Opportunity missed

The domestic film market once reached its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, due to the impact of television, video tapes, and piracy, the film market continuously shrank. After entering the 1990s, the number of viewers in the domestic film market was only one percent of the peak period. In such a situation, imported foreign films became a lifesaver for the film industry.

Therefore, at the end of 1994, China started the process of importing foreign films. Initially, only ten films were allowed to be imported each year. This plan undoubtedly injected a shot of vitality into the entire film market. Hong Kong films entered the domestic arena, revitalizing the film market. Subsequently, Warner Bros.' film "The Fugitive" entered the domestic market through revenue sharing distribution.

"The Fugitive" became the first American film officially imported into China's history. Then, in 1995, "True Lies", "The Lion King", and "Forrest Gump" started to enter the domestic film market, officially opening the path for China's film market to integrate with the world.

As the first person to try something new, "The Fugitive" was the only American film legally screened in major theaters in China in 1994. At that time, Hugo, accompanied by his parents, went to the cinema to join in the excitement. However, Hugo was only five years old at the time and barely remembered what the movie was about. He only vaguely recalled eating a lot of snacks and then enjoying a good sleep.

Many years later, when Hugo grew up, he had the opportunity to watch "The Fugitive" again, but the impression was not profound enough. In fact, "The Fugitive" was a typical Hollywood blockbuster with a thrilling and captivating plot. Many classic action scenes were indeed worthy of praise. However, in Hugo's eyes, who had watched countless blockbusters, it was lacking some appeal.

In fact, "The Fugitive" not only achieved great success at the box office but also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for Best Picture. This indicated that the film received considerable acclaim. It had the thrilling excitement of a commercial blockbuster while also providing brilliant performances worth discussing.

The film was also full of the style of its lead actor, Harrison Ford. Harrison became a true box office superstar in the history of cinema with the "Star Wars" series and the "Indiana Jones" series. Although he was not an old veteran like Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino, and had not won any heavyweight acting awards throughout his career, this did not diminish his ability to attract people willingly to open their wallets and go to the cinema with his agile skills and charismatic eyes.

"The Fugitive" might not have the same level of fame as other series in Harrison's acting career, but it was still a very rare work.

Hugo no longer remembered the specific plot of the film, but he remembered the compactness and busyness of the viewing process. He vaguely recalled that the story was about a doctor who was accused of killing his wife, but in fact, the real culprit was someone else. To prove his innocence, the doctor chooses to escape from custody. He has to face the relentless pursuit of the police while also searching for the true murderer.

At the time of watching the movie, it felt particularly exciting. However, looking back, it was a typical Hollywood hero film, where an ordinary doctor inexplicably excels in all kinds of martial arts. It was thrilling, but also clearly flawed. Nevertheless, the gripping screenplay elevated the movie beyond a typical popcorn flick, making it a remarkable work.

After listening to Joseph's brief explanation, Hugo couldn't help but ask curiously, "Last time in "Sleepless in Seattle", you said I should play a widower, and that made sense. But this time, the role you want me to audition for in "The Fugitive" is a successful career-oriented doctor with a happy family. Don't you think I'm not quite suitable for that?" Harrison was already fifty years old this year, and one could imagine how different this role is from Hugo's own circumstances.

Joseph, feeling anxious after Hugo's words, couldn't help but pause for a moment. "I thought you wouldn't give up on any opportunity and would try it out before knowing the result, isn't that right?"

Hugo nodded. "That's true, but there are some things that are not worth trying for me. For example, if you asked me to audition for the role of Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone" right now, that would obviously be unrealistic."

Not giving up on anything is a belief. But knowing something is not feasible and not knowing how to give up is foolish stubbornness. It is important for a person to have self-awareness, and that includes understanding when to persist and when to be realistic.

Although Joseph's mood remained heavy, he couldn't help but curl his lips. "Don't worry, everyone knows that wouldn't be convincing. So, if you succeed in the audition, the story's setup will definitely be modified."

"Just like "Sleepless in Seattle"." Hugo was not unfamiliar with this. Although there had been no news about "Sleepless in Seattle" at the moment, if Hugo could participate, the age and background of the male lead Sam would certainly be slightly modified to better suit the actor's situation. Only in this way could it be more convincing.

"Yes." Joseph nodded. "I talked to Arnold about this yesterday, and he said that if you pass the audition, he will discuss it with the screenwriter." After saying that, Joseph didn't speak any further and focused all his energy on driving, speeding towards Universal Pictures.

