Chapter 238: Bond Girl

[Chapter 238: Bond Girl]

While going to the set, Elisabeth continued the previous discussion, "What does fate has to do with Sleepless in Seattle?"

"How could it not relate? Sleepless in Seattle tells a story about fate, about a couple separated by a thousand miles who romantically come together through a radio show. Isn't that fate?"

Elisabeth countered, "But I think that story could never happen in reality."

"You're being too absolute. This world has billions of people, and any bizarre coincidence could happen. Moreover, if things were that easy, then why even make a movie?" Eric shrugged. "It's precisely because there are so many impossibilities and disappointments in reality that stories are crafted in various forms, like films. They're meant to provide some spiritual compensation and comfort, which is the beauty of storytelling."

"Alright, you always have so many reasons." Elisabeth realized she was no match for Eric's arguments and decided to drop it.

...

New Year's Eve. The father and son continued to spend a lonely evening in a darkened house without turning on the lights.

After Jonah fell asleep, Sam carried his son into the bedroom and then, feeling all alone, came out to the deck. Watching the fireworks light up the distance, his loneliness weighed heavier on his heart. Panicking, he hurried back into the living room, sprawled on the sofa, and after drinking some beer, he finally dozed off.

Unconsciously, he saw his wife, Maggie, appear again -- the woman with short hair, dressed in a white dress, tall and exquisitely beautiful.

"Can I have half your beer?" Maggie picked up a half-drunk beer Sam had and sat at his feet, leaning against the sofa back, gazing lovingly at him with a charming smile gracing her lips.

Sam could only stare dumbfounded at her.

Maggie continued, "What did I used to say? Here's looking at you? Here's mud in your eye?"

"Here's to us. You used to say here's to us." Sam replied looking at her with his eyes welling with tears.

"Oh babe. I miss you so much it hurts," He reached out for her but she's already gone. 

...

"Cut, good!" Eric called out, satisfied. As the surrounding crew got moving again, the woman sitting on the sofa stood up and walked over to Eric with a charming smile, asking, "Director Williams, did I do okay?"

"Of course, you were outstanding, Ms. Lowell," Eric replied to the tall actress.

The woman's name was Carey Lowell, the latest Bond girl from this year's film License to Kill, and in the alternate timeline of Sleepless in Seattle, she had a cameo as Sam's wife. Given that her fame was slightly higher now than it would be in a few years, Eric had sent her an invitation.

Carey Lowell quickly responded, expressing her eagerness to do a cameo in Eric's movie. It made sense; despite being the latest Bond girl, License to Kill had only grossed just over 30 million at the box office during the summer release. While 30 million isn't bad for other movies, for a James Bond film, that kind of performance was something to be embarrassed about, especially considering the film's promotion costs far exceeded that amount.

Through international distribution, MGM managed to recoup their costs and even make a small profit.

However, a domestic gross of 30 million directly led to a six-year pause in the Bond series, and when it was restarted, all the creatives had been replaced.

Because of the poor performance, Carey Lowell didn't gain the corresponding fame from it. To be frank, Bond girls never really achieved significant fame. People remembered former 007 actors like Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, but not many could name more than a few Bond girls.

"Do you want me to do it again, or is this how it's going to end?" After hearing Eric say that, Carey Lowell inquired. Her screen time was limited; aside from appearing in Sam's dreams, there were only a few seconds of her showing up while the family was out shopping. In total, her scenes didn't add up to more than a minute in the entire film.

Being a Bond girl meant she undoubtedly had a desirable appearance, but like Virginia, Carey Lowell was born in 1961 and was now 28. If her acting career didn't take off significantly, her prospects after 30 would likely dwindle. So, recognizing this opportunity to work with Eric, she was determined to fight for more screen time for herself.

When she agreed to do the cameo, Carey Lowell didn't even ask for a penny in pay. Her intentions were clear. Though it was just a cameo, no one would belittle this role besides Eric, who knew the particulars.

Many had recommended others to Eric, but he refused and instead specifically mentioned Carey Lowell's name. The actress greatly valued this, knowing that despite You know, although Brooke Shields is the nominal heroine in Running Out of TIme, her appearance time is almost the same as a cameo.. So, Carey Lowell hoped Sleepless in Seattle would yield similar effects for her career as Brooke Shields' role in that movie did.

But Eric shook his head, "No need, Ms. Lowell, it's getting a bit late, so you can head back downtown now. I'm sure you understand, the living conditions for the crew here aren't great."

"It's fine. I can wait a little while. We're almost done shooting anyway, and who knows if you might need me for something else."

"Alright," Eric nodded, and the actress discreetly walked aside.

The camera started rolling again, with the scene still on the sofa. Sam opened his eyes, only to realize everything had been a dream. Rubbing his eyes, he surveyed his surroundings; the lighting was dim, silent, reflecting his lonely feelings.

"Alright, Hanks, that's a wrap for today's scene," Eric said, gesturing to the crew. "Everyone, clean up, and let's wrap it up so we can rest. Tomorrow, we'll be shooting at Seattle Airport."

*****

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