In his previous life, Anson remembered reading an article where the crew reminisced about Kate's work ethic.
The article mentioned that Kate knew she wasn't an exceptionally gifted actor. She believed that hard work could make up for any shortcomings. Before diving into any project, she would completely immerse herself in character research—studying the script, the character, and the dialogues. She'd outline the character's traits, backstory, and performance framework, then process it in her own way.
In the end, she would imprint her own signature on the role.
Maybe Kate didn't go to the extreme like Daniel Day-Lewis, living as the character for six months and losing herself in the role. She still retained her disciplined British academic approach to research. But there was no doubt that her passion for acting came from a different angle.
When joining a production, she knew exactly what she was doing and how she would approach it.
For an actor, that's a rare quality.
Especially after experiencing the success of Titanic, Kate still managed to stay grounded and focus on her craft, which was even more commendable.
Kate had her own unique way of acting.
For an ordinary script, it wouldn't matter much if it were incomplete since the storylines, character setups, and so on were already laid out. The impact wouldn't be too obvious.
But this was a Charlie Kaufman script—the writer of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Even when you held the script in your hands and read it repeatedly, it was still hard to grasp. Reading it three or five times might not be enough; it required even deeper study and understanding. And this one wasn't even complete!
Holding an incomplete script was like holding junk—a chaotic mess of timelines and storylines, leaving one completely lost.
At this point, Anson realized this was a problem.
He knew Charlie Kaufman hadn't finished the script, so the movie had to start shooting with an unfinished draft. But since he had memories from his previous life, he knew the complete blueprint of the movie, as well as the development of the characters and story. This didn't affect his interpretation and portrayal of the character.
However, Kate didn't have that advantage.
Moreover, Kate's preparation process for a role was different, which meant she was naturally facing more gaps and unanswered questions.
No wonder!
No wonder Kate had been so absorbed in her thoughts, with no energy for socializing. Her brain, overwhelmed by the blanks and confusion, couldn't function normally, which explained her unusual behavior.
After a moment of nervousness and anxiety, Anson regained his calm.
This, in fact, gave him peace of mind.
Anson then shifted back to his professional stance as an actor. "So, you didn't understand the script?"
Instinctively, Kate tensed up, thinking Anson was about to mock her. But after a brief pause, she looked up at him, and in his eyes, she saw only sincerity and honesty—completely different from what she had expected.
Taking a deep breath, Kate nodded and admitted, "Yes, I didn't fully understand it."
"I mean, is this our first meeting or our second?"
Anson blinked. "Ours? The first."
"Haha, very funny," Kate replied, expressionless, giving a dry laugh. "You know what I mean—Joel and Clementine."
After a pause, Kate waved her hand. "Sorry. I must look crazy and unreasonable right now. First meeting, no formal greetings, and here I am, freaking out at a train station. God, even I can't stand myself. Maybe we should forget about work for now."
Anson put his hands behind his back and leaned forward slightly. "Are you sure?"
Kate bit her lower lip lightly. At that moment, she saw the playful glint in Anson's eyes. She thought about it for a moment, then lifted her chin, ready to counter. "How do I know you have the answer?"
"Hey, you're just a boy. Your acting experience is limited. Maybe you don't understand the script and the character as much as I do."
Anson didn't respond immediately. Instead, he paused thoughtfully. "Then why are you still here? Why are we still discussing this? Maybe you should ask the director or directly consult the screenwriter instead of using reverse psychology on me."
"I didn't know you read The Art of War."
Kate tilted her head slightly. "I should be surprised that you know The Art of War."
"Haha, touche," Anson laughed heartily.
A smile finally appeared on Kate's face. "I heard."
Anson: "?"
Kate: "That you insisted I get this role."
Anson waved his hand. "There's been a misunderstanding. I'm not in a position to get roles for you. You're Kate Winslet."
Kate shrugged slightly. "I know. Even though I'm Kate Winslet, I still couldn't secure the role. In terms of box office, Titanic was James Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio's success. As for acting, I'm probably considered part of the 'idol' category by now."
"I am Kate Winslet, but I'm in an awkward position—neither here nor there. It feels like I have some status, but really, I have nothing."
"That's why I appreciate your support in getting me this role. I'm very, very, very grateful."
Kate was smart. She always had been, and she always would be.
In Hollywood, a place that devours you, Kate may have never been at the pinnacle or part of the $20-million club, but she was always indispensable. Even twenty years later, she would still have her place in Hollywood.
Noticing that Anson was about to speak, Kate stopped him with a look.
"Back to the point. Since you helped secure the role for me, it means you're just as excited about this collaboration. So, I believe you wouldn't come unprepared."
Everyone said Anson was just a pretty face, but Kate didn't think so. Just like with Leonardo, people's biases were often clouded by appearance, blinding them to the soul underneath.
From an outsider's perspective, Kate was already a big star, and Anson was just an up-and-comer. They seemed to be on completely different levels. But Kate didn't see it that way.
What does experience, seniority, or age matter? In Hollywood, those who cling to outdated ideas are the fools who eventually get left behind.
That's why, working with Anson, Kate had no airs and never looked down on him.
In fact, it was the opposite. Kate was secretly excited—
Who doesn't like a good-looking man?
Hollywood lets men appreciate young, beautiful actresses—why can't women admire a handsome young actor?
And Anson didn't disappoint.
At their first meeting, their first exchange, Kate was already impressed by him. Plus, he was easy on the eyes.
Kate raised her chin slightly and studied Anson carefully. "So, do you have the answer? Did you understand the script? Or did Charlie discuss the full concept with you?"