Chapter 2: Mulholland Drive

In the early morning, as Charles was leaving the house, Evelyn also stepped out to get into her car, giving Charles a scrutinizing look.

"That's a good outfit," she said.

Charles looked down at himself. He was wearing a pair of pants and a white T-shirt. Well, it was indeed a stark change from his previous hip-hop style.

Charles nodded. There was no way around it. He was almost thirty in spirit now; those hip-hop clothes just didn't suit him anymore!

Evelyn drove to the ETA headquarters located in Beverly Hills. Well, most of the big agencies were in that area, between Century City and Beverly Hills, along Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.

Meanwhile, Charles drove to the hotel to pick up Naomi Watts and then headed to the Universal Studios lot.

Universal Studios is quite large, with nearly 40 soundstages. Universal Pictures definitely didn't need all of them, so they rented them out to other production crews.

"A while ago, Evelyn mentioned that you seemed to have gotten hurt. Are you okay?" Naomi Watts knew Charles, so she showed some concern.

Charles laughed and said, "I'm fine, just a minor head injury, but I've long since recovered."

Soon, amidst their conversation, they arrived at the soundstage for reshoots of Mulholland Drive. Naomi Watts went to makeup and waited to start filming.

Charles, now quite familiar with the surroundings, helped out here and there. However, he was much more serious than before, carefully observing the director's scheduling, cinematography, lighting, props, and general crew work on set.

He didn't disturb the production crew, merely tagging along as Naomi Watts' assistant.

In the afternoon, while Naomi Watts was shooting, Charles sat aside and started reading the script for that scene.

"Naomi, in this scene, you need to be more hysterical. I want a performance that shows life's failures and losing faith in life! Take a ten-minute break," the director, David Lynch, explained. He was reshooting the scene that revealed the real truth for the protagonist in the movie.

Mulholland Drive was an intricate mind-bender. It was crucial to distinguish between dreams and reality.

Naomi Watts, looking quite self-critical, came over to rest. Charles handed her some water and a towel, and after some thought, he reminded her:

"Naomi, you don't need to force this performance. Just integrate your own experiences from the past years. The character Diane's reality is one of complete failure, utterly opposite from her dreamland self. Think about your own past. Wasn't it worse than Diane's?"

"Uh," Naomi Watts mused, seeming to grasp something.

The success of Mulholland Drive couldn't overlook Naomi Watts' performance. Her own struggles in the entertainment industry mirrored Diane's strongest embodiment.

Just like Diane in the film, who in her dream world had resourceful relatives, impressive acting skills, and a body and face to attract directors,

In reality, Diane loved another woman, had average acting skills, and only got supporting roles, never being in the spotlight.

Naomi Watts stared at Charles, somewhat surprised. "You understood the script?"

"My mom brought it home before. I studied it when I had free time," Charles replied, his tone becoming a bit secretive.

"Naomi, this film is quite good. It's a deep mystery. David Lynch is very adept with this kind of material. Though its audience might be niche, it will definitely attract a small devoted group, and these types of films are often favored by critics and award shows. When the movie releases, your performance will be seen by many. I believe in you!"

"Thank you!" Naomi Watts said, though she clearly didn't fully believe it, she accepted the boy's well-wishes.

However, with a $15 million investment, Mulholland Drive was already quite substantial. Naomi Watts had worked hard to get this opportunity and would certainly give it her all.

As filming continued, Charles became silent. After all, Naomi Watts had genuine acting talent, undoubtedly more knowledgeable than Charles.

Time flew by, and after a week of reshoots, it was over. The director moved on to post-production adjustments.

Charles drove with Naomi Watts and Evelyn sitting in the back seats. Evelyn had come by two or three times that week, mainly to see if there was anything to discuss.

"How are you feeling? The day after tomorrow, we're off to the Cannes Film Festival. Mulholland Drive is nominated for Best Director and Best Picture in the main competition. We'll need to promote the film then. Universal Pictures plans to release it in mid-October, which is the perfect time for this type of film," Evelyn explained the film's release strategy to Naomi Watts.

The Cannes Film Festival's Best Picture is the Palme d'Or, which alongside Venice's Golden Lion and Berlin's Golden Bear, is one of the three major international awards, just below the Oscars.

October's latter half coincides with the Halloween season, making it a good time to release thrillers and mysteries.

Of course, other genres aren't uncommon either.

"I know, I'll definitely cooperate fully with the promotional work!" Naomi Watts was also looking forward to Cannes.

"How long will you be gone?" Charles, who was driving, suddenly asked.

"Three to five days. It's the end of the month now; we'll return at the start of next month. Don't invite your rowdy friends over for parties at home, or else you'll have to move out again," Evelyn warned, giving Charles a stern glance.

"No, I don't have money now. I've already returned the place I rented. I have just over $3,000 now, $1,000 of which I earned from Mulholland Drive, plus $1,000 in tips from Naomi, and the last $1,000 is my salary from you."

Charles scratched his ear and smiled.

"Charles did well in the crew. He was diligent and made friends with many behind-the-scenes staff, even chatting with David Lynch. The director mentioned he had a knack for scripts," Naomi Watts also chimed in with a smile.

"Hmm?" Evelyn gave Charles a skeptical look, then looked at Naomi, unbelieving.

Naomi Watts nodded to confirm the truth.

"A knack for scripts? He can't even write one!"

The conversation ended as they dropped Naomi Watts off at her hotel, and the mother and son returned home.

After getting back, Charles reminded his mother, "This film Mulholland Drive is quite something. It will attract a devoted audience, and Naomi's acting is genuinely good. After the movie releases, her fame will definitely skyrocket.

At the very least, she won't be without roles. Scripts will come to her, so you should keep her close!"

Evelyn nodded and smiled. "I already know that. Given the two nominations in Cannes' main competition, I've been prioritizing her care."

"Alright, get some rest. Tomorrow I'll head to the office to make arrangements, then we're off to Cannes. You should find a project to work on."

Charles nodded. He needed money badly! $3,000 was far from enough!

*****

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