Anson hesitated slightly—
Keep a distance, or open up?
At the end of the day, Anson didn't really know Kate, and Kate didn't really know Anson. Both were exploring, trying to figure out the right way to cooperate. Everything was in a state of trial and error.
Looking up, Anson could see Michelle pulling at her hair. The director, who already had a head of curly hair, now looked like a mad scientist. She was holding a cup of espresso, half alcohol, half coffee, with a grimace that made it seem like she was drinking poison.
The atmosphere wasn't great.
The apartment felt like a pressure cooker, slowly building up, ready to explode at any moment.
So, taking a deep breath, Anson decided to stop hesitating.
"Hey, Kate, want to step out for a cigarette and some fresh air?" he asked.
Without turning around, Kate replied, "No, I'm fine."
Instinctively, Kate turned him down, leaving Anson hanging.
Anson didn't mind—at least he had tried.
But then, to his surprise, Kate paused and abruptly turned her head, "On second thought, that's a good idea. I think we should go for a walk."
This time, Kate didn't rush. She grabbed her down jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves, bundling herself up tightly.
When she was ready, she turned and saw Anson, already prepared, standing at the door like a gentleman, holding it open for her. Kate walked out without paying much attention to anyone else, seeming a bit dazed.
Anson paused and glanced at the dumbfounded director, lowering his voice, "Give us some time. We just need to cool down and talk things over."
Michelle was about to respond, but Anson didn't wait. He turned and followed Kate out of the apartment.
Michelle: ???
So, does this director have any authority on set?
Ugh!
"Director," Grant called, "do you want me to follow them?"
Michelle hesitated, her thoughts tugging in different directions, but then she remembered the time he and Charlie visited Anson's New York apartment. He decided to trust Anson and give them space—
No authority? Fine, but it's all about the work. Actors should be left to do their job and use their expertise.
Yet the situation was both frustrating and nerve-wracking.
Michelle weakly waved her hand, too tired to explain. She raised her coffee cup, took a big gulp, and immediately grimaced, her face contorting as if she'd just swallowed poison. She nearly cried.
Meanwhile, Kate dashed out of the apartment like a runaway bride, her footsteps echoing down the quiet hallway, and before Anson knew it, she had already disappeared.
Anson had no choice but to chase after her.
Whoosh, whoosh—
As soon as they stepped out of the building, a biting cold wind hit them, causing them both to stop in their tracks. The freezing air pierced their skin, and goosebumps erupted all over their bodies. The dim streetlights flickered weakly in the darkness, their faint glow doing little to dispel the sense of fear. Instead, it heightened the menacing presence of the night.
The world was silent.
Occasionally, distant sounds could be heard, but they were faint and far away, as if coming from another dimension. This only made the empty street seem even more eerie and cold.
A shiver ran down Kate's spine.
Her hurried steps came to a halt at the entrance.
Anson caught up, looking at the dark, street-lit night. "This feels like The Exorcist."
Kate glanced back at him. "Doesn't it feel more like Chinatown?"
One was a horror film, the other a gangster movie.
Anson shrugged lightly. "Either way, both suggest life-threatening situations."
"Hah." Kate chuckled. "So, are you scared?"
Clearly, it was Kate who had rushed out and stopped in her tracks, but now she was shifting the blame?
Anson didn't call her out on it. "Even if I were scared, I wouldn't admit it. Or do you suggest we go back in again?"
The word "again" subtly reminded Kate.
Kate looked at Anson. "Hah. Hah." She let out two dry laughs.
Then, without waiting for her, Anson walked out into the street.
Kate hesitated for a moment, tightened her jacket, and followed him.
"Sorry, I've been out of sorts," Kate caught up to Anson, the cold air clearing her head. Though her teeth were chattering, her thoughts were becoming clearer.
Anson shook his head. "I'm the same. God, you have no idea how nervous I was before filming that scene. I still can't believe I'm about to shoot an intimate scene with Kate Winslet."
The exaggerated comment, with a hint of self-deprecating humor, made Kate burst into laughter.
Kate looked at Anson. "You can use that nervousness, can't you? Joel's character is supposed to be like that."
Anson nodded, "That's what I was thinking, too. But the challenge is staying focused. My performance still feels a bit stiff."
Kate thought for a moment, understanding what he meant. She looked up at Anson, "So, how about it? Need my help?"
Anson was a bit surprised. "You wouldn't mind?"
Kate shrugged lightly, "No, of course not. Remember that scene in the car with Leo?"
In Titanic, Jack and Rose shared an intimate moment in an old car in the ship's cargo hold.
Anson thought to himself: Of course, I remember. That was an awakening moment for our entire generation.
Outwardly, he smiled. "It's hard to forget."
Kate smiled, completely at ease. "A body is just a body. The meaning comes from the audience's mind. Whatever you're thinking is what you'll see."
She shot Anson a playful glance and laughed.
"The point is, I guided Leo through that scene. He was so nervous, shaking the whole time. That's where that famous line came from."
"'Jack, you're trembling.'"
"What I'm saying is, he was so inexperienced and nervous, and I had to guide him through the shoot. God knows how he became who he is now. I guess everyone grows up?"
Ha ha, hahaha.
Leonardo: ???
"But we finished the scene just fine. If you don't mind, I can help guide you through this one."
Then she paused, and the smile on her face slowly faded.
"But right now, I'm a mess. I don't even know what I'm doing. God, I should be the one apologizing. I ruined tonight's shoot."
"I probably won't be much help because I can barely manage myself. I'm in a terrible place, and I don't even know why."
"Ugh, I feel like a rookie actor again."
Her words tumbled out, unorganized and confused.
But Anson understood, completely.
He didn't say much. Instead, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it to Kate, "Want one?"