Huayu: I'm reborn, but you still force me to be a scumbag?

Chapter 559 Evaluations from Peers
Lina is a new ticket seller at Arc Cinema in Los Angeles. She's in her thirties, has fiery red hair, and a fiery temper. She's been there for a month, and very few people have seen her looking distracted.

So when her colleague Jeff saw her return to the break room looking distracted after her shift ended, he was puzzled. He plopped down next to her and whispered, "Are you free after get off work today?"

Lina said irritably, "Get out of here, Jeff. I don't have time to deal with your little brat today."

Jeff chuckled and said, "Really? Who was it last time... Oh, I was just kidding, Lina. You seem to be in a bad mood. What's wrong?"

Lina glanced at him, leaned closer and whispered, "I think I just saw Tom Hanks."

"What?" Jeff was startled.

“And Nuo Chen.”

"WHAT!"

"Shut up, keep your voice down."

Jeff looked back, then turned back, his face filled with excitement, and said, "You saw Tom Hanks and Norman at the movies? Wait, Norman, wasn't he supposed to be buying a ranch in Montana?"

"Are you an idiot? What date was that news? It's the 20th now, doesn't he know he should come back?"

"Oh, you're right, which theater are they in?"

"What do you want to do?"

"Of course I'll go and see if I can get an autograph or something! Those are Tom Hanks and Noel. It's easier to run into other stars, but you don't run into them so easily in Hollywood."

“Sit down, shit. I don’t want to lose my job because of you. And I’m just saying it seems like it, I can’t be sure. I saw two people talking quietly behind me, wearing sunglasses and hats. You know, not many people wear those indoors. I took a second look and it looked a bit like it. Fuck, sit down.”

"Please, Lina, you know I don't usually follow celebrities, but I've been a fan of Tom Hanks for 20 years, and I have a collection of every single one of his movies."

"Really? Then why did I hear you criticizing his new movie the other day?"

"You mean Cloud Atlas? Okay, Cloud Atlas is an exception. That thing was a failure by the Wachowski brothers. Critics called it ambitious but messy, and I couldn't agree more. This might be the first time I've watched a Tom Cruise movie and all I can think is—DAMN, this long, stinky piece of crap, finally over."

"Hahaha." Lina laughed.

"Don't laugh, I'm serious. And, you know the Wachowski brothers, it's not just the younger brother who changed gender, I heard the older brother is also preparing to... It's all because when they were making 'The Matrix,' they probably revealed the truth of the world, and those guys outside the world reprogrammed their brains, turning them into madmen."

"Jeff, I didn't know you were homophobic."

“No, I’m not homophobic. I have several gay friends, but Lina, sometimes I really think they go too far. The most important thing is that I think they ruined Tom. Oh, poor Tom, I know he prepared for this movie for a long time, and in the end, bang! Everything was gone.”

"Is Cloud Atlas really that bad? I've always been curious why so few people watch it. I see its rating on IMDb isn't that low. Sometimes some popcorn movies, like Transformers, have even lower ratings, don't they?"

"Lina, Transformers is just popcorn, at least Michael Bay didn't lie to me, he was selling popcorn. But Cloud Atlas is different, but the Wachowskis serve shit on the table and insist on telling you it's a dish... Speaking of which, Drop is the same, it's supposed to be an art film, but actually... cough cough, by the way, Lina, you know what, I know there's a movie theater near Hollywood that's still showing Drop, should we go see it again after get off work?"

"It's still showing? What time is it?!"

"Haha, didn't you know that films like 'Water Drop' might have mediocre box office returns, but good reviews and a stable audience mean they can be shown week after week? Especially in places like Los Angeles, there are plenty of film buffs, members of film associations and academies, who often watch it again and again. You know, 'The Artist' also relied on this kind of screening to make it all the way to awards season. So, should we go again?"

"No, Jeff, don't think I don't know what you're up to. I told you, that was the last time."

"Lina, I really just want to watch this movie with you, okay? Think about it, we've seen The Water Drop three times, but we've never really watched it properly. Don't you feel any regret? Or is it that you don't want to see your idol on the big screen again?"

"..."

"Hey, it's settled then, how about it? I'll buy the tickets now."

"...Jeff, I think it's not just people in the film industry who rewatch it, but also perverts like you who often rewatch it, which is why it's been showing for so long, right Jeff?"

"Hahaha."

