Working with actors and crew members who were not part of her own company had its challenges, and Laila experienced her first issue on the day of the makeup test. The problem was that Catherine Zeta-Jones wanted to wear a wig.
"I think short hair suits me better," she held a black, mushroom-like short wig in her hand and appealed to Laila. "Wouldn't the contrast between Renée's hair and mine be more significant with short hair?"
However, the hairstylist had a different opinion. "I have designed hairstyles for so many people over the years, and my experience tells me that short hair doesn't suit you. You need long hair with wavy curls. It will accentuate your figure and complement your overall presence."
"Sorry, but I'll stick to my idea!" Zeta-Jones remained resolute and unyielding.
As Laila observed the debate between the two, she suddenly recalled a little story about the original film, "Chicago," that she had come across during her research. In the original plans, Zeta-Jones was meant to keep her long hair, but she insisted on wearing short hair. The reason for her preference was rather peculiar. She was afraid that long hair would obscure her face and make the audience think that she had a dance double performing for her.
Laila had to admit that this was a somewhat amusing, if not somewhat absurd, reason. Zeta-Jones wanted to showcase her hard work in the dance sequences on the big screen without any doubts about her abilities. While Laila understood her desire for a perfect result, she didn't want the entire production to be disrupted by a conflict over an odd request.
"Catherine, the costume designs for this film are all created by my mother. I don't know if you've seen 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' but that too was based on her designs. The hairstylist here is highly trusted by my mother, Janet, and is one of the most talented individuals in the company. If he believes that short hair doesn't suit you, you should heed his advice."
Zeta-Jones looked at the hairstylist with a somewhat surprised expression. She hadn't expected the hairstylist she brought in to be so well-connected. She had seen "Pirates of the Caribbean," and she was aware of Janet's "Moran" brand, which had become a favorite among celebrities on the red carpet. Many people had to rack their brains to get one of Janet's specially designed dresses. Now, she realized that the entire cast would get to wear her designs for the movie.
Biting her lip, she shook her head. She felt awkward discussing her concerns in front of so many people. The thought that long hair might obscure her face and lead people to think she had a stunt double performing for her was something she couldn't bear.
While she didn't voice her concern, Laila understood it. She made a suggestion, "What if you change your hairstyle to something like a pixie cut or a high ponytail? It would expose your forehead and neck while not hindering your dance movements."
Zeta-Jones paused for a moment. This kind of hairstyle seemed like it wouldn't hide her features, and it might be worth a try.
The hairstylist hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed, "Alright, I'll give it a try. But I still believe that loose long hair would look better."
After trying out various hairstyles based on Laila's suggestion, the hairstylist presented photos of the different options. Laila examined them and remembered a braiding style called the "coin braid" she had seen before. She sketched it on a piece of paper and showed it to the hairstylist, suggesting, "What about this? Start with a ponytail and then create this kind of braid."
This style had the advantage of keeping hair out of the way, ensuring it wouldn't cover her face. At the same time, it had a somewhat retro feel, which suited the overall aesthetic of the film and addressed both parties' concerns.
After trying the hairstyle Laila had sketched, it surprisingly turned out well.
"Is this acceptable?" the hairstylist asked.
Laila nodded and then turned to Zeta-Jones, asking, "What do you think?"
"I can accept it," Zeta-Jones said, realizing that this was a concession.
Laila then looked at the hairstylist. Although the hairstylist didn't appear entirely willing, she still nodded. They were playing with the foundation of the appearance of the characters from head to toe. Any small difference could lead to significant changes in the overall effect. It was crucial to get it right, as even a stunning dress could be ruined if the hairstyle didn't complement it.
Finally, Laila found a middle ground between the two, ensuring that the costume's overall effect wouldn't be compromised too severely. The hairstylist begrudgingly agreed, understanding that Janet had entrusted him with a significant responsibility due to her inability to be present because of her baby.
Laila let out a sigh of relief. She couldn't help but feel glad that they wouldn't be using the original black mushroom-like wig she found rather ridiculous. She was even ready to accept Zeta-Jones with a shaved head, and it was a bonus that the hairstyle was based on her suggestion.
"Let's continue with the preparations."
After bidding everyone to proceed, Laila left the room without noticing the strange expression Zeta-Jones wore when she looked at her. Zeta-Jones couldn't help but find it strange. When she heard Laila's suggestion, she had the uncanny feeling that her hidden thoughts had been somehow exposed.
Sharing such thoughts might make people think she was being difficult, but she didn't think there was anything wrong with what she was doing. Who wouldn't want to present their best self in a movie? So she firmly opposed the stylist's suggestions and insisted on using the wig she had brought with her.
She didn't expect the stylist to be such a formidable figure, nor did she expect Laila to come up with a solution to resolve their differences. However, just the thought of her little secret being seen by a director much younger than herself made her feel a bit embarrassed.
But she didn't regret her decision. Even if it meant offending the director, it didn't matter. She wanted to use this movie to show certain people that they had been wrong in thinking she wasn't suitable for a musical, and she could do better than that affected Nicole!
She wanted to prove with the best musical that all those who had chosen Nicole over her in the past were fools with poor judgment!
Laila didn't know that her target was "Moulin Rouge," and even if she did, it didn't matter. At least their goals were the same: to outshine "Moulin Rouge" in the musical genre with their version of "Chicago." They aimed to make people think of "Chicago" as the best musical of all time, not "Moulin Rouge"!