1366-1370

*Chapter 1366: Top-Heavy*

The filming of Walk the Line was not exactly smooth. The primary issue wasn’t anything severe but was mostly related to the equipment.

James Mangold and James Keach reached a consensus and insisted on using period-accurate equipment to recreate the musical texture of that era. This was a key reason they originally favored Anson for the role—

All live performances in the movie were recorded live on set, with the goal of preserving the authenticity of the sound through vintage equipment.

Essentially, music plays a crucial role in this biopic. The filmmakers wanted to portray how Johnny Cash transformed his life into music and how music ultimately became his salvation, rather than treating it as just another prop like many other films do.

Music has a soul.

Because of this, the importance of instruments and equipment became even more pronounced.

However, these vintage devices were not only valuable but also prone to malfunctions, posing significant challenges for the production team. At the same time, this was also a challenge for the actors—not just for Anson and Reese but for all the performers playing musicians from that era. Everyone had to bring their A-game.

Despite the various difficulties, the production was progressing well. Even with a delayed start, they had managed to catch up with the original schedule—

The entire team was working enthusiastically and tirelessly.

As filming progressed, the real challenges began to emerge one by one.

First and foremost was the core of the entire film:

Anson.

When Johnny Cash’s life spiraled into turmoil, that was when Anson’s acting skills would be truly tested. Even Mangold and Keach weren’t entirely confident about how it would turn out.

Theoretically, Anson was the most reasonable and perfect choice for the role, and his performance with August 31st at the Grammys had proven his capability. But theory and practice are two different things—what works on paper doesn’t always translate to reality.

Today, the production was set to film a pivotal scene: Johnny Cash and June Carter’s first performance together.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the concept of concerts wasn’t fully developed, and television shows were still in their infancy. Everything was in an exploratory stage. Aside from radio programs, variety shows dominated the entertainment industry.

What exactly was a variety show?

A modern reference would be the residency performances in Las Vegas. A theater-based show, hosted by a comedian, with multiple musicians performing in a lineup—that was the general format.

Theater remained an essential part of entertainment.

These variety shows often welcomed farmers, laborers, and a diverse audience. People would dress up to attend, but due to a lack of higher education, audience behavior varied. As a result, shows often incorporated risqué humor and even borderline inappropriate jokes to cater to the crowd.

Later, this format evolved into even more vulgar performances known as burlesque shows—

Literally speaking: crude, explicit, and often violent.

Because of this, for a long time, Las Vegas performances were associated with cheap and lowbrow entertainment. Top-tier singers avoided Vegas residencies, as performing there was seen as a sign of career decline. It wasn’t until much later that Las Vegas worked to change its image and shed this stereotype.

But that’s another story.

Expanding from variety shows, two- or three-musician collaborations became a popular touring format across North America. Many legendary artists—like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley—built their careers through these performances.

In reality, Johnny Cash and June Carter had toured together extensively. Their partnership was mutually beneficial, and their joint performances guaranteed box office success.

However, their collaboration didn’t start off smoothly. Their first performance together happened because Johnny pressured June into it during a variety show. Afterward, June was furious, leading to a heated argument between them.

At that time, Johnny was finally making a name for himself. He had begun performing in variety shows across North America, and his debut single had climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard charts, continuing to rise like a comet. However, outside the stage, Johnny—like many young newcomers—was overwhelmed by the chaotic and dazzling world of fame and fortune.

On one hand, Johnny spent long periods on tour while Vivian and their children were at home. They missed him but had no way to be together.

During his travels, countless women threw themselves at him, but Johnny, driven by his faith, maintained his boundaries and rejected them. However, when he returned home, Vivian didn’t believe him.

Reading letters from obsessed fans filled with bikini photos, Vivian struggled to trust that Johnny had remained faithful. Her anxiety led to fights between them, leaving Johnny exhausted after long tours.

On the other hand, Johnny was instantly drawn to June Carter. He couldn’t help but be drawn closer to her. However, June, also a devout Christian, maintained strict boundaries and only saw Johnny as a friend.

Later, June went through a divorce, which was deeply frowned upon by religious communities at the time. In those days, women were always the ones blamed for failed marriages. June found herself at the center of controversy, emotionally and physically drained.

Under these circumstances, Johnny tried to get closer to her. But the last thing June needed was another scandal. She refused to be the woman who broke up Johnny Cash’s marriage, so she rejected him and distanced herself.

This infuriated Johnny.

At the same time, he was drowning in the desires and temptations of the entertainment industry.

Even though Johnny’s career was skyrocketing and he was turning heads everywhere he went, being in the industry was completely different from viewing it from the outside.

