Chapitre 77: Ongoing Filming — Inception
The whirring of cameras filled the soundstage, punctuated by the low murmur of crew members adjusting lights and props. On the monitor, the scene unfolded: Lucas, embodying Arthur with quiet intensity, uttered the ominous words, "He knows."
Leonardo, portraying the character of Cobb, reacted instantly. A sharp gesture of his hand silenced Arthur, a flicker of concern crossing his seasoned face.
This gesture, devoid of dialogue, spoke volumes, conveying a sense of urgency and heightened awareness.
The air crackled with unspoken tension.
A barely perceptible tremor ran through the set.
The tremor, barely perceptible at first, vibrated through the air, sending a ripple of unease through the room. Glasses clinked, the set creaked.
Arthur and Cobb, their movements synchronized in perfect unison, instinctively reached for their glasses, ensuring they remained secure. Cobb, with a practiced flick of his wrist, glanced at his watch. The second hand, a crucial marker of time and reality, stood frozen in place.
Lucas as Arthur, his eyes widening subtly, scanned the opulent room, his expression betraying a flicker of controlled panic beneath his professional demeanor. "What's going on up there?" he whispered, his voice barely a tremor itself.
A hush fell over the set. Even the crew, usually buzzing with activity, stood transfixed, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.
Leonardo, and surprisingly even Lucas, had delivered the scene with remarkable exception, the camera captured the two actors confusion and unease of a situation teetering on the edge of chaos.
Director Nolan, a silent observer behind the monitor, offered a smile.
As the first scene wrapped, a ripple of impressed murmurs spread through the crew. While the seasoned performances of veterans like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Watanabe were expected, their eyes were on the young actor, Lucas.
His portrayal of Arthur really surprised everyone. He seamlessly navigated the scene, matching the intensity of his co-stars and delivering subtle nuances that brought depth to the character. His nervous glance around the room after uttering "He knows," followed by the genuine concern in his voice when asking "What's going on up there?" showcased a range that belied his acting skills.
Director Nolan, couldn't hide a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Cut!" he finally proclaimed, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. The crew erupted in applause, recognizing not just the completion of the scene, but the potential they saw in the young actor.
***
The cameras stopped whirring, signaling the end of the first scene. Leonardo, as if shedding a cloak, transitioned smoothly out of Cobb's persona. With a warm smile, he approached Lucas, the young actor who embodied Arthur.
"Lucas," Leonardo began, his voice seasoned yet encouraging, "you surprised me out there. I don't recall seeing that level of intensity during rehearsals."
Lucas, a hint of blush creeping onto his cheeks, couldn't help but grin. "Perhaps," he added, "I was fueled by your own acting prowess, Mr. DiCaprio. The energy was contagious."
Leonardo chuckled, the sound rumbling pleasantly. "Whatever it was," he said, placing a friendly hand on Lucas's shoulder, "it was excellent. I wasn't sure at first if you could match the intensity, but you knocked it out of the park, kid."
As they walked back towards the crew, Leonardo's gaze lingered on Lucas for a moment longer. There was a genuine respect now, replacing the earlier professional assessment. During rehearsals, Lucas hadn't shown anything that really impressed him, but today, in the crucible of live performance, he can see why Lucas was chosen for the role.
***
A wave of warmth washed over Lucas as Leonardo's praise echoed in his ears. To be acknowledged by such a seasoned actor was a moment he wouldn't soon forget. Settling back into his seat, he scanned the script on the small table, his mind still buzzing from the scene. Suddenly, a warm cup of coffee offered towards him.
"You looked intense out there," Ken Watanabe's calm voice carried over, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Want some fuel for the next round?"
Lucas startled, his gaze flitting to the offered coffee. "Oh, thanks, Mr. Watanabe," he mumbled, surprised by the unexpected gesture.
Ken chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Call me Ken. We're all in this together, remember?"
Lucas's smile broadened, the tension easing from his shoulders. He gratefully accepted the coffee, the warmth seeping into his hands as he took a sip. "I really appreciate it."
