Chapter 19: Auditions

Ridley habitually opened his work mailbox, and more than thirty unread emails made him sigh softly.

He is in his sixties, and although he is considered energetic at this age, he has become more and more demanding for quiet evenings and undisturbed rest. But the email in the work mailbox must be read once, which is also a habit he insists on.

Most of it was about Gladiator, such as the reply about the set in Malta, which would be the location in the center of ancient Rome, which Ridley took seriously, and he asked the assistant director to go to the set to see the actual results. There are also invitations for cooperation in clothing, makeup, etc., which are basically well-known practitioners who have achieved fame.

He quickly skimmed through the past, and all these tasks were done by someone.

"Honorable Mr. Scott"

It's his favorite format for sending emails, and it's clear that the person who writes is a detail-oriented person.

The content of the email stated that he wanted to get an audition shot - "Commodius"!

"Oh yes." Ridley continued to read with great interest, he auditioned for a lot of young people, and many successful young people in Hollywood probably complained about him, and now he still wants to get the opportunity to audition, at least he is quite confident in his acting skills.

The email is, of course, from Daniel.

An email written by him himself.

In the email, he gave a brief introduction to his acting resume, confidently and affirmatively indicating that he was sure that he would be able to play the distinctive character of Commodius.

After that, Daniel said his thoughts about the synopsis of the film, the historical facts of Rome at his fingertips, and the rigorously worded commentary, all of which showed that he was a serious and sincere actor.

Ridley appreciates such actors.

And he's going to schedule an audition for Joaquin Phoenix in the next two days, and one more person is nothing compared to the time he spends in this role.

The more energy Ridley expends on this matter, he naturally hopes that the final result will be no regrets, at least to ensure that the final candidate is the best person he can find.

Ridley forwarded the email to Walter Parkes, a producer at Universal.

Unexpectedly, Walter called him back quickly.

"They sent me a CD, and Mr. Sandler did seem to have a lot of potential. And, you may not have noticed, he's been exposed a lot lately," Walter was in a good mood, "what did he tell you?" What do you think? ”

"Tell them to audition, but the time can't be changed, he may only have three days to prepare."

"Okay, I'll have someone send them materials tomorrow."

Ridley hung up the phone and glanced at Daniel's email again.

"Will you surprise me?"

……

Kusa soon received the audition script.

Three days later, at Universal Studios. So, they only have three days.

Daniel spent two hours reading through the script, and the vague impression in his mind was recalled, and Joaquin Phoenix's performance was so brilliant that although he was compared to Russell Crowe, he didn't let the play get out of balance, and he played a dark, neurotic, tyrannical Roman emperor in three points.

Daniel stayed in the room for two days with the script.

When Cusa went to pick him up on the third day, he was almost startled, and Daniel looked a little weaker, but his eyes were full of energy.

"Are you alright?"

"Of course, it's never been better."

When Cusa and Daniel arrived at Universal Studios, Jeaquin and Philip arrived at about the same time, and they both kept the habit of fifteen minutes early.

This time it wasn't a make-up rehearsal, so there were almost no staff.

The casting director personally led them into the audition room.

The four of them only had time to look at each other a few times, and they didn't even say a word.

There were four people sitting in the audition room, and one seat was empty.

Director Ridley Scott, producer Walter Parks, screenwriter John Rogan.

The film's most important triumvirate is here.

Daniel and Kusa looked at each other, secretly frightened. Their attention to Commodius was beyond Daniel's imagination.

"Both of you are very good young actors, thank you for coming," Ridley only said a few words before turning to the topic, "Today's audition, we don't give propositions, everyone is free to perform a paragraph, but no more than ten minutes." ”

Starting with Jacques, Kusa and Daniel were invited out first.

The two didn't talk, and Daniel closed his eyes to prepare for his performance.

The doors of the Universal are very well insulated, and sitting outside, they can barely hear the sound inside.

It wasn't until about half an hour later that the door opened from the inside, and Jackie came out of it, his eyes slightly red, and the momentum on his body had not subsided.

Obviously, he's just gotten into a very committed show.

"Good luck to you."

Philip nodded to them and left the globe with Jackie.

Daniel and Kusa entered the room, and Kusa took the empty seat of his own accord.

Ridley didn't say a word of nonsense, and directly signaled that Daniel could start.

Daniel closed his eyes for five seconds, then suddenly opened them.

Several of the auditioners straightened their backs in amazement.

Few actors can give people such a strong emotional message without the help of scenes and makeup.

Daniel's own calm and self-contained demeanor was now gone, replaced by a noble face with a frivolous face, and a small cluster of black flames dancing in his eyes.

Everyone present began to look forward to what he would say and do next.

Daniel just closed his eyes, and the expression on his face changed dramatically.

This clean face was slightly raised, showing pure pride.

Everyone was stunned, not understanding why he conveyed a very different quality, and Ridley squinted his eyes and tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table.

At this time, Daniel suddenly stood up, leaning slightly to the side.

"Father!"

His voice is so complex that you can hear all the emotions you want in it.

"Father!"

For the second time, Commodius called his father, the old Roman emperor who knew almost everything about God.

This time, the feelings are thick and indissolvable, but they are incomparably pure hatred and madness.

Daniel straightened his body, his weak face weakened a little, and his overly bright and crazy eyes made the whole person fall into a strange aura.

His body was like a small boat that could disintegrate at any moment in front of the turbulent emotions within.

Commodius drew a sword from his waist, his movements very slow and ritualistic, as if drawing the sword was a solemn ritual for him.

Drawing his sword, Commodius suddenly fell to his knees, and then let out a laugh, which was at times wild, sometimes gloomy, sometimes exalted, sometimes low......

Daniel's audition show is over.

Kusa let out a sigh of relief.