Hugo couldn't help but grab the handle above the passenger seat window, widening his eyes and swallowing saliva continuously. He still had a shadow from the car accident, and he couldn't help but feel that the car was about to transform into a jet and take off. Hugo strongly suspected that Joseph was going to exceed the speed limit and get a ticket. Fortunately, they didn't encounter any police officers on the way, or else things would have become even more complicated.

Even though they rushed all the way to Universal Studios, the clock's hands were already pointing at a quarter past ten, and a considerable amount of time had passed since the appointed time.

"Hurry, hurry!" Joseph didn't even have time to stop the car properly before shouting at Hugo, "Warner Bros. Office Building, 5th-floor conference room. Quick, quick!" Hugo opened the car door and sprinted all the way, with Joseph watching Hugo's rapidly disappearing figure, hurriedly parked the car, took out the keys and locked the door, and after completing this series of actions, he followed closely behind, running.

Joseph's build was not suitable for running, and he was panting as he ran, feeling like he was about to run out of breath. But he couldn't afford to care about that now. After quickly registering at the reception on the first floor, he stumbled his way over, only to find that he had just missed the elevator. He turned and looked at the stairs, and Joseph could only helplessly start walking up the steps once again.

After Joseph climbed to the fifth floor, it was already five minutes later. He saw Hugo standing in the middle of the corridor, hands on his hips, panting heavily. Joseph stood at the safety exit, breathing heavily. Otherwise, he would suspect that his lungs could ignite.

Hugo heard the noise behind him and turned around, saying helplessly, "No one."

"What...?" Joseph felt like he was about to suffocate. He looked at Hugo in astonishment and then realized that he had forgotten to breathe. He started gasping even faster.

"No one, the conference room is empty," Hugo said, relatively better off. Although he was out of breath, he looked energetic, as if he hadn't sweated at all. "I asked the secretary, and she said Arnold has already left."

"What?" Joseph seemed to have nothing more to say after uttering these words. He wanted to take a few steps forward but found that he was breathing too heavily. Sweat poured down like a waterfall, and he couldn't help but lean against the nearby wall. "You... you should ask the secretary to call Arnold." Joseph kept swallowing saliva, adjusting his breath. The effects of his recent running finally paid off, even though he had only persisted for a week. "If possible, you should talk to Arnold directly..."

Looking at Joseph's appearance, Hugo couldn't help but worry and said, "You should really continue running." Then he turned and walked towards the adjacent office to find the secretary.

Joseph stood upright and walked slowly towards the office. When he reached the door, he saw Hugo turn around and shrugged helplessly, his eyes indicating that they should talk outside. Joseph decided not to enter.

After Hugo came out, he said with a frustrated expression, "Arnold had instructed the secretary before leaving, telling her to inform me that he doesn't like tardiness because he considers punctuality one of the basic elements of an actor." The secretary's words were already quite tactful, and Hugo could imagine that Arnold's own words would probably be even harsher. "The secretary also said that there's no need to call because Arnold forbids it."

In short: It was over.

Joseph bent over in frustration. "Oh, God." Although he knew that Anthony's matter had to be dealt with, so it seemed inevitable to be late, Joseph was still angry. If he hadn't been so forgetful, at least he could have called Arnold in advance to explain. Even if he didn't have a chance to audition anymore, he wouldn't have strained the relationship.

Seeing Joseph's expression, Hugo knew he had fallen into a cycle of regret again. He patted Joseph's shoulder and said, "Hey, buddy, this thing is already in the past. There's no need to dwell on it. I actually think it's good that we missed it. After all, that role wasn't quite suitable for me."

Joseph stood up straight, looking at Hugo speechlessly. "Are you serious?"

"Of course not, I'm just trying to comfort you," Hugo shrugged, causing Joseph to burst into laughter. Chuckling, Hugo continued, "I'm already forgetful enough, you shouldn't be so forgetful. Let's take it as a lesson. This time, a role that wasn't quite suitable serves as a lesson. Hopefully, next time I won't miss out on Indiana Jones."

Hugo's straightforwardness actually helped Joseph calm down. He looked at Hugo helplessly, wanting to say something, but in the end, he shook his head and smiled.

Hugo walked towards the elevator, and Joseph followed behind, dragging his feet, casting one more glance at the secretary's office, and decided to return to the car to make a phone call to Arnold Copelsen. After retracting his gaze, he looked at Hugo and said, "You're already getting anxious? You didn't seem nervous at all during our vacation."

"Uh... what should we have for lunch?" Hugo's voice, accompanied by their footsteps, disappeared into the elevator.