Having joined the crew and undergone over ten days of pre-filming training, Matthew still hadn't met the director Gore Verbinski. Even in producer-centric Hollywood, this was quite rare. Matthew guessed that apart from filming, Verbinski probably wouldn't be overly involved in other aspects of the production.
Since the first day of training, Matthew hadn't needed basic exercises. Robert Anderson, after consulting with Jerry Bruckheimer and the action director George Ruge, redesigned a more challenging and suitable action sequence for him to enhance the future film's fight scenes.
To assist Matthew's training, Anderson had Mark Avey, who was responsible for training the pirate actors, switch to sparring exclusively with Matthew.
Of course, despite the adjustments, the primary aim of the fancy sword fighting was still to look spectacular.
Matthew already had good coordination and agility, and after over two weeks of training, he was even able to perform some highly difficult sword moves.
Johnny Depp completed his basic sword training, and under Anderson's guidance, Matthew and he began rehearsing some combat scenes.
Different from sparring with Avey, rehearsals with Depp were like actual shooting, split into countless small segments. Each movement lasted no longer than three seconds; any longer, and Depp couldn't keep up with Matthew's pace.
After rehearsing many times with Depp, Matthew became familiar with him. Although they didn't interact much outside rehearsals, Matthew could see that Depp, albeit eccentric, was a relatively straightforward person.
Depp was whimsical, often acting on impulse, reminiscent of the troublemaker Vin Diesel Matthew had encountered. But unlike Diesel, who was occasionally late due to oversleeping, Depp never abused his status to dominate anyone on set and was actually quite amiable. If asked for help within his capability, he rarely declined.
Moreover, Depp was generous. Sometimes, when he craved a particular food for lunch, the takeaway he ordered was enough for everyone on set.
Some might think this was currying favor, but in Matthew's view, Depp didn't seem to care much about money, accustomed to spending lavishly.
In short, apart from his odd character and whimsical nature, Depp was not difficult to get along with.
The crew atmosphere was rather peaceful. Even Keira Knightley, with her British background and slightly arrogant air, got along well with everyone.
Matthew, needless to say, was skilled at building relationships, as long as no one became a stumbling block.
After a month of training, both Depp and Knightley, his on-screen partners, regarded him as a good person.
Training was exhausting and draining, but Matthew enjoyed it. Focused on a task, he forgot other concerns, and a month of training helped him move past his heartbreak.
Some things, once over, are over.
"John, grip your knife tightly!" Matthew called out in the training hall to Depp. "Don't let me knock it out of your hand again!"
He pointed his rapier at Depp, who, holding a pirate's curved blade and seemingly in character as Jack Sparrow, said effeminately, "Use less strength."
"Alright!"
Matthew thrust his sword, not too fast or forcefully, following a predetermined routine. Depp parried with his blade, and their weapons clashed with a crisp metallic sound.
Depp's blade was knocked aside, while Matthew's rapier continued unstopped. Fortunately, his extensive practice allowed him to halt just in time, stopping the aluminum rapier a foot from Depp.
"Oh…" Depp yawned. "Drank too much last night, still feeling weak. Shall we call it a day?"
Matthew shrugged, "Up to you."
Depp stretched and placed his blade on the rack. "I'm going to sleep," he winked at Matthew, "Call me if needed."
"Go ahead," Matthew waved him off, used to Depp's ways.
That was Johnny Depp – carefree and unbridled.
With Depp gone, Mark Avey was instructing Knightley in coordination exercises. Without a sparring partner, Matthew grabbed a water bottle and sat watching Anderson train the peculiar-looking pirates.
Contemplating the upcoming shoot, Matthew noted Depp's effortless transformation into Captain Jack Sparrow – comically eccentric and effeminate.
Matthew recognized Depp's superior acting skills. While judging acting is subjective, the difference between two vastly disparate actors was clear.
Aside from acting, Jack Sparrow's character was inherently more expressive than Will Turner. Otherwise, Matthew wouldn't have vied for Turner's role.
Depp's superior acting, fame, and status, coupled with his captivating personality, naturally made him more prominent.
Consider Orlando Bloom's role – intended as a lead but overshadowed into a supporting character…
Matthew didn't want to be overshadowed by Depp. Aware that some degree of overshadowing was inevitable, he found the extent to which Bloom was overshadowed unacceptable.
How could Will Turner shine alongside the dazzling Captain Jack Sparrow?
This was the question Matthew had been pondering.
Frankly, he had deliberately gotten close to Depp to observe and find advantageous opportunities for his own performance.
And he did discover some.
Depp's chronic alcoholism and past drug use affected his health. His effeminate and introverted qualities, partly performance, partly inherent, might also be an aftereffect of starring in Tim Burton's films.
Depp lacked a masculine aura. Casting him as a pure tough guy would be a disaster.
Therefore, after much thought, Matthew decided on a strategy – to do the opposite and emphasize Will Turner's masculine and robust side.
By now, he clearly understood his on-screen characteristics.
His rugged face and strong build, combined with better physical condition and skills than Depp, could starkly contrast the effeminate pirate!
In his view, such a contrast would be complementary, potentially beneficial for the film.
As Matthew thought, two men stood at the training hall's door, discussing what they'd just seen.
"Johnny Depp is famously eccentric," Jerry Bruckheimer said to director Gore Verbinski. "We need to handle his personality carefully during shooting."
Verbinski nodded. "He can't be as lax as now once shooting starts."
"That won't happen," Bruckheimer assured. "We have clauses in his contract about giving up part of his salary for such behavior."
"That's good," Verbinski, new to the crew, had limited knowledge. "I've seen Matthew Horna's auditions and observed him just now. He's strong and seems quite skilled."
"He's practiced sword fighting for over half a year and has been in war and action films for the past two years," Bruckheimer added. "He's an excellent action actor."
"Jack..." Verbinski probed, "Can we adjust Will Turner's role to fit Matthew Horna's capabilities?"
"I and Terry Rossio, the lead writer, thought the same," Bruckheimer agreed. "Ignoring the characters, just the actors, Matthew Horna and Johnny Depp are like two extremes."
Verbinski liked the idea. "Exactly!"
Bruckheimer was open to suggestions. "Let's hear your thoughts."
Verbinski didn't hold back. "How about making the pirate and blacksmith completely opposite in temperament? The pirate is effeminate, the blacksmith masculine. Their contrasting characters could create a wonderful dynamic."
"I was thinking the same," Bruckheimer said. "I would've asked Terry Rossio to change it if I hadn't wanted the director's opinion."
Encouraged, Verbinski continued, "Seeing Matthew and Johnny's swordplay, I had another idea. The pirate's fighting style is more cunning and tricky, while the blacksmith, strong and powerful, fitting Matthew's skills and appearance."
"Gore, bringing you in as director was the best decision I made!" Bruckheimer laughed. "We're on the same page!"
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