"No problem," Ken replied, gesturing towards the script. "So, what's on your deck next?"
Lucas's eyes lit up. "Actually, my next scene is..."
They delved into the intricacies of the upcoming scene, dissecting their characters' motivations and exploring different approaches. Ken, with his wealth of experience, offered subtle guidance, never overshadowing, but encouraging Lucas to find his own interpretation.
Lucas, in turn, brought a youthful energy and fresh perspective to the discussion.
***
The stage lights cast a warm glow on the meticulously constructed set, mimicking the sprawling terraces of Nijo Castle. A subtle tremor, barely perceptible to the untrained eye, rippled through the wooden structures. Lucas, embodying the young extractor Arthur, and Leonardo, as Cobb, instinctively reached out to steady themselves against the railing.
This scene, if fully edited out by CGI, would showcase cascading tiles and crumbling masonry, a chaotic spectacle that would test the characters' composure. In the meantime, the extras portraying guests wandered the meticulously-designed terraces, seemingly oblivious to the impending danger.
Arthur's voice, laced with a hint of urgency, broke the silence. "Saito knows, Cobb. He's playing us." His professionalism remained unwavering, even in the face of this unexpected development.
Cobb, however, betrayed a flicker of unease. Unlike Arthur's controlled demeanor, his actions revealed a hurriedness almost desperation. "I can get it here," he insisted, his voice tight. "The information's in the safe - he looked right into it when I mentioned secrets." His attempt to convince himself seemed almost futile.
Arthur nodded, acknowledging Cobb's words with a slight jerk of his head. But his attention was already drawn elsewhere. Over Cobb's shoulder, his eyes caught sight of a familiar figure strolling amongst the guests. A subtle frown creased his features, and his voice held a hint of annoyance, expertly masked by his professional tone. "What's she doing here, Cobb?"
His question hung heavy in the air, nearby, was a woman standing nearby. It was Marion Cotillard, as Mal, Cobb's late wife, radiating a haunting beauty that resonated with an unsettling familiarity to Cobb.
Cobb's eyes widened as he registered the figure. A tremor, more emotional than physical, ran through him.
His usual confidence faltered, replaced by a flicker of helplessness in his gaze. He turned to Arthur, a faint apology shadowing his features. "You just get to your room," he murmured, his voice husky with suppressed emotion. "I'll take care of the rest..."
Arthur, although was composed and professional, mirrored the helplessness in Cobb's eyes. He understood the turmoil his partner was battling, the ghost of their past resurfacing amidst their critical mission. Yet, a hint of frustration tinged his response. "See what you do," he said, his tone clipped but laced with concern. "We're here to work."
Chapitre 78: Challenging scene? — Inception
Days had passed since Lucas had stepped into the shoes of Arthur, opposite the legendary Leonardo DiCaprio as Cobb, and a talented cast. The tension in the room crackled like electricity as Marion Cotillard, embodying Mal, walked towards Cobb, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"The gun, Dom," she murmured, her voice soft yet carrying the weight of unspoken threats.
Cobb remained frozen, his gaze locked on hers. Mal's smile vanished, replaced by a steely glint in her eyes. With a flick of her wrist, she gestured towards the doorway. Two burly guards emerged, dragging a struggling Lucas, as Arthur.
Mal pressed the cold metal of the gun against Lucas's temple, her voice devoid of emotion. "Please," she whispered, her eyes locked on Cobb.
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. Slowly, Cobb reached for his gun, his movements deliberate, his eyes never leaving Mal's. He placed it on the opposite end of the polished ebony table, then slid it along its smooth surface, the click echoing in the tense silence. It stopped halfway down, a precarious bridge between them.
Saito, observing the scene with a predatory smile, spoke up. "Now the envelope, Mr. Cobb."
Cobb's hands rose in a gesture of surrender as he reached into his waistband, withdrawing one of the coveted envelopes. He slid it across the table, his voice low and gravelly. "Did she tell you? Or have you known all along?"
