Later affectionately referred to as the "Model Sister", Jessica Chastain was, in Renly's opinion, undeniably one of the most remarkable actresses among Gen Y actresses.
In 2011, Jessica had a total of seven films released throughout the year, including art-house productions that had been shot earlier but released in that year. While some of these films had been filmed earlier and were only released that year, the barrage of seven works was still staggering, earning her the nickname "Model Sister".
Jessica wasn't the kind of stunning beauty that left people breathless. Her natural advantages of fair skin and red hair didn't possess the same allure as Nicole Kidman's breathtaking beauty. Her features were more rugged, and her overall demeanor was more unique, diverging from the traditional aesthetics of beauty most people held. Yet, after watching her performances, one could truly feel the fierce, sharp, and resolute qualities that coexisted with subtlety, restraint, and depth, sculpting her character with just a few strokes.
From Renly's perspective, he liked Jessica's performance in "Miss Sloane" the most. It was proficient, sharp, vulnerable, resilient, an all-out display of firepower, executed with ease. Besides that, her performances in works like "Zero Dark Thirty", "The Help", and "Crimson Peak" also left a deep impression.
Even though Jessica hadn't received an Oscar's recognition until Renly's rebirth, in his view, she was undoubtedly one of the top talents among her contemporaries.
What many people didn't know was that Jessica had spent some time in the television industry, mostly in minor roles. She transitioned to the big screen in 2008, embarking on an audacious journey as an actress and achieving remarkable success in just a few years. From this perspective, she could also be seen as a type of prodigious actress.
The Jessica before Renly's eyes hadn't yet reached the level of commanding presence she would exude in a few years. However, her unique aura, cold and resolute, still effortlessly set her apart.
Interestingly, just like Renly, she had joined this discussion as an audience member and a fan, so Renly didn't need to exchange any pleasantries. He continued on with the thread of the conversation.
"From a theoretical standpoint, character determines destiny; however, from a practical standpoint, there's never an identical situation that can be perfectly replicated."
Renly's thoughts raced, and his words flowed quickly. "Another Earth" was a sci-fi masterpiece he favored greatly, and his emotions were genuinely driving his words. Watching it for the second time today had deepened his insights.
"It's like right now, the spot you're standing in, the places where pedestrians are passing behind you—just a slight difference can possibly lead to changes in spatial perception, shifts in airflow. Situations that appear similar could evoke different reactions from each person. Stepping back, in special circumstances, we might have two or three different choices, and a mere thought's difference can result in distinct decisions. The more people are around, the more environmental factors come into play, the greater the fluctuation of influence, and the higher the likelihood of diverging choices."
Renly's words hadn't finished when Jessica interjected directly, her words swift and succinct. "So, are you saying that in different parallel spaces, under similar circumstances, different outcomes are possible? Is that the film's essence?"
"Yes, when the car accident occurs in the film, could it have been caused by a gust of wind? Or perhaps the glare from a streetlamp? These small changes, can they bring about radically different results? The ending of this film is incredibly thought-provoking. I think it doesn't truly explore parallel spaces; rather, it delves into our self-reflection, the chaotic soup of mistakes, and the reminiscence of the past. I even believe it could be interpreted using Buddhist philosophy, as a sense of cyclic destiny."
...
After Renly uttered this statement, an uproar ensued. Everyone began expressing their opinions, with the majority opposing. Words were exchanged heatedly, veins popped out, faces flushed, and rational arguments prevailed. It was as though this wasn't a film discussion, but a debate that determined life and death.
"So, do you ultimately think this film is good or not?" After circling around the topic, Jessica once again directed the question at Renly.
Renly shrugged and provided an alternative answer, "I personally really like this film."
As a movie fan, he didn't need to judge whether a film was good or bad; he evaluated it based on his preferences and decided whether he liked it. Some films were scoffed at by everyone, yet he inexplicably loved them. Conversely, the opposite could also be true. This was the correct way to watch movies. Perhaps "Another Earth" was a snoozer for many, but for Renly, he liked it.
Jessica immediately understood the implication behind Renly's words and nodded in agreement, "I like this film too. So, have you had any other discoveries these past few days? Any recommended films?"
"Well, "Martha Marcy May Marlene". I think it's a very interesting film."
Renly and Jessica stood amidst the crowd at the cinema entrance. The biting cold wind was blowing fiercely, piercing coldness attempting to burrow into their necks. Yet, they paid no attention to it, continuing their lively conversation.
