Chapter 1864: 1864 One Step to Success

Jack was really interested in "as good as it gets." Although he had just read the script for a short time, he had a general idea of ​​the whole story.

As for a screenwriter's control, in fact, many things can be seen in the first scene, whether the screenwriter likes a big scene or a small scene, whether he likes to put the conflict on the table from the beginning or advance it in the process of brewing, like to play tricks or get straight to the point... Just one play, you can read a lot of connotations.

Therefore, Jack read the script very carefully for the first few pages, especially the first and second pages. Some screenwriters like to write a lot of commentary on the first two pages, or hot scenes are coming. There is nothing wrong with this method, but it is too direct. This has certain limitations on the subject matter and audience of the movie.

The first scene of "As Good as It Gets" is very interesting. The hero Melvin was disturbed by the dog barking in the hallway at work, so he tried everything possible to drive the puppy away, but failed, so he simply put the dog away. Puppy dropped down the trash lane. Then the owner of the puppy, the neighbor Simon, came to the door and asked him if he knew the whereabouts of the puppy, but Melvin denied it.

In this scene, the conflict exists, but it is not hot. On the contrary, it makes people laugh and cry, and the lines of the lines quickly shape several characters, Melvin's meanness, indifference, and even kindness. family. Discrimination, Simon's kindness, enthusiasm and sensitivity are outlined in a few words.

With less than four pages of the script, Hugo showed his profound control skills, and left a deep impression on Jack on the shaping of characters and the use of lines. Just like the first scene in "Before Sunrise", the encounter on the train, a little conflict or accident, let the character appear on the stage, and then outline the image. Although the roles are very simple, Hugo is good at leaving a huge space for the actors, using his performance to outline the characters bit by bit.

Then, Jack randomly flipped to the back. What he wanted to see was a random scene, which is a manifestation of the screenwriter's habits, or how to outline the excessive plot, or how to control the conflict plot, or how to describe the in-depth plot. This can give a general idea of ​​the thickness of the entire script.

Jack has to admit that the script of "As Good as It Gets" is indeed very good. During the short reading time just now, the image of the character has already begun to emerge in his mind, and he even began to think carefully about how he would interpret this script. The character, what kind of characteristics will I inject into the character, and what is the resonance between the character and the story?

As an actor, he can't ask for more from the screenwriter.

Of course, Jack will still read the whole script carefully when he goes back, and he needs to have his own understanding of the whole story’s transition and core ideas, but there is no doubt that the script of “As Good as It Gets” can be said to be the best that Jack has seen in the past two years. He could even feel the excitement in his blood.

To be honest, Jack is a little thankful that Hugo won't be playing the role of Melvin, which allowed him to meet this role, which is a good thing.

However, Jack did not express his feelings, but talked with Hugo calmly, as if he still wanted to think about it from various angles. Facing a veteran like Jack, Hugo really didn't notice it at all, but only smelled a little initiative from the last question.

Hugo never dared to take it lightly, took a deep breath, "About the director, I actually want to talk to James L-Brooks, I think his delicate depiction of emotion can inject more into the script that I have no way to consider Where to go.” James just collaborated with Tom Cruise on “Mr.

"Oh, James, I know him well." Jack nodded and said with certainty.

Hugo laughed lightly. Jack and James co-produced "Terms. Of. Endearment" in 1983. This work not only won Jack the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, but also let James win There are three statuettes for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Later, Jack made a guest appearance in James's "Broadcast. News".

"Then, as for the heroine, I plan to visit Holly Hunter, Helen Hunter, Susan Sarandon and Nicole Kidman." Hugo, this is the result of careful consideration, let Jack be serious He nodded his chin, but did not give an answer, but continued to ask, "What about the role of Simon?" Hugo pursed his lips and shrugged, "I haven't considered this aspect, I have some good choices, but... I think we still need to hear from the casting director.”

Hugo is the screenwriter, not the director. It is estimated that no one will veto his opinions on the male and female protagonists, but the supporting roles need to be discussed again. However, if he can be the producer, that is another matter.

