Chapter 63: Ridley Scott

"Good morning, Nicholas, I'm Arthur Smith. Depp has mentioned you before," Arthur greeted as he approached Nicolas Cage.

Nicolas Cage stood up, shook Arthur's hand, and smiled. "Arthur Smith, I've heard Depp mention you too. I didn't expect you to be a producer as well since he said you're also a screenwriter!"

"Yes, I studied this before. My acting skills aren't as good as yours, so I have to compensate in other areas," Arthur said as he looked at Nicolas Cage.

"This is just a small role. Why did you specifically come here to audition?"

The role of the small-time crook in Thelma & Louise obviously suited newcomers better. Nicolas Cage had already starred in several lead roles. Was it really necessary?

"My agent arranged it, saying this role is quite outstanding," Nicolas Cage laughed. "Also, the script is pretty engaging. We need recognizable roles now to expand our influence, so coming to try out hardly wastes any time. But, you are more suitable. This role has high demands for appearance; it has to attract people at first glance!"

Nicolas Cage glanced at the other auditionees. "I estimate the crew will choose one from you three," he said, glancing at Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

"I'm different," Arthur smiled. "I'm pretty certain this role will go to Brad Pitt; that one looks too mature."

Arthur looked at George Clooney. "He doesn't look like a young person at all. And as for me, I look too inexperienced, and my acting skills aren't as good as Pitt's!"

"Let's wait for the results. I heard they're finalizing the casting today," Nicolas Cage shrugged.

It didn't take long for the auditions to start. After several elimination rounds, by the fifth round, only three were left: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Arthur Smith.

Arthur went in first for the final audition, which included director and producer Ridley Scott and lead actress Geena Davis.

Before coming to audition, Arthur had hoped to find an opportunity to meet Ridley Scott.

But it was only after five rounds of auditions that Arthur finally met the esteemed director Ridley Scott!

"Arthur Smith, your resume is quite impressive," Ridley Scott said as he perused Arthur's resume.

"You're producing Sleeping with the Enemy and also involved in producing Sleepless in Seattle. Both scripts were written by you!"

Next to them, 34-year-old Geena Davis stood at 6 feet tall. The audition was for a role that included scenes interacting with her, and there was also a bed scene.

"Arthur, you seem more like a screenwriter or producer than an actor," Geena Davis chimed in.

Arthur smiled. "These are just professional titles. There's no need to make strict distinctions. I have many possibilities in the future and many more titles to come!"

Ridley Scott also smiled. "Your appearance in Sleepless in Seattle was brief, but getting this far is already an accomplishment. Since you're also a producer, who would you choose for this role?"

Arthur thought for a moment. "If Thelma & Louise were my work, I wouldn't waste much time on casting actors. The budget is less than $20 million. I wouldn't bother with famous male stars. The focus would definitely be on the two leading actresses.

As for the thief role, if it were my movie, I would definitely cast myself, because whether it's me or Brad Pitt playing this role, it would be a success!"

Ridley Scott was taken aback. "You're that confident? This is a feminist film."

"Well, I am a screenwriter. If the script hadn't gained my approval, why would I waste time auditioning?" Arthur responded calmly with a smile.

"Sleeping with the Enemy is about to wrap up. And the other film I'm developing, The Silence of the Lambs, is about to start filming soon."

Both Ridley Scott and Geena Davis were surprised. "Is it the The Silence of the Lambs with Jodie Foster?" Geena Davis asked.

Arthur nodded. "Yes, Orion Pictures should have released some information. The Silence of the Lambs is one of my independent projects."

"Haha, quite impressive," Ridley Scott chuckled. "Last year, I also talked to Jodie Foster about Thelma & Louise, but unfortunately, we didn't reach a deal. Are you interested in this role?" Ridley Scott smiled. Indeed, the conman role in Thelma & Louise suited Brad Pitt or Arthur Smith the best.

With either actor being a fit, Ridley Scott was willing to do Arthur Smith a favor.

Arthur smiled. "Thank you, but as a producer, I think Brad Pitt is more suitable for this role. Recently, I worked with him on Sleeping with the Enemy. His acting talent is quite good. Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Scott. I hope we can work together in the future!"

Arthur went over to shake Ridley Scott's hand, and also shook Geena Davis's hand.

Truthfully, Arthur didn't want to have a bed scene with Geena Davis; she didn't match his aesthetic preferences.

Moreover, Brad Pitt could finish filming this role in a week, while it would take at least ten days for Arthur.

Ridley Scott chuckled. "You're indeed very professional. You look great and absolutely fit this role's requirements. The only thing lacking is a sense of hardship. You look too sunny right now; the role of thief is a recently released convict!"

Arthur nodded. "True, the role needs to convey dissatisfaction with life, a sense of reckless abandon and decadence."

"I'll seriously consider your perspective. There are two more auditionees. If George Clooney doesn't give a stunning performance, then the role goes to Brad Pitt," Ridley Scott said, looking at Arthur Smith.

"With good scripts in the future, I'm sure we'll have the chance to collaborate..."

After Arthur left, Geena Davis smiled. "Director Scott, it seems Arthur Smith came to this audition just to get to know you, right?"

Ridley Scott shook his head. "I'm not sure, but his judgment is indeed sharp."

"Brad Pitt's background does suit this role better!"

*****

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