Chapitre 276: Intensity and conclusion

As the filming of "Gravity" neared its end, the final scenes loomed closer; who would be left behind on the space shuttle to await more rescuers? In the meantime, the cast members gathered around a table, savoring their last meal together before bidding each other farewell. The mood was light-hearted as the rising star, Lucas Knight, pulled pranks as usual. However, beneath the laughter, they knew they'd miss his antics off-screen.

Lucas had endeared himself to the cast not only through his pranks but also with his exceptional acting skills and dedication to his craft. His discipline and consistency as an actor shone through in every take. It was no surprise that even though most of his films were indie projects, they still managed to find success at the box office, thanks to his captivating on-screen presence.

The fellowship at the table was palpable as they reminisced about their time together on set. The bond they had forged over the course of the shoot would remain with them long after the cameras stopped rolling.

As the cast savored their meal, Paul turned to his co-star and friend, Lucas, "It's been great working with you, man. Truly an experience."

Chris Evans nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I've worked with my fair share of actors, but Lucas here... Is definitely an odd one..." He trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

Katrina Law and Sandra Bullock couldn't help but chuckle at Chris's struggle to find the right words.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Lucas said, a playful smirk on his face.

Chris quickly backtracked, "No, I mean, you're the most talented..."

Lucas feigned a hurt expression, "Wait, you're going to take it back now?"

The table erupted in laughter as they enjoyed their moment one last time before the final shoot.

---

Alfonso addressed the cinematographers and other crew members, "All right, people, listen up! For the space shuttle scene, I want a cramped feeling. We need to emphasize the isolation and tension our characters are going through. I want tight shots, lots of close-ups, and dim lighting. Understood?"

The crew sprang into action, bustling around the space shuttle set, adjusting lights and checking microphones. The cast, including Lucas, Paul, Katrina, and Sandra, took their positions inside the meticulously crafted spacecraft.

Before yelling "Action!", Alfonso pulled Chris and Paul aside, along with the rest of the cast except for Lucas. He started off with Chris, "Remember, your character might seem easy-going on the outside, but underneath that facade, he's a fighter. He'll stop at nothing to be one of the chosen few to be rescued in the Soyuz."

Chris nodded, understanding the depths his character had to offer.

Alfonso then turned to Paul, "Your character shares a close bond with Lucas's, Kowalski. When the time comes for him to give up his chance to be rescued, your reluctance to leave him behind should be palpable."

Paul's jaw clenched, feeling the weight of the upcoming emotional scene. "I'll do my best."

Finally, Alfonso glanced at Lucas, who was already deep in character. "Lucas, you're one of the youngest Oscar winners and one of the most talented actors I've ever worked with. Just do what you do best."

Lucas didn't even look up, already lost in his character's shoes. The crew and Alfonso were used to this by now. At first, they thought he was arrogant because of his talent, but after weeks of working together, they knew it was his intense focus and dedication to his craft.

Alfonso patted him on the back, "That's what I like to see. Alright, people, let's make this scene one for the ages!"

The cast nodded, their gazes locked on Alfonso as he retreated to his chair, clapper in hand.

The director's voice echoed through the crew's earpieces, "Quiet on set!" A hush fell over the soundstage as the cast members prepared for their final takes. "And... action!"

Inside the space shuttle, the actors played out their characters' emotionally.

Eric, played by Paul, David, played by Chris, Anna, portrayed by Katrina Law, and Ryan, played by Sandra, were embroiled in a heated argument about who should board the Soyuz capsule, their voices bouncing off the metallic walls of the space shuttle set.

Matt, played by Lucas, had enough. His character was usually calm and collected, but in this moment, he reached his breaking point.

"ENOUGH!" Matt, or rather, Lucas, bellowed, making the actors jump in surprise.

Lucas, or rather, Matt, continued, his voice quivering with frustration, "I get it, you all want to go back! You want to see your families, your kids, your partners, I fucking get it!"

He looked at Chris, and then, to everyone's disbelief, he chuckled sarcastically. "And don't you fucking worry, I'm not yelling because I want your damn spot on that Soyuz! You can weld your ass to the seat for all I care!"

The profanity-laced outburst, although ad-libbed, was so in-character that Paul, who played Eric, struggled to keep a straight face. He had to remind himself that this was still a scene, and Lucas was just delivering his best performance. Katrina and Sandra, on the other hand, managed to maintain their compos, their faces a picture of shock and disbelief.

Lucas's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing.

As Lucas continued, he found himself lost in Matt's character, feeling the overwhelming sense of failure that consumed him. The inability to complete the mission, the harsh reality of being stranded in space, and the bickering crew members were all too much to bear.

