In reality, Gary didn't like to modify the script on the spot because he knew it would disrupt the shooting schedule and might even require the screenwriter to rework. He himself had been a TV screenwriter and deeply disliked such things.
But precisely because Gary himself had experienced the period of last-minute script revisions and on-the-spot improvisation for TV dramas, he also knew the importance of inspiration for artistic creation. Occasionally, it could indeed subvert the whole situation.
At this moment, Gary had such a premonition.
So far, Michael's two appearances had all brought surprises; more accurately, from the day of the audition when he was excited about Anson's arrival, everything in front of him continued to prove Gary's intuition and judgment.
Perhaps, he should be bolder and take another small step forward.
Gary looked at Anson, calm and composed, with a firm light shining in his eyes. He couldn't help but look directly into Anson's eyes, and the temperament emanating from within made the last trace of hesitation in his heart disappear completely.
Just do it.
Gary said, "You said last time that you can play the guitar?"
Anson nodded.
Gary continued, "Remember, Michael has his own rock band and invites Mia to watch the band perform. Fifteen or sixteen-year-olds who like rock music have basically tried to form their own garage band."
"Of course, whether they have talent is another matter."
Anson nodded slightly but didn't interrupt Gary.
"Now, I have an idea. The garage of the repair shop is Michael and the band's practice room. When Mia comes to inquire about the progress of the Mustang repair, Michael and the others are practicing, showing their charm."
"Maybe, you can play a song you wrote yourself."
Anson: ...
This was no longer just acting, it was directly crossing over to perform.
So, shouldn't the pay be increased?
But seriously, no wonder when Andrew asked for $250,000 in salary, "The Princess Diaries" readily agreed! Now it seemed that Gary might have already anticipated this scene.
Gary noticed Anson's strange expression and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't misunderstand, haha, I'm just, haha, you don't have to think too much. High school garage bands, they all create some music, maybe not very good, but they still insist on creating."
Gary himself couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm going to arrange some girls, they'll sit here and watch the band perform, and their eyes will all be on Michael. Maybe Michael is inconspicuous at school, but in the band, he's the most dazzling one."
Anson slightly raised his chin, indicating understanding -
Indeed, in the movie, Mia had a transformation segment, so the change in her appearance became a highlight; but Michael didn't.
If Michael remained low-key and introverted, like a transparent person, Mia ending up with Michael would be more like guilt and gratitude.
Michael also needed his own "transformation," and the band was indeed the right platform.
However, there was also a key point here.
"So, is the focus of this scene to show Michael's charm, or to show once again that Michael's eyes can only see Mia?" Anson immediately grasped the key point and expressed his opinion.
Gary didn't understand, "Why can't it be both?"
Anson shook his head, "It's not about choosing one or the other, but about which one to emphasize."
Gary frowned slightly -
If these words came from other actors, or from Anson before filming started, Gary wouldn't even bother; but now, having witnessed the surprises Anson brought twice, Gary also knew that Anson was a thoughtful person who wouldn't speak without purpose.
"What do you mean?" Gary asked, putting on a listening expression.
Anson didn't speak immediately. The situation was sudden, and he just had an inspiration. He organized his thoughts a little before explaining his idea.
"Director, in Michael's previous two appearances, he was a supporting character in the scene, revolving around Mia. So, how about changing the perspective in this scene, making Michael the protagonist, with others revolving around him?"
Gary raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt Anson.
"You see, Michael has always played the role of having a crush on Mia, and in this scene, you also realized that Michael needs to show his charm, with other eyes looking at him. So why don't we go a step further?"
"Michael is practicing with the garage band, the band performs one of their own songs, Michael shows his charm, and those girls are all talking about Michael."
"Michael uses this song to carefully express his feelings for Mia out loud, seemingly attracting other girls with his charm, but actually testing whether Mia can hear it."
In the existing script, there was no such part, and Mia still didn't face Michael directly.
But now, Anson was creating an emotional development thread. Following Michael and Mia's interaction in music class, he was further making Mia notice Michael's existence, especially when other girls were present, Mia realized -
Perhaps, in her and Lily's eyes, Michael was a "little brother," but in other girls' eyes, Michael was indeed an attractive boy.
One step, then another, gradually paving the way.
Then, the "thread" emerged.
"Mia noticed Michael's music and was attracted to it. She also appreciated it, but she didn't realize that the song was written for her."
In other words, Mia's feelings had a slight bud, but she hadn't noticed it yet.
"This is the first time Michael shows his charm, and also the first time Michael takes the initiative, carefully testing the waters. That's why I just asked you, what is the focus of this scene? In my opinion, it's both, but the focus should be on the former. The core of this scene is Michael."
Anson's point wasn't complicated -
Love should be two-way. Only when both characters become full and three-dimensional can the chemistry make the audience's hearts flutter.
Gary understood this. "Pretty Woman" was a typical example.
And now, Anson was fighting for Michael to have room to stretch his legs; in fact, he wasn't adding any plot, just slightly changing the narrative focus on the existing plot segment. He didn't even need to modify the lines, the director just needed to switch the absolute protagonist of the camera to Michael.
Then, out of nowhere, Michael had his own color.
Gary was pondering.
He had to admit, Anson was smart, even smarter than he imagined. He not only had a clear grasp of the character but also of the entire movie's plot. He was skillfully developing flesh and blood on the existing plot framework, not only not cumbersome, but also a stroke of genius.
Anson's idea perfectly matched Gary's vision, and even enriched and expanded Gary's incomplete and somewhat simple conception.
Impressive!
Gary looked at Anson again.
He believed that after the movie was released, Anne Hathaway would win the audience's hearts; but now, he believed that Anson could also shine.
Thoughts quickly went through his mind, brainstorming and inspiration colliding. Gary also felt a little eager to try, looking forward to Anson's performance.
But on the surface, Gary still maintained a serious expression, frowning slightly, giving Anson a meaningful look. His unhurried tone naturally carried an air of authority, and his eyes revealed the pressure accumulated over the years, surging towards Anson.
"So... are you trying to get more screen time for yourself? Hmm?"
First update.