制霸好莱坞

"Can you dance?" Jim asked as soon as they sat down. "This is a musical, so actors need a relevant background. You didn't mention any singing or dancing skills in your profile, but Cesare believes you should give it a try. He's read the profile and is optimistic about this film. He believes it's a strong contender for next year's Oscars."

"I can dance," Chen Zhen replied calmly. She had long stopped wondering about Cesare's uncanny ability to predict film success. "I know Latin, ballroom, and waltz. I can do most dances you'd typically need for social events. Do you want to see?"

Jim stared at her, wide-eyed, almost as if he'd been choked. "You can dance? But you didn't join any clubs in high school?"

Chen Zhen felt a pang of frustration. So many things she knew weren't things Jenny should know. Lying wasn't an option either—too risky. So it was tricky deciding whether to list her skills in her resume. If she did, Jim might think she was boasting. If she didn't, she wouldn't have a chance to prove herself. Besides, why lie about something so simple?

"I learned by watching TV," Jenny spread her hands nonchalantly. "If you don't believe me, feel free to bite me."

Jim was still skeptical. Jenny stood up and started rummaging through Lillian's CD collection. "Let me see... She doesn't seem to have any Latin music here—"

"Don't worry about it," Jim cut her off, visibly anxious. "We've arranged for a dance teacher. Initially, we wanted to give you private training, but if what you're saying is true, it might not be necessary."

He quickly drove Jenny to meet the dance instructor. While on the road, Jenny flipped through the audition materials.

As the potential frontrunner for the 2003 Oscar for Best Picture, Chicago was a big-budget production with a renowned director and cast. Adapted from a 1970s musical, the film was already a beloved classic. Chen Zhen, a fan of the director, had watched Chicago and the musical 9 directed by Rob Marshall multiple times. She was familiar with the film and its appeal.

At that point, the main cast—two women and one man—was set, and they were casting for supporting roles. In film production, the more important roles are often decided early, and the minor ones are filled closer to shooting. Cesare had arranged the audition for Jenny to try for a smaller supporting role. Based on the character, Jenny was vying for the third or fourth female lead.

Chicago's plot was simple but compelling. It told the story of Roxy Hart, who dreams of stardom and kills her lover in a fit of rage. In prison, she meets Velma, a former idol who killed her husband and sister. As both women seek to use the media for their benefit, they become entangled in a battle for attention. The film is both captivating and thought-provoking, offering a satirical view of 1920s Chicago.

Jenny wouldn't be playing Roxy or Velma. Those roles, driven by complex acting, would go to well-known actresses. Jenny's focus would be on a supporting character. There were several minor female roles in Chicago, many of which took place in a women's prison. One such role was the Eastern European dancer, who was imprisoned for allegedly murdering her husband. This character had a poignant 1-2 minute monologue in a prison song-and-dance sequence—an excellent opportunity for screen exposure.

To Jenny's surprise, she discovered she was actually competing for the role originally played by Lucy Liu. She hadn't expected to be up for such a significant part so early in her career, but Cesare had maneuvered her into the mix.

Over the past month, Jenny had been working hard. Jim, Dave, and Lillian had become invaluable sources of knowledge, helping her navigate the entertainment industry. Lillian, from an entertainment family, often gave Jenny insights from her uncles, who were directors and producers. Jenny had learned much about the industry and its nuances.

In Hollywood, the selection of male and female leads in a major film is always based on who is most suited for the role, not personal connections. Secondary roles, however, are more competitive. In Chicago, the three leads were all established actors, but Cesare had found a way for Jenny to audition for Lucy Liu's part—an achievement in itself.

In China, things were different. Jenny knew that in some circles, big-name roles were sometimes obtained by paying for them. But in Hollywood, it was about proving you were right for the part, and Jenny could see the value of competing for these roles.

Lucy Liu, a well-known face from Charlie's Angels, had been the perfect fit for the part in the original film. While Jenny knew she was Asian, she didn't feel pressured to make the role specifically Asian. Lucy Liu's role, which was small but impactful, had resonated with audiences and had become a defining moment for her career. The character, Kitty, wasn't particularly difficult to portray, but it was eye-catching. Jenny had no doubt that Cesare's connections were what had gotten her in the door.

In the audition script, there was no specific ethnic background mentioned for Kitty, though the character was described as the daughter of a Hawaiian fruit tycoon. After a violent confrontation with her lover, she kills three people and becomes a national sensation. This scene was vital to the movie, as it overshadowed Roxy's story. Despite the role being brief, it had significant screen presence, and Jenny was determined to make the most of it.

"It was originally a different role with more screen time," Jim said as they discussed the script. "But Cesare felt it wasn't suitable for you. That role needed an Eastern European look, which isn't your style."

"Did Cesare read the entire script before it was finalized?" Jenny was curious, especially since most agents only had limited details about the roles they were casting for.

"Cesare's close with Catherine," Jim explained, "and he had a chance to read the script while in Spain with her. He loved this role and got you the audition right away."

"Spain?" Jenny asked, even more puzzled. "Was there a big entertainment event there?"

"Nope," Jim shrugged. "But Leonardo was on vacation in Ibiza, and Cesare went with him. You know, Leonardo is a CAA client, and Cesare manages part of his business."

Jenny couldn't help but marvel at Cesare's connections. Ibiza, a resort town, was known for its celebrity sightings and social gatherings. Cesare was networking while Jenny was preparing for her role.

After arriving at the dance studio, Jenny impressed the dance teacher with her skills. Although she didn't consider herself a top-tier dancer, she had enough talent and experience to pull off the supporting role. The teacher was impressed, and Jim called Cesare, visibly amazed by her abilities.

It was then that Jenny felt a spark of confidence: Maybe, like Cesare, she was also a bit of a "monster" in her own way.

She continued to take dance classes, advancing to a more difficult level. Over the next month, she fully immersed herself in preparing for the Kitty role. There were no new auditions, but she made the most of the time, refining her performance. Before she knew it, September 2001 had arrived.

A lot was happening that month, including the 9/11 attacks, which had nothing to do with Jenny, but the Chicago audition was postponed until October. College students returned to class, and other events were unfolding—like the return of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on September 27.

Note:

Ibiza is a famous resort town in Spain, popular among celebrities.Cesare's connection with Catherine and his relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio played a crucial role in Jenny's audition.The character of Kitty in Chicago was adapted for the film, though its ethnic background remained flexible.