章 313: Acting State
Jennifer found herself constantly checking on Lucas during the filming, her concern for him growing with each passing day.
As she watched him immerse himself so deeply into the role of George, she couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and worry.
She had to admit, there were times when she felt a twinge of jealousy towards Lucas. His acting skills were impeccable, his patience seemingly endless, and his philanthropic nature always shone through. At times, these qualities made her feel somewhat inferior in comparison.
However, seeing Lucas's extreme dedication to his role, to the point of risking his own identity, made Jennifer realize new things about him. Although they had worked together before in films like "Like Crazy" and "The Hunger Games," she had never seen him quite this committed. She remembered his dedication in "Like Crazy," but this level of immersion in "The Artist" seemed to be on another level entirely.
As she pondered this, Jennifer wondered if Lucas had always been this intensely dedicated in their previous collaborations, but had simply hidden it better.
Perhaps George's character had simply provided the perfect opportunity for Lucas to fully unleash his immersive acting technique.
This realization brought with it a new depth of understanding and respect for Lucas as an actor.
At the same time, it intensified her concern for his well-being. Jennifer found herself caught between admiration for his craft and fear that he might lose himself in the process.
She made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Lucas, to be there for him not just as a co-star, but as his partner.
***
Over the past few days of filming, social media had been abuzz with news about Lucas and Jennifer working together on a new project. Despite efforts to keep the details under wraps, leaked footage from bystanders in Los Angeles had sparked intense speculation and excitement.
News outlets quickly picked up on the story:
Entertainment Weekly: "Lucas Knight and Jennifer Lawrence Reunite for Indie Project?"
TMZ: "Exclusive: Lucas and Jennifer Spotted Filming in Period Costumes"
Variety: "Hollywood's Power Couple Back on Set: What We Know So Far"
Social media users reacted with enthusiasm:
@Math_Algebra: "Lucas and Jennifer together again? Take my money already! #DreamTeam"
@Cristine_Lopez: "Can't wait to see what they're working on! Their chemistry is always 🔥"
@Jeon_Byul-ho: "Betting it's a period piece. Those costumes look amazing!"
@Lorenzo_D_Wolf: "Another rom-com? Or something completely different? Either way, I'm here for it!"
The buzz generated by these leaks led to an influx of curious onlookers and paparazzi around the set.
While the added attention brought excitement, it also posed significant challenges for the production.
Paparazzi, armed with long-range lenses, persistently tried to capture exclusive shots of the stars in costume.
Their presence made it difficult for the cast and crew to move freely between locations, often disrupting takes and forcing reshoots.
Fortunately, the production team had anticipated some level of public interest and had hired additional security.
Local law enforcement also stepped in to help manage the crowds, creating a buffer zone around the set to allow filming to continue.
Despite these measures, Michel and the production team felt the pressure to expedite the filming process.
They adjusted the shooting schedule, prioritizing outdoor scenes to minimize the impact of the growing crowds and shifting more intimate scenes to controlled, indoor locations.
***
Lucas and Jennifer found a quiet moment during their break to discuss their characters and the immersive acting process they'd been experiencing.
Jennifer, visibly relieved to see Lucas still very much himself, began, "You know, playing Peppy has really opened my eyes. I think I understand now why young people are generally more open to new ideas than older generations."
Lucas nodded thoughtfully, "You're right, they are. But I think it's because the changes are happening during their formative years. It's interesting though – when those same young people grow older, they often become resistant to change themselves. And then a new generation comes along, more adaptable to the latest innovations."
Jennifer laughed, "I guess that's what happens when you're not young anymore. You get set in your ways."
"Yes," Lucas agreed, a wry smile on his face. "It's like George. He's not inherently against progress; he's just comfortable with what he knows. Change threatens his entire world view."
Jennifer nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "I've been thinking about that. Peppy's excitement for talkies isn't just about the technology. It's about opportunity. For her, it's a chance to be heard, literally and figuratively."
Lucas leaned in, intrigued. "It really highlights the generational divide in the story. George sees talkies as a threat, while Peppy sees them as a gateway to a brighter future."
"It makes me wonder," Jennifer mused, "how we'll react to major changes in our industry as we get older. Will we be the Georges or the Peppys?"
Lucas chuckled, "Hopefully, we'll be a bit of both. Open to change, but also appreciative of the art forms that came before. It's about finding balance, I think."
Jennifer smiled, reaching out to squeeze Lucas's hand. "Speaking of balance, how are you feeling about your... immersive technique? Still in control?"
Lucas returned the squeeze, his eyes meeting hers. "Of course. Your concern means a lot, babe. It helps keep me grounded. George is fascinating to explore, but at the end of the day, I'm always me."
Although Lucas reassured Jennifer, he was keenly aware that George's character was subtly influencing him more than he let on. If not for his Mind Workshop, he realized he might indeed be struggling to maintain his sense of self by now.
