บท 29: Chapter 29: The Director's Test
### Chapter 29: The Director's Test
"Richard, over here!"
Bill Copeland, the producer, waved his hand in the jazz wine bar on Third Avenue, New York.
Richard responded and walked over with long strides.
He was dressed in a sharp suit with a blue tie, his long hair combed back, revealing a clean-shaven face. He looked tall, upright, and exceptionally handsome.
He wasn't dressed up for a date but to attend a movie audition.
Thanks to Lewis's introduction, he had met producer Bill Copeland.
Copeland mentioned that the crew of "A Perfect Murder" was looking for a male supporting actor who matched Richard's image and temperament. He invited Richard for a semi-formal audition, which took place in this café.
To his surprise, Daniel Lewis was also there.
"Hey, Daniel, you're here too."
"Haha, yes, just happened to be here. Richard, what have you been up to lately?"
Lewis stood up and bumped fists with him.
"Training. I'm preparing for this year's WBC light heavyweight championship."
"Oh, that's great. Looking forward to seeing you win the championship belt soon."
"Thank you!"
Richard smiled and then turned to Bill Copeland, the producer. "Hi, Bill. When I make it to the finals, will you come to cheer me on?"
"Haha, the competition hasn't even started, and you're already thinking about the finals. You must be very confident," Copeland laughed.
"Yes, I've made the best preparations for this match," Richard smiled.
"You're preparing for a boxing match, so why are you here for an audition?" asked a man in his fifties with a full beard from his seat.
"Richard, let me introduce you. This is the film's director, Andrew Davis," Copeland said.
"Good afternoon, Director Davis. As for your question, my answer is simple: dreams. Does it sound clichéd and laughable? But it's true. Since childhood, I've always dreamed of becoming an actor.
I planned to attend a drama school after graduating high school to seriously study acting, but the tuition fees were too expensive for me to afford.
I also thought about going straight to Hollywood, starting from small roles and working my way up to become a star, but such a path relies heavily on luck.
I didn't want to pin my dreams on luck, nor did I want to numb myself with unrealistic aspirations. So, I became a boxer."
"My fists are quite good. I fought from amateur boxing rings to underground matches. In over forty matches, I've never lost. I'll soon enter professional arenas, become a professional boxer, a champion, and a sports star."
"What does this have to do with becoming an actor?" Davis asked with a bearded face.
"Yes, it does. When I become a sports star, people will invite me to act in movies, and my dream of becoming an actor will be realized.
However, to my surprise, I was fortunate to meet a big star like Daniel and a prominent figure like Copeland before becoming a sports star."
"I'm not that significant. You saying this makes me feel awkward," Copeland joked.
"Bill, in the eyes of us small actors, producers and directors are unattainable figures. I'm very grateful and pleasantly surprised to receive an audition invitation from you. If dreams can be realized a bit earlier, I wouldn't mind a better life," Richard chuckled softly.
"If you become a movie star, will you continue to practice boxing?" Director Davis asked.
"Of course. Becoming a world champion is one of my life goals."
Before he could finish, Lewis laughed, covering his mouth with a tissue. "Don't mind me, keep going!"
"I'll persist until I achieve this goal. Quitting halfway has never been my habit," Richard said firmly.
"Do you know what role you're auditioning for?" Director Davis asked with a blank expression.
"Yes, David Shaw, a handsome painter, a love fraud, and a victim in the murder case."
"Do you think you can handle this role?"
"I believe I can!" Richard said confidently. "I'm young, handsome, and strong, fitting David's description. Besides training, I also carry a sketchbook to do sketches. I capture beautiful moments with my pen, and I don't lack the temperament of an artist."
Copeland nodded silently. Richard looked like a fierce beast in the ring, but off the ring, he was polite and gentle, like a refined artist. This was why Copeland had invited him for the audition.
"Richard, how good are you at drawing?" Lewis asked.
"Amateur level, certainly not as good as your foot drawing."
"Hahaha~"
The group burst into laughter.
In the movie "My Left Foot," Lewis played the role of Christy Brown, a cerebral palsy patient and painter who could only move his left foot. To play the role well, Lewis learned to paint with his left foot and later held a personal exhibition, with his paintings selling for thousands of dollars each.
"Amazing."
"Richard, we should paint together sometime," Lewis said with a smile.
"Sure!"
Richard smiled lightly and then turned to Director Davis. "I'm better at portraits. Would you like me to draw one for you?"
"No need. Painting is just a character trait. There aren't many painting scenes in the film," Director Davis said.
"Oh, I see."
Richard secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If he really had to draw, he might embarrass himself.
"But David's role is crucial. I want to test you a bit. Are you willing to try?" Director Davis stroked his bearded chin.
"Please go ahead!"
Richard's heart tightened again.
"In the script, David is a love fraud, meaning he's very good at dealing with women."
Richard nodded.
"That girl over there in the knit hat, do you see her?" Director Davis scanned the bar, his gaze landing on a beautiful back in the corner. Just from the back, one could tell the woman was beautiful and elegant. Next to her was a man in a black jacket, whispering to her like a couple.
"I need you to approach her as a painter and get her contact information within five minutes. Are you up for this challenge?" Director Davis smiled slyly.
"Haha, this is a great test!"
"Richard, are you up for it?" Lewis and Copeland laughed.
"I'd like to try."
Richard smiled, stood up, and left the seat.
"Andrew, this trick is too harsh," Lewis chuckled.
"It's a bit harsh. Her boyfriend is right there. Aren't you afraid they'll fight?" Copeland laughed.
"He's a boxer; why would he fear a fight?" Director Davis sipped his wine and smiled.
"Do you think he'll succeed?" Lewis asked.
"If there were no boyfriend, given Richard's qualities, he'd likely succeed. With the boyfriend there, the chances are slim," Copeland said.
Davis nodded slightly. "The patrons of this wine bar are mostly mature and successful. Getting their contact information isn't easy without some real skills."
"I think he'll succeed," Lewis smiled.
(End of the chapter)
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