Kapitel 60: Rushing into the battle

"I was just curious. Since the production team had Tom Cruise as their first choice and it seems like Tom hasn't refused, why would the production team still consider me when Jack proposed me as an option?" Hugo was more interested in this because he had personally experienced the chaos created by Tracey Jacobs. Therefore, Hugo knew that without a special driving force, the production team would definitely choose Tom instead of him.

"Because they saw your excellent acting talent." Alex, who went back to the room to look for paper and a pen, came back and couldn't help but speak up. He noticed that Joseph and Hugo were both looking at him, and Alex showed an embarrassed smile. "Sorry for interrupting your conversation. But I think Hugo's talent is definitely better than Tom's, and it's absolutely wise for them to choose you."

Alex's words made Hugo smile. Alex was really a fan, firmly believing that Hugo had enough ability to take on any role. This confidence was rare.

Seeing Alex raise his hand to indicate that he was leaving, Joseph spoke up, "It's okay, you can stay. This is not a secret." Although they had only met briefly today, Alex's friendliness was not mixed with any conditions, and Joseph did not have too much rejection towards this loyal fan of Hugo. Besides, this was not a secret, there was no need to hide it.

Without looking at Alex's excited expression, Joseph continued to explain, "Actually, Alex is right about something. When Jack mentioned that you would be a good fit for the lead role to the production team, Columbia Pictures immediately took notice. You were the young man who appeared at the premiere of "Last Analysis" and stole all the limelight from "Basic Instinct". They thought your youthful and sunny yet just personality was indeed suitable for the male lead in this work."

Hugo didn't understand for a moment, "Wait, why does it involve Columbia Pictures again?"

"This movie is invested by Columbia Pictures, and they noticed you because you stole the limelight from "Basic Instinct" at the premiere, which they had a part in" Joseph explained simply, but it made Hugo stunned. If Ron knew about this news, his reaction would definitely not be so understated.

Hugo had never expected that by attending the premiere of a Warner Bros. production, he would be noticed by Columbia Pictures and invited to audition. No wonder why Joseph had insisted on arranging for Hugo to attend the premiere, besides issues such as exposure and positive image, this hidden follow-up effect was the most precious and important part.

"Also, Columbia Pictures has been in talks with Tom, but they haven't come to a definite agreement yet. I heard it's about the salary. So, Columbia Pictures is also preparing for both options." Joseph explained that this was the reason why Jack would recommend an actor to the crew. Otherwise, even if Hugo performed exceptionally well, Jack wouldn't think of recommending him to the crew if they didn't express interest in finding new suitable actors. "Besides you, they have a few backup actors, not many, maybe three or four. Then, they'll hold auditions and see the results."

Hugo nodded. Although Joseph didn't say it, he understood clearly, "The power to decide the outcome is not in our hands."

This audition opportunity was different. Hugo had to do his best, or he would lose before he even fought. But the problem was, even if Hugo performed extraordinarily, as long as Tom and Columbia Pictures reached an agreement, the crew would undoubtedly choose Tom Cruise. So, besides his own effort, Hugo had to pray that Tom and Columbia Pictures wouldn't reach a consensus.

Hugo took a deep breath, "Anyway, I have to work hard starting from the audition."

Joseph nodded slightly, and Hugo understood it very well. Alex, who was standing beside him, also said excitedly, "Don't worry, Hugo, you can do it! I believe you will finally get this role!"

Hugo couldn't help but laugh at Alex's confident words. He felt that Alex was more confident than he was. "By the way, what's the name of this work? When is the audition?"

"It's called "A Few Good Men", with an investment of over $30 million." Joseph's words made Hugo's mind start working, but the next sentence made him stunned, "They hope to have dinner with you today for the audition."

"Today?" Hugo really didn't expect it to be so fast, but when he thought about it carefully, he auditioned for "A River Runs Through It" the day after he traveled back in time. It seemed that the audition was right today, which seemed too urgent, "What about the script?"

Joseph shook his head, "There's no need to perform. Maybe the audition is mainly to chat with you." In fact, audition methods vary, and not every audition will let actors see the script in advance. It could be improvisation or reading a script on the spot to get a feel for it.

