Chapter 0004: First Audition
Lannister's stiff footsteps staggered to the side for two steps, the mourning in his brows and eyes surged up, only to be replaced by a wave of anger, like the surface of the sea before a storm, calm to the point of causing unease. "Ah, great Caesar! Have you fallen just like this?" The heart-wrenching emotion was so fragile it seemed it would shatter at a touch, and the grandeur of the impending storm burst forth from that long, dragging shadow. "Have all your magnificent achievements, all your glorious victories, turned to nothing?"
"So, I am auditioning a Texan who volunteered for military service?" Blane's thick Southern drawl immediately caught the attention of everyone present—not only because of the accuracy of the accent, but also due to the stark contrast with the previous standard London accent, making it hard to believe that this was the same person speaking. "I wonder if he is a soldier or an officer? I suspect he is not a typical cowboy."
The development of events seems to have deviated somewhat from the intended course, with all signs pointing in a direction unfavorable to Lan Li, making this audition appear more like a talk show.
From left to right, each person stepped forward in turn. A voice from below the stage provided a concise explanation, "After stating your name and age, wait for the next instruction. Do you understand?" The almost tangible gaze and emotionless tone heightened the tension in the atmosphere of the stage. The other party seemed quite pleased with this effect and promptly announced the start of the audition, "First on the left, please step forward."
"Are you British?" A voice from the audience inquired. Due to the unclear lighting, the source of the voice could not be distinguished. "Then how is your American accent?"
Moreover, it is important to note that Lannister's remarks were not made casually. He observed that each actor auditioned for different roles and content; the first actor was asked to perform a scene of wailing, while the second actor was asked to portray a sense of fear. Therefore, he speculated that the casting director must be selecting suitable roles based on each actor's appearance and age before proceeding with the auditions
Tom's words ultimately could not contain everyone's laughter, which spilled out softly, because the "Pacific War" has no relation to Shakespeare; Tom's request was clearly a joke about the blue gift - Hollywood's stereotype of British actors is always associated with drama and Shakespeare.
The towering figure was on the verge of collapsing, his knees buckled as he sank to one knee on the ground, stubbornly supporting himself with his hands. "Farewell! Brave warriors, I do not know your intentions, nor do I know who you consider to be toxic and deserving of bloodletting." Those desperate and tragic words carried a hint of indignation, and one could even faintly hear the sound of gritted teeth. "If it were me, I would gladly die at the same hour as Caesar, allowing your hands, wielding the swords stained with the noblest blood in the world, to end my life; there could be no greater honor!"
This was the first time Tom spoke since the beginning of this audition, and Lan Li could even feel the envious and jealous gazes of the other competitors around him falling upon his shoulders, burning and somewhat stinging.
Which area?" Lan Li's calm response caused a slight stir in the audience.
From the single keyword "Texas," Blanley has subtly outlined the character's image
Tom suddenly realized his own lapse in behavior. Considering how hard it was for the others around him to suppress their laughter, he quickly straightened his collar and said in a serious tone, "Why don't you perform a piece by Shakespeare?"
Hollywood also has a dark history, and what Lan Li said is all true; it has happened before, or is still happening. The laughter at the scene suddenly became sparse, and each person's expression was more or less awkward, looking at each other.
Reluctantly, Lan Li spread his hands and innocently shrugged, "Because I am an actor?" The slightly rising intonation seemed to be seeking affirmation from everyone, while also expressing his confusion and helplessness. With a chuckle, Tom slapped his thigh and laughed out loud, while Steven, sitting next to him, was choked and found it hard to speak.
Just three lines of dialogue, merely three lines of dialogue, and the emotions of everyone in the audience are twisted into a single rope, firmly controlled by one person: the unique figure at the center of the stage
Tom opened his mouth, but before any sound could emerge, he noticed Steven leaning slightly forward, his eyes hidden behind the lenses becoming unusually focused, even revealing a hint of burgeoning interest. This instinctively caused Tom to turn his head again and look at the stage.
Next one
However, Lan Li did not pay attention to the auditions of others; instead, he immersed himself in his own thoughts, clearing his mind completely, eliminating all notions of character, audition, and performance, striving to achieve a state of calmness and full concentration, and then maintaining it
Just now, Lan Li's remarkable change in accent caught a bit of Tom's attention, becoming a small diversion between him and Steven. However, this was merely a minor ripple; in the world of Hollywood, there are countless actors who can be considered talented or even genius. One more or one less makes no difference, and there is nothing to make a fuss about. Such ripples quickly settled down.
After a brief pause, the previous voice spoke again, saying, "Texas, perhaps." This is not considered a difficult question, as the Southern accent is still quite evident.
Oh? Why do you say that? A curious voice came from the other side, accompanied by a hint of light laughter. Turning my head to look, it was none other than Tom.