His face flushed red, veins bulging on his neck as he raised his fist and slammed it against the control panel of the space shuttle set, the plastic panel rattling under the force. The suddenness of the action made everyone else in the room take a step back, their eyes widening in disbelief.

Paul, who was just an arm's length away, saw the sheen of moisture in Lucas's eyes, the genuine anguish and frustration that swirled in his friend's usually jovial blue orbs.

It was in this moment that he suspect that Lucas wasn't just acting anymore; he was Matt.

Matt looked at his fellow astronauts' faces, the understanding evident in his eyes. "I know you're all losing hope, stuck here with a malfunctioning space shuttle, can't afford to wait for a second chance at rescue. All desperate to get on that Soyuz. We're running out of time and resources here." he said softly, "I get it."

Eric's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "You're right. I'm sorry for overreacting, it's just… I'm losing it up here."

Matt nodded, his grip on the console loosening. "I get it." He looked around the room at his fellow astronauts, his friends. "I'll stay behind and wait for the second rescue mission."

The announcement hung heavy in the air, stunned silence greeting his selfless words. Matt's eyes were resolute, but the others could see the pain and fear lurking behind his stoic expression.

Eric stared at Matt, his expression torn. "Kowalski, this... This isn't right. You have a family back home, you need that Soyuz seat more than any of us."

David chimed in, unable to hide the challenge in his voice. "Come on, Eric. If you really want Kowalski saved, then give up your seat for him."

Eric shot David an annoyed glare but didn't argue.

"What? You can't do it?" David snorted, smugly.

Matt sighed, a sad smile playing on his lips as he glanced at the Earth outside the window. "Don't worry about me, Eric. I'm divorced, and my kids are with their mother... and their new father." He then turned to Paul, his gaze intense. "And you... you have a young family waiting. Your wife, your kid."

Paul's face contorted with indecision, torn between loyalty to his friend and his deep longing to return to his family.

The tense silence was broken by Anna's voice. "So, who's staying here with Kowalski?"

All eyes turned to Ryan. David pointed. "Why don't you stay with Kowalski? You have no one waiting for you, right?"

Eric clenched his fists, glaring at David. "Just shut up, David."

"No, YOU shut up, Eric." David shot back. "Not everyone's a hypocrite like you!"

Ryan remained quiet, her gaze flickering between David, Eric, Anna, and finally settling on Matt.

In a sudden, unexpected move, Matt swung a fist at David, landing a solid punch on his cheek. David staggered back, wincing in pain despite the fact that it was part of their script.

"Ouch, that hurt," David said through gritted teeth, still in character. "That's not like you, Kowalski. You're supposed to be the professional one, an official of NASA punching a lowly payload specialist, huh?"

Matt's voice was calm, but the anger in his voice was unmistakable. "You should've just kept your mouth shut."

As the tense exchange between Matt and David continued, Ryan finally spoke up. "I'll... I'll stay too. The three of you should take the Soyuz capsule."

The others looked at her, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Go on, you guys..." Ryan insisted, her voice firm. "I'll wait for the second rescue."

After a moment of silence, David stood up, offering his hand to Matt. "I'm not usually this forward, Matt, but…"

Matt turned his back, cutting him off. "Just go. Now you three can have your seats in the capsule."

A mixture of relief and guilt washed over the faces of the three crew as they silently donned their spacesuits and left the module, leaving Matt and Ryan behind.

The cameramen, crouched in their positions, captured every heart-wrenching, heated exchange and tear-filled farewell, their lenses catching the sheen of tears and the trembling of chins.

As the scene came to an end, the cast members exhaled in unison, their faces glistening with sweat.

"Cut! That's a wrap, everyone!" Alfonso called out, silencing the buzz of the set.

After the filming was cut, Lucas and Sandra gave their goodbyes to Paul, Chris, and Katrina.

Chris gave Lucas a hug, wincing slightly. "You punched me for real, man. It's still hurting. I deserved a raise for that."

Everyone laughed at Chris's words, including Lucas, who smiled back at him. "I could feature you in my next music video if you want, and we'll call it even."

Chris's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. "For real?"

Lucas chuckled. "Why not? You've got the face for it."

"You can punch me too, Lucas," Paul said, playfully nudging him.

Everyone laughed at his comment, including Lucas, who couldn't help but chuckle. "So, you want to be featured in my music video too, huh?" he teased.

Paul playfully nudged him back and gave a hopeful nod. "Yeah, is there a chance?"

Lucas playfully patted Paul on the shoulder. "Maybe. Who knows? We'll see what we can do."

Paul smiled, assuming Lucas was just kidding.