"So you're not going to care about Tom Hanks anymore?"

"Of course, of course I want to. But I'll buy the tickets first. Anyway, Tom's right there, he's not going anywhere anytime soon. By the way, Lina, you haven't told me yet what movie Tom and Chen are going to see?"

"What else could it be but 'Lincoln'?"

……

……

Chen Nuo knew that Tom Hanks had also attended the premiere of "Lincoln" on the 16th, just as Steven Spielberg had attended the premiere of Cloud Atlas to support him.

So, they should both be watching it a second time now.

However, this 56-year-old Hollywood star didn't even go to the bathroom once during the 150-minute movie. Does that mean...? Either he has a strong bladder, or he's preoccupied with something on his mind.

So when the movie ended, he said:

“Daniel’s acting was superb. I don’t think I can ever do what he did. I heard from Stephen that on set, he completely transformed into Lincoln, even his speech was in Lincoln’s tone.”

"Stephen also told me that he consulted a lot of materials, read a lot of books, and held meetings with many experts before he finally determined how Lincoln spoke."

"Really? No wonder I felt like Lincoln came alive watching him. I really want to meet him and ask him for advice."

"You've never met him?"

"No."

“Then you really should talk to him. He’s a very special person, unlike anyone you’ve ever met. Many things may seem strange before you meet him, but after you do, you’ll find that everything makes perfect sense.”

"Now that you mention it, Tom, I really want to talk to him. Is he still in Los Angeles?"

"Of course not. He's gone back to Ireland now. In fact, when I saw him, I felt like he hadn't quite shaken off the role."

"so long?"

"Does it seem strange? How long does it usually take you to break out of character?"

The two chatted as they went to the toilet together. After leaving the bathroom, they washed their hands side by side at the sink.

"Me? I'll probably... stay for a week."

Tom Hanks turned around and looked at Chen Nuo with some surprise: "A week?"

If Dilraba Dilmurat saw Tom's expression, she definitely wouldn't understand why.

Because when she was filming "Tiny Times", she could still go out to eat and go shopping with Sister Bingbing when she had free time. She didn't feel like she was caught up in Nan Xiang's love and hate, let alone feel like she was out of character.

But if it's a serious actor, like her sister, maybe they could understand it.

In fact, getting into character and then out of character is a problem that many actors encounter.

It doesn't even have much to do with the final effect the actors present on stage.

Not being a good actor doesn't necessarily mean it's hard to break character, and not being a seemingly mediocre actor necessarily means it's easy to break character.

Sometimes it's a talent.

Chen Nuo knew from The Dark Knight that he was exceptionally quick to get into and out of character. When Tom Hanks asked him, the person who suddenly flashed through his mind wasn't himself, but his girlfriend whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

But that was only for a moment, and then back to the present, she nodded calmly and said, "Yes."

Tom Hanks exclaimed in surprise, "You're not kidding, Chen, are you?"

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "I think my talent lies in this."

Tom Hanks exclaimed, "Then everything makes sense. No wonder you can do so many other things besides acting, and keep making one good film after another. Daniel takes a whole year to get into character, six months to film, and another year or two to slowly recover. As for me, although I'm not as extreme as him, I still need to rest for at least half a year after finishing one film. But you? You only need a week?"

These words made Chen Nuo a little embarrassed, so he could only laugh.

When they came out of the restroom, Linghu and Tom Hanks' assistant were waiting for them.

Tom Hanks said, "Want to go to the lounge for a drink?"

"Okay."

The lounge is a unique feature of Arc Cinema. Unlike ordinary cinemas that sell popcorn and cola, this place offers cocktails, wine, and snacks. After watching the movie, viewers can sit in the softly lit bar area, order a drink, and chat about the film. Many industry professionals and film fans also like to meet here to exchange their feelings about the movie they just saw, like attending a small film salon.

The four people arrived here, found a corner, and sat down at two separate tables.

After ordering the drinks, Chen Nuo suddenly remembered something and couldn't help but smile, "I met one of your fans when I went to Japan this time. He's the president of a company there, and I promised to give him my regards."

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "Please thank me for me, and do you want my autograph?"

Chen Nuo thought about it and felt that Akimoto Yasushi was quite sensible. Maeda Atsuko was willing to give up, which was quite considerate. So he smiled and said, "Then I'll thank you on his behalf."

