The air quickly cooled down—it was unexpected.
To be honest, Anson felt a bit nervous about working with Kate Winslet.
Even though the film market was becoming more prosperous, and box office records were constantly being broken by films like The Avengers, Avatar, and Star Wars, Titanic always held a special place in Anson's memory from his previous life.
Even when the film was re-released or remade into a 3D version, it continued to stir deep emotions among people of his generation.
Because of this, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet maintained a special status in the hearts of movie lovers. Anson was no exception.
When discussing the project with Michelle and Charlie earlier, Anson had been calm, despite some minor excitement, knowing that Kate starred in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in his past life. Analyzing the project rationally, he remained composed, treating it like a mere theoretical discussion.
However, when Kate Winslet stood before him—not as Rose, but as Clementine—a complex mix of excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and joy filled him.
Now, after a small joke failed to land, the atmosphere grew awkward, and even Anson found himself becoming unusually stiff.
But Anson was still Anson. After all the life lessons from his previous existence, he managed to quickly regain his composure and rein in his runaway emotions.
"Wood." Anson introduced himself first.
"Anson Wood, playing the role of Joel in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
This was the right move.
Kate gave a faint smile. "Sorry, my brain isn't working right."
"Kate. Just Kate."
Her tone was serious, almost formal. Anson wasn't sure if the latter part of her comment was a joke, and the forced smile on Kate's face made the situation even more awkward.
Then, silence. Both turned their eyes elsewhere, avoiding each other.
Sensing the growing tension, Anson stepped in quickly.
"Kate, do you have any concerns about me playing Joel? If you do, the film hasn't started shooting yet, so there's still time to make changes."
Kate was startled. "What?"
After blinking a few times, she quickly waved her hands.
"No, no, no, no, no, you misunderstood."
"I just... uh, I didn't know how to greet you. You look... um..."
"Oh, sorry."
It seemed she had stopped herself from saying something inappropriate. Kate quickly shifted gears.
"God, you're very handsome. No doubt about that. I love your sweater, it's great. I wasn't expecting... uh, the beard. Are you trying to look more mature?"
Her words were all over the place, but Anson finally understood—they were both surprised by each other's appearance.
Anson stroked his chin. "No, don't get the wrong idea. It's for the script."
"Remember? Joel and Clementine break up, Joel falls into depression, and he doesn't bother shaving. He looks scruffy—it's all part of the story."
Kate: …
After a pause, she widened her eyes at Anson.
"So, you're also getting into character?"
Anson nodded. "Just like you."
Kate glanced down at her own outfit.
"I'm still trying to figure it out. I want to find something personal, not just follow the stylist's instructions. I hope to connect with the character."
"But."
"I'm still exploring. I'm not sure. Maybe I need to tweak it some more."
Kate then took another look at Anson's outfit.
Anson waved his hand.
"No, this is just my personal style. Joel is more of a rule-follower. I'll stick to the stylist's advice. If they tell me to wear shorts, I'll wear shorts."
"Ha ha." Finally, a joke that landed. Kate laughed heartily.
But the laughter was short-lived, and soon the room grew quiet again.
Anson was genuinely surprised—Kate was more introverted than he had imagined. He wasn't sure where his original impression came from, but he had always thought of her as being more outgoing, just like her character Clementine. Yet, the Kate in front of him seemed hesitant and reserved.
Perhaps, Anson thought, Kate was deep in thought, studying the role and trying to channel Clementine's more sensitive and slightly neurotic side.
If Anson's guess was correct, he shouldn't interfere. As an actor himself, he knew the importance of getting into character without distractions.
As Anson pondered whether to excuse himself, Kate unexpectedly broke the silence.
"What about you? Why are you here? From the location of the station, it looks like you arrived on Long Island before me."
Anson pointed to his hot cocoa.
"I'm observing life in Long Island. I thought it would be more gray in the winter than I expected."
"Gray?"
"Yes, gray. Everything is covered in this foggy, grayish layer—people, lives, even emotions. It's grayer than Manhattan."
Once again, no response from Kate.
This conversation was exhausting, with gaps that Anson struggled to bridge.
Kate fell into thought, letting the cold air freeze the room once more, cutting off any attempt at warmth.
Anson was starting to worry about their on-screen chemistry.
Should he be concerned?
Then, without warning, Kate looked up and stared straight at him, catching Anson off guard.
"Do you understand what's going on with the script?"
"I mean, do you have the complete script?"
The script was still a work in progress.
Charlie Kaufman hadn't finished the final third, but they couldn't wait for him forever. With the seasons changing, they had to start production while waiting for Charlie to wrap things up.
It was a new experience for Anson.
But he was surprised that it also troubled Kate.
"No, I don't have it either. Charlie is still in seclusion, refusing to let anyone read the last third of the script."
Kate stomped her foot and cursed, "Damn it."
Anson chuckled.
"My experience is limited. I haven't been in this situation before, but I thought you would've dealt with something like this."
Kate shrugged.
"Of course I have. And not just once. Trust me, this happens a lot in Hollywood."
"TV is even worse. Sometimes, the script is still hot off the printer the morning you're supposed to film."
"But this is different."
"Charlie's script... well, I'll admit, I don't fully understand it. I can't figure out the timeline or the story structure. I can't find a coherent character."
"I need a complete script."