As their conversation wrapped up, the call came for filming to resume. Lucas and Jennifer made their way towards the filming site, Cicada Restaurant and Lounge, but as they approached, they were struck by the sight of a massive crowd in the distance, held back only by the buffer zone.
Michel hurried over to them. "I must admit, I underestimated your popularity," he said, shaking his head. "Even I didn't expect such a large crowd. It's incredible, but it's also making things... challenging."
Lucas shook his head helplessly, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Well, Michel, welcome to the circus," he quipped. "I guess we're not in Kansas anymore."
Lucas turned to the crowd and offered a friendly wave, his smile warm and genuine.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable. Many held up their phones, eagerly recording the moment or snapping photos.
"Oh my god, it's really him!" one fan squealed.
"Lucas! Jennifer! Over here!" another shouted, waving frantically.
"You guys are amazing together!" a third fan called out.
Paparazzi, equipped with their high-end cameras, captured high-quality shots of Lucas, knowing these images would be in high demand later.
While Lucas was accustomed to this level of attention and genuinely appreciated the support, he felt a part of himself - the part influenced by George - reveling in and even craving the adoration. It was a strange sensation.
Jennifer joined Lucas in waving to the crowd. The scene reminded her of her experiences as Katniss in "The Hunger Games". She then nudged Lucas gently, indicating it was time to head inside the set.
To her surprise, Lucas continued smiling at the crowd, seemingly lost in the moment. Then, to the astonishment of Jennifer and the production team, Lucas broke into a dance - the very same steps that George had performed in earlier scenes.
The crowd's reaction was a mix of confusion and delight:
"Wait, what's he doing?"
"Is this a Vine dance or something?"
"I don't know what that was, but it was awesome!"
"Quick, someone Shazam this dance!"
After his brief performance, Lucas gave one final wave before nodding to Jennifer and heading inside the restaurant.
In the crowd, some of Lucas's hardcore fans exchanged puzzled glances. One whispered to another, "Did that seem weird to you? I've never seen Lucas so... showy with fans before."
Another nodded, "Yeah, it's like he became a different person for a moment there."
As they entered the set, Jennifer turned to Lucas, her brow furrowed with concern. "What was that about? It felt like you became George again out there. Are you okay?"
Lucas laughed softly, his eyes warm as he looked at Jennifer. "I'm fine, really," he assured her. "I just got caught up in the moment. Remember, part of acting is understanding how your character would react in different situations. I think George would have loved that attention, so I let a bit of him shine through."
Jennifer looked at Lucas, a mix of amusement and concern in her eyes. "You know, sometimes it's pretty stressful being your girlfriend," she said jokingly. "I have to worry consistently."
Lucas laughed. "You can rest easy. I promise I'm not going anywhere."
Jennifer's expression softened, but there was still a hint of worry in her voice. "Just make sure you're really okay. I don't want to see you in some psychiatric ward because you've convinced yourself you're a silent film star from the 1920s."
Lucas smiled, then he mockingly said, "Well, it's pretty stressful being your boyfriend too, you know. I have to worry if you've met some hunky co-star and decided to run off with him."
Jennifer chuckled, playfully swatting his arm. "Oh, stop it, you!" she said, her laughter lightening the mood.
***
As the filming began, Lucas and Jennifer slipped into their roles as George and Peppy. The scene unfolded in the restaurant, with George dining with his chauffeur.
Peppy, played by Jennifer, entered the restaurant with a group of young reporters, exuding confidence and charm. She settled into the seat directly behind George, oblivious to his presence.
The interviewer, clearly enamored with the rising star, leaned in eagerly. "Four of your films haven't even been released yet, but you're already Hollywood's darling! How do you explain that?"
Jennifer, as Peppy, flashed a dazzling smile. Her voice carried a hint of playful arrogance as she replied, "I don't know. Maybe it's because I talk, and people can hear me." She paused, reveling in the attention. "People are sick to death of those actors who pull faces to make themselves understood."
Lucas, embodying George, listened to this exchange with a subtle smile, his back to Peppy and the reporters. His expression conveyed a mix of amusement and mild irritation at the young actress's brash confidence.
However, Peppy's next words caused George to flinch visibly. Jennifer delivered the line with youthful exuberance, unaware of the impact her words would have. "Anyway, it's normal for the young to take over from the old. That's life. Make way for youth!"
George's shoulders tensed slightly, his grip on his utensils tightened, and a flicker of pain crossed his eyes. These nuanced reactions spoke volumes about George's inner turmoil without the need for dialogue.
Over the course of filming, Lucas had refined his approach to embodying George. It was no longer a simple case of George taking control or Lucas merely acting as George. Instead, it had evolved into a complex interplay between actor and character. Lucas was simultaneously controlling George and being influenced by him, creating a seamless blend of performance and lived experience.
This state allowed Lucas to tap into George's emotions with unprecedented depth.
When Peppy's cutting words about youth replacing the old rang out, Lucas experienced a profound sense of George's pain. The sting of irrelevance, the fear of being left behind, and the bitter realization of changing times - all these emotions washed over him with startling clarity.
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