Chapter 48: Slit Throat

Despite encountering several issues with props and sets during filming, the crew was now operating more smoothly than during the initial two weeks. After a period of adjustment, the various departments began to find their rhythm in working together.

Most importantly, Murphy, the inexperienced director, was making rapid progress.

In the third week of filming in the San Fernando Valley basin, another young actress joined the crew. This was Emily, a temporary actress hired at the minimum rate of $100 per day as set by the actors' guild.

Emily had only one scene in which she would be killed by James Franco's character, Jeff, a photographer.

For the first time, the crew moved out of the house to film. Murphy chose a grassy area surrounded by bushes near a small lake not far from the house as the filming location.

The crew was so basic that equipment like a dedicated makeup trailer was out of the question. The actors had to get their makeup done at the house before coming to the set.

Murphy wanted to use an overhead shot for the opening scene. While a crane would be ideal, renting one was too expensive. Instead, he had someone bring a Ford sedan, planning to climb on top and shoot manually.

The last two weeks of filming had consumed a lot of funds. While aiming for the best effect, Murphy also had to consider practical expenditure issues.

Today's weather was excellent, with a clear blue sky and ample sunlight. Occasionally, a breeze from the nearby lake would bring a bit of moisture, adding a touch of coolness to the otherwise dry air.

Under Murphy's direction, the crew of nearly ten people busied themselves with their respective tasks. Paul Wilson led three interns, acting as movers, transporting film, equipment, and other supplies from the house to the set.

The black Ford sedan had been simply modified by prop master Mia Sucre. A platform built of wood and plastic had been added to the roof, and Murphy stood on this platform, directing the crew's work.

Since the actors were still getting their makeup done, Murphy focused his energy on setting up the temporary set.

Today's shoot attracted two extra spectators. Carey Mulligan's agent, Bill Rossis, had brought a friend, who was also Emily's agent. Murphy had briefly spoken with them and allowed them to watch the filming. After all, a small crew like his didn't worry about spoilers.

Lack of attention would be far worse.

"How's it going?"

Standing at the edge of the set near the bushes, Bill Rossis looked at Murphy and asked the middle-aged man beside him, "Mike, this is the guy I mentioned to you recently."

The man named Mike shook his head slowly. "How can I tell now? But..."

He thought for a moment and said, "He's very young. Youth often means inexperience."

"He is very inexperienced," Bill Rossis agreed. Having spent the initial days of filming with Carey Mulligan, he had seen the many troubles the shoot encountered. "He's a complete novice, making many basic mistakes when we first started."

Mike smirked and shook his head again, seemingly uninterested in someone like Murphy.

"But his progress is astonishing!" Bill Rossis continued to watch Murphy. "He can always identify problems immediately and find solutions quickly. He learns from his mistakes and rarely repeats them."

"Let's see," Mike said cautiously. "We'll see how it goes."

Once the set was ready, they waited a bit longer until makeup artist Jack Watson arrived, accompanied by James Franco and Emily. James Franco wore his usual gray outfit and glasses, while Emily looked extremely miserable, with wounds all over her face, a twisted mouth, and splotches of fake blood.

Emily's makeup was exceptional. Among the hired crew, Murphy was most satisfied with Jack Watson, who, unlike the others with average skills, had simply not had the right opportunity to shine.

After briefly instructing James Franco and Emily and checking with the departments about their readiness, Murphy began a test shoot. Because the actors had limited rehearsal time, the test shoot was not very smooth. Murphy also had to adjust the overhead shooting angle. Eventually, the Ford sedan was positioned at the left front of the scene where Jeff was assaulting Emily, capturing the full extent of her distress on the grass.

Unlike previous shoots, Murphy used black-and-white film for this scene. Since the victim was a minor, the subject matter was sensitive, and black-and-white footage could better control the portrayal of violence.

In black-and-white film, the appearance of wounds and blood looks different from that in color film.

Emily was younger than Carey Mulligan, and Murphy wanted to avoid the film being rated NC-17.

"Jack, touch up Emily's makeup."

After the test shoot, Murphy called Emily over and gave instructions while she was getting touched up. "Amy, you need to beg more pathetically."

"Mm!" She hummed in agreement, unable to nod due to the makeup.

James Franco had only one frontal shot in this scene. Having filmed for so long, he was in good shape.

Once Jack Watson finished touching up Emily's makeup, Murphy picked up the camera and shouted, "Attention, everyone! Filming begins in five minutes."

Once the actors were in place and everyone was ready, Murphy adjusted the camera and called for action.

Standing on the platform atop the Ford sedan, he tilted the camera lens down at a forty-five-degree angle, first giving a close-up of Emily's face, which looked like a beaten pig.

Her face was smeared with blood and covered in wounds. Despite this, traces of her original cute and delicate appearance were visible. Jack Watson's makeup skills were indeed impressive. This close-up conveyed a clear message: Who would beat such a cute girl to this extent? How could anyone have the heart to do this?

"Help... help..." The girl's voice was weak, as if she could stop breathing at any moment. Her bright eyes pleaded desperately, "Please... please... let me go..."

A large fist entered the frame, punching the girl's face hard. Then a man's figure appeared, turning towards the camera. His gentle face now looked unusually fierce. "This is the punishment for rejecting me!"

He then pulled out a utility knife, staring at the girl's throat...

"Cut!" Murphy shouted, signaling to the driver of the Ford sedan, Jessica Chastain, "Move to the right front. I want to shoot a few more takes."