Kapitel 144: Bernardo Bertolucci
"Mademoiselle, there's a character in a movie that I think you're suitable for. Would you have time for an audition?"
"Ah?" Eva Green, interrupted while enjoying the night scenery, was somewhat bewildered. "What did you just say?"
The man didn't seem put off by the interruption and continued, "I'm a director and I'd like to invite you to audition for a role. Do you want to become an actress?"
The man didn't recognize her, of course, Eva was still a newcomer and hadn't gained any fame yet.
"I am an actress."
"That's perfect," the man seemed pleased, "If you have a sense for the camera, it'll be very helpful for the audition."
It was currently a party, and the man hadn't come specifically to find actresses. It just so happened that he encountered the real-life version of the character he had in mind.
He selected actors based on appearance and aura, not caring much about anything else.
"This is my business card, and..." The man took out a piece of paper from his pocket, scribbled a few lines on it, and handed it to Eva. "If you're interested, remember to contact me using the number on it in the next couple of days, or you can come see me directly. Goodbye, beautiful lady." The man finished and left.
Taking the business card, Eva was still a little stunned.
The invitation seemed somewhat like deceiving a young girl.
However, Lyman, who had eavesdropped on the entire conversation, knew who this approacher was.
He had just introduced himself by name, Bernardo Bertolucci.
Yes, he was also an eccentric figure in the world of directors.
An Italian director, yet he made his name at the Cannes Film Festival in France. He had even lived in France for a long time.
His body of work wasn't extensive, but there was one film that everyone had heard of.
It was called "The Last Emperor", a work he directed in 1987.
This film was also the first in Chinese history to be granted permission to shoot on location in the Forbidden City. It starred John Lone and Joan Chen.
In 1988, it won nine awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design, out of twelve nominations at the 60th Academy Awards. It was truly remarkable.
However, like many artistic directors, this guy didn't value fame much. Even when he was a sensation, with numerous film companies inviting him to direct, he turned them all down.
He only liked to create things he was passionate about, with actors he found suitable.
These two criteria alone were enough to deter those who invited him.
Oh, by the way, this guy was also the chairman of the Cannes International Film Festival jury and had been so for quite a while. During his tenure, he had actively invited Chinese filmmakers to participate in the festival.
Chen Kaige, the Fifth Generation directors... many of them had received his favors.
As he left, he left behind two utterly bewildered people.
Of course, Lyman wouldn't mention that he had just eavesdropped on their conversation, in fact, he didn't say anything at all. He just continued socializing while embracing Eva.
Everyone needed a bit of private space, where they could hide their little emotions.
There were things she didn't say, and there was no need to ask.
...
At night, back in their hotel, the two of them first took a shower together, then once again engaged in the unfinished battle they had started in the bathroom.
The battle was fierce, the struggle intense, yet no winner emerged.
Eva lay on the bed, the sticky sweat and heated body gradually cooling down, a lingering postlude of loneliness rising from the depths of her heart. It was what they often called the "wise hour."
"Lyman," she murmured softly.
"What is it?" Lyman was somewhat weary, but due to his film shooting taking up most of his time, he had managed to develop a bit of muscle.
After a brief pause, he propped himself up and pulled Eva closer, gazing into her eyes.
Profound and mysterious, with a touch of contemplation. Her most beautiful feature was her eyes, which held a tempting allure like staring into the night sky, drawing people in.
"At the party just now, a director approached me."
"Mm." Lyman listened quietly; she had chosen to share it.
"I was thinking, do you think it's a good idea for me to act in someone else's work?"
"Of course."
No actor relies solely on a director to support their acting career; that's not realistic.
Eva got up, found the small piece of paper from the scattered clothes nearby, and handed it to Lyman. "The director gave me some information about the project. Could you take a look?"
"Hmm?" Lyman felt... a bit at a loss.
"You always have your unique insights on characters. I want you to analyze the role... I need your opinion." Eva, like a delicate bird, nestled against Lyman's chest. Her fingers absentmindedly traced circles on his body as she spoke, her words somewhat muffled. Her voice was always soft when she spoke.
Lyman took the piece of paper; the information was limited, but he recognized which project and which character it was referring to.
He was very familiar with this film; it was the same film that had made Eva famous in France, the film "The Dreamers", which was set against the backdrop of the 1986 student protests in France. It explored the story of this period of historical turmoil from the perspectives of a few young people.