What surprised Renly a bit was that not only had Jessica seen "Another Earth," but she had also watched "Martha Marcy May Marlene". Moreover, she liked both films. Compared to the former, the latter demanded higher performances from the actors, and their discussion extended from the film itself to the acting.
Over the past three days, the Sundance Film Festival had screened a total of fourteen films, and the overlap between their watchlists wasn't an easy task. Moreover, their viewpoints on movies were held with similar attitudes, making this an even rarer occurrence.
Surprise and joy were evident in both of their expressions. The conversation flowed, and other audience members nearby chimed in with their own discussions. The scene was bustling and lively.
However, they weren't the only small group at the cinema entrance. At least five or six other groups were around them, passionately expressing their viewpoints and exchanging ideas.
This scene was even livelier than Telluride after all. Compared to films with broad audience bases like Telluride, the films at Sundance were often even more niche. Finding like-minded companions wasn't so simple. So, once they encountered each other, how could they not be excited?
The bustling sounds reverberated in their ears, creating a buzzing cacophony. Cornell McGregor unconsciously rubbed his ears, walking briskly through the crowd toward the direction of the cinema. If his information was correct, Michael Shannon should be in there right now.
In Sundance, where nameless independent filmmakers were prominent, Michael could already be considered a top-tier star. He had been active in Hollywood for seventeen years, hailed as a golden supporting actor. Furthermore, in 2008, he had received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his exceptional performance in "Revolutionary Road". His solid acting, excellent cost-effectiveness, and affinity for independent films had made Michael quite popular in Sundance.
This time, Michael also had a film at Sundance, so Cornell hoped to interview him as soon as possible.
Time was running out, and Cornell slightly quickened his pace, walking hurriedly. But suddenly, he halted in his tracks, staring blankly for a moment. He carefully recalled the image in his mind, then started to rewind, his steps rapidly retracing backward. He was eagerly searching within the crowd.
It wasn't a particularly difficult task; he quickly spotted Renly. His exceptional height made him stand out prominently in the crowd, almost impossible to miss if one was intentionally looking.
However, the problem was, why was Renly at Sundance? After the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, there had been no indications that Renly would come to Sundance. Of course, this was also because people's attention on Renly wasn't comprehensive enough. There were no paparazzi doggedly following his every move, no regular folks reporting his whereabouts, no journalists delving into his background. Tracking Renly's movements was indeed challenging.
Setting these aside, Cornell's first thought was: Did Renly come to Sundance for personal reasons? Did he have a film screening? Or was he here to support a friend?
As the most discussed focal point in recent times, Cornell naturally wouldn't easily miss Renly. What was more, on the red carpet of the Golden Globe Awards last week, Cornell had suffered a minor setback at Renly's hands. Now the opportunity had come back, and he certainly wouldn't miss it.
Soon after, Cornell saw Jessica standing next to Renly, and his eyes lit up!
Michael Shannon's film at Sundance this time was titled "Take Shelter", a collaboration with Jessica Chastain, directed by Jeff Nichols. Even though Jessica was relatively unknown at this point, Cornell had recognized her at first glance. Did this mean that Renly had come to support a friend? Or, could it be taken further, that Renly and Jessica were on a date?
If that was the case, it would be quite a sensation!
At thirty-three years old, Jessica was twelve years older than Renly. Did this imply that Hollywood was about to produce another "older woman-younger man" couple worth discussing, following Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore?
Before even getting close, Cornell had already speculated about the whole story's ins and outs. Comparatively, Michael's interview seemed inconsequential. After all, in Sundance, countless people would be interviewing Michael, but Renly's news was an absolute must-not-miss. Who knew, he might just land an exclusive scoop!
Thinking this, he approached quickly, and Cornell's voice couldn't wait to sound, "Renly, would you have time for an interview? I'm Cornell McGregor from Entertainment Weekly."
Without waiting for Renly's response, he directly squeezed into the crowd of discussants. Since everyone was standing rather loosely, he didn't need to exert much effort and easily carved a path. He reached Renly's side effortlessly, swiftly retrieving a recording pen from his pocket. He continued his torrent of words, "I didn't expect you to appear in Park City; it's quite a delightful surprise. I believe our readers would be eager to know about your recent activities, especially after the Golden Globe Awards…"
"No time."
Cornell's words came to an abrupt halt.