Johnny knew his achievements were insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Forget about Elvis Presley—there were countless artists with better sales and greater popularity. Standing under the harsh spotlight of fame, the disparity was stark and brutal, fueling a dangerous cycle.

Jealousy. Anger. Anxiety.

These negative emotions began consuming Johnny’s mind. Combined with the loneliness of life on the road, he desperately sought admiration, applause, and warmth to fill the void inside him.

Eventually, Johnny succumbed.

He opened his arms to strange women. And, like so many others, he turned to alcohol and drugs.

Drunken nights and reckless behavior.

His emotions, tangled between family and love, became a chaotic mess under the crushing weight of fame, leading Johnny Cash down a path of self-destruction.

All of this happened at a crucial turning point—

Johnny was rejected by June Carter once again, and he couldn’t understand why.

June was no longer married; she had no obligations holding her back. He knew she had feelings for him—it wasn’t just in his head. And yet, she kept pushing him away.

Why?

Why on earth would she do that?

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1367: Pulled in Different Directions*

Vivian. Vanity Fair. June Carter. Life.

For Johnny, it was a whirlwind of confusion. He couldn't understand the reasons, nor could he see the full picture. Trapped within it all, he felt as if everything had finally fallen into place—his career and personal life were opening a new chapter—yet he couldn't shake the feeling of being restrained, the grip tightening around him, suffocating him.

Lost and bewildered.

And so, Johnny snapped.

During a live performance, he deliberately interrupted the show and invited June Carter to join him on stage.

Even though he knew June wouldn’t like it, he also knew her dedication and professionalism. No matter how much she disliked the idea, she wouldn’t refuse.

Fueled by alcohol and drugs, Johnny’s mind was a haze, and things quickly spiraled out of control.

He incited the audience, essentially coercing June into performing a duet with him—forcing her into a love song. He even directed the show’s crude humor toward June, making inappropriate jokes at her expense.

This completely infuriated June.

The performance didn’t reach its intended conclusion.

Backstage, June lashed out at Johnny, pushing him further into the abyss. He had only just stepped into the world of fame—he hadn’t even reached the peak—and yet, he was already losing himself in its dazzling, chaotic brilliance.

This tumultuous and unsuccessful performance was precisely the scene that Walk the Line was set to film today.

On one hand, the two actors had to deliver a performance that captured the underlying tension and struggle between their characters.

On the other hand, they had to deliver a live musical performance—not just singing, but also embedding the contrast between appearance and reality into the music itself.

Even from a brief description, it was clear that this would be an immense challenge. It demanded not only vocal prowess but also the ability to integrate music into acting. Even professional singers might struggle with such a task—let alone two actors with no formal singing experience, who now had to balance both elements simultaneously.

Difficult.

Reese had her own pressures and struggles, and Anson had his own challenges and lessons to overcome.

For weeks, the two had been communicating, debating, even arguing—using this dynamic to help each other get into character and immerse themselves in the scene.

But preparation was one thing—actual filming was another. The real test had arrived, and the entire crew could feel the weight of the moment.

A mix of excitement and nervous tension intertwined.

Though the crew had been careful not to interfere with Anson’s work, whispers about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had inevitably reached his ears.

"Anson was incredible in that film. We should be excited about this one too."

"I never saw it before—thought he was just a pretty face. But now, he’s proving otherwise."

"Honestly, you could tell from the first scene we shot. Anson is an actor with ideas, and this film just confirms it."

"I can’t believe it. I actually really love his portrayal of Joel. He was supposed to be kind of pathetic, but Anson made him incredibly compelling."

"Don’t worry. I think Anson’s going to be fine. If anything, Reese should be the one concerned."

Praise. Anticipation. Trust.

Anson never expected this kind of recognition to come so soon—that his acting could be so well received and hold such high expectations.

It was a good thing.

After all, people were finally beginning to look forward to him as an actor.

But it was also a bad thing.

The pressure mounted relentlessly, layer upon layer. For the first time in his life, Anson was experiencing severe insomnia.

Not even working with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks had done this to him. But now, on this set, he was truly struggling with sleepless nights.

On the surface, he joked that his insomnia perfectly aligned with Johnny’s state of mind—seamlessly blending into the role.

In reality, it wasn’t that simple. Prolonged sleep deprivation led to scattered focus, making it difficult to concentrate during filming.

All it took was a single lapse in focus, and the camera would catch it—an instant break from character.

Because of this, Anson had been intensely studying both his role and the craft of acting. After careful consideration, he had finally decided last night to use a direct, unfiltered approach to immerse himself:

Full character embodiment.

Now, his mind was foggy, his body numb to any aches or fatigue. His senses—sight, sound, touch—felt dulled. He wasn’t even sure if this had been a good idea.

