Chapter 304: Fight Hard

In a studio designed to resemble a small apartment, the crew, following Kate's instructions, cleared the set before commencing the shoot. With the exception of key personnel like the director and director of photography, everyone else vacated the premises.

In front of the camera, Martin dramatically removed his clothes three times. He then gazed at Kate and rushed towards her.

Kate swiftly rolled over, pinning Martin down, and they became entwined in an intimate embrace.

However, Director Sam, observing the scene closely on the monitor, became increasingly displeased and finally shouted, "Stop!"

Yet, lost in their roles, Martin and Kate remained locked in the moment for over ten seconds, their faces intensely close.

Director Sam entered the set, and they reluctantly separated.

Sam, fully focused on his work, expressed his dissatisfaction. He began with Kate, "You're too passive and gentle. This is a heroine-driven drama. You must take the initiative. Unleash your emotions!"

He used gestures to emphasize his point, "You have to fight hard, tap into those suppressed emotions from the past ten years, and use your strength, regardless of your understanding."

Kate responded, "I understand."

Turning his attention to Martin, Sam criticized, "This isn't you picking up girls in reality. You're not a Hollywood playboy; you're an inexperienced teenager. Do you understand? It's quite evident that you're experienced now, and Kate has taken the lead, contrary to your role."

Martin nodded and asked, "So, should I just passively endure?"

"Yes, you need to endure the storm of the heroine," Sam directed Martin, "You do whatever she asks you to do."

Although unconventional coming from the director, Martin agreed, "I understand."

Filming resumed, with Martin relinquishing control and letting Kate dictate the pace. Yet, shortly after, Sam called for another interruption.

The director was dissatisfied with the actors, stating, "There's not enough emotional investment. I can't feel the emotional connection. You appear as a makeshift couple, physical but lacking spirit." Martin and Kate had no choice but to let go and await further instructions.

Shortly after, Sam called out once again, stressing the importance of emotional exchange in this scene. Without it, he feared a dull and passionless movie. He declared that the art lies in the emotional sublimation between the hero and heroine through physical contact.

Kate, exhausted, requested a break. Martin instinctively tried to comfort her but realized the situation and withdrew his hand. "Kate, don't put too much pressure on yourself," he offered.

Kate replied with a smile, "You... you put too much pressure on me."

Martin sighed, "I can't help it; it's just natural."

The two picked up their blankets, wrapped themselves, and sat in the rest area, deep in thought.

The filming continued for several days, but progress was slow, causing stress for Director Sam. He reviewed the footage repeatedly, dissatisfied with Kate's performance in this particular scene.

In prior scenes, Martin had been able to guide Kate when she was off, but this time, the heroine's role demanded Kate's initiative, placing the responsibility on her to guide Martin.

Anthony Minghella approached and asked if there was a solution.

Sam pointed to the monitor where Martin and Kate were engaged and said, "In this scene, their passion and emotions should evolve through physical contact. It's the turning point in their relationship, but, to be precise, it's Kate. Her emotions are lacking, and Martin..."

On another side, Martin was conversing with Kate. She shared, "My sensitive points are here, here, and here..."

Martin admitted, "I can't perform these scenes. I'm just a kid who doesn't know anything; it all depends on your guidance."

Kate sighed, "I don't know why, but I can't find that feeling these past two days."

Feeling was an intangible yet vital component of their performance. Martin curiously asked, "Do you instinctively dislike me?"

Kate reassured him, "How is that possible? Actually, I've always found it challenging to shoot these types of scenes. Do you remember when we were in Atlanta? We struggled with that kissing scene multiple times."

Martin recollected the argument Kate had with the director at the time. He mused, "In this filming, there are many similar scenes. We must find a way to establish understanding. We can't continue like this every day."

Kate paused, contemplating, "The main focus is on me. Maybe I'm aiming for an Oscar with this role, and that's putting a lot of pressure on me. In the past, we could help each other out, covering for one another when the other wasn't at their best. But now, I need to take the lead and set the pace."

