`Love is irrational and domineering.
Sometimes, even when you're fully aware of the other person's many flaws and imperfections, you find yourself unable to turn away because of a single heart-stirring moment.
Sometimes, even when you know you have nothing in common, you're still hopelessly drawn into love because of the pull of hormones.
We all understand the logic behind it and can explain things clearly when we're on the outside looking in. But when we're in it, we can't escape. Reason always crumbles in the face of emotion, and we repeatedly lose to our own impulses and vulnerabilities.
Frustration, bitterness, sadness, and pain. Yet when love happens again, we still leap in without hesitation, like moths to a flame.
Some call it foolish, the Achilles' heel of humanity. But others say it's genuine, the very proof that makes us human—
A reminder that we are different from machines, not just cold, calculating numbers.
Because of this, memories, like emotions, hold power.
"So."
"He is anxious, conservative, honest, steady, and stubborn, yet always gazes at Clementine with passion and sincerity because she possesses all the beautiful qualities he longs for but can never attain."
"He longs to have her but knows he can never confine such a free soul. If he did, she would no longer be herself."
"He wishes to be like her but knows he'll never have the courage to take that step. All he can do is stand quietly, watching her dance through life."
"When she leaves, the only thing he can do is retreat to his safe space with memories in tow, spending a lifetime reminiscing. He is cowardly and timid, but in this relationship, he gives everything without holding back."
"And the one time he takes a risk is when he visits the clinic to erase his memories, making a decision he might regret forever. And so, in desperation, he tries to turn things around."
Outside, the afternoon wind howled fiercely as dark clouds gathered, making it feel as though the end of the world was approaching.
Inside, there was stillness. The record player had long stopped, and after Anson finished speaking, the air fell completely silent.
The contrast was stark, intensifying the turbulent emotions in the room as if you could hear thoughts flowing through the air, hearts pounding, blood racing, and chests on the verge of exploding.
Michelle was completely stunned—
It was as if someone had pressed pause on her, staring at Anson in front of her.
Her mind whirred like a robot, looking back and forth between Anson and Charlie. She saw Charlie with his arms crossed, curled up on the couch, his expression unreadable, lost deep in thought.
They had no idea what Charlie had experienced to write such a script. Outwardly, everything seemed fine, but internally, it was as if his world had crumbled.
Anson's words seemed to have stirred Charlie's memories once again.
Michelle received no response, so she turned back to Anson.
"…Sorry."
Her brain was still muddled, unable to think clearly. She only had one thought, and so she blurted it out.
An apology.
Anson was taken aback, then couldn't help but flash a faint smile. "I'm not sure why, but I'll accept your apology anyway?"
Michelle smiled too, a beat slower, only then realizing she hadn't explained the whole situation. Did Anson really not know, or was he pretending not to?
Should she explain to him, or just brush it off?
After a brief pause, Michelle chose honesty.
"I personally wanted Jim Carrey for this role. I've always liked his performances, especially in The Truman Show. Even though it's a comedy, you can feel the bitterness beneath it. I was hoping he could bring that texture to my film."
"So, even though Charlie kept recommending you, believing you could bring something special to the movie, I refused to listen. Even today, when we came to visit, I wasn't exactly thrilled."
Michelle looked to Charlie, hoping he would confirm her story. Instead, Charlie looked shocked, rubbing his forehead in disbelief.
Charlie: …How is she going to fix this after spilling everything?
In Hollywood, no one likes being a second choice. Actors who live in the spotlight and thrive on applause are notoriously self-centered.
Even if the actor you're negotiating with is the eighteenth choice on your list, you're supposed to say they're your first pick.
That's called a white lie—keeps everyone happy.
Michelle, however, was brutally honest, laying out the whole truth.
Charlie was dumbfounded, unable to react for a moment.
Michelle, seemingly unaware of this, looked back at Anson.
"But now, I realize how foolish I was."
"So, I'm sorry."
Not only Charlie, but Anson was also surprised.
Now, Anson finally understood why Michelle's directorial career in Hollywood never took off after Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
There was no doubt that Michelle's sincerity and passion reflected a pure heart. She was genuine and honest, which earned her many friends. That's why she could always assemble impressive production teams, and why Charlie Kaufman was willing to rewrite her scripts—
As a friend, Michelle was undoubtedly a great partner.
But in business, her blunt honesty was a double-edged sword. It could offend both the studios signing the checks and actors with egos too fragile for even the slightest bruise. One wrong step, and she'd burn bridges without even realizing it.
In the early stages of her career, Michelle's films had impressive casts. But it didn't last long before she hit obstacles—funding issues, collaboration troubles.
By the time Anson knew her future, Michelle's career had only ever seen the spotlight once, with Eternal Sunshine. Even twenty years later, she was still living off the success of that film.
Of course, her difficulties in human interactions were one thing. Her abilities as a director were another matter entirely. Maybe she had some talent, but she certainly wasn't a genius like Charlie.
As a side note, Charlie later directed Synecdoche, New York himself because he believed no other director could bring the story in his mind to life. That's why he took matters into his own hands.
This situation was no different.
But Anson appreciated Michelle's honesty. He could feel her genuine heart and sincerity, qualities that had nearly vanished in Hollywood. To Anson, it was refreshing. "It's okay. At least you're sitting here now."
"Even if it's a little late, you still made it."
"So, does this mean you've changed your mind?"
Anson wasn't about to let an opportunity slip. Grabbing the chance, he pushed forward, trying to secure the role for himself.
Michelle didn't hesitate. "Of course!"
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