Chapter 322: Chapter 323: Being Single is Great
[Chapter 323: Being Single is Great]
"Well, I..." Joanna Pacuła realized something, but found it hard to believe since she had just met Eric.
Eric continued, "Even if you auditioned, your image doesn't fit the character of Catherine Tramell at all. What I need is a commanding actress, while you are more suitable to portray a gentle and virtuous wife. Honestly, your real-life appearance is a bit surprising compared to the photo I saw last night. Otherwise, you would have been cut already."
Joanna felt somewhat embarrassed. The photo was taken at her agent's suggestion specifically for this role. Due to the angle, her personal picture made her face appear a bit square with her long hair, giving her a more piercing vibe. Although Eric did not spell it out, she still felt a bit self-conscious.
However, Eric did not press the issue; many actresses used more intense tactics to land roles. Compared to them, Joanna's little tricks with the picture were insignificant.
"How about this? You give me a way to contact you, and when a suitable role comes up, I'll let you know," Eric quickly added.
Joanna looked up at Eric and then down again, her delicate hand nervously rubbing the leather of her purse. She had heard that kind of promise from many people, most of which turned out to be empty words, with nothing happening afterwards.
Noticing her restlessness, Eric soon realized the flaw in his words; that promise was no different from those empty remarks. He did not deny that from the moment he saw Joanna, he was captivated by the subtle warmth radiating from her. Furthermore, it was somewhat unreasonable, but he really liked how Joanna said "I'm sorry" in her accent -- her slightly clipped consonants tugged at his heartstrings.
Therefore, his earlier words could not have been insincere. But clearly, Joanna did not think so. It was obvious she was a woman with little confidence, which was easy to understand -- being alone in a foreign place, struggling with a rocky career. From the way she spoke, it seemed she had also suffered emotional wounds; insecurity was certainly expected.
"Miss Pacuła, how about this? I'll take you out for dinner tonight, and we can talk more if... you don't think that's too forward?"
Her expression instantly became more hesitant. Eric quickly added, "You can pick the place; I'm flexible."
"Well... okay. Perhaps my cooking isn't too bad, Mr. Williams. If you don't mind..."
Eric raised an eyebrow, realizing what she wanted to say. "Of course, that's fine. But is it convenient to go to your place? I mean, would your husband or boyfriend misunderstand?"
She shook her head sadly. "I'm currently single."
Being single is great!
Eric immediately agreed in his mind. Just then, as they were chatting, footsteps echoed from down the hallway. Soon, Eric's assistant Allen rounded the corner. Upon seeing Eric and Joanna Pacuła together, he paused, surprised and unsure whether to approach.
"Allen, what's up?" Eric casually asked upon noticing him.
Allen pointed towards the bathroom door behind Eric and quickly shook his head. "No. Nothing, I was just heading that way."
With that, the assistant hurried off without looking back.
Allen's reaction caused both Joanna and Eric to chuckle lightly.
"That's my assistant; he definitely misunderstood something," Eric explained, then suggested, "Why don't you wait in my office? I might be a few hours."
Joanna nodded obediently. Eric escorted her to the elevator that took them to the top floor. He led her into his office, pushed open another door inside and turned to say, "There's a TV here; you can..."
Joanna saw the big bed in the lounge and hesitated, shaking her head. She pointed to a sitting area near the desk. "I'll just wait over there."
"Well, alright," Eric said, not pushing her. "There are magazines in the bookshelf; feel free. I'll be back shortly."
...
Two hours later, in the audition room, the remaining actresses had completed their auditions. Eric, along with Jeffrey and director Roger Spottiswoode of Basic Instinct, huddled together to discuss the final results.
"Kelly Lynch's audition was the best, and she had a good image. However, she doesn't have much acting experience, making it tough to determine whether that long performance can translate to the shoot. The other one, Diane Lane, while her performance was a bit lacking, I think she has more potential, and her acting skills are definitely reliable. Otherwise, Francis Ford Coppola wouldn't have chosen her for The Cotton Club. Plus, she played a similar role in Lady Beware; I think choosing her would be safer," Roger Spottiswoode said as he looked at Eric.
On the other side, Jeffrey did not comment, but from his occasional nods, it was clear he agreed with Roger's viewpoint.
Eric sighed. "Diane's looks are still a bit soft."
"Eric, you don't need to worry about that at all. With a little effort during makeup, we could even make her appear like a man," Roger added.
Eric glanced around, focusing on Allen. "Get a few of the best stylists in here in half an hour."
Allen blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Of course! I'll get right on it."
After he rushed out of the audition room, Eric considered for a moment and then told another crew member, "Contact Mr. Don Johnson and have him here within an hour. I need him to rehearse lines with the lead actress to see how it goes."
That person nodded and left the room.
Eric closed the material in front of him and announced, "Alright, tell those actresses that Diane Lane is staying. The others can leave."
The staff in the audition room quickly sprang into action, disassembling camera equipment, organizing documents, and tidying up chairs.
As Eric spoke, he led the main creative team of Basic Instinct out of the audition room.
*****
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