Martin nodded in agreement, acknowledging that even with his experience and skills, playing this entirely passive role was challenging.

Kate continued, "We've been thinking about how to establish a stronger understanding and create that unique emotional connection between our characters."

Martin was also reflecting on this challenge.

After a brief silence, Kate suddenly mentioned, "Have you ever heard the story of Nicole Kidman in 'Eyes Wide Shut'? There was a passionate scene that they struggled to film, and Stanley Kubrick had to use some unconventional methods to get her into the scene."

Martin wondered to himself, "Kate, are you joking?"

Kate spoke again, deep in thought. This role held immense significance for her.

The shooting resumed, but it proceeded intermittently. An entire afternoon passed, yet they had only captured a few shots.

Director Sam was visibly irritated and had a heated argument with Kate on set. Kate's assertive personality clashed directly with Sam.

Martin found himself mediating between the two to prevent further conflict.

The week concluded with tension between the couple.

Over the weekend, with no filming scheduled for the lead actor in the coming days, Martin initially considered going to New York. However, when he called, he learned that Blake Lively had returned to Los Angeles.

In the past six months, they had spent less time together, and their communication had waned.

During their phone conversation, Blake revealed, "When you were in Los Angeles, I was in New York. When I finally finished my work and returned to Los Angeles, you went to London... No matter how impressive a man is, when you share your life with someone, the golden halo fades once you're apart."

As a devoted fan who had realized her dream of being with her idol, Blake retained fond memories of Martin and decided to move back to her family home in Burbank. She hadn't lived with her parents and brother in a long time.

Martin understood her decision and calmly responded, "I see. I won't be able to return to Los Angeles in the short term."

After Blake hung up, Bruce handed Martin a glass of ice water and suggested, "Can't bear it? Why don't you bring her back? With your approach, it shouldn't be too difficult."

Martin took a sip of the cold water, easing his frustration, and proposed, "Tonight, let's go out for a drink and call Kate and Sam..."

Before he could finish, his phone rang again, and it was Leonardo on the line.

Martin answered, "Are you ready to come to London?"

Leonardo informed him, "I'm at the airport, waiting for Jack. The 'Mamma Mia' crew had a few days off, and Meryl called Jack to come visit the set. I'm tagging along."

Martin felt the responsibility of a younger brother and mentioned, "Jack is our boss. He's traveling all the way to London to see his lover. Leo, we younger brothers should prepare some gifts for him."

Leonardo asked, "Are you prepared over there?"

Martin assured him, "Absolutely, and I won't disappoint Jack."

Leonardo playfully added, "If you do, I'll call Blake and spill the beans about all the girls you've been picking up."

Martin revealed, "We've broken up."

Leonardo responded, "Well, then, you're free! Congratulations on your newfound singlehood!"

With the prospect of being single and open to new opportunities, Martin's mood improved. He concluded, "Call me when you arrive in London."

Bruce noticed Martin's phone call and stated, "I've finished everything and put them with the props team in the warehouse."

Martin inquired, "No issues with that?"

Bruce reassured him, "Welding a few steel pipes together is a breeze."

Exiting the trailer, Martin suggested, "Let's retrieve the items and find a place to test them."

They went to the props team and took out two bags from the warehouse, one containing two fireworks, different from the intimidating fireworks used for ney years.

"These were custom-made," Bruce explained. He had connections from his time as a soldier stationed in the UK, where he often engaged in fireworks-related activities. "They're precise to the gram and explode when ignited, creating a colorful display in the sky."

Martin took one bag and hopped on a battery-powered vehicle. Bruce drove northwest, leaving the set through the north gate.

As they arrived at a deserted building, they prepared to enjoy their display. Martin reflected, "The three of us seem to excel at causing mischief."

Bruce chuckled, "Happiness isn't just something you seek; it's also something you create. Life can be dreary, so maintaining a positive outlook is essential."

As they passed the crew's studio, Kate noticed them and expressed her interest in joining the fun.

The battery car carried all three away, and soon, they witnessed a series of colorful explosions in the sky.