Jack supported his chin with his right hand, thought for a while in silence, and finally shook his head lightly, which made Hugo feel tense, "What's the problem? Why did Jack's expression look like he was about to refuse?" Is it? Should there have been more explanations of the script just now? What's going on?"

"It's a pity." Jack said, causing Hugo's heart to sink, "I was looking forward to working with you again."

"But..." Hugo opened his mouth and wanted to explain, but he realized something was wrong after he could only squeeze out a beginning, "What?" Then Hugo thought about it seriously, and said intermittently, "I, as a screenwriter It's also cooperation..." Hugo saw the smile on Jack's eyebrows, and he suddenly realized, "So, you mean, you are willing to take this script?"

The smile on the corner of Jack's mouth was revealed, and then he nodded vigorously, "Of course, with such an excellent script, I can't wait to join the crew."

"Oh, God! I'm so happy, Jack, you will never believe how much this means to me." Hugo said with a bright face, this is the most important thing he has ever done as a screenwriter The first step: his script successfully attracted Jack's interest, and more importantly, he invited Jack to play the leading actor. Some appearance.

"But, Jack, what about the salary? What about the production budget? Don't you ask about these?" Hugo asked nervously with his eyes wide open.

But Jack waved his hand directly, "Such a good script, it is my loss to miss it, believe me, just relying on your name, I am willing to nod and agree." Although there is a huge age difference between Hugo and Jack They are thirty years old, but they do have a good personal relationship. Every time Hugo encounters a problem, Jack will stand up and speak for Hugo without hesitation. "By the way, you should ask about Meryl's schedule. Although I'm not sure what the heroine looks like, I think she will be very interested."

Meryl Streep? Hugo couldn't imagine that his own script would bring together Jack and Meryl as the leading actors. This is simply a dream moment for screenwriters.

"By the way, you don't have to worry about James, I'll convince him." Jack started packing without hesitation.

This made Hugo show a big smile, "I asked James to have dinner tomorrow through Tom, and I will tell him that you have confirmed that you will star."

"I believe he will see the brilliance of your script, which is the type he likes." Jack said bluntly, and then thought for a while, "Well, you talk to him tomorrow, and then I will talk to you tomorrow night." Call him to test it out. If he doesn't see the script is good, we'll change the director."

Seeing Jack in front of him pointing out the country, Hugo's mood became extremely bright. With Jack's support, the prospect of "perfection" suddenly became clear.

Hugo originally wanted to ask about Jack’s experience in acting in comedy, because Hugo is full of curiosity about comedy but lacks experience. Although he has starred in "Sleepless in Seattle" and guest starred in "Friends", this time he wants Officially starring in "The Truman Show", Hugo still feels that he lacks a clue, maybe Jack can give him some advice.

But at this moment, Hugo's cell phone rang, interrupting his conversation. Hugo smiled apologetically at Jack, and after getting Jack's permission, he picked up the phone and stood up, "Hello, this is Hugo."

"Hey, good morning, this is Alan." Alan Strelow's voice came from the other end of the phone, "So, gentleman, I thought we had a deal, why are you backing out? That's not what a friend should do."

Hearing Allen's thoughtless accusation, Hugo was stunned, "What?"

Allen choked speechlessly, "'As good as it gets'! I was talking about this project, I thought we had already negotiated a cooperation, but why is Paramount still in competition now? You don't really want to be with Shirley. Women cooperate?"

Hugo couldn't help laughing, "Alan, I thought we talked about it. Mark asked me to play the male lead, but I decided not to play the leading role in the end, so I think you will definitely have to renegotiate, and the final investment amount will probably be different. Deviation. That's why I handed over the negotiation to Rick."

"God, Hugo, were you there that day?" Allen patted his head depressedly, but then he let himself out a long breath and slowed down his tone, "I said, No matter what your decision is, I am willing to invest in this project, and 50 million US dollars, just as you ask, I have no problem here."

"What about Mark Canton?" Hugo was naturally the best, but he thought that the internal situation of these big companies was not that simple.

Allen shook his head, and said firmly, "I have no problem, and Mark has no problem, so what about you? Do you have any other questions?"