Chapter 20: Interview

"Actually, I just started a new semester and have been quite busy. I also just got back from the Eagle Rock Music Festival in Los Angeles, so I couldn't accept the interview invitation," Evan Bell explained, showing that he recognized Richard Kelly's sincerity. Although Evan's tone and demeanor didn't change much, Richard noticed his subtle shift. Whether the interview would be successful or not, at least the first step had been taken.

"I don't know if you've had dinner yet. The pizza here is very popular," Evan continued. He had eaten a little at the homecoming dance, but Richard had been guarding the door all the time, so he probably hadn't eaten yet. 

Sure enough, Richard smiled cheerfully at Evan's question and said, "Then I'll give it a try." Richard hadn't come to Boston because Evan Bell was unforgettable—Hollywood was full of talent, after all. His only impression of Evan was his performance in the musical "Cats," which had left a good first impression. But even after two weeks of actor interviews, Richard still hadn't found the right fit. Often, the first choice seems best in hindsight, prompting Richard to make the trip.

The meeting lasted only ten minutes, but Richard felt, for the first time, that he might have made the right choice. The young man before him was calm, composed, modest, polite, and thoughtful, all in addition to his previous impressions of being aloof, talented, and malleable. Richard began to look forward to the interview.

"Mr. Bell, originally, the interview required the presence of the director, producer, and agent, but I came in a hurry today. I'd like you to read the script first. If you think the interview is okay, we can proceed with the formal procedures," Richard said, recognizing the awkwardness of the current situation.

In the United States, actors are well-protected to avoid behind-the-scenes manipulation. Casting requires the presence of directors, producers, and agents. The producer, often the investor or someone who can attract sponsorship, is crucial and participates in all filming matters. Actors might have their own agents or be assigned one by the actors' union to protect their rights.

Casting decisions are a joint effort to minimize behind-the-scenes operations. Even if an actor is willing to engage in unscrupulous practices, securing a role isn't guaranteed. Neither the director, producer, nor agent wants to risk the film's failure, as it can severely impact their careers and finances.

Evan Bell waved his hand nonchalantly after Richard's explanation. "My agent is my brother. If the interview is successful and a contract is needed, he can be there anytime." Even without Evan's clarification, Richard knew the Bells—Evan and Teddy—were a family. "The real question was, who was the producer? and would the producer need to interview me again?" Evan asked. 

"Mr. Bell, I wrote this script myself, and Miss Barrymore is the producer. But, I'm in charge of the actors, so there's no need to worry," Richard assured, wiping his sweat at the young man's cleverness. Was he interviewing an actor, or was the actor interviewing him? "But, Mr. Bell, we can discuss these details later. Can you turn to the first page of the script and give me a performance?" Richard finally took the initiative and requested the interview.

Evan smiled indifferently, trying to clarify the situation but inadvertently pressured the other party. "Okay, let's start with the interview. After all, if I don't pass the director's interview, everything else is just empty talk, right?" His words relieved Richard. At 25, Richard was new to directing, having just left college. "Do you need me to start from the beginning?" Evan, having never participated in a movie interview, was in the dark about the process.

Richard quickly refocused, becoming professional. "I need you to give me a performance or an expression. You firmly believe you've predicted the end of the world, but no one believes you, including your family. Yet, you feel you're trying to prevent the world's destruction, making your emotions very complicated."

Evan hadn't yet looked at the script, so he was stunned by the complexity of the performance Richard described. But Richard's expectant nod made Evan raise his eyebrows. It was a difficult interview—no wonder Richard hadn't found someone he liked after two weeks. "Give me some time," Evan requested.

He lowered his eyes, pondering, his left hand unconsciously touching the ring finger of his right hand. The script's first page described the protagonist as a high school student—mentally unstable, emotionally impulsive, and a sleepwalker. This child couldn't find a sense of identity at school; no one, not even his family, trusted him. He should be sensitive, fragile, helpless, and withdrawn, yet curious about the unknown world, retaining a child's purity and curiosity. But should he act neurotic? Evan hesitated and decided against it.

Evan slowly closed his eyes. Richard stared at him, his greatest hope.

When Evan opened his blue eyes, there was confusion, doubt, and loneliness, but the clear eyes evoked thoughts of innocent children. A small smile formed, a sense of freshness and sweetness flowing into one's heart. The smile grew, and all negative emotions were replaced by faint sunshine. Such eyes and such a smile can always make people think of pure, spotless white.

Suddenly, Evan came out of his emotions, so quickly that Richard was slow to react. Evan's expression hadn't changed, but his clear eyes were gone, his long eyelashes covering them with a layer of fog. This subtle change showed he had walked out of the role.

Richard wanted to say it was over but held back, savoring the performance. Sensitive, fragile, lonely, unknown, and innocent enough to evoke sympathy—this was the protagonist he envisioned.

"However, you need some helplessness and sadness in your eyes," Richard realized. "The helplessness and sadness of not being understood and accepted by the world are crucial for the role."

Evan wasn't a professional actor and hadn't received formal training, but ten years on Broadway had taught him a lot about acting. It wasn't unfamiliar to him, but he still had a long way to go.

Richard was surprised when Evan lowered his head and took notes seriously on the script. This diligent and studious attitude added points in his favor.

"Mr. Bell, I'm delighted to invite you to join the 'Donnie Darko' crew. I hope you can become a part of our team," Richard said excitedly. He had finally found an actor who satisfied him—malleable, serious, and a good communicator. For a first-time director, Evan was the perfect fit.

"Wait, wait, I still have a few questions about the movie," Evan's words calmed Richard. Generally, if an actor attended an interview, it meant they were willing to act, but Evan was different. He had many questions. But Richard, also a new director, had no strict rules. He was so satisfied with Evan that he didn't mind.

"First of all, I haven't read the script yet, and I have no idea what role I'm going to play," Evan said, making Richard laugh. Everything had developed too fast. "Secondly, you mentioned that the producer is Miss Barrymore. If I'm not mistaken, is it Miss Drew Barrymore? If it is, then that must mean that this movie is an independent film?"