Chapter 49: On-Set Fights

The crew quickly moved from Grey Company to the General Motors Production Center.

Since GM closed the Atlanta production center in 2000, the vast industrial park sat idle.

After Kelly Grey started collaborating with the crew, they rented a large warehouse and turned it into a studio.

With French director Michel Gondry and over twenty key staff arriving in Atlanta, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" began shooting.

Martin played a small role with fragmented scenes, and his main task each day was to be ready in makeup.

It wasn't as simple as it seemed; Martin constantly ran lines with Robert to stay in character.

He was like a background character, hardly noticeable, but had to be fiery and not a limp noodle when the director called for him.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet's imperfect performance didn't matter much; supporting actors had to make fewer mistakes.

In the actors' break area, Martin fist-bumped Robert: "Bro, don't mess up."

It was Robert's turn next scene, and he said, "I'm an old pro at being in the background."

Five or six actors entered the "bookstore," serving as the backdrop.

Robert had a good spot, maybe even able to get his face on camera.

Before shooting, Martin noticed Robert discreetly moved half a step towards Kate Winslet. From the camera's angle, it would definitely catch him.

Truly, a seasoned background artist.

Not doing more than required, yet managing to get some screen time.

Supporting Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a background actor in Atlanta could be bragged about for years.

Maybe it was the stifling air in the studio, or perhaps that time of the month, but Kate Winslet had an unusually bad day, needing over ten takes for a simple scene.

Michel, the French director, could only shoot over and over, unable to vent his frustration.

When Robert returned, Martin got ready to go in. He had a short dialogue with Kate Winslet, followed by a kiss.

He applied breath freshener and entered the set, having a brief exchange with Kate Winslet.

Kate said directly, "I'll take the lead, follow my pace."

Martin replied, "Understood."

The assistant director came over for blocking reminders.

Shooting began.

The dialogue between the main characters ensued, with Martin coming from behind a bookshelf to talk with the female lead, then leaning in to kiss her.

The lead actress quickly leaned in and kissed Martin on the lips.

Michel called, "Cut! Too shallow! A deep kiss, show the love!"

They redid the scene, and once again, the actress kissed Martin.

Still not satisfied, Michel said, "Kate, are you trying to eat him?"

Another take, another cut.

The French director's innate romanticism led to an almost obsessive pursuit of the perfect kiss.

After more than a dozen retakes, Michel was still displeased.

The later it got, the worse Kate Winslet's condition became.

Having tested every type of kiss, Martin's lips went numb.

Initially, he felt a tiny bit thrilled, "Damn, I kissed Rose."

Very quickly, he became indifferent, thinking, "I have a kiss scene with Kate Winslet."

By this point, Martin had only one thought: "The person in front of me is chubby Kate."

After a few more takes and cuts, Michel exclaimed, "No tongues!"

"Who the hell knows what you want?" Kate Winslet snapped, daring to argue with a director like she did with Cameron. She used her feminine edge and lashed out, "Stop with the French nonsense. I had enough of you in L.A., always taking it out on women!"

With her British insult, Michel's temper flared, "You arrogant, uncooked beef! There's no Channel Tunnel here, but there's an international airport to hell, just as convenient as Charles de Gaulle!"

Everyone, including Jim Carrey, quickly moved aside, not wanting any part of the bizarre exchange of insults.

Producer Steve Golin, writer-producer Charlie Kaufman, and executive producer Louise all rushed to the set to intervene.

The crew took a break. Martin returned to the rest area, took advice from the assistant makeup artist, and used a wet wipe gently.

Robert sarcastically remarked, "I was a bit jealous of you earlier, now... you're lucky to be alive."

After a lot of coaxing from the three producers, the "war" was finally defused.

Martin fixed his makeup and returned to the set.

Kate Winslet looked at his lips and politely said, "Sorry."

Martin softly replied, "It's okay."

Director Michel glanced at Martin and asked the makeup artist, "What about his lips?"