The plot wasn't all that important; what mattered was that the director, Bernardo Bertolucci, used the erotic life of Isabelle to tell the story from a unique angle. And Eva played this role, the leading lady.
It was a film of great audacity and sensuality.
Oh, by the way, there was a male character in the film who greatly admired Emperor Taizu. This was a bit of personal influence mixed in by director Bernardo Bertolucci. Since completing "The Last Emperor", he had become enamored with China.
"Do you want to act in this kind of artistic film?"
"I... I don't know, but I feel like I need to hone my acting skills."
"So, do you have any plans for your career? Acting is a rather intangible skill. The more you act, the more experience you gain, and naturally, you'll improve."
Eva hadn't really thought about these things. "What do you think?"
"Um..."
Regarding an actor's career, there wasn't a definitive answer. However, there seemed to be a phenomenon prevalent across entertainment industries worldwide, where those who gained recognition for their acting skills aimed for commercial success, similar to someone like Nicolas Cage. On the other hand, those who had great box office appeal often sought recognition in acting awards, like Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio.
"I'm not entirely sure, but..." Lyman raised an eyebrow, about to continue, when Eva eagerly interjected, "Should I take up this film then?"
"From an outsider's perspective, I think you should consider it. Bernardo Bertolucci is quite a renowned director; his connections and network could be beneficial for an actor." Lyman hesitated for a moment before adding, "But I wouldn't want you to do it. Have you seen "Eyes Wide Shut"? This film is similar in type to that."
Eva laughed, her laughter full of happiness.
Though Lyman's words were tactful, Eva understood his meaning clearly. He was implying that the film was a traditional "French-style" movie, and it was common for there to be exposure and sensuality.
He had his own biases, and different positions naturally led to different perspectives.
"In that case, I'll turn him down," Eva said. She clearly didn't think as much as Leyman did; as long as he cared about her, it was enough. A woman's thoughts were really hard to decipher, just like now.
Her straightforwardness left Lyman somewhat helpless. He felt as though he owed her something.
In her past life, Eva had opened her path as an actress with this film. It was this film that catapulted her to fame. Her performance in it had won the hearts of countless audiences around the world, and the scene imitating the Venus de Milo had been a topic of much discussion.
If she didn't act in it, would she achieve the same success as in her past life?
Lyman didn't know, which was why he felt indebted.
It troubled him; even if it was a transaction, if others were giving more than he was, was that fair?
"Eva..." Lyman wanted to say something, but he didn't know what to say.
Upon introspection, he couldn't make the decision for Eva to take on the role in "The Dreamers", even if it was just a suggestion.
All he knew was that the ties between them were growing deeper, especially at a moment like this when she made her refusal.
What would the future hold?
Eva, however, didn't have these worries. She gazed at Lyman's well-proportioned back muscles, leaned in, and kissed him.
After a long while, their lips parted.
"You're truly beautiful."
Lyman's admiration made Eva unable to conceal her joy.
Suddenly, she felt the blanket sliding off her body.
Lyman had already lifted her up in his arms.
Desire filled the room.
Everything was said without words...
The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the crack in the curtains.
On the large bed, both of them woke up almost simultaneously.
They dressed themselves, freshened up, and had breakfast together.
Then, Lyman rushed to the film set to continue overseeing the remaining shooting work.
Eva returned to her room, looked at the aftermath of last night's passion, tidied up a bit, and then called the hotel staff to take care of the cleaning.
Once that was done, she took out her phone, looked at the business card, and dialed the number.
"Hello, this is Eva Green, the actress from last night."
"I'm sorry, I can't take the role."
"Forget about the audition, I'm quite busy lately."
"Yes, I already have commitments; I'm currently filming a movie."
"No, I mean, I can't take on that project. Waiting for me won't be necessary."
"Exactly, thank you, and I'm sorry."
Phew. After some effort, Eva finally declined the director's offer.
He was too persistent; even when he found out Eva couldn't take the role, he thought it was a scheduling issue and was willing to wait.
Such enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming.
On the other side, Bernardo was feeling a bit frustrated; he hadn't expected to be rejected by an actress.
However, he wasn't the type to force anyone. If someone didn't want to act, there was nothing wrong with it. He quickly brushed the matter aside.
Tomorrow was always a new day, wasn't it?
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
Shallowman
Shallowman "The Dreamers" - "Dreaming Paris"
"Eyes Wide Shut" - "The Dreamers" lol
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