However, compared to auditions that can be prepared in advance, this kind of audition that is filled with uncertainty makes people more uncertain. Because in situations where there is no way to prepare, the test is really the actor's true ability.

Hugo took a deep breath and joked, "But this is good. At least I don't have to always think about what it would feel like if Tom played this role." Joseph and Alex couldn't help but smile.

On the other hand, Hugo recalled the movie "A Few Good Men". He had seen it once, but his impression was not deep. He only remembered that it was a classic courtroom drama that had been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. Jack Nicholson's performance in the movie was definitely a classic and earned him another nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

"A Few Good Men" was starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. The director, Rob Reiner, was also famous. A movie like "When Harry Met Sally..." was enough to make countless people remember him. If Hugo remembered correctly, the box office for this movie seemed to be pretty good at the time, after all, the cast was really strong. The two male actors needed not to be mentioned, and Demi Moore had just entered the ranks of first-line actresses with "Ghost", and her influence should not be underestimated.

In fact, compared to the plot, actors, and awards of this movie, what left the deepest impression on Hugo was the screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin.

As a screenwriter, Aaron was first the main writer of the classic series "The West Wing". Later, in 2010, he reached the pinnacle of his career. The socially significant movie he wrote, "The Social Network", successfully won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Hugo had seen "The Social Network" and was interested in screenwriter Aaron. That's how he discovered "A Few Good Men", which was Aaron's debut as a screenwriter and won widespread acclaim. It was a stunning debut.

Recalling the basic information of "A Few Good Men" in his mind, Hugo couldn't help but sigh lightly. He really didn't have much memory of the plot, just some scattered scenes. In his previous auditions for "A River Runs Through It" and "Scent of a Woman", Hugo had unconsciously imitated the alternate actor's performance methods, and then presented them in his own way based on his understanding, achieving good results. In short, he was imitating. But now, Hugo couldn't remember Tom Cruise's performance in "A Few Good Men" clearly, so it wouldn't be so easy to continue imitating.

However, upon reflection, during the filming of "Scent of a Woman", Hugo was working hard to rid himself of traces of imitation and to interpret his character in his own style. Although Hugo only had one explosive moment in the confrontation scene with Al, and then returned to normal, it was evident that he had not truly made a breakthrough.

But at least Hugo had successfully discovered some things of his own, even if he had only touched the threshold. If there was a chance to film "A Few Good Men" again, perhaps Hugo could explore his acting skills once more, deepen his understanding of his craft, and seek a breakthrough. Maybe this was a great opportunity!

At this point, Hugo suddenly realized that if he could get this performance opportunity, he would have a chance to act with Jack Nicholson!

Jack was undoubtedly one of America's greatest male actors, on par with Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Dustin Hoffman. He had an undeniable place in the long history of cinema. If we just looked at his Oscar record, as of 2014 before Hugo's time travel, Jack had received twelve acting nominations and had won three Oscars, including two Best Actor awards and one Best Supporting Actor award, making him the most successful male actor in Oscar history.

Aside from his awards, Jack had portrayed countless iconic characters in cinema history. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was one of Hugo's favorite films, and in "A Few Good Men", Jack's cunning and ruthless performance left a deep impression on Hugo.

After working with Al Pacino, to work with Jack Nicholson too? Just the thought of it sent shivers down Hugo's spine. Although the challenge was daunting, a breakthrough in his acting skills would undoubtedly be even more attractive to Hugo.

Therefore, even though he knew that his chances of auditioning for this role were slim, and that he would be facing Tom Cruise at the peak of his career, Hugo still hoped to get the role. His inner confidence had never been so strong!

Excited and nervous, Hugo seemed a bit lost. "But I have to have dinner tonight. What do I do now?" He looked at the empty room and the unopened box, feeling dumbfounded.

Joseph also looked troubled, as his situation upstairs was no better. However, the opportunity for "A Few Good Men" came suddenly and fiercely. As the passive party, they had little choice.

At this moment, Alex, standing next to them, asked a very unpleasant question. "Hey, Hugo, can I ask how much you weigh?"