Chapter 8: A Very Artistic Body

"Richard, you're living a very chic life now, driving a sports car and having big dinners with beautiful girls. Meanwhile, I'm pitifully running around every day, tired like a dog. Don't you have a bad conscience living like this?"

In the office of the chairman of the BAA, Anthony propped his hands on his desk and complained indignantly.

Richard glanced at him and shook the newspaper, "You know what? I bought a sports car to improve the company's image and show its strength. I'm dating girls for big dinners to expand my network and target potential customers. Everything I do is for the company, and I have a clear conscience."

"Hmph, after running for so many days, how many customers have you developed?"

"How can it be so fast? Securing clients takes time. Now, tell me about you. Did you get a good role?"

Richard put down the newspaper and asked solemnly.

Anthony shook him off, "You think I'm like you, not doing my job? I ran around for a few days and landed a good role. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis's new play 'In the Name of Love' needs a boxer. This role is perfect for you."

"Daniel Day-Lewis's 'In the Name of Love'?"

Richard opened his computer and flipped through the photo album, finding Lewis among the many celebrity photos. He had a little more information on Lewis in his head.

Lewis is 40 years old, an English actor, who won the 62nd Academy Award for Best Actor and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in 1990 for "My Left Foot." In 1993, with "In the Name of the Father," he was nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor and the Golden Globe for Best Actor. In 1998, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for "In the Name of Love." In the future, he will be the first to win three Oscars for Best Actor in history.

This movie starring Lewis, nominated for a Golden Globe Award, should be of good quality.

"What's my role?"

Richard asked.

Anthony was choked up, "Big guy, the first time you film, you want to get the lead role?"

Richard frowned, "Don't tell me you brought me here to play a minor role?"

"Of course not. Your role has five to six minutes of screen time, a one-on-one fight with Daniel Day-Lewis. Acting opposite an Oscar winner is a huge opportunity."

Richard nodded slightly, "It barely matches my face. When does filming start?"

"Wait, this role is quite important. You need to audition. If you agree, we can go to the set now."

"In the end, it still requires my personal charm."

Richard sighed, leaving Susan to watch the house, he drove the sports car and took Anthony to the film set.

---

In Queens, Washington Heights, at the MGM film company's studio.

This is the set of "In the Name of Love," also known as "The Boxer."

The film is set in the sixties and seventies when Northern Ireland became independent. In 1921, the United Kingdom signed a treaty with Ireland, making Ireland independent in the south, while the northern part was assigned to the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland was unwilling to be divided, and many radicals formed the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to fight for the unification of Northern Ireland.

Lewis's character, Danny Flynn, was one of them, arrested and imprisoned for 14 years for his involvement in illegal political activities. After being released from prison, he voluntarily withdrew from politics and resumed boxing, calling on people of all races, groups, and denominations to put aside their prejudices and unite to create a peaceful and stable environment.

The film began shooting back in May, first in Ireland and then moved to the United States. The role Richard is auditioning for was previously cast but the actor's performance was not up to par. His boxing style was too soft, and Lewis was dissatisfied, hoping to find a real boxer.

As the film is heavily influenced by Lewis, the crew had to recast.

"Richard, take this seriously. I heard that Lewis is very strict. Several people failed the audition just now."

When they arrived at the studio, Anthony admonished.

"Rest assured, this role is mine."

---

Bang Bang~

While filming was taking place on set, a middle-aged man in a long shirt was wearing boxing gloves, hitting the sandbag hard, and sweating profusely. The surrounding staff, cameras, lights, recordings, and props were performing their duties, busy with their tasks.

The director of the crew, Jim Sheridan, who is also the director of "My Left Foot" and "In the Name of the Father," stood on the sidelines with his chin on his hand, staring at Lewis's performance.

"Cut!"

"This is over!"

Director Jim tapped the roll in his hand.

"Director, there's another person auditioning for the boxer role. Do you want to see him?"

The director's assistant leaned over and asked.

"Wait!"

After half an hour, the director remembered and called the person over.

"Director Sheridan, my name is Richard Brad. I'm a boxer and a film enthusiast. I heard your crew needs a boxer for a role. Do you think I'm suitable?"

Richard, shirtless, wearing shorts and black boxing gloves, stood confidently. Just after working out, he was covered in a sheen of sweat, his muscles solid and full, with clearly defined shoulder blades, biceps, chest muscles, and an eight-pack abs, looking like a sculpture.

The scars on his shoulders and back added a rough beauty and a fierce touch to his body.

"A very artistic body," the director silently praised.

"Can I ask how you got those scars?"

"From matches. I've practiced boxing, mixed martial arts, and kung fu since childhood. I've participated in boxing, mixed martial arts, and cage fighting. Injuries are inevitable."

"Why did you practice boxing?"

"I grew up in the Bronx and was often bullied. Without fighting, I couldn't survive. My goals were to stay alive and live with dignity."

"Then why did you become an actor?"

Richard smiled lightly, "Many people say I have a good image. It's a pity not to be an actor. I think they are right. So, let's give it a try. After all, who doesn't want a more exciting life?"

"Haha, well said!"

Director Jim laughed and shouted into the distance, "Daniel, this is Richard. How about him playing the boxer?"

"He looks very strong. How about we compete?"

Not far away, Daniel Day-Lewis pointed to the ring.

"Good!"

To try it meant getting in the ring and fighting Lewis. Lewis practiced boxing for half a year before making the movie, and his movements were quite standard, half an expert. Richard had been practicing martial arts and boxing since childhood. With his superb skills, he was evenly matched with Lewis in the ring.

Bang~ Bang Bang~

The two fought for more than ten minutes, both receiving a few punches.

"Cool! Richard, it feels great boxing with you."

In the two matches, Lewis played heartily, feeling unprecedented joy.

"Daniel, you could compete in a professional tournament and maybe get a middleweight belt."

Richard wiped his sweat and laughed.

"Haha, I'm not that good. I know you let me win. You're very skilled, even letting punches through perfectly. Do you often play fake boxing?"

"No, I've fought 23 fights in the underground gym and never lost. That's something you can check."

"You're amazing, a real boxer. The role is yours."

"Thank you!"

Richard bumped his fist with Lewis's, sealing his place in the movie.