"What's his name?" "Yasushi Akimoto."

Tom Hanks asked his assistant for a pen, found a notepad on the table, and wrote: "To Yasushi Akimoto, best wishes! —Tom Hanks, 2012."

Chen Nuo took it and handed it to Linghu, smiling as he said, "He should be very happy to receive this. Thank you."

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "You're welcome. I saw your latest FYC ad from DROP the day before yesterday, and it still wasn't you. I wanted to confirm if you're planning to do an ad for every award?"

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "I don't know, it's all handled by the PR company. I only provide the money; they handle the rest. What about you? I've seen your ads too. 'Everything is Connected,' right? It's everywhere in LA. Are Warner going to try for every award?"

Tom Hanks smiled.

Then the wine arrived.

Chen Nuo ordered a mojito, while Tom Hanks and his assistant each ordered a beer, and Linghu ordered a glass of water.

Tom Hanks took a sip of his drink and said, "After watching Lincoln, I think the suspense for this year's Best Actor Oscar is almost gone. What do you think?"

Chen Nuo sincerely said, "I think so too."

Tom Hanks sighed and said, "Daniel, I feel like he's reached another level."

Chen Nuo said, "My teacher in China told me I had to watch this movie after only seeing the trailer. After watching it today, I'm going to call her later to tell her that she wasn't mistaken, Lincoln really did come back to life on the big screen."

Tom Hanks laughed and raised his glass.

Chen Nuo smiled and bumped hands with him.

Tom Hanks said, "Respectfully, Daniel."

Chen Nuo said, "Respectfully, Daniel."

Tom Hanks said, "If there's one actor in the world who can win the Oscar for Best Actor three times, I think it's him. Oh, and maybe you too."

Chen Nuo almost spat out the wine in his mouth.

He's currently racking his brains for his first Academy Award.
As a result, Tom Hanks told him that he could surpass Daniel Day-Lewis, who had just crushed the self-esteem of 99% of the world's actors to pieces on the big screen.
He laughed in surprise, "Me too!?"

“Yes,” Hanks laughed. “You, Adrien (Brody), Leo, and maybe Joaquin (Phoenix), you four are the actors I’m most optimistic about right now. You all have the potential to win an Oscar. Although Adrien has already won one, you are younger than him, Leo, and Joaquin. If I had to say who could surpass Daniel in the future, I would bet on you.”

Chen Nuo shook his head and said, "This is not modesty, Hanks, I really think you overestimate me."

“I don’t,” Tom Hanks said. “It just means you might need to focus more on Hollywood. You don’t need anything else in Europe right now, do you? You can’t win another award, can you? What would be the point?”

Chen Nuo laughed and said, "That's what I think too."

After they finished speaking, the two clinked glasses again.

Tom Hanks said, "Oh, by the way, you know what? Actually, besides Heath Ledger, Adrian Smith was also auditioning for the role of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight'."

Chen Nuo exclaimed, "Really?"

"Seriously, after you got the role, he yelled on the phone that Warner Bros. was crazy for casting you as the Joker. But later, after watching the movie, he called me and said Warner Bros. made the right choice."

Wow, Chen Nuo felt truly refreshed at that moment. This kind of praise from a fellow filmmaker carried far more weight than the words of film critics or fans. Although a while had passed, hearing Adrien Brody's words still brought him a sense of relief.

However, he humbly said, "Back then, I relied entirely on luck."

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "I saw your audition video at Warner Bros., and it doesn't look like luck."

Chen Nuo asked in surprise, "They even showed you that thing?"

Tom Hanks said, “Of course they didn’t want to, they took that thing very seriously. But when they were casting for Cloud Atlas, Michael brought it out and told us we should look for actors according to that standard. But Lawrence—no, now I should call her Lana—after looking at it, said that if we really looked for actors according to that standard, we wouldn’t be able to find any.”

Chen Nuo couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Thank you for the compliment. I didn't think about anything at the time, I just acted on impulse. I knew that my audition opportunity was so hard-won, and I had to seize it no matter what."

Hanks laughed and said, "In the end, you succeeded. Actually, that's often how it is. Whether an actor can make it big can be seen from a few things, like their audition, or maybe their very first film. I believe that's true for you too. An actor like you must have known you were suited for this industry when you made your first movie."

Chen Nuo recalled for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "That's how it is."

