Chapter 45: Actress

Los Angeles, Burbank, Carpe Films.

Charles had a meeting in the company's conference room with Ang Lee, the director of Brokeback Mountain, and the film's executive producer, Diana Ossana.

"Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger have both undergone cowboy training, but we still haven't decided on the two crucial supporting actresses," Diana Ossana explained.

Charles looked at the profiles of the actresses on the table. They've reviewed quite a few!

"Michelle Williams, Liv Tyler, and Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron..." Charles glanced through the profiles, slightly surprised.

"What's the current status?" he asked.

"Michelle Williams' audition went well. She could play Heath Ledger's wife," Ang Lee explained. "As for Jake Gyllenhaal's wife, we contacted Anne Hathaway. She's interested but has a scheduling conflict with another film this year."

The shooting schedule for Brokeback Mountain was from June to August, and the film was set to start next month.

"Well, what about Charlize Theron and Liv Tyler? Have they been contacted?" Charles asked. Since Anne Hathaway wasn't available, they couldn't wait for her. After all, she was still primarily known as the sweetheart princess with The Princess Diaries being her main claim to fame.

Charlize Theron was still seen as just a pretty face, not yet an Oscar winner; Liv Tyler, however, had significant name recognition.

The elf princess in The Lord of the Rings was indeed stunningly beautiful.

"We haven't confirmed yet. We sent the script to their agents and scheduled auditions for today," Diana Ossana said, glancing at Charles.

"Alright, let's see how things go," Charles understood why they had both come to Carpe Films together.

Not long after, Liv Tyler arrived. Ang Lee personally conducted the audition while Charles and Diana Ossana watched from the side.

When Liv Tyler appeared in cowboy attire, Charles was impressed. The role in the movie wasn't extensive but did include some breakthrough scenes.

"So, what do you think?" Charles asked Ang Lee.

"Her performance was solid. As long as she's comfortable with the film's boundaries, it's good," Ang Lee said with a smile.

"Let's wait and see Charlize Theron this afternoon," Charles felt Liv Tyler's fee might be higher. Even though it was an art film with limited scenes, saving money where you can is always wise.

"The scenery at the foot of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta is perfect for the movie. Brokeback Mountain will primarily be filmed in Calgary, Alberta," Diana Ossana mentioned, noting that both she and Ang Lee had scouted the location, which fit the director's vision for the story's setting.

"That's great!"

Charles hoped the filming of Brokeback Mountain would begin as soon as possible. Carpe Films needed more productions.

In the afternoon, Charlize Theron also arrived at Carpe Films, but her appearance seemed different.

She looked a bit bulked up; was this really the South African diamond, Charlize Theron?

After asking around, Charles learned that Charlize Theron had just finished filming a crime drama based on real events, Monster.

She had gained thirty pounds for the role. Filming for Monster had just wrapped up at the end of March, and Charlize Theron was still in the process of losing weight.

With Brokeback Mountain set to start filming next month, it was clear this wouldn't work out in time.

"Let's go with Liv Tyler then, Diana. Talk to her agent, and let's get this movie started as soon as possible!"

Charlize Theron was indeed impressive. Monster was the film that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress with her transformative performance.

Diana Ossana nodded. From a commercial perspective, Liv Tyler seemed to have more box office appeal than Charlize Theron at the moment.

Charlize Theron had come alone for the audition. As she was about to leave and get into her car, Charles stepped out and hurried over.

"Hey, Charlize!" Charles called out.

"Care for a cup of coffee?" he asked.

"Mr. Carpe, sure!" Charlize Theron was momentarily taken aback but agreed.

After getting into Charlize Theron's car, Charles pointed out a route, and they both headed to a nearby coffee shop.

"What's this about, Mr. Carpe?" Charlize Theron curiously asked the young producer sitting across from her.

"Just call me Charles," he replied, taking a sip of coffee, "I just wanted to meet you and maybe make a friend."

"Oh," Charlize Theron responded, somewhat surprised by his straightforwardness.

"So, I'm not right for Brokeback Mountain?" she asked.

Charles nodded and smiled, "Your current physique doesn't fit. Brokeback Mountain starts filming in Canada next month."

Charlize Theron looked down at herself. Although she'd lost some weight, it would take more time to get back to her original shape.

"It's too tight a timeframe. I have to join another production in September, Head in the Clouds, and need to be in top shape for that," Charlize Theron said without much disappointment.

"You're really impressive. I checked out Monster before coming out. Biographical films based on true events are captivating for critics and cinephiles alike," Charles praised, watching her. "Your transformative performance completely overshadowed your looks - that takes a lot of resolve! There aren't many like you in Hollywood. I have a lot of faith in you."

"Thank you!" For Charlize Theron, who initially broke out as a sexy bombshell, Monster was a big leap, aiming to showcase her acting abilities.

"When does Monster come out?"

"December, through Newmarket Films. It's just a small indie film."

"Aiming for the Oscars - smart move. Your groundbreaking performance definitely deserves a nod for Best Actress," Charles expressed his admiration for hard-working, talented actresses.

"Oscar," Charlize Theron chuckled.

"I'm sure we'll have the chance to work together in the future. I've got some things to handle now, so let's chat again next time," Charles said, getting up to leave after paying the bill.

"Absolutely. I look forward to working with you!" Charlize Theron was also glad to make a connection with a rising producer.

After finalizing the main cast for Brokeback Mountain, the arrangements for minor roles became simpler, delegated to a casting director.

As Carpe Films was busy with the editing for Saw and submitting it for MPAA rating, the summer film season kicked off.

20th Century Fox's X2: X-Men United led the summer charge, opening in 3,800 theaters across North America and raking in $85 million in its first weekend.

Compared to Daredevil released earlier in the year, X-Men had the upper hand in both box office performance and critical reception. The X-Men series had become 20th Century Fox's flagship franchise.

With the success of X-Men and Spider-Man movies, Marvel Comics' influence surged alongside its cinematic expansion, vying for global dominance with DC Comics.

*****

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