Lan Li took a step forward but did not stop immediately; instead, he walked straight to the "T point" at the front center of the stage, which is the exact center of the stage and also the focal point of the spotlight. Steadying himself, Lan Li began his self-introduction, "Good afternoon, I am Lan Li Hall, twenty years old this year." Confident yet unassuming, concise yet not superfluous
This is a critique of the British identity of the character Blue Ray—"The Pacific War" focuses entirely on the American soldiers
At this moment, Lan Li still stood tall in place. The height difference between the stage and the audience seats accentuated his imposing figure. However, the slightly tense lines of his shoulders, illuminated by the interplay of light and shadow, outlined a tragic grandeur. One could almost feel the surging emotions suppressed deep within, a sorrow so profound that it was unbearable, yet he still managed to hold on. A few subtle changes had quietly settled the atmosphere of the entire stage.
Before one's eyes, the figure of Lan Li, standing at the center of the stage, underwent a remarkable transformation. It was not a change in attire or an extension of movement, but rather a shift in an indescribable aura.
Lowering his eyelids and adjusting his breath, he had almost chosen the play, the role, and the performance time in the blink of an eye, and then he reawakened the memories of those lines deep within his mind
The first actor began his self-introduction in a trembling voice, and the tension of the audition was magnified to the utmost in the vast space of the Broadway theater. The pervasive amplification and echo effects created an illusion of tinnitus, while the mental pressure and the oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on the chest like a massive stone, making it distinctly apparent that his vocal cords were strained
Although this is merely his first audition in Hollywood, the wooden texture beneath his feet feels all too familiar. This Broadway stage slowly awakens the performance experiences of the past few years in London's West End. As his mind reaches a peak of activity, he instead becomes calm. Every pore in his body opens up, greedily inhaling the surrounding air, allowing himself to merge with the stage
The mocking sarcasm was not sharp, and even had a hint of humor, provoking quiet laughter from everyone around. However, it disrupted Lan Li's audition rhythm, which was not good news for him. Nevertheless, Lan Li did not appear flustered; he calmly stated, "I only know that Hollywood does not allow homosexuals to play homosexuals, nor does it allow black actors to play black characters, but I never knew that here it is also prohibited for British actors to play Americans." After saying this, the corners of Lan Li's mouth slightly lifted, and he meaningfully added, "Interesting."
Suddenly, he raised his head, his sharp gaze directed at the audience. That piercing look felt almost tangible, stinging the eyes of every spectator present. The unwavering resolve and steadfast righteousness he projected made everyone feel ashamed and unable to meet his gaze.
Tom shot a silent glare, and Steven quickly turned his gaze to the stage, avoiding eye contact. "So, you neither look like a cowboy, nor an American, and you don't even resemble a soldier. Why are you here for the audition?"
However, Lannister did not mind at all; on the contrary, he decided to seize this opportunity to showcase his abilities. Whether he truly has a talent for performance, the moment of truth has arrived!
Accent is a part of performance, yet it is not easy to learn. Anne Hathaway faced harsh criticism from reviewers for her British accent in "Becoming Jane Austen." Even actors from prestigious institutions may not be able to capture the subtle differences in accents from different regions; for instance, the distinction between a Boston accent and a New York accent is quite minimal. Lan Li's response appeared professional and confident, but it inevitably came across as somewhat arrogant. Even actors from prestigious institutions may not be able to capture the subtle differences in accents from different regions; for instance, the distinction between a Boston accent and a New York accent is quite minimal. Lan Li's response appeared professional and confident, but it inevitably came across as somewhat arrogant
In an instant, there was complete silence.
Tom couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, uncross his legs, and stared intently at the stage. Then, Lan Li lifted his head.
The eager anticipation stirred within Lannister made him somewhat exhilarated, prompting him to clench his fists tightly to prevent his surging emotions from overwhelming him and deviating from the norm
Tom's smile gradually faded as he turned to look at the casting director, signaling that the audition could continue. Generally speaking, the content of the audition performance is determined by the casting director, and Tom and Steven are here more to provide reference opinions.
In the midst of the jokes, Steven set a trap for Lannister, and the other auditioning actors behind him displayed expressions of sympathy, indicating that Lannister's audition today was doomed to fail
"Because I am not a typical cowboy." Blanley’s straightforward response elicited a low chuckle from the audience. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt that had slipped down again and added, "At least I don’t look like one."
Haha. Tom couldn't help but burst into laughter as well. The figure before him, Blake, truly had nothing to do with a cowboy. With his tall stature, slightly curled short hair, and a faint smile, he embodied a harmonious blend of elegance and nonchalance, indulgence and restraint, as if he would remain unruffled even if he were to fall to the streets. "I cannot refute that point." After a brief pause, he continued, "You also do not appear to be a soldier, at least not one who should be on the Pacific battlefield."
Tom couldn't help but rub his nose to conceal his embarrassment. Steven, sitting next to him, immediately came over to tease him, exclaiming "Ouch" in a pained tone, causing others to lower their heads in an effort to suppress their laughter, which was indeed quite a struggle.