Chapter 304: The Most Incredible Species

In a circle filled with the temptations and struggles for fame and fortune, rumors are bound to abound. Among these, many that spread widely are eventually proven to have a basis in truth.

For instance, Hollywood is rife with rumors that Anne Hathaway, who shot to fame with "The Princess Diaries," is very pretentious and that there seem to be issues with her current boyfriend. While some might dismiss this as typical gossip that accompanies fame, Murphy, with his unique experiences, knows that at least seventy percent of the rumors about Hathaway circulating in Hollywood are true.

Murphy isn't sure about the accuracy of everything he's seen, but it has influenced his perception of Natalie Portman.

Meddling in the marriage between Darren Aronofsky and Rachel Weisz, leading to their separation, and then continuously critiquing Weisz's capabilities after securing the role she wanted, Portman wasn't a professional dancer. Thus, the lead role's extensive dance sequences inevitably required a professional dance double. Extensive use of a double could significantly impact her Oscar chances. Portman claimed to have performed most of the dance sequences herself while also signing a restrictive contract with her dance double to prevent them from disclosing the truth, potentially harming her Oscar campaign.

To ensure the film followed her vision, Portman brought in her good friend Mila Kunis for a supporting role. However, things didn't always go as planned. During the Venice Film Festival, Portman discovered Aronofsky was also involved with Kunis.

At the festival, Portman didn't win any awards, while Kunis received the Best New Actress award for her role, marking the end of their private relationship.

To the media and public, however, they remained good friends and sisters.

Most people would have been outraged and left Aronofsky, but Portman's eyes were set on the Oscars. She chose to endure and even made amends with Kunis.

Even someone as astute as Portman couldn't control everything. During the Toronto Film Festival, she discovered she was pregnant with Aronofsky's child.

Aborting the child seemed the most logical choice, but Portman turned the situation to her advantage. Pregnant women can garner more sympathy and favorability. With the North American awards season approaching and Annette Bening as her main competitor, Portman decided to keep the child.

However, Aronofsky was not a reliable partner, and being associated with him could have dragged her into his messy divorce with Weisz, potentially turning her into a scandalous figure.

To avoid entanglement in Aronofsky and Weisz's marital breakdown, Portman decided to find a suitable partner, setting her sights on the film's bisexual dance instructor, Benjamin Millepied.

This move served two purposes. If criticized for her dance sequences, she could naturally gain the endorsement of the New York City Ballet's principal dancer.

But Bening was not an easy opponent. Following the dance double's revelations and Aronofsky's attempts to win back Portman, he ensured the dance double's silence until after the Oscars at her request.

Portman outmaneuvered Bening, maximized Aronofsky's value, and strategically distanced herself from him. By leveraging her relationship and pregnancy, she further attracted votes, leaving Bening no chance and smoothly securing the Oscar.

When Murphy came across these stories, he was both astonished and somewhat admiring. If all this were true, Portman and her team's meticulous planning and efficient execution were exemplary.

This was a classic case of Oscar campaign strategy. Compared to Portman's maneuvers, Harvey Weinstein's public relations tactics were blunt and lacked sophistication.

In this regard, Murphy felt outmatched. His current self was nowhere near the league of Natalie Portman's future self.

However, secrets eventually come out. After winning the Oscar, those suppressed by Portman began to retaliate. The dance double's outcry, the revelation of Millepied's reputation and sexual orientation in the dance community, the causes of Aronofsky and Weisz's marital breakdown, plus her minimal presence in the disappointing "Thor: The Dark World" and her public dispute with another actress, Kate Dennings...

Such unfavorable news put her under intense scrutiny.

Thus, the peculiar film "Jane Got a Gun" emerged, featuring numerous scenes centered on her character. Continuous script changes and increased screen time for her role led actors like Michael Fassbender and Jude Law to abandon the project. The lengthy preparation to release time also became a major Hollywood gossip topic.

As for whether Portman proved herself... Well, both "A Tale of Love and Darkness" and "Jane Got a Gun" performed poorly in terms of box office and critical reception.

As a director who likes to control the narrative, Murphy definitely preferred not to work with an actor as manipulative as Portman.

As the casting proceeded, various roles were confirmed, and Murphy even agreed to cast James Franco's brother, Dave Franco, in a minor role.

Within his capabilities, Murphy prioritized and assisted his people.

The lead actress remained undecided. Anne Hathaway auditioned for the role, but her current state didn't meet Murphy's standards, aside from her youthful and attractive appearance.

As for the other auditioning actors, not even the casting team, led by Paul Wilson, found them passable. Perhaps some had acting skills and appearances not far off from established actors, but they lacked presence.

Presence, though intangible, is real, especially when an actor appears on camera.

Murphy even sought out Rosamund Pike, the original lead actress, but found her barely more than a decorative vase at present.

Hollywood is indeed a place where roles make actors, but a standout role requires a matching performer. A character like Amy isn't something any decent-looking actress can handle.

With auditions continuing to disappoint, Murphy got Charlize Theron's contact from Bill Rossi and personally called her. The South African diamond didn't refuse and agreed to meet Murphy for a detailed discussion.

At the Death Star building's café, Murphy met the renowned South African diamond.

"Hello, Director Stanton."

The blonde beauty, dressed in a white shirt and cropped jeans, exuded a mix of cold allure and laziness, unforgettable at first sight.

"Call me Murphy," he said, shaking her hand. Theron, aware of her counterpart's reputation as one of the most promising young directors, courteously replied, "My friends call me Sally."

Up close, Murphy realized Theron looked different from her magazine, media, and film images.

Theron was one of the most incredible species Murphy had ever encountered, capable of embodying a wide range of on-screen personas.

But the woman across him was strikingly tall and robust, unlike her on-screen depiction.

Murphy quickly noted her broad shoulders, nearly matching his own.

"Sit, Sally," Murphy gestured to the opposite seat, ordered two coffees, and went straight to the point, "Since I had Bill Rossi contact you, I've been waiting for your reply, which I haven't received until today."

"I apologize," Theron said, showing remorse.

Murphy inquired, "Sally, have you read my script?"

Theron nodded, "I read it as soon as it was delivered."

A rising director personally sending a role script meant she couldn't ignore it. Theron added, "Amy is a fantastic character. She reminded me of Aileen Wuornos."

Despite not being highly cultured,

 her extensive acting experience gave her a discerning eye. Amy's character had the potential to match the serial killer role that won her the Oscar for Best Actress.

"So," Murphy didn't beat around the bush, "Sally, you like the role of Amy?"

After a moment's hesitation, Theron nodded, "The character is fascinating, exuding a unique charm."

"Would you accept the role?" Murphy asked.

Theron shook her head, "I can't give you an answer now."

Murphy looked at her, "May I know why?"

___________________

(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