From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Confusion, haste, tension, urgency, awkwardness.

Brad Renfro's expression was a complex mix, the alcohol he'd just downed coloring his cheeks with a hint of red, making his pale face appear slightly more normal.

Anson remained unhurried, simply using his right hand to mimic the motion of a breathing apparatus, using body language to help Brad regain his rhythm, allowing him to gradually calm down and regain his composure.

“I… I drank a bit too much, so I sat on the sofa to rest my eyes. I just need a little while, a short nap, and I'll be fine.”

“I was thinking the night had only just begun, haha.”

As he spoke, he began to stray from the point, and Anson had to remind him, “The sofa, resting, and then what?”

Brad paused slightly, a confused look in his eyes, before reacting a beat later, “Ah, the sofa.”

“Then someone else sat down next to me. I opened my eyes and looked over, and it turned out to be another drunk. His eyes were even more glazed than mine, so he must have had quite a bit to drink, haha.”

“Then, we were like forgotten souls, chatting aimlessly. Surprisingly, he was a producer.”

“No, not really surprising, considering where we are. Directors, producers, actors, they're all to be expected.”

“As we talked, he told me he was preparing for a project and was currently brainstorming characters, facing some hesitation in defining their roles. We discussed the characters, and I gave him some suggestions. He liked them very much and actually became more and more excited as we talked.”

“He felt that perhaps I could breathe new life into the character, and then he started asking about me, inquiring about my work and my past acting experiences.”

“But…”

“But! Before we could delve deeper, another person came over, saying that there was an actor named Ryan Gosling who needed to be introduced to the director, and then he hurriedly pulled the director away.”

“I, uh, what should I do now?”

His words were slightly disordered, Brad's eyes filled with uncertainty. The slight rosiness that had just returned to his face faded again, replaced by a pale complexion. His restless pupils were filled with anxiety and nervousness, betraying his apprehension and fear of losing out.

But Anson was able to piece together the whole event, which wasn't complicated, despite lacking some key information—

For example, what was the scale of the project? How much was the investment? Who were the co-stars? Was the role a lead or a supporting role? What made the project worth paying attention to?

Things like that.

However, Anson could understand Brad's feelings. The hope of an actor was rekindled, and after a long time, he had a chance to win a performance opportunity, so it was inevitable that his emotions would fluctuate.

Just as Anson was about to speak, Brad hurriedly added, “Oh, right, the producer said that the female lead for the project is currently in deep negotiations with Sandra Bullock.”

“Sandra…” Brad swallowed, trying to relieve the dryness in his throat, “She’s very interested.”

His gaze rested on Anson, filled with anticipation, nervously holding his breath, “What should I do?”

Anson raised an eyebrow slightly. He could understand Brad's excitement and anticipation—

Sandra Bullock, an actress who initially appeared on the big screen playing ditzy characters, unexpectedly became a darling of romantic comedies.

1994's “Speed” was Sandra's first work to win box office favor. Subsequent works such as “While You Were Sleeping,” “A Time to Kill,” and “In Love and War” all performed well, but for Sandra, her career was reaching a bottleneck:

What should she do next?

For a full six years, all the roles Sandra received were the same ditzy character, but she couldn't continue like this forever, otherwise she would become the female version of Adam Sandler. She had to think about her transformation, make different attempts, and break out of the mold.

According to the trajectory of her previous life, Sandra's first real peak in her career appeared in 2000, that is, the Christmas season later this year—

“Miss Congeniality.”

This was also the reason why Brad was so excited and thrilled. After many years, he was once again entering a mid-level production led by A-list actors, winning an opportunity to return to the mainstream Hollywood scene.

But…

Anson was much calmer.

First, Sandra was only “very interested” but not confirmed to star.

Second, even if Sandra starred, it was impossible to determine what the project was.

Third… what if it was a scam?

Don't think that there are no scammers at Jeff Robinov's party. In fact, in such occasions, there are quite a few scammers who boast and brag. A film project that hasn't even begun to take shape may be packaged as a project that Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp are fighting over.

Anyway, Hollywood is all about who can fool people and brag the most.

Therefore, the more of an opportunity it is, the more it needs to be approached calmly.

Anson looked at Brad, “What's the name of that producer?”

Brad: … “Uh.”

He was completely stunned.

After searching carefully, Brad blinked, “Richard, yes, Richard.”

Anson, “Richard what?”

Brad paused, “Crystal, Billy Crystal… ”

Anson was shocked, “Billy Crystal?”

The Billy Crystal who hosted the Oscars eight times? The legendary comedian who starred in classics such as “When Harry Met Sally…” and “Analyze This?”

Brad waved his hands repeatedly, “No, no, no, Richard Crystal.”

Richard Crystal? Never heard of him.

Although they shared the same last name, the two were not related in any way.

Wait, Richard… Crystal… Anson did remember someone—

There was such a niche comedian, who also worked as a guest screenwriter, producer, and so on. Although not as outstanding as Billy Crystal, he also had his own name in Hollywood, and even if he didn't stand under the spotlight, he had been active for more than twenty years.

And Anson knew this Richard Crystal because of one work:

“Murder by Numbers.”

This work had a medium budget, mediocre box office, and average reviews. In theory, it was inconspicuous among countless film works, but many veteran movie fans had heard of this work. The fundamental reason was that it introduced several important actors to movie fans:

Sandra Bullock, indeed, “Murder by Numbers” did not perform well, but it won her valuable transformation space, which paved the way for her to star in the Oscar-winning film “Crash.”

Ryan Gosling, this new generation Canadian actor from independent films later became the darling of countless movie fans. He gave an outstanding performance in this film.

Michael Pitt, maybe he never became a big hit in mainstream movies, but “The Dreamers” won him the support of art film lovers.

From the perspective of box office and word of mouth, “Murder by Numbers” flopped, but looking back from the end of time, this work won the three actors a turning point in their respective careers.

Third chapter.