Stubbornness

"Let's do it again."

"Cut."

"Your expression isn't intense enough."

"Once more."

"Cut..."

...

They had already shot this scene five times, and it still hadn't passed muster.

James paced behind the monitor, agitated. However, he wasn't the sort to vent his frustrations easily. He knew it was a futile endeavor.

Yet suppressing his feelings only made him feel trapped inside. He picked up a microphone, put it down, picked it up again, his demeanor an embodiment of extreme restraint.

Jason's mood wasn't any better; he held his head in his hands, shoulders slouched. Though his expression was unclear, anyone perceptive could sense the immense pressure he was under.

For actors, the fear of not getting an opportunity was dreadful; having the chance and not succeeding was equally disheartening.

Hugo, who was on the sidelines, hurriedly approached to offer comfort.

However, he didn't know what to say; what he needed most at this moment was to deliver this performance. Yet, he couldn't.

Each actor had their own approach, their unique way of performing that suited them. If it were Heath Ledger or Nicolas Cage, for instance, different emotions would undoubtedly be evoked, yet the overall effect would be similar.

James grabbed a bottle of water and took a few big swigs, moistening his drying throat.

When an actor couldn't get into character, it would disrupt the shooting schedule, something he didn't wish to witness.

Growing increasingly anxious, he feared disappointing too many people's expectations: his own, those of his good friend Leigh, Lyman's... as well as every member of the crew.

So... his gaze began to lock onto a certain figure.

Lyman swore that within that 0.0001 seconds when James's gaze landed on him, he had an inkling.

However, he remained unmoved, feigning ignorance.

As mentioned before, directors weren't acting instructors; they rarely understood the nuances of performance.

Lyman didn't understand either; he didn't think he could offer any insights.

Nevertheless, when James spoke up, Lyman still comprehended that some things couldn't be avoided.

This supposed producer was once again entangled in a predicament. Oh, why did it have to be again?

"What can we do? Could you go help?"

"What can I do to help? Didn't you discuss the scene already?" Puzzled by the weight placed upon him, Lyman could only express his inability.

"When filming "Miscreant", you often exchanged ideas with Tom Cruise, and he acted quite well."

Geez, was he implying that he and Tom were on the same level? Despite critics frequently mocking Tom's lack of acting skills, who could you possibly compare him to?

Besides, Jason Stanton's experience wasn't as extensive as Tom's.

Yet, observing his hopeful gaze, Lyman found it difficult to voice those thoughts. It would be too demoralizing.

Moreover, Jason's work ethic was impeccable. Shouldn't they look at the positive side? They shouldn't focus solely on his shortcomings.

Furthermore, his paycheck was just right. At $1.8M, what more could he ask for?

"Well, how about interpreting the scene in a different way?" Lyman offered a practical suggestion. Prolonging this in its current state would surely yield no benefits.

"Can't you teach him?"

"I'm just discussing the scene."

The words "acting guidance" seemed to weigh heavily on him.

Upon hearing them, for some reason, James let out a sigh of relief.

"Alright, I'll go talk to him."

While Hugo Weaver was attempting to console him, he noticed the director walking their way. Displaying keen observation, he quickly withdrew.

...

The atmosphere between the two was exceptionally awkward. James was about to say something.

However, Jason spoke first, "I'm sorry, Director, I..."

"Saying sorry won't change anything," James sighed.

"I'm sorry, but I really can't do it. I have no idea how to achieve the desired effect. I'm completely lost."

His situation was akin to a novice attacking a regional boss, unleashing full firepower, yet barely making a dent in the boss's health bar.

He'd been left dumbfounded. Moreover, there was the fact that Hugo had performed so exceptionally well.

This raw and blatant comparison was disheartening.

"Pondering over it won't help; we still need to continue filming," James's tone wasn't the best, but he had no choice. He wasn't in high spirits either. "During the next take, you won't need to show your face. We'll focus on your leg and the ground. Just get your movements right. Understand?"

Jason didn't say a word.

He felt a pang of melancholy. For an actor, this situation was surely hard to accept. Some people might not care and even consider it a relief, but he didn't. He wanted to be an actor. He enjoyed acting.

His mouth gaped slightly, "C-could I try again?"

"What did you say?" His voice was barely audible.

"Director, could I try again?" he repeated.

This time, James heard him clearly.

However, observing how distressed he was, on the brink of breaking down, he found it impossible to refuse.

What the hell, what kind of situation was this?

It was akin to participating in a show as the final act, where the spotlight should have been on you, a shining moment in your life, your showtime.

But at the last moment, someone tells you, "Oh dear, your technique isn't up to par; let's just skip this part and do some movements."

This kind of skepticism was frightening, so frightening that Jason couldn't bear it.

Yes, he didn't possess superior acting skills; he lacked innate talent. Ever since he started, he mostly appeared in action films or played supporting roles in other works, providing a backdrop for the main cast.

But did he lack ambition? Was he content with the status quo? No, he never was.

He wanted to improve.

And it was true, having spent so many days with Hugo, coupled with the stimulation from their previous scene, and his inherently stubborn nature, he couldn't simply let it go.

He really wanted to give it his all, to push himself to reach that level. Unfortunately, his abilities and foundation fell a bit short, leaving him struggling halfway.

As for James, his heart softened, and he left without saying a word. Despite his impatience, his actions demonstrated his support.

After all, he couldn't possibly say to Jason, "Your level is just that; persisting won't help. Just get by with some movements; don't take it too seriously."

Those words were something he couldn't bring himself to say.

He returned slowly to the monitor. With a sense of helplessness, he took a seat.

Lyman noticed and understood that things might not have been resolved.

Naturally, that was the case; the emotions were all over Jason's face. No matter how you looked at it, it didn't seem like the issue had been resolved.

"He wants to try again, and I agreed."

"Sure, let him give it another shot."

Regardless of the decision, he could comprehend it.

People, weren't they always in the midst of fumbling about in life?

Even if it led to a delay in the filming schedule, as a producer, he would undoubtedly shoulder the responsibility.

What was there to fear? Consider it a learning experience.

Moreover, he had already decided to support the director. Regardless of the circumstances, he was determined to straighten this situation out.

Get it together!