Chapter 406: Actors Quality

Inside the studio, resembling a freshly decorated home, David Fincher summoned Martin and Cate Blanchett for a discussion on the upcoming scenes.

The next scenes to be filmed would depict Benjamin and Daisy creating a loving atmosphere together, bonding intimately.

David Fincher paid no mind to the disorder and remarked, "I haven't outlined a precise plan for these scenes. The props and sets are in place; your on-the-spot performance will shape them." The set contained just a mattress and a wooden wall with a natural finish.

With that, David Fincher exited the set voluntarily.

Cate Blanchett cast a glance at Martin, uncertain of where to start.

In Martin's view, professionalism was paramount. Having received a substantial salary, he was determined to demonstrate a corresponding work ethic. He initiated the conversation, asking, "Are there any boundaries to consider for the intimate scenes?"

Cate Blanchett, a seasoned actor, cast aside any inappropriate thoughts and replied, "Just avoid the most sensitive areas, and we'll be fine."

Seated on the mattress, Martin continued, "Shall we discuss how to proceed?"

Cate Blanchett joined him, seated on the floor opposite, and suggested, "Daisy and Benjamin are at a point in their lives where they've been separated for many years before reuniting. This could call for a more intense approach."

Martin pondered, "So, essentially, they eat, drink, make love, sleep, and spend every other moment together on the mattress?"

Cate Blanchett nodded in agreement, adding, "Sleeping together isn't something they take lightly; they want to be together at every moment."

Martin rose and walked around the new house set, gesturing as he spoke, "Even the process of furnishing their home might become a battleground between them."

Cate Blanchett concurred, saying, "I think that's a great idea."

The two conversed for nearly half an hour, at times standing, gesturing, and even sharing a hug.

"Let's get ready," Martin said, returning to the rest area first.

The makeup artist approached to touch up his appearance.

Cate Blanchett settled into her lounge chair, occasionally stealing glances at Martin.

After Martin's makeup touch-up, he retrieved a breath freshener and applied it a few times.

For Martin, work was a matter of utmost seriousness. Even if Christian Bale had pummeled him during filming, he never contemplated revenge within a professional context.

Cate Blanchett recognized the familiar breath freshener used in the industry and nodded at her assistant, who had refrained from indulging in garlic and durian candies stashed in their bag—preparations for any unforeseen contingencies.

Cate Blanchett, too, reached for the breath freshener, spritzing it a few times.

Martin Davis exemplified professionalism, and Cate Blanchett was no different.

Two highly dedicated actors didn't require the crew to clear the set; they simply engaged in their scenes on the lone mattress, with dozens of eyes watching their every move.

At the outset, their actions were somewhat tentative, but as they grew more familiar with one another's bodies and sensitive spots, they transformed into a genuine couple.

As soon as David Fincher called "cut," the two promptly separated, resuming the demeanor of strangers.

Yet, when it came to discussing their work, there were no inhibitions. They engaged as if they were close friends, forthright and professional.

In the world of filmmaking, emotions often ran high. Attractive lead actors and actresses had a propensity to ignite each other's passions, and it was not uncommon for on-screen romance to transcend into real-life relationships.

At the edge of the set, Saoirse Ronan couldn't help but express her admiration to Elizabeth, saying, "I believe this is what top actors' professionalism looks like." Elizabeth, who had grown up visiting sets with her two famous sisters, took it in stride, replying, "Work is work."

Saoirse regretfully added, "I hate that I have to leave."

Elizabeth assured her, "When you come to Los Angeles, remember to give me a call."

During the crew's break, Saoirse bid farewell to Martin and followed her mother out of the studio.

Before departing, as a teacher, Martin gifted his students: a handmade clown statue and a crocodile tooth pendant.

Saoirse swiftly donned the pendant and quipped to Martin, "I've seen people showing off on other sets, saying you personally gave it to them. Now, I can do that too."

Elizabeth had visited numerous studios and had seen these items many times, but she had a different thought. She couldn't help but think that Martin was genuinely popular in the industry.

As Saoirse Ronan left, she muttered to herself, expressing relief that she didn't witness Shia LaBeouf's odd behavior towards Cate Blanchett.

With someone capable of managing Shia LaBeouf on the crew, he had restrained himself in Kathleen Kennedy's presence.

Over the next few days, Martin and Cate Blanchett invested their full energy in their roles and scenes.

The same was true for Cate Blanchett.

On the set, the two actors engaged in a renovation scene. As usual, the script offered only a scene description with no specific content. David Fincher continued to grant them creative freedom.

Cate Blanchett surveyed the log props that formed the wall and suggested, "Let's make this more interesting."

Martin, being more creative, came up with an idea within seconds. It was connected to their characters, but ultimately, the decision rested with both of them. "What if, during the latex painting process, the characters spontaneously decide to leave a mark of their love on this newly painted wall?"