After the heartfelt farewell, the remaining cast and crew continued filming the remaining scenes, which depicted the characters Matt and Ryan becoming increasingly desperate as their oxygen and resources dwindled.

Finally, as the characters slipped in and out of consciousness, the rescuers arrived just in the nick of time, rushing them to the hospital.

The filming continued in the United States for the final sequences, where Matt and Ryan were shown being treated in the emergency room, placed on oxygen support as their bodies fought to recover.

As Matt regained consciousness, the first face he saw was not only of his children but also his ex-wife, who had been by their side the whole time. The emotion that flooded Lucas's face at that moment was so genuine, it left everyone on set, including the hardened crew members, teary-eyed.

With that, the filming had come to an end, and "Gravity" was finally complete.

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Chapitre 277: It's been a long time

Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel

---

Lucas sat in the dimly lit recording booth, staring blankly at the microphone in front of him. Although the filming of "Gravity" was over, his involvement with the project lingered on. Warner Bros. had hand-picked a backup singer to collaborate with him on the songs that would be featured in the film. He could still vividly recall the pressure-filled days spent on the set, but now, it was just him, the microphone, and the hauntingly beautiful instrumental arrangement of "Sound of Silence" playing through the headphones.

After days of relentless work, Lucas finally completed the song. Sitting alongside him, director Alfonso and the producers leaned in, anticipation heavy in the air as the music began to play. A hauntingly familiar melody filled the room, chills crawling up their spines as soon as the first line hit their eardrums.

"Hello darkness, my old friend," the deep voice crooned, almost as if it were seeping out of the speakers themselves, "I've come to talk with you again..."

The backup singers joined in, their harmonies sending shivers down everyone's spines. Lucas's voice, raw with emotion, continued to weave its melancholic tale.

"Because a vision softly creeping. Left its seeds while I was sleeping. And the vision that was planted in my brain," the haunting lyrics resonated with the listeners, "Still remains. Within the sound of silence..."

As the song progressed, the profoundly moving lyrics carved into their souls, perfectly encapsulating the film's themes of isolation and desperation. The scene that immediately came to mind was the heart-wrenching sequence where Lucas's character, stranded in the unforgiving void of space, grapples with his own sanity. Hallucinations plaguing his every waking moment, the song embodied the essence of the film's most harrowing moment.

The haunting melody echoed through the room, each note seeping into the very bones of those who listened. Lucas's voice drifted through the air, painting a vivid image of loneliness and isolation:

"In restless dreams, I walked alone. Narrow streets of cobblestone. 'Neath the halo of a street lamp. turned my collar to the cold and damp. When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light. That split the night. And touched the sound of silence"

The WB chief Jeff exchanged a knowing glance with Lucas, a ghost of a nod giving away his approval.

The song continued, Lucas's voice blending seamlessly with the harmonies of the backup singers:

"And in the naked light, I saw

Ten thousand people, maybe more. People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening. People writing songs that voices never shared. And no one dared. Disturb the sound of silence."

The melancholy in the lyrics hung heavy in the air, each word striking a chord within the listeners' hearts:

"Fools" said I, "You do not know. Silence like a cancer grows. Hear my words that I might teach you. Take my arms that I might reach you. But my words, like silent raindrops fell. And echoed in the wells of silence."

As the song reached its poignant conclusion, the room fell into a reverential silence:

"And the people bowed and prayed. To the neon god they made. And the sign flashed out its warning. In the words that it was forming. Then the sign said, "The words on the prophets are written on the subway walls. In tenement halls". And whispered in the sound of silence."

The final note faded into the ether, leaving behind an audible hush. Applause erupted from the crowd, a testament to the power of the song and Lucas's haunting performance.

Alfonso, visibly moved, turned to Lucas and said, "The song is exceptional, my friend. Its truth cuts to the very core of the human condition, much like the endless expanse of space, where the only constant companion is the sound of silence."

Lucas glanced at Alfonso, a grin tugging at his lips. "I didn't know you were a philosopher, Alfonso."

Alfonso laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've seen your video lecturing your fans at the 'Hunger Games' premiere, Lucas. You're quite the philosopher yourself."

Jeff joined in the banter, "Well, Lucas, you're from New York. New Yorkers are known for their... philosophical nature."

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle. "I was born in Los Angeles, though."

Jeff countered, "But you're living in New York now."

They shared a laugh before returning to the matter at hand.

A crew member leaned in close to Lucas. "You have another song to record. Is the studio paying you enough for this?"

Lucas chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Well, I think," he said cryptically, leaving the others to wonder at the significant percentage of earnings from the film's songs that would find its way into his pocket.

