Chapter 317: Thoughts Too Dangerous

The production team's vision for "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was naturally PG-13. However, many scenes shot for the film were far more risqué than what would eventually be released in theaters. For the film producers, revenue was not solely from box office sales—even though box office performance is a Hollywood studio's standard for measuring a star's value. Outside of theaters, especially in terms of DVD sales and rentals, revenues were downright phenomenal in this era.

Matthew Horner knew that last year, Pixar Studios' "Finding Nemo"—previously translated as "Sea Bed Mobilization"—had sold 18.5 million DVD sets to date, nearing $300 million in sales.

He also starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean," whose DVDs had sold 13.3 million copies, surpassing $200 million in sales.

Compared to the high costs and big promotions of theatrical releases, DVDs were much cheaper to produce and distribute. Helen Herman had once told him that for well-established conglomerates like the big six Hollywood companies, the cost of producing a DVD was just over five percent of its retail price.

In this era of astonishing DVD sales and rental figures, nearly all producers and distributors were focused on DVD sales.

Every year, movies with impressive DVD sales shared some common traits, such as being among the top sellers, invariably blockbusters. Outstanding box office performance was a decisive factor for DVD success.

Another factor was that the DVD versions usually included additional content not shown in theaters.

In this regard, "The Scorpion King," which Matthew had starred in, was a prime example. Its theatrical release was a standard PG-13, but the DVD release included much more explicit content, such as scenes between Matthew and Kelly Hu, effectively enticing consumers to buy.

Compared to the strict MPAA theatrical ratings, the DVD market was more lenient. Naturally, the DVD version of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" was much racier.

Soon, spectators were ushered out of the studio, leaving only the director and a few essential crew members. Only Matthew and Charlize Theron remained.

Both were seasoned actors. Matthew had shot similar scenes several times before, and Charlize Theron was even more experienced. However, the intensity of the scene was not quite as high as in "Monster," where she had acted alongside Christina Ricci.

After director Doug Roman called "Action," Matthew took the initiative. According to the script, Charlize Theron fought back vigorously, and they tangled as they had in previous fights.

However, the shooting was quickly halted. Director Doug Roman felt that both actors lacked enthusiasm.

"You need a crazy, all-out…" Doug Roman said loudly, "to completely break the barriers and return to a state of love."

He looked at Matthew and Charlize Theron. "You're both too restrained! You lack the wild energy that comes after male-female chemistry sparks!"

Matthew and Charlize Theron spoke quietly for a moment. Achieving the necessary excitement for such scenes wasn't easy, especially since Charlize Theron, to avoid awkwardness, had placed a pillow between them during the shoot.

Before resuming, he did a few push-ups to pump up his muscles, creating the illusion of excitement for the camera. Over-rehearsing or overthinking could make the fight scenes look contrived, like the poorly made soft films common in the industry.

If the excitement wasn't genuine, the performance wouldn't be convincing. Both actors needed to feel it.

Charlize Theron didn't just sit around; she drank a glass of champagne followed by a shot of tequila, gradually getting into the mood.

The second take went smoothly, a nearly two-minute long shot was quickly approved.

After the scene, Matthew released Charlize Theron, whom he had been pressing against a table, and helped her up. She straightened up and slipped her fallen strap back on.

Both were breathing heavily and glanced at each other, a moment of awkwardness passing between them.

Matthew was calm, asking softly, "Did I hurt you?"

Charlize Theron pulled out the pillow hidden under her clothes, tossed it aside, and smiled, "No worries."

Matthew was about to speak again when Charlize Theron cut in, "I'm going to remove my makeup."

Without waiting for his reply, she headed straight out of the studio.

Back in the makeup room, she sent the makeup artist away, leaned against the door, and caught her breath, gently patting her chest.

Just two minutes later, Charlize Theron regained her composed demeanor. Hearing the makeup room door next to hers open, likely Matthew returning, she quickly finished removing her makeup, changed clothes, and hurried out of the Warner Bros. studio.

Once, she and Stuart Townsend had fallen for each other during filming...

Sitting in the car provided by the production team, thinking of Stuart Townsend gave Charlize Theron a headache, followed by a sense of confusion, unsure of where their relationship was headed.

She knew

 it was dangerous to compare Stuart Townsend with Matthew Horner. Though Stuart's temper had worsened over the years, compared to the playboy Matthew Horner, he was far more devoted.

But Stuart Townsend's understanding... Tolerance was not the same as indulgence. However, she could endure it for now and, once this film was finished, might convince Townsend to see a psychologist.

After removing his makeup, Matthew encountered producer Aziva Gosman before leaving the studio. Aziva Gosman approached him deliberately.

"You're an outstanding actor," Aziva Gosman stated, not spur-of-the-moment, "This film has made a profound impression on me. You're naturally suited for these independent and strong male roles."

"Too kind," Matthew humbly demurred, "It's all in the role."

"You don't need to be modest. Everyone on set can see that you're a skilled actor," Aziva Gosman said, insisting on the point.

Matthew smiled but did not continue the conversation.

"You're a rarity— a young, box-office drawing male actor," Aziva Gosman added, observing Matthew's lack of on-set issues, "I'm eager to work with you again."

Matthew was puzzled by Aziva Gosman's underlying motives but promptly responded, "So am I."

Aziva Gosman then shifted the topic to the production of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

Unlike Doug Roman, who was solely focused on directing, Aziva Gosman, who juggled producing and screenwriting, saw the value in a young actor like Matthew. He was confident "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" wouldn't fail. Post-release, Matthew's appeal would grow, plus there was the less risky sequel to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series...

Without much analysis, it was clear Matthew was on his way to becoming a superstar.

Aziva Gosman was already preparing for his next big project, needing a box-office-strong star suited for tough roles. But with "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" in production and the "Da Vinci Code" adaptation on his plate, the next project would be years away. By then, Matthew Horner would likely have reached A-list status, making it harder to secure him for auditions.

Actors needed the right projects, just as producers and directors needed stars with significant drawing power.

Aziva Gosman, looking to the future, was already planning for his next big project.

After chatting with Aziva Gosman for a while, Matthew excused himself due to an evening appointment. He walked to the Warner Bros. studio gate, drove his BMW to an upscale Chinese restaurant in North Hollywood where Elena Boyar had arranged to treat him to dinner days earlier.

"Finally, no more fussy French cuisine," Matthew commented casually, handing back the menu after selecting a few familiar Chinese dishes, "Nothing beats Chinese food."

Elena Boyar shook her head, "I don't see what's good about it."

"That's because your taste buds are off. Try Chinese food for a week, and you'll find other cuisines bland," Matthew suggested.

"A whole week?"

Everyone has their own taste preferences. What's delicious for one might be poison for another. Elena Boyar responded, "I'm not looking to diet."

Matthew glanced at her, "Well, you don't need to lose weight."

Elena Boyar then changed the subject, "Any hot news lately?"

"So that's why you're treating," Matthew pointed at her, "You have an ulterior motive."

He shook his head, "Nothing. I've been busy with 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'—no time to keep up with anything else."

"You always disappoint," Elena Boyar sipped her water, then suddenly asked, "What about you and Charlize Theron?"

"We're just friends," Matthew replied calmly, "Nothing more."

"Just friends? You might fool others with that, but not me!" Elena Boyar's eyes widened, "Don't I know you better?"

She scoffed, then added, "My paparazzi have snapped photos of you two entering and leaving the Warner Bros. studio together many times."

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT