Originally, there were four scenes scheduled for the afternoon filming.
However, after just completing the second scene, progress came to a halt.
Checking his wristwatch, the hour hand pointed to a space after the five.
It was still mid-summer, and in Los Angeles, the sunset hour was still a while away.
Glancing at the sky, although the sun had tilted somewhat, it was still visible.
But filming couldn't continue anyway, so Lyman simply discussed with James and decided to call it a day and resume tomorrow.
Around 5:30 pm, the set was tidied up.
Seeing that everyone's spirits weren't high, and quitting time was still early, they decided to go out to eat.
Several cars filled with people made their way to a well-known hotel in Los Angeles.
The food was plentiful, and a few bottles of wine were ordered.
They had a moderate drink, but couldn't indulge too much to avoid affecting tomorrow's work.
As everyone ate and drank, they finally found some solace, and the atmosphere improved.
When it was time to disperse and return to the hotel, it was already 8 o'clock at night.
Lyman didn't immediately go to his room; instead, he went to a nearby convenience store, picked up two packs of cigarettes, and then went upstairs to find Jason.
The actors were the ones he recruited, with James's approval. But with filming stalling now, no one's mood was good.
"Knock knock knock."
There came a knocking sound on the door.
When the door opened, Jason appeared somewhat surprised. "Director Lyman, why are you here?"
Then he seemed to recall something and gave a bright, forced smile.
Presumably, he understood the purpose of Lyman's visit.
Lyman didn't beat around the bush, he sat on the living room sofa, looked at him, and took out two packs of cigarettes from his pocket.
He tore one open and extended a cigarette.
The flicker of the lighter's flame was faint, and as it ignited, he took a couple of puffs.
Jason's emotions began to ease.
"What about you? What are you thinking?" After waiting for a moment and sensing the timing was right, Lyman asked.
"I just want to nail this performance. But I can't figure out how to convey that emotion," Jason held the cigarette between his lips, his brow furrowed. He was still frustrated.
It was clear that he was nearing his breaking point.
"In your current state, don't think about all that. Relax first."
"You know how to act, don't you?" Lyman continued.
"Yes, Director James has talked to me about it, and I understand I need to tone down my performance. Ideally, I should be on the same wavelength as Hugo Weaver."
"You don't know how much to tone it down, do you?"
"More or less. When it comes time to perform, I just freeze and don't know how to proceed."
"In all these years, have you suffered any significant injuries? I mean, serious ones," Lyman asked again.
"Yes, many. Like when I was on the set of "The Italian Job", my right pinky and this area," he lifted his shirt and pointed to a spot near the lower part of his ribs on the left side.
In action films, it's quite hard to avoid injuries if you're not careful.
Have you not seen it? Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger... almost all the veteran action stars have gone into battle with injuries.
"What was your reaction at that time? Think about it."
"Reaction? What reaction? I just raised my hand, told the director, and then went to the hospital," Jason looked puzzled. He couldn't even fathom why Lyman was asking these questions.
"You didn't feel any pain?"
"It hurt, but feeling the pain didn't help. I just endured it and went to the hospital to see a doctor."
Damn it, Lyman rubbed his head, looking utterly speechless.
He had initially thought of having him simulate a real experience to help him tap into the emotion.
But the guy didn't really have much emotion to speak of.
Well, looking at his muscular build, he probably stumbled and bruised himself countless times. He had gotten used to it.
"You've seen Hugo's performance. What do you think?"
"He did really well. Just watching it, I felt my heart ache," this guy was quite straightforward.
"Can you imitate it?"
"No, how do I act when I don't know how? I can't relate."
"When you're in a lot of pain, how do you act?"
"Grit my teeth?"
"A bit more painful."
"Nearly unbearable pain in my gums?"
Okay, that's a tough-guy response.
"Here's the thing. Analyze your character. You know that Adam is a fearless and determined protagonist who wants to eliminate Lawrence and escape from the basement. So, when he sees Lawrence breaking free, what should he be thinking?"
"Scared?"
"Anything else?"
"He also wants to break free, with a sense of urgency?"
"Right, that's his motivation."
"When he starts sawing, he must have steeled himself for it, right? But he doesn't have Lawrence's determination for family, so... you see, you need to tone down your performance first and then have a burst of emotion. Create layers and distinguish it from Lawrence's performance."
"Let me think," Jason stopped smoking as he sat there, his gaze beginning to drift.
I've done all I can. Lyman sighed first and then said, "Keep practicing, especially your expressions. You can practice in front of a mirror, watching your performance and pondering the changes in emotion. Also, pay attention to the layers and coherence. If you find the right balance, I believe you can do it."
With a word of encouragement, Lyman didn't feel he could teach much. Ultimately, it depended on Jason's understanding.
When he felt it, everything would be fine.
If he didn't, there was nothing he could do. In the end, it was Director James who had the headache.
Well, let him bear it. A director, filmmaking, it couldn't always be smooth sailing; there had to be moderation in everything.
He walked down the corridor and returned to his own room.
He knocked gently. After a while, Eva opened the door.
The whole crew knew that they were living together. There was nothing to hide.
Unmarried man, unmarried woman, what's the big deal about sleeping together? A consensual affair.
"Where were you? It's so late."
"I went to talk to Jason." Lyman sighed, obviously not wanting to say much.
Eva understood and didn't ask further.
Entering the room, the light was on, revealing a king-sized bed with the bedding already spread out.
"Were you sleeping just now?"
"You didn't come back, so I thought something was wrong. I took a shower and was just about to sleep."
Lyman closed the door behind him, embraced Eva, and, sniffing the fragrance in her hair, whispered in her ear, "Then rest."
Eva gave him a charming look and smiled.
After finishing the shower, she was sitting at the edge of the bed.
Her sleepwear couldn't hide her alluring figure, making people infatuated.
Eva pouted, "Wait, turn off the main light first."
"What's the matter? Feeling shy?"
Saying so, Lyman obediently turned off the light, leaving only a small lamp on the nightstand.
The night grew deeper...
Two lonely souls leaned on each other, conversing, and trying...
Goodnight.