Saito's smile widened, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "That you're here to steal from me? Or perhaps, that we're all dreaming?"
A flicker of annoyance crossed Arthur's face as he exchanged a silent glance with Cobb, a hint of the "I-told-you-so" attitude Lucas had perfected over the past few days in his Mind Workshop and rehearsals.
Saito's voice, a smooth blend of curiosity and menace, cut through the tense silence. "Tell me, Cobb. Who is your employer?"
His gaze, sharp as a hawk's, flickered between Cobb and Arthur. Mal, mirroring his intensity, slowly cocked the gun, its cold metal pressing against Arthur's temple.
"No point threatening him in a dream," Cobb countered, his voice betraying a hint of unease.
Mal's lips curved into a chilling smile. "That depends on what you're threatening. Killing him would just wake him up... but pain? Pain is in the mind..."
Her eyes, devoid of warmth, met Cobb's. The air crackled with unspoken warnings, a silent duel of wills playing out between them. Then, with a swift movement, Mal lowered the gun and fired.
In a swift, almost casual movement, Mal lowered the gun, aiming instead for Arthur's leg. With a sharp crack that resonated through the room, the gun "fired." Though no projectile flew, Lucas, or rather, Arthur, contorted his face in agony, a guttural scream erupting from his throat. Even amidst the filming, his performance held such conviction that it sent shivers down the spines of those observing, though some may find it funny.
"Judging by the décor," Mal said, her voice cold and calculating, "we're in your mind, aren't we, Arthur?"
Amidst the tension, a crack of amusement flickered across some actors' faces, a testament to Lucas's convincing portrayal. Yet, professionalism prevailed, and the scene continued uninterrupted.
Leonardo, fully embodying Cobb's desperation, launched himself across the polished table. His movement was a blur, a desperate lunge for his discarded gun. With a sharp crack, the weapon echoed in the opulent space, not aimed at Saito, but at Arthur. Lucas, immersed in the character, crumpled realistically, the scene ending with Cobb springs to the door, leaving behind a stunned silence, before the director's cue, "Cut!" officially ended the scene.
***
Applause echoed through the soundstage as the "dream within a dream" scene wrapped. Lucas, still buzzing from the intensity of the performance, felt a tap on his shoulder. It was Christopher Nolan, his expression unreadable.
"Lucas," Nolan said, gesturing towards a quiet corner. "Mind joining me for a quick chat?"
Intrigued, Lucas followed the director. After settling down, Nolan leaned forward, his voice low. "Remember how we discussed some scenes requiring specialized training?"
Lucas nodded, recalling the vague conversations about demanding physical sequences.
"Well," Nolan continued, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "that time has come. After we film your next few scenes, you'll be heading to London."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, surprised. "London? For what?"
"We've built a unique set – a rotating environment inside an airship hangar," Nolan explained. "You'll be working with our stunt team to prepare for a particularly challenging scene."
Silence fell as Lucas processed the information. His surprise quickly morphed into excitement. A demanding scene demanding special training? It sounded thrilling, a testament to the trust placed in him.
"Challenging, you say?" His voice held a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Nolan chuckled. "Let's just say it'll push your physical and mental limits, in the best way possible. Be prepared, Lucas. That rotating set is about to take you on a wild ride."
With a pat on Lucas shoulder, Nolan excused himself, leaving Lucas buzzing with curiosity and a newfound drive. The dream within a dream had been exhilarating, but a whole new challenge awaited him across the ocean.
Lucas chewed on his lip, replaying Christopher Nolan's words in his mind. The director's cryptic hint about a "challenging scene" filmed in a specially built rotating set sent shivers of excitement down his spine. If his memory served him right, he remember the scene where Arthur engaging in intense hallway combat – and not just any fight scene, but one meticulously crafted without the aid of CGI.
The thought filled Lucas with a mix of apprehension and exhilaration. He had seen glimpses of Nolan's commitment to practical effects in films like "The Dark Knight," where the iconic hospital explosion was achieved with real explosives. Now, it was his turn to step into the director's creative planning.
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