features to construct the character's image.

After the initial makeup application, they'd seek the director's approval and make adjustments as needed.

Seeing the makeup artist deep in thought, Evan couldn't help but joke, "Is my makeup that difficult?"

The makeup artist laughed, opening her makeup bag. "Not difficult, just too easy. Makeup artists love challenges—the more dramatic the transformation, the better. With you, there's no drastic before and after."

Evan chuckled. "I guess you like turning something ordinary into something magical."

The makeup artist smiled. "You just need a little touch-up. Mess up your hair a bit." She used a large powder brush on his cheeks and added some shadows on his chin. "You don't need much makeup since you're playing a high school student. But a bit of shadow helps for the camera."

The makeup artist finished in under two minutes, which surprised Evan. He remembered spending over an hour on his makeup for the role of Grizabella on Broadway, and now it was done in mere moments.

Before Evan could react, the makeup artist called out, "Richard, check Evan's makeup."

Richard Kelly, who was preparing for the first scene, came over at a trot. Independent films didn't have the fanfare of big studio productions. Richard had simply gathered everyone that morning, introduced Drew Barrymore and Evan Bell, and got started.

Seeing Evan, Richard was initially taken aback by the subtlety of the makeup but soon approved after a closer look. "The makeup needs to be darker. Evan's natural look is too bright. Tony needs to be darker and more worn out."

The makeup artist, Mark Case, nodded and pondered again. "Evan's complexion is too healthy for Tony Darko. Let's try some eyeliner for a more of a punk look."

Evan didn't mind and shrugged. Mark Case lengthened Evan's eyeliner to make his eyes appear more elongated and decadent, adding a touch of melancholy.

While Mark worked on Evan's makeup, the crew prepared for the first scene. Other actors were relaxed, as their scenes weren't scheduled until after lunch.

"Evan, are you seeing anyone lately?" a middle-aged man's voice rang out from a group of actors. Before Evan could respond, the surrounding girls burst into laughter.

Evan was getting eyeliner applied and blinked reflexively, making his eyes water. Mark Case calmly wiped away the tears and continued. "Don't blink," he instructed.

Evan tilted his head to avoid blinking and responded, "Mr. Swayze, how about a drink tonight? I'm free." Bars are great for socializing, hinting at his single status.

Patrick Swayze laughed, his voice hoarse from years of drinking. "No need for a bar—we can have a good time right here." This hinted that some crew members were interested in Evan. The girls around them cheered, causing Evan to smile.

Patrick Swayze, a notable figure in the crew aside from Drew Barrymore, was famous for his role in Ghost (1990). Although his career had peaked, his guest role in Donnie Darko was a friendly appearance.

As the girls cheered, Evan smiled but refrained from laughing too much to avoid blinking.

Patrick Swayze shouted, "Gina, Maggie, weren't you just talking about him? Now you're shy." Jena Malone, who played Gretchen, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, who played Tony's sister Elizabeth, were being teased.

Maggie Gyllenhaal was Jake Gyllenhaal's sister. Though Jake missed out on the role of Donnie, Maggie still made the cast. Evan remembered her outstanding performance in Crazy Heart (2009), which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Having finished his makeup, Evan finally turned his head and smiled. "If you have any questions, ask me directly. Mr. Swayze might not give you the right answers."

Everyone, including Patrick Swayze, looked surprised. Evan's simple white shirt and jeans, combined with his slightly mischievous smile and captivating makeup, made him irresistibly charming. At 18, Evan's charm was mature beyond his years, a result of his unique life experiences.

Evan clapped his hands, breaking the moment of awe. "Hey, everyone, back to work. The tiger's out of the cage." His joke lightened the mood, and everyone laughed, returning to their tasks.