Cate Blanchett agreed, saying, "Let's make these marks permanent decorations on the wall."

The two approached David Fincher with the idea, and he, in turn, summoned the prop master, who proposed using synthetic milk as a prop.

In the afternoon, they began filming the scene. Benjamin and Daisy, playing the roles of decorators, splashed latex paint onto the wall. After some playful banter, their passionate kiss escalated into a vigorous encounter against the white latex-covered wall, leaving yet another mark of their love.

At the conclusion of the scene, the actors, clad in protective gear, left their physical imprints on the wall.

Martin pressed himself against the white wall, leaving the outline of his body. Beside him, Blanchett's Daisy did the same.

Step by step, they stepped back, revealing two distinct human silhouettes imprinted on the wall.

Benjamin's silhouette bore a fist-sized hole near his waist, while Daisy's featured two papaya-shaped marks on her chest.

"Cut, excellent!" David Fincher praised the scene enthusiastically, "That's a wrap for today!"

Martin exited the set, took the towel Elizabeth handed him, wiped away the sticky latex from his face, and announced, "I'm going to take a shower."

Elizabeth followed, "I'll help."

With his back also covered in paint, Martin agreed, "Please do."

The two entered the trailer, and Elizabeth locked the door, sealing off any intrusion. She opened the window, closed the curtains, undressed, and headed into the bathroom.

Martin initiated the shower, saying, "Could you help me clean the paint off my back?"

"Stay still, I've got it," Elizabeth assured.

Martin experienced the sensation of soft bath towels gently scrubbing away the paint from his body.

After a while, Elizabeth maneuvered Martin's body, and they found themselves facing each other. She warned, "I'll give you a bath, just stay put."

Martin obediently raised his hand and allowed Elizabeth's bath towel to cleanse his body.

After a week of continuous filming, all the passionate scenes between Benjamin and Daisy had been captured.

Elizabeth's few scenes were wrapped up in a single afternoon.

Over the weekend break, Martin took Elizabeth on a drive into the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. They strolled hand in hand along the charming Decatur Street and made their way to Jackson Square.

Some tourists recognized Martin and excitedly snapped photos. Unfazed, Martin held Elizabeth's hand tightly, appreciating the historic French architecture surrounding them.

In a spontaneous moment, Elizabeth tugged on Martin's arm, and they ventured into a nearby shop. When they emerged, they both sported matching couple's hats atop their heads.

Amused by the hats, Martin pulled Elizabeth gently and proposed, "Come with me."

They stepped into a shop ahead that specialized in freshly printed cultural shirts. Business was slow, and no one seemed particularly interested.

The shop owner, however, instantly recognized Martin. The crew of "Benjamin" had been filming in New Orleans, and Martin, the film's lead actor, had become a prominent figure in local news.

"Martin..."

Martin smiled and said, "Let's discuss business first. I'd like to buy a couple's outfit."

Elizabeth examined the blank cultural shirts thoughtfully and suggested, "Shall we go with white?"

Martin agreed, saying, "White and black, a timeless classic."

The shop owner inquired, "What design or text would you like to have on them?"

Elizabeth perused the patterns and slogans displayed on the shelves and considered her choice. Martin, however, had a clear idea in mind, stating, "I'd like to have her face printed on mine, and my face on hers, along with a caption."

The shop owner couldn't help but inquire, "Are you two a couple?"

Elizabeth responded with a smile, "Absolutely."

Not long after, a local entertainment reporter caught wind of the news and spotted a handsome man and a beautiful woman wearing couple's hats and brand-new cultural shirts. The sweaters bore each other's faces along with bold text proclaiming, "This is My Boyfriend/Girlfriend!"

The couple ignored the reporters, walked straight across the square, entered the St. Louis Cathedral, and found a bench in the front row.

Elizabeth faced the cross before her, clasped her hands in prayer, and whispered softly.

Martin couldn't hear the words, but he watched her silently offer her prayers.

After making their wishes, they ventured into an art gallery adorned with abstract mosaic images that could lead the mind astray.

Observing Elizabeth's gaze occasionally wandering, Martin inquired, "What did you wish for earlier?"

Elizabeth kept it a secret, maintaining a sweet smile. Martin prodded further, "Do we have any secrets between us?"

Elizabeth responded playfully, "Oh, yes, we do. I wished for you to propose to me soon."

Martin took it as a joke, stating, "Come on, Liz, you're not even 20 yet."

The remainder of their trip was spent in the comfort of their hotel room.

Before Christmas, Elizabeth returned to Los Angeles, while Martin headed to Atlanta. He spent the entire holiday with Elena and her brother before rejoining the film crew for shooting.

After the New Year, Martin's scenes were largely completed, and he returned to Los Angeles. A few scenes required post-production work to wrap up.