Tom Hanks smiled, took a sip of his drink, and said, "Do you know when I first heard your name?"

"When?"

"Robert told me."

"Robert? Who?"

Robert De Niro.

Chen Nuo suddenly realized.

He had met this old man several times, and the first time was at—

"When Robert De Niro saw your 'My Blueberry Nights' in Cannes, he told me when he got back to LA that he had met a really great young man who would achieve great things in the art film field. Of course, I don't think he expected that you would do so well in art films, and also in commercial films. Who would have thought? An Asian... No offense intended, but neither Bruce Lee nor Jack Chen are as good as you. Compared to them, what you lack is simply more works and the accumulation of time."

After listening to Tom Hanks' words, Chen Nuo sincerely said, "Thank you for your encouragement, Tom. Your words mean a lot to me, and I will keep them in mind."

Tom Hanks said, "There are probably hundreds of thousands of young people in LA who want to be actors. They come here from all over the world, but in the end, maybe none of them succeed. Talent almost determines everything. It's sad, but it's true. A good actor isn't just someone with a pretty face. People like you and Leon are one in a million. I believe that you will both win an Oscar in the future, you just need a little patience."

Chen Nuo also took a sip of wine and said with a smile, "Tom, it sounds like you've made up your mind not to vote for me this time?"

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "I didn't mean that, Chen, you're overthinking it."

Chen Nuo shrugged and said, "Tom, I need your support. Of course, I don't mean for you to vote for me if you give up Cloud Atlas, but in some extreme circumstances, you might choose to support me. Tom, no offense, you understand what I mean."

Chen Nuo knew that, despite his repeated attempts to be tactful, these words might still be too harsh for Tom Hanks.

The other party then fell silent.

There was a very long silence.

Finally, Tom Hanks said, "Chen, thank you for your honesty. My vote is yours."

At that moment, Chen Nuo could hardly believe his ears.

Heaven and earth bear witness, he really was just talking casually! Moreover, he and Allison both believe that this person will probably only give in after the Golden Globe nominations are announced.

But... how is that possible?

Without a doubt, this was a complete and utter surprise.

He was speechless for a moment, and after a two-second pause, he said, "Tom, you're not kidding me, are you?"

Tom Hanks said, "I didn't."

Chen Nuo really wanted to make it a deal, but he restrained himself and said with acting skills that his colleagues praised: "Tom, are you really sure? I don't want you to regret it, and I don't mean to force you."

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "Chen, no one in the world can force me. I've thought about it, and I've read the reviews of Cloud Atlas online—from the audience, the critics, and my friends. To be honest, I know this year isn't for me. If it weren't for you, I might have wanted to try, but... now, I think I'll just give up."

At this moment, Chen Nuo was genuinely moved. If it had been Megan Fox instead of Tom Hanks, he would have kissed her right away.

"Tom, thank you, thank you so much. I'll remember this moment."

Tom Hanks said, "You're welcome. If your performance in DROP hadn't truly earned you a nomination, I wouldn't have voted for you. But, Chen, although I promised to put in a good word for you with my friends, to be honest, I'm not sure if they'll vote for you. Your subject matter is just too sensitive. Do you understand?"

Chen Nuo said, "I understand."

Tom Hanks laughed and said, "So, I think you should invest a little more in your FYC advertising."

"Okay, I'll consider it. Thank you."

For the rest of the time, the two chatted like old friends.

Chen Nuo originally thought that this impromptu movie-going trip would end quietly, but he didn't expect to be recognized.

Two cinema employees, a man and a woman, stood guard outside the lounge after they paid their bill and got up.

One was a red-haired, slightly chubby woman with a rather cute appearance; the other was a very thin man with freckles all over his face. They came to ask him and Tom Hanks for autographs, and they were quite careful not to disturb anyone else.

Although Chen Nuo had something on his mind, he still smiled and chatted with them for a few minutes. Tom Hanks did the same, asking about "Cloud Atlas." When he heard the skinny man excitedly praising Cloud Atlas, Tom Hanks smiled and signed his autograph for the man.

The red-haired woman was his fan. Chen Nuo was happy to hear they were going to see "Drop" for the fourth time later and took a photo with her. At the same time, he whispered in her ear, "That guy talks nonsense, he's not a good person, stay away from him."

The red-haired woman blushed with excitement, grasped his hand, and nodded emphatically.

(End of this chapter)