Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Fixed Impressions
After finalizing Alan Arkin's role, Ethan and his team quickly headed to Los Angeles to find other actors.
Meanwhile, Milon and Judy had just finished watching Monster in the theater and were still discussing Charlize Theron's transformative performance.
"It's unbelievable, I can't believe Charlize Theron changed this much," Judy said, her voice full of admiration.
However,Milon felt somewhat disappointed, as the bed scene was not as sensual as he had hoped. Despite nudity, it lacked the effect he expected.
"Yeah, I think she might win the Oscar for Best Actress this year," Judy commented.
"So this is also Ethan's work? I see his name on the poster," Judy remarked, her interest piqued since Saw.
"Sort of, he did the cinematography and art direction. I think it's great, though it's not quite like Chicago," Milon replied.
"But I've seen reports talking about Ethan's nickname. They say it's because of his shooting style that Charlize Theron won Best Actress."
Milon frowned and tapped his fingers thoughtfully. "Seems like Ethan's work, whether it's music videos or films, is pretty famous."
"Even his earliest music video Facelift—though Raymond's song wasn't anything special, the video did great. I even have two copies in my collection," Milon mused, starting to agree with what the papers had been saying.
"So Ethan really manages to help every actor and singer he works with?" Judy asked.
"I believe so," Milan replied confidently.
Later, at 6:00 PM, Ethan confirmed the actress for the mother's role.
So far, he had secured several key cast members, and now only the father's role remained.
They had contacted many well-known comedy actors who fit the script's description, but most were busy with variety shows or film shoots.
Only Adam Sandler had given a response indicating that he was open to discussing it.
Adam Sandler, the famous comedian, had left the deepest impression on domestic moviegoers with Click. However, it wasn't his acting that stood out, but the seemingly ordinary remote control that could manipulate time.
Soon after the contact, Ethan and his team met the renowned comedian outside a set.
"Hello, Ethan," Adam Sandler greeted with a smile, shaking his hand and flashing an exaggerated grin. "I've heard your nickname—Lucky Ethan—is it true?"
Ethan shrugged. "Not sure, I just know that the actors I've worked with are doing pretty well."
"Haha, I like your sense of humor, buddy," Adam laughed heartily, then added, "Charlize has been racking up quite a few awards recently."
He was right. Charlize Theron had recently won the Best Actress Award at the Independent Spirit Awards, gaining quite a bit of attention.
Many media outlets were predicting she would win the Golden Globe for Best Actress as well.
The only potential competition for her at the Oscars was slim, with the notable challengers being Diane Keaton for Love is Compromise and Samantha Morton for Moving Heaven.
It was a widely agreed-upon prediction.
As for Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation, she seemed too far behind to pose much of a threat.
"Charlize has worked hard for it," Ethan remarked, adding, "Let's talk about the script, shall we?"
"Sure, I can't wait," Adam Sandler rubbed his hands together as they sat down outside the set.
"Our story goes like this…" Greta began explaining the script, but was interrupted by a shout from the crew.
"Sandler, your scene's ready!"
"Okay, I'm coming!" Adam said with an awkward laugh. "Sorry, I've got to run. We'll talk more later."
"Okay!" Ethan nodded patiently as Adam Sandler hurried off to the set.
After about thirty minutes, Adam finally returned.
"Man, the director is so demanding. He wants me to play a fool, like a half-senile idiot…" Adam complained as he sat down.
Ethan agreed with him briefly before continuing, "Let's pick up where we left off."
"Where were we?"
"We were talking about the family heading off to the beauty pageant."
Greta and Adam Sandler continued discussing the plot for another ten minutes, until he interrupted them multiple times with questions. Finally, they reached the end of the story.
However, it was time for Adam to film again.
Ethan and the team endured multiple interruptions, waiting for another two hours until the shoot was finally done. Only then did they have a chance to chat properly with Adam.
But then, another issue arose.
"Sorry, I've got another commitment. I've got ten minutes. Can we wrap this up quickly?" Adam apologized.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Alright, Greta?"