The makeup artist replied, "It will take a while."

Michel couldn't wait for a minor actor and ordered the assistant, "Adjust his blocking."

In the next shoot, Martin approached sideways, kissing Kate Winslet with his back to the camera, without a frontal shot.

Martin reluctantly accepted the reality: the argument between the director and the lead actress ultimately cost him.

Back at the rest area, Robert was delighted: "You had lines but no face time."

Martin's shooting wrapped for the day, and he could remove his makeup and leave. The two headed to the trailer together.

After removing his makeup, Martin asked Robert, "What's next for you?"

Robert replied, "I took a job with the logistics team, mainly moving food and drinks. I know this job well."

Martin couldn't help but advise, "Buddy, there's no way I can be the main or supporting lead in this crew. No need to work so hard."

Robert, disinterested, pointed ahead: "Look, isn't that our lead?"

Martin looked over, spotting a handsome blond guy among the extras changing under a sunshade. He thought for a moment and asked, "Adam Smith?"

Robert nodded, "Yes, the lead of your show with Grey films. Didn't expect him to just be another background actor now."

Just then, a mixed-race black woman emerged from the food truck and greeted Robert, "Done for the day?"

Robert replied, "Finished shooting, starting menial jobs tomorrow."

The black woman turned her eyes to Martin.

Robert casually introduced, "This is Martin, the troupe's deputy leader. Martin, this is Rosa, a former member of the troupe, now back again."

Rosa extended her hand to Martin, her chocolate-colored skin smooth as satin, "I remember you."

Martin didn't recall her but politely shook hands, "I remember you too."

A black BMW 7 pulled up by the road, Kelly Grey got out wearing a professional outfit and waved to Martin.

"A friend," Martin said and walked over.

Kelly Grey spotted his lips immediately, "How did this happen?"

Martin shrugged, "A kiss scene. My charm was too much, got my lips swollen from the lead actress kissing."

Kelley laughed, "Got good news, your surveyor role just got permanent, $500 a week."

Martin said, "How should I thank you?"

"No need," Kelley didn't hide the fact as Martin wasn't dumb; he would understand with just a question, "I gained much more."

Martin smiled too, "When will you become Congressman Kelly?"

Kelly Grey replied, "Still a long way to go."

Not far away, Rosa watched Martin, curious, "He's close with Grey Films' boss?"

Robert answered, "Seems like friends, not sure."

Rosa watched them chat and laugh, "More than just friends."

Robert, not wanting to delve into it, vaguely replied, "Who knows."

Martin turned back and waved to Robert, then followed Kelly Grey back into the studio.

Rosa turned away and invited Robert, "Wanna grab dinner?"

Robert pointed at the food truck, "Didn't you eat?"

"No," Rosa dragged Robert by the arm.

Passing through the outdoor makeup area, Adam Smith was changing out of his costume and greeted Rosa, "Hi, Rosa, where are you headed?"

Rosa stopped, "To eat."

Adam Smith noted Rosa's fine curves and glanced at the ugly guy trailing her, flashing a charming smile, "Perfect timing, let me take you to dinner."

Rosa, eyeing his costume, gently refused, "Sorry, I already have plans."

Adam Smith looked at his costume, contemplating tossing it but restrained himself. Used to being a lead, playing a nameless extra was a huge letdown.

Ward came over and whispered, "Diego from Poyet's crew called. We're picking up the goods tonight. The chicks at the high-end clubs are loving the new stuff."

"I got it," said Adam Smith. His lead role in Grey Company's late-night films didn't pay exceptionally well; his affluent lifestyle was partially funded by temp gigs in high-end clubs and dealing goods.

Ward tentatively suggested, "Should we cut ties?"

Adam Smith didn't care, "Even Marlon Brando did it. Why should I?"

He patted Ward on the shoulder, "Easy to get on this boat, hard to get off."

Used to easy money, who the hell wants to stand up to make a living?

*****

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