After the moving performance of "The Sound of Silence," Lucas turned his attention to the next song: "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis, a band that didn't exist in this world. Feeling the need to introduce the masterpiece to the world, he spent several days recording and fine-tuning the track for the film.

Finally, his work with Warner Bros. on the film project was complete.

Lucas met his agent, Vincent, who now resided in a palatial mansion in Beverly Hills. Vincent's astute investment in the company they founded together, "Uber," had paid off enormously. After selling most of his shares, he now lived a life of luxury, but he continued to work as an agent for Lucas and other IAA clients.

Lucas couldn't help but chuckle upon seeing Vincent, who was now sporting a sleek, straight hair and round sunglasses, "I almost didn't recognize you, Vincent. You sure you're still the Vincent I know?"

The man's hair, usually a mess, was now miraculously straight, and Lucas suspected a wig was involved. Vincent had also put on a bit of weight, likely enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Vincent grinned as he sipped his lemonade, "Of course. What do you think of my new digs?"

Lucas smiled, his eyes surveying the opulent surroundings, "Not bad for a guy who sold his shares in Uber. You do know the value could have gone even higher, right?"

Vincent laughed, "Here we go again, Mr. Business Mogul. Don't worry, I still have a few shares tucked away, and besides, now I have more time to focus on our other ventures."

Lucas chuckled, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Vincent had missed out on a golden opportunity. They continued their conversation, enjoying the lavish surroundings and catching up on each other's lives.

Vincent leaned back in his chair, sipping his lemonade. "So, Lucas, how about you? Thinking of buying a place here too? We could be neighbors, you know?"

Lucas chuckled and shook his head. "No, thanks. Renting's fine for me. Besides, I'd rather see my money going to a good cause than have it spent on extravagant things."

Vincent rolled his eyes dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. I know, Mr. Philanthropist. You're a breath of fresh air in this rotten world."

Lucas grinned. "Well, someone's gotta do it, right?"

Vincent's expression softened. "You've got a point there. Do you, Lucas. You're one of the few good ones left. Keep doing what you're doing."

Lucas nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, man. Speaking of our company, how much did we make?"

Vincent's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Oh, just a measly... tens of millions in a few months."

Lucas's jaw dropped, unable to hide his surprise. "Wow, really?"

Vincent clapped him on the back. "See, even with me spending my shares, we're still raking it in. We've created a monster, my friend! A profitable one at that."

. . .

"So... you're not going to donate most of it right away?" Vincent asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lucas shook his head. "No, I'll reinvest most of it in our other ventures. But I'll set aside some for the LK Charity, so we can help more people and hire more staff."

Vincent looked at him incredulously. "You're really something else, you know that, right?"

Lucas chuckled. "Well, I've gotta do something with the money, might as well put it to good use."

Vincent shifted gears, "Speaking of work, your manager, Neil, told me about the 'Modern Family' offer. They're offering 150k per episode for a short appearance. And since you're in-demand now, they probably won't feature you in most episodes."

He grinned wickedly. "I think your star power has surged too high, my friend. HBO must be glad your character's dying in season 3, huh?"

Vincent added with a smirk, "To be honest, I don't think you should continue being an actor, you already have money-"

Lucas rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile. "Vincent, you know I don't care about that. I am having fun being an actor. Besides, the money I earn from it can go into our business, and when it grows, I can use it to help those who need it more."

Vincent slapped him on the back. "I know, I know. You're a real humanitarian, Lucas. So, what's your next move? Back to New York or staying here in LA?"

Lucas pondered for a moment before answering, "Well, I definitely have more free time for at least two weeks. I think I'll relax and enjoy it."

After spending some time at Vincent's place, Lucas returned to New York, eager to see his old friends, Liza, Leo, Samantha, and the others. With his big pocket, he treated them all to a trip to Disneyland, including the kids with cancer from Bellevue Hospital.

Lucas couldn't deny how much he'd grown to care for those kids. It all started when Liza would bring him along to the hospital during their visits. Even now, Lucas would visit them whenever he had the chance.

Disneyland was no exception. He spent the entire day with the children, going on rides, buying them ice cream, and patiently listening to their stories. He didn't mind the stares or the occasional photo op with fans.

Over time, he also managed to maintain a long-distance relationship with Jennifer, albeit it was becoming increasingly difficult due to her busy schedule.

Finally, mid-August rolled around, and Lucas flew back to the West Coast for the "Modern Family" shoot.

Upon glancing through the script, Lucas noticed that his character's role was brief but significant. In a particular episode, he found a heavy reference to the Godfather, which piqued his interest.

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