He gestured for Greta to skip the plot details and spoke directly to Adam Sandler. "We've invited Alan Arkin and other accomplished actors to join the project. We're aiming to make a family comedy that stands out from the norm."
"There's no other movie like this in America right now, so I believe it has a great shot at the Oscars. If you're interested, give me a call."
He handed Adam a business card. "Here's the script for you. Take your time to review it."
Then, Ethan stood up, signaling to Greta. The two of them walked away from the set.
Adam Sandler paused, glancing at the script in his hands, muttering, "Seems like he's in a bigger hurry than I am."
After stepping outside, Greta took a deep breath and looked worried. "What if Adam doesn't agree to the role?"
"If he doesn't, we'll find someone else," Ethan said as he opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. Tom glanced in the rearview mirror, aware that there had been a lot of paparazzi and private investigators tailing Ethan lately.
"I'll contact Jim Carrey to see if he's interested in a film that doesn't require exaggerated expressions," Ethan suggested, thinking outside the box.
"Why settle for someone who looks so goofy? I think Jim Carrey is a great option," Greta remarked.
"But his fee?" Greta replied. Jim Carrey wasn't like Adam Sandler, a rising star. His fees were not something the Little Miss Sunshine team could afford.
"It's okay, I'll handle it," Ethan said, rubbing his chin. "I think he's probably tired of all those slapstick comedies. He might be craving something fresh."
"Alright, I'll contact him."
"Tell him I'm inviting him for dinner." Ethan had met Jim Carrey at the Oscars, though they weren't close.
However, in Hollywood, actors often got contacted by unfamiliar people—it was just part of the business.
"Got it."
As they talked about the actors, Tom started the car. The tires splashed through the puddles on the road, sending water splashing up, much like water flying out of an ice-filled cup.
Ethan drank some cold water, waiting patiently for Jim Carrey's arrival.
It was the third day since their conversation with Adam Sandler, and Jim Carrey, after receiving a call from the studio, was genuinely interested and agreed to discuss the film.
Ethan's guess had been right—Jim Carrey was tired of doing exaggerated comedies and was open to a change.
When Jim Carrey arrived at the restaurant, sat down with Ethan, and listened to the script, he was surprised by how calm Jim was.
He didn't seem like the character he portrayed in movies. It was as if all the exaggerated expressions had been left on screen, leaving only a calm, quiet man.
After listening to the story, Jim Carrey asked, "This film is still a comedy, but how is it different from the films I've done before?"
Ethan explained, "It's very different. I don't need you to do any exaggerated expressions. What I need is a father who is confidently blind to his own career, a comedy that's more about the storyline than individual performances."
"Jim, in all your films, you've been using your body and facial expressions to capture the audience's attention. But I don't need that. I need you to integrate into the role and become Frank, not Jim Carrey."
Jim Carrey crossed his arms and placed them on his chest. "With all due respect, I think I'll still be fighting against the public's fixed impression of me."
"To be blunt, you can't escape it, Jim," Ethan replied frankly. "Comedy actors have the hardest time shaking off their image. It could take you decades."
"So, this won't be an overnight change. What you need to do first is to ensure that the audience doesn't break immersion."
"Not breaking immersion?" Jim Carrey raised an eyebrow.
"Right. If you suddenly show up in a drama or art film, people will just associate you with comedy and it will dilute their engagement with your performance," Ethan explained, tapping the table.
"What you need to do is appear in a comedy film, but ditch the exaggerated gestures. Instead, perform more subtly. That way, when the audience sees you, they won't feel like they're watching the same old thing. They'll think you've changed."
"It's a subtle shift in impression, much better than trying to do a dramatic film."
Jim Carrey fell silent.
Two minutes later, Ethan's phone rang. It was Adam Sandler.
"Well, I think you're right," Jim Carrey suddenly spoke. "I'll give it a try. After all, you're 'Lucky Ethan.'"
"That's great!" Ethan smiled and shook Jim's hand, then stood up to take the call.
"Hello, Sandler, you want to star in the movie? Oh, sorry, that role has already been taken."
"What? Who's trying to steal my role?"
Ethan laughed and said, "It's Jim Carrey, yes, the guy from The Mask just stole your role."
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