"Of course."
Michelle's response was quick and decisive, without a hint of hesitation. It was so straightforward that both Charlie and Anson were left stunned.
Michelle glanced at Anson, then at Charlie, feeling a bit awkward.
"What is it?"
She retorted defensively, though as soon as she spoke, she felt guilty.
"I'm just trying to be honest."
"I like Jim Carrey because I believe his performance brings a unique quality to the film. He's always been one of my favorite actors, and working with him feels like a dream."
"But now…"
"I realize my view was one-sided. As Anson said, we should start with the character and find the actor who best fits the role."
"For example, Anson."
"Anson's understanding of the script and character is on a different level. It's not just about acting; he's also a valuable asset to the director."
"I have so many ideas right now, but I can't seem to organize them clearly. However, I think it's time for me to go watch Catch Me If You Can. My impression of Anson is still stuck on Spider-Man, and I'm not sure what I've missed."
"But Steven Spielberg must have seen something I didn't. Turns out, I'm more arrogant than I thought."
"Phew… I hope it's not too late to correct my mistake."
"So…"
She paused, shrugged slightly, still feeling a bit guilty and embarrassed, but expressing her thoughts honestly made her feel a little more at ease.
"I've changed my mind."
"Why not give Anson a chance? And also give myself a chance."
Michelle looked at Anson, slightly anxious.
Charlie also looked at Anson, waiting for a response.
Just as Anson was about to speak, Michelle suddenly remembered something else.
"Wait."
"For the role of Clementine, would you help us convince Focus Features to cast Kate?"
Charlie sighed and looked up at the sky. "Michelle, Anson was about to agree, but now that you've added a condition, things might get tricky. Can't you just keep quiet for a moment?"
Michelle obediently closed her mouth—for a second.
Then, she couldn't hold back.
"But that's why we came to Anson in the first place, isn't it?"
Charlie rubbed his forehead.
Anson lifted his chin slightly. "Ah, I see. So, I'm just a tool, an added bonus if Kate Winslet joins the cast, right?"
This time, Michelle caught onto the teasing tone in Anson's voice, but she still fumbled for words, unable to respond.
Charlie noticed and glanced at Michelle. "Maybe you should stay quiet."
Michelle crossed her arms, clearly showing her dissatisfaction on her face:
"I'm not happy."
But this time, she didn't say anything more.
The scene made Anson smile, unable to hold back anymore.
Of course, there were still many details to discuss, and the situation remained complicated. But without a doubt, Anson was willing to take on the challenge.
"No problem."
Charlie was stunned.
Michelle was stunned too.
Charlie looked at Anson. "Dude, are you awake?"
Michelle quickly sat up and glared at Charlie, slowly forcing each syllable through clenched teeth, "Charlie. Kaufman."
Anson burst into hearty laughter. "Don't worry, this is just a verbal agreement. Before we sign anything on paper, you have a chance to back out, and so do I."
Michelle: Uh…
So, was this a good thing or a bad thing?
The situation had quietly shifted, with Anson now holding the upper hand. Michelle, on the other hand, hesitated whether to have Anson sign the contract right away to ensure they wouldn't lose him.
Jim Carrey?
Michelle hadn't forgotten. His mind still lingered on the thought, but the fear of losing Anson made him want to hold on—
Is this the mindset women have when faced with a sale?
Not buying would feel like a loss?
Why does this feel so strange?
It was obvious Michelle's mind was torn, and Charlie couldn't help but roll his eyes, which Anson caught, though Charlie didn't seem to care. He shrugged helplessly, as if he was just as frustrated with Michelle's indecision.
Anson thought Michelle was an interesting character, and Charlie too.
Anson looked at Charlie. "So, have you found the answer to your dream?"
The mention of this wiped the relaxed expression from Charlie's face. "It's endless."
Anson was taken aback.
Charlie repeated, "Endless!"
Anson couldn't help but laugh.
Charlie grabbed his head in frustration. "That dream keeps haunting me, over and over. Trust me, I've tried everything, but it still shows up every night, right on time. I'm exhausted and about to give up."
Anson smirked. "I don't see it."
Charlie glanced over.
Anson said, "You're still fighting. The dark circles under your eyes give you away."
Charlie responded sarcastically, "Ha. Ha. Anson Wood, we all know you're funny, but this isn't the time for jokes. That wasn't funny."
Anson replied, "Charlie, I'm serious. Look, you're still thinking, still trying to find the answer, just like in Adaptation."
Charlie let out a long sigh. "Don't remind me. I've had no inspiration for ages. If you decide to back out of this script, I wouldn't blame you."
Anson was a bit surprised but, after thinking about it, realized it wasn't all that surprising—
Adaptation was about a screenwriter struggling with creative anxiety, and the script for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind hadn't been finished. At one point, Charlie even tried to quit the project.
Maybe the pressure was there all along, but Charlie either didn't notice or refused to admit it, so his subconscious was protesting.
Anson shared his thoughts, and Charlie was stunned. "What do you mean?"
Anson explained, "Creative anxiety. You're probably worried your creativity has hit a wall, especially with all the awards season PR events. On the one hand, they pull you out of your comfort zone into constant socializing, and on the other, they disrupt your creative rhythm."
"So, your subconscious is sending signals, throwing you an unsolvable problem, asking you to get back to the script and ignore the awards season. Just focus on what you do best."
"Remember what I just said?"
"You've never cared about pleasing the Academy."
Charlie gasped, his thoughts suddenly clear, looking at Anson in surprise. He was both shocked and amazed.
Anson shrugged slightly. "Hey, Charlie, how about getting back to your typewriter and finishing the script? Now's not the time to be playing around."
Charlie nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, that's it. That must be it. My brain is protesting, my subconscious is warning me. I need to let go of all those burdens and pressures and finish the work at my own pace. Forget dieting, forget PR, they can all get lost."
When Charlie finished, he noticed the shocked and confused expression on Michelle's face. Clearly, she had no idea what Charlie had been going through.
Charlie didn't know how to explain it either.
Then.
Anson leaned forward slightly, breaking the tension and bringing their attention back. "So, do you need me to help convince Focus Features?"