Jack was indeed interested in "perfection", and although he had just read the script for a short time, he had a general idea of the whole story.

For a screenwriter's control, in fact, there are often many things that can be seen in the first scene, whether the screenwriter likes big scenes or small scenes, whether he likes to put the conflict on the table at the beginning or advance it in the making, whether he likes to be mysterious or straight to the point...... There are many connotations that can be read in just one play.

Therefore, Jack reads the script very carefully for the first few pages, especially the first and second pages. Some screenwriters like to write a lot of commentary in the first two pages, or a hot scene is coming, there is nothing wrong with this approach, but it is too direct, which has certain limitations on the subject matter and audience of the movie.

The first scene of "Perfect" is very interesting, the male protagonist Melvin is disturbed by the sound of a dog barking in the hallway during his work, so he tries to get rid of the puppy in every possible way, but it doesn't work, so he simply throws the puppy down the garbage aisle. Simon, the owner of the puppy, came to the door and asked if he knew where the puppy had gone, but Melvin denied it.

In this scene, the conflict exists, but it is not hot, on the contrary, it makes people cry and laugh, and between the lines of the lines quickly shape several characters, Melvin is mean, cold, and even kind. Tribe. Discrimination, Simon's kindness, warmth and sensitivity, sketched out in just a few words.

In just less than four pages of the script, Hugo showed his deep control skills, and left a deep impression on Jack with his characterization and use of lines. It's like the first scene in "Before Sunrise", the encounter on the train, a little conflict or accident, makes the characters appear, and then outlines the image. Although the role is very simple, Hugo is good at leaving a lot of space for the actors, using his performance to sketch the character little by little.

Then, Jack flipped to the back at random, what he wanted to see was a random scene, which was the embodiment of the screenwriter's habit, or how to outline the excessive plot, or how to control the conflict plot, or how to describe the plot in depth. This can give a general idea of the thickness of the entire script.

Jack had to admit that the script of "Perfection" was indeed excellent, and in the short reading time just now, the character image had already begun to appear in his mind, and he even began to think carefully about how he would interpret the character, what kind of characteristics he would inject into the character, and what would be the resonance between the character and the story?

As an actor, he couldn't have asked more of a screenwriter.

Of course, Jack will still take a good look at the entire script when he goes back, and he needs to have his own understanding of the beginning and core ideas of the whole story, but there is no doubt that the script of "Perfect" can be said to be the best work Jack has seen in the past two years, and he can even feel the excitement in his blood.

To be honest, Jack was a little glad that Hugo wouldn't play the role of Melvin, which was why he was able to meet the role, which is a good thing.

However, Jack did not show his feelings, but calmly talked to Hugo, as if he wanted to think about it from all angles. In the face of a veteran like Jack, Hugo really didn't notice it at all, but only smelled a hint of initiative from the last question.

Hugo definitely didn't dare to take it lightly, and took a deep breath, "Regarding the director's part, I actually want to talk to James L. Brooks, I think his delicate portrayal of emotions can inject more into the script that I can't take into account." James had just teamed up with Tom Cruise on "Mr. Sweetheart" not long ago, so Hugo asked Tom to make an appointment with James, and the details still need to be interviewed.

"Oh, James, I know him well." Jack nodded, affirmatively.

Hugo chuckled as Jack had collaborated with James on the 1983 film "Mother and Daughter Love" (Terms). Of。 Endearment)", this work not only won Jack the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, but also won James the Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture triumph. Later, Jack also made a cameo appearance in James's "Broadcast." News）”。

"Then, on the heroine side, I plan to visit Holly Hunter, Helen Hunt, Susan Sarandon and Nicole Kidman." Hugo This is the result of careful consideration, which made Jack nod his chin seriously, but did not give an answer, but continued to ask, "What about Simon's character?" Hugo pursed his lips and shrugged, "I haven't considered this aspect yet, I have some good options, but ...... I think we still need to listen to the opinions of the casting directors. ”

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

Jack supported his chin with his right hand, thought in silence for a while, and finally shook his head slightly, which made Hugo feel nervous, "What is wrong?" Why did Jack's expression look like he was going to refuse? Should the script have been explained more just now? What's going on? “

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

"But ......," Hugo opened his mouth to explain, but the words only squeezed out a beginning, and he realized that something was wrong, "what? Then Hugo thought about it seriously, and said intermittently, "As a screenwriter, I also cooperate......" Then Hugo saw the smile between Jack's eyebrows, and he suddenly realized, "So, you mean, are you willing to take this script?" ”

The smile on the corner of Jack's mouth showed at this time, and then nodded vigorously, "Of course, with such an excellent script, I can't wait to join the crew." ”

"Oh God! I'm so happy, Jack, and you won't believe how much it means to me. Hugo said with a bright face that this was the most important step of his life as a screenwriter: his script succeeded in getting Jack interested, and more importantly, with Jack playing the lead role, the value of "perfection" quickly skyrocketed, and it was clear that Rick's negotiations with the production company would be different.

"But, Jack, what about the pay? What about the production budget? Don't you ask that? Hugo's eyes widened, and he asked nervously.

Jack waved his hand directly, "Such a good script, it's my loss to miss it, believe me, just rely on your name, I'm willing to nod and agree." "Although the age difference between Hugo and Jack is a full thirty years, they do have a good personal relationship, and every time Hugo encounters a problem, Jack definitely does not hesitate to stand up for Hugo." By the way, you should ask Meryl about her schedule, and while I'm not sure what the heroine looks like, I think she'll be interested. ”

Meryl Streep? Hugo couldn't imagine that his script would bring together two veteran actors, Jack and Meryl, to star, which was a dream moment for the screenwriter.

"By the way, you don't have to worry about James, I'll convince him." Jack didn't hesitate to start packing it up.

This made Hugo smile widely, "I asked James through Tom to have dinner tomorrow, and I will tell him that you have decided to play." ”

"I'm sure he'll see what's great about your script, it's the genre he likes." Jack said crisply, and then thought for a moment, "Well, you talk to him tomorrow, and then I'll call him tomorrow night to test him." If he can't see the script good, we'll change the director. ”

Looking at Jack in front of him, Hugo's mood was extremely bright, and with Jack's support, the prospect of "perfection" suddenly became clear.

Originally, Hugo also wanted to ask Jack about his experience in comedy, because Hugo was full of curiosity about comedy, but he lacked experience, although he had starred in "Sleepless in Seattle" and made guest appearances in "Friends", but this time he was going to officially star in "Truman's World", Hugo still felt that he lacked a clue, maybe Jack could 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 Strello's voice came from the other end of the phone, "So, gentleman, I thought we had talked, why did you go back on it?" That's not what a friend should do. ”

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

Alan choked speechlessly, "'Perfect'!" I'm talking about this project, I thought we were already in agreement, but why is Paramount still in competition right now? You're not really going to work with that woman, are you? ”

Hugo couldn't help but laugh dumbly, "Alan, I thought we talked about it. Mark asked me to play the lead role, but I decided not to do it, so I think you will have to renegotiate and estimate that the final investment amount will be skewed. That's why I left the negotiation to Rick. ”

"God, Hugo, were you there that day?" Alan patted his head depressedly, but then let himself let out a long breath and slowed his tone, "I said, no matter what your decision is, I am willing to invest in this project, and, fifty million dollars, just according to your requirements, I don't have any problems here." ”

"What about Mark Canton?" Hugo couldn't be better, but he thought that the situation within these large companies was not so simple.

Alan shook his head and said firmly, "I don't have a problem, Mark doesn't have a problem, so what about you?" Do you have more questions? ”