Chapter 207. The Courage to Face Death Calmly
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Just like how industry insiders pay attention to new works emerging in their field.
Especially those fresh and innovative pieces—whether they lead to a positive or negative direction—they always draw high levels of attention when they introduce new elements that have never been seen before.
The same goes for actors.
However, compared to industry insiders, their focus on these works is often more about analyzing the latest audience preferences, to prepare for releasing relevant new works.
And when they encounter works with new elements, they analyze whether these elements will set a new trend in the industry to follow, or if they should avoid them entirely.
If they determine these new elements won't succeed, the works are often grandly buried in the industry's history.
This serves as a warning to those who come after, so they can avoid similar pitfalls.
It is often much simpler for actors to watch a work. Aside from simply watching to relax, there's also the desire to find inspiration from their predecessors' renowned performances when they need to portray similar roles.
For example, since "Spider-Man" began, the wall-climbing and spider silk-shooting postures of Spider-Man have been learned.
But as for "Stardust Crusaders"—
There probably isn't much for them to learn from, right?
In fact, they were all part of the cast for "Stardust Crusaders", so what would they need to study?
Kujo Jotaro and the others stared at Pucci, utterly bewildered.
And Pucci, not hiding anything, openly said, "I'm referring to the final battle of "Stardust Crusaders"—the fight with DIO."
"To maintain the mystery, and to ensure that during filming, you could discover the true nature of DIO's Stand abilities on your own, I won't reveal DIO's Stand power."
"But I can offer one piece of advice, or perhaps a warning."
As Pucci spoke, his tone grew serious and somber: "DIO's Stand is incredibly strong—stronger than any Stand you've faced before. One might even say it's overwhelmingly powerful!"
"When you truly confront DIO, will you still be able to maintain the courage you have now?"
Facing a powerful enemy often triggers the desire to flee.
This is an instinct, ingrained in living beings.
It's a primal survival mechanism, etched into DNA to ensure the continuation of the species.
You can see it in Iggy.
The moment Iggy witnessed [Cream] so effortlessly kill Avdol, his first reaction was fear.
Then his second thought was to run.
It's not shameful to forget the troubles DIO caused him and give up on revenge.
In fact, that might have been the wisest choice.
Had Vanilla Ice not already used [Cream] to block the door, waiting for Polnareff and the others to run into its deadly space of darkness…
Why didn't Iggy flee?
Vanilla Ice, having erased his own scent, should have remained undetected, right?
This is the question Pucci truly wants Jotaro and the others to ponder.
As someone from the future, Pucci naturally trusts Jotaro and his crew.
The previous filming sessions had already proven that his trust was well-placed.
But as a director, and especially as a fellow believer in DIO, Pucci felt that being cautious was better.
"So, the reason we're all here watching this episode... is to appreciate my brilliant performance!" Polnareff boasted confidently, his face full of smugness. "Director Pucci, this is what you're trying to say, right?"
"Don't worry, Jotaro. I'm the bravest among us, and I taught Iggy how to summon courage. I'll make sure to teach all of you as well!"
Praise me!
Applaud me!
Don't be shy, I can take it!
Though Polnareff didn't say this outright, his words clearly conveyed the message.
Like a student who just received a gold star from the teacher, eager to show it off to everyone.
It made Pucci, for the first time, realize that his decision to stick to the original storyline and connect Polnareff's fate to a toilet was far too naïve.
Back then, he should have filmed even more close-ups of Polnareff in the bathroom.
And delayed Jotaro's rescue even longer!
That's it. Since Polnareff wants to shine so much,
I'll make sure the upcoming staircase scene takes full advantage of him to continue educating Jotaro and the others!
Pucci's mind raced with these thoughts.
After Polnareff interrupted the conversation, Pucci continued: "Though not entirely accurate, you're not wrong either."
"Rather than fleeing with their tails between their legs to survive, Iggy wanted revenge—revenge on Vanilla Ice for killing Avdol!"
"That was the main reason Iggy stayed after Polnareff persuaded him."
Of course, there was also the fact that Avdol died saving Iggy from Vanilla Ice.
And after witnessing how unreasonable DIO's subordinate Pet Shop was, forcing Iggy to fight to the death despite wanting to surrender, but the key factor was revenge.
Iggy wanted to defeat Vanilla Ice, and DIO.
To do so, he couldn't run away.
Sticking with Polnareff and the others was the only way to have a chance at fulfilling this goal.
"...That's likely why Iggy did what he did."
Pucci said, "But that courage was built on revenge, and Polnareff's [Silver Chariot] wounding Vanilla Ice."
"What happens when that foundation collapses? Or if DIO's Stand is so overwhelmingly powerful that there's no hope of winning—will you still have the same courage?"
"…"
Jotaro and the others wanted to say something, but Pucci stopped them, saying, "No need to answer right away. After all, you as actors and the characters in the script are not the same."
"And that is why I brought you here."
Looking at Polnareff, who was also deep in thought along with Jotaro and the others,
Pucci sighed and admitted, "Courage indeed comes in many forms."
"Including the courage to face death calmly..."