[Los Angeles, Warner Bros. Studio HQ]
Today's rehearsal focused on the film's climactic ending, a scene that would encapsulate the emotional weight of the entire journey. Director Christopher Nolan, joined the discussion, eager to ensure every detail resonated.
Filming in the harsh blizzard and snowy landscapes had wrapped up, leaving the final act to unfold in a quieter, yet equally suspenseful, setting. The characters would be waiting, their faces etched with uncertainty, hoping for Cobb's return and Saito's survival.
Lucas, embodying Arthur, didn't require extensive acting during these scenes. His stoic demeanor and composed presence were already ingrained in the character. However, even his subtle reactions held significance, and Nolan ensured they aligned with the intended narrative.
As the cast and director debated the intricacies of the film's ending, Lucas, listened intently. The discussion centered on Cobb's potential escape from Limbo, leaving behind his haunting regret: the deceased Mal. It resonated deeply with Lucas, evoking a familiar melody deep within his mind.
Without realizing it, Lucas began humming a tune under his breath, the lyrics barely audible:
"When you try your best, but you don't succeed,
When you get what you want, but not what you need,
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse~"
The quiet melody drew the attention of the room. Heads turned, eyes curious, as the cast and director stopped their discussion.
Caught off guard, Lucas stammered, "Oh, uhm... Am I interrupting? I apologize, I didn't realize..."
Before he could further apologize, Nolan interjected, "No, no, Lucas. Continue, please. That was... Something."
Leonardo, seemingly captivated by the melody, added, "Yeah, I agree. That first verse... it stuck with me right away."
Ellen and Cillian offered nods of agreement, their expressions indicating curiosity. Ken Watanabe, however, observed Lucas with a hint of surprise, perhaps pondering the fact that Lucas can actually sing beside acting.
A smile played on Lucas' lips as he chuckled, "Alright, then." He cleared his throat and continued the melody, his trained voice filling the room with newfound depth.
"And the tears come streaming down your face,
When you lose something you can't replace,
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?"
The raw emotion in Lucas' voice, coupled with his expressive performance, held the room spellbound. Even Nolan, couldn't help but lean forward, captivated by the unexpected shift in the rehearsal.
Lucas' voice soared as he continued,
"Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you,"
He continued to sing, his voice rising with the intensity of the music, until finally, the last note faded into the air. A moment of stunned silence followed, then a wave of applause broke out.
"That was something else," Cillian breathed, his voice filled with awe.
"It's incredible," Ellen chimed in, her eyes shining with admiration.
Leonardo, simply raised an eyebrow, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. "That song... it brings back some memories, both pleasant and... unpleasant."
"Ha! Me too," Ken Watanabe chuckled, nodding in agreement.
Nolan, his gaze fixed on Lucas, leaned forward with a question. "Lucas, did you compose that song?"
Lucas felt a blush creep up his neck.
A wave of embarrassment washed over Lucas. He had merely sung a Coldplay song, yet the name and the song itself didn't exist in this world. He even searched on Google, and finding no trace of a band called Coldplay.
Sensing his hesitation, Ellen spoke up, her voice laced with intrigue, "I think he did. I've never heard anything like it before..."
Nolan's gaze remained on Lucas, his voice firm. "I want to hear it from you, Lucas."
Lucas took a deep breath, realizing he had no choice but to adapt. "Yes, I composed it," he said, his voice firm despite the lingering unease.
Nolan's face lit up. "Fantastic! I had no idea you had composing talents as well. And you know what? That song… it feels perfect for the ending, when Cobb finally escapes Limbo..."
Nolan, energized by the unexpected inspiration, addressed the cast and crew. He explained his vision of how Lucas' song, with its poignant lyrics and raw emotion, could perfectly encapsulate the bittersweet triumph of Cobb's escape from Limbo.
Following this announcement, Nolan pulled Lucas aside for a detailed discussion. They delved into the intricacies of the song, exploring its thematic resonance with the film and its potential placement within the final sequence. Lucas shared his vision for the arrangement and performance, while Nolan offered insights from a directorial perspective.
One key point emerged: copyright ownership. As the song didn't exist in this timeline, legal issues needed to be addressed. Lucas mentioned the need to file for copyright under his name, a prospect Nolan readily supported. He even offered the assistance of Emma Thomas Production, his own company, to navigate the legal aspect smoothly.
This act of support highlighted Nolan's respect for Lucas' talent and the potential impact of his music on the film.
---
While Lucas busied himself in the intense filming of "Inception" and recording the emotional song for its finale, his friend Paul ventured out to the cinema for a different purpose. He was there to support Chris Evans and his film "The Loser," a film where Lucas friend, Paul had a major role.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, "The Loser" hadn't garnered the box office success they had hoped for.
As Paul entered the theater with his friends, his gaze snagged on a film poster. It wasn't "The Loser," but rather "127 Hours," a stark thriller starring an actor with an uncanny resemblance to Lucas. Hair and eye color differed, but the facial structure held an undeniable similarity. It triggered a memory - Lucas's debut film!
"Thinking of watching that one?" one friend asked, noticing Paul's fixated stare.
"Heard it's doing well," chimed in another, Christian. "Apparently, the actor's acting's so intense, some viewers faint or get lightheaded."
Paul chuckled, proud of his friend's accomplishment. "Sounds like something I need to see then..."