Capítulo 160: Chapter 160: It's Not Just Acting That Decides Auditions
Passionate music floated around, and in front of the camera lens, a blonde woman twisted her body vigorously, performing dance moves that seemed more suited for a strip club at midnight rather than an audition room for a film.
The music stopped, and the blonde woman halted her dance. She straightened her messy hair, panting as she looked at the few people beside the camera.
These were the people who could decide her fate.
In the middle was a familiar face, Kerry Mulligan's boyfriend, Murphy Stanton, the director of the audition film. It was said that the production side had given him full authority over casting.
"Miss Banks," came a voice from the other side, reminding Elizabeth Banks that she was here for an audition, "Could you tell us about your past acting experiences?"
Elizabeth Banks flashed a sunny, friendly smile. "I haven't been in any movies. I had a cameo in 'Grey's Anatomy.'"
Murphy stepped away from the camera, nodding at Elizabeth Banks. Her appearance and figure met the role's requirements. As for acting, that was secondary. For such a flirtatious role, basic acting skills were sufficient.
However, the film contained many explicit scenes. Murphy asked, "Miss Banks, to what extent are you comfortable with nudity?"
Nudity is common in Hollywood films. How many stars haven't filmed scenes with exposure?
Elizabeth Banks didn't hesitate, "As long as the shoot requires it, I'm willing to ****."
She understood the importance of this opportunity. Like Kerry Mulligan, neither her looks nor her acting skills were as good as Elizabeth's, yet Kerry had landed significant roles in two films, gaining some fame. It was all because she was lucky enough to meet a director like Murphy Stanton.
Although the final film shown in theaters wouldn't include **** scenes, the VHS version would be much less restricted. Plus, the film was to be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival, which is known for welcoming films with large-scale explicit content.
"Let's conclude the audition here," Murphy nodded, making a note in his notebook, "Miss Banks, we'll inform your agent about the audition outcome next week."
Despite the director's poker face, Elizabeth Banks could tell her chances were high, especially with Kerry Mulligan's help. Pillow talk, as they say, is quite effective.
After politely greeting everyone in the audition room, including Murphy, Elizabeth Banks left.
As Paul Wilson left the audition room, he received a call from Kerry Mulligan, "The audition went smoothly, and Murphy is quite satisfied with your friend."
"That's great!" Kerry was genuinely invested.
Murphy also left the temporary audition room, walking through the scenes being constructed in the warehouse to his director's office, where he found Bill Roscius waiting for him.
"Are you satisfied with the audition results?" Bill asked.
"It's okay," Murphy tossed his notebook on the desk and poured himself a glass of water. "The girl was recommended by Kerry, a friend she met in an acting class."
Bill pointed towards the door, "I just saw her. The blonde beauty seems very promising."
Murphy sat down, "Are you interested in signing her?"
"No, I'm not interested in her," Bill seemed to imply something else, "Don't forget, I'm Kerry's agent, and she's your girlfriend. I can't sign another actress who might compete with her in the future."
Hearing this, Murphy looked up, "You mean, I should give up on Elizabeth Banks?"
Bill nodded slightly but quickly added, "From my perspective, I indeed don't want to see you cast a non-CAA actress. And I have someone else to recommend."
Murphy waited for Bill to continue.
"Considering your and Kerry's position, I also advise against using Elizabeth Banks," Bill gave his reason, "Blonde, attractive, with mediocre acting skills – don't you think they're too similar?"
Before Murphy could respond, Bill continued, "In Hollywood, blonde actresses are a special category. This group's available roles are often limited. Kerry won't always act in your films, and your films' noir style doesn't match her persona. Eventually, she'll have to branch out."
Murphy nodded slowly after some thought.
"The group of truly distinctive blonde actresses in Hollywood isn't large, and there have been few standout newcomers in recent years. Kerry has gained some popularity from your first two films. With Bill's management, she even made it onto a national magazine's list of Hollywood's top ten promising actresses, the only blonde on the list.
Indeed, dyeing hair can solve many issues, but Hollywood's bias, or rather prejudice, against blonde actresses is deep-rooted. When roles require acting depth and dynamism, productions often avoid casting blondes, relegating beautiful blondes to decorative roles, limiting their opportunities and resources once they become famous.
This competitive group means Kerry Mulligan, once stepping beyond the confines of his films, would face one less opportunity for each additional competitor.
After all, the Elizabeth Banks of yesteryears wouldn't make significant achievements in the next decade.
This calculation might seem absurd, but Murphy was aware of Hollywood's fierce competition, where a one percent chance could mean the difference between success and obscurity.
Everyone has their biases, Murphy included, but this didn't require much action.
Decided, he no longer considered Elizabeth Banks, instead asking, "Who are you recommending? Your new client?"
Bill shook his head, "A professor from the Juilliard School sought out Brian Loud through connections, aiming to find an opportunity for her prized student. Currently, only 'Terror Planet' is in the casting phase among CAA's projects, prompting Brian to call me."
The complex web of relationships in this industry often means auditions aren't just about acting skills and looks. Like in any business circle, underlying connections play a significant role.
"Make sure she's beautiful enough," Murphy reminded him of the basic requirements, "with a stunning figure, and open to explicit scenes, otherwise..."
He shook his head, unwilling to compromise even for Brian Loud's recommendation.
"Don't worry, you've seen her," Bill assured, "An old friend of ours. She's faced many setbacks and is quite open-minded now."
An old friend from Juilliard? Murphy immediately thought of a name, "You're not talking about Jessica Chastain, are you?"
"Exactly her," Bill nodded.
Murphy was puzzled, "I heard from Kerry she's been struggling in Hollywood. How did she connect with Brian?"
"I spoke with her once. That instructor was her last resort," Bill explained, "She wouldn't have reached out if there were any other options."
Thinking back to Jessica Chastain's career and comparing it to most Hollywood actresses, she was indeed a late bloomer, likely facing numerous challenges even as a Juilliard graduate. To emerge nearly as a leading star required immense time and effort, consuming much of her youth.
Having previously worked as his assistant, Murphy appreciated her capabilities, though he hadn't witnessed her acting skills.
"Alright, Bill," Murphy decided, writing Jessica Chastain's name in his notebook, "Have her audition for the crew as soon as possible. Also, tell Brian I can't make any promises."
Bill understood the industry's unwritten rules. If Jessica Chastain didn't meet the basic criteria, she couldn't be considered, regardless of Murphy's or MiraMax's stance.
No one wants to cast an actor who might doom their project.
Bill stood up, "I'll have Jessica Chastain's agent contact the crew. I've already discussed this with Brian; there won't be any issues."
He left the office quickly, leaving Murphy to ponder. From the perspective of Kerry Mulligan's future, Elizabeth Banks indeed wasn't a good choice.
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