"…Anson?"

Lucas had noticed. He wasn’t an expert in acting, but he could tell something was off.

Anson took a deep breath and waved him off. “I’m fine.”

Lucas wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure?”

Anson tugged at the corner of his mouth, but the intended smile never fully formed. “Not sure, but it’s too late now. No turning back.”

Lucas frowned but remained unfazed. “Why not? If you’re not in the right state, we can pause filming for a day. Rest up, recharge, and pick it up tomorrow or the next day.”

Anson lifted his gaze, giving Lucas an unreadable look.

Lucas, unbothered, responded matter-of-factly. “This is my company. This is my project. I call the shots. If anyone has a problem with it, they can leave. I couldn’t care less if Hollywood thinks I’m a tyrant.”

Anson burst into laughter.

Still, he forced himself to stand. “This isn’t about them—it’s about me. I’m still learning, exploring acting. This is part of the process. I need to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I’m ready.”

Lucas studied him carefully. Beneath the exhaustion and disheveled appearance, there was a quiet defiance in Anson’s eyes. Lucas sighed.

The youngest Wood was always the most stubborn. A rebellious troublemaker growing up, constantly getting into trouble at school and with the neighbors. But the Wood parents always stood by their son.

And let’s not forget, there was an even more headstrong and outspoken older Wood brother.

Lucas knew that once Anson made up his mind, nothing could change it. But still, he added one last thing.

"Anson, you don’t have to force yourself. No matter what happens, just do what you need to do. I’ll be here. Even in Hollywood.”

Anson chuckled. “Don’t worry. No one’s forcing me into anything.”

Lucas exhaled slowly, saying nothing more. He eyed Anson again—his expression shifting into something strange.

Anson looked down at himself. “What?”

Lucas grimaced. “Are you seriously not going to change? Go shower and clean yourself up. For a second, I thought you passed out in front of the bathroom door on your way to freshen up. You look…”

Lucas refused to finish the sentence.

Anson blinked. “That bad?”

Lucas nodded without hesitation. “Horrible.”

Anson grinned. “Perfect. That means I nailed it. I’m heading to set just like this.”

Lucas: ???

(End of chapter.)

Chapter 1368: Immersing in the Role

Lucas carefully scrutinized Anson, making no effort to hide his suspicion and confusion. But for once, he couldn’t read the truth from Anson’s expression—

Or rather, Anson wasn’t even trying to hide anything. It was just that Lucas found it too hard to believe.

Basking in Lucas’s gaze, a smile fully bloomed on Anson’s lips. “I’m serious. Can’t you tell? I deliberately slept in my costume from yesterday after drinking. Look at this outfit…”

He glanced down at his wrinkled shirt and suit, which looked as if they had been through a war, like dried-out sauerkraut. Despite the costume team’s skill, the raw authenticity of his disheveled state was something else entirely.

Anson’s satisfied smile deepened as he looked at Lucas and nodded seriously. “This is exactly the effect I was going for.”

Lucas pressed his fingers against his forehead and took a deep breath, but the sigh got stuck in his throat, unable to be released. “I can’t understand you actors at all.”

That one sentence sent Anson into a fit of laughter. “Haha, it’s not that dramatic!” He laughed so hard he rocked back and forth, losing control even while sitting on the floor. Like a roly-poly toy, he tipped backward, his head slamming against the wall behind him. The force sent him tilting forward again, landing flat on the ground. A dull buzzing rang in his temples as waves of pain throbbed through his skull.

His laughter morphed into a low groan, filled with deep regret.

Lucas was startled. “Anson?”

Lying face-down in a full prostration pose, Anson weakly raised his right hand and gave a small wave, signaling that he was fine.

Lucas didn’t buy it. “Are you sure?”

Anson’s muffled voice came from the floor. “It’s just the consequences of a hangover catching up to me.”

Lucas was speechless. “…Serves you right.”

After a pause, he glanced toward the door. Where was Noah? Why was the hotel kitchen taking so long?

Turning back to Anson, Lucas sighed. “Forget the clothes. Are you sure you don’t need to clean yourself up? You reek of alcohol and vomit—honestly, you smell like you spent the night in a dumpster.”

The pounding headache in Anson’s skull finally subsided, allowing him to sit up straight. He sniffed his own shirt, and his expression instantly scrunched up in dismay.

Then, with absolute seriousness, he said, “I’ll just brush my teeth and wash my face today. No shower. Next time Johnny’s in even worse shape, I’ll go straight to the set like this.”

Lucas: …There’s going to be a next time?!

A breath caught in his chest, and frustration flooded his mind.

---

### *“Good morning.”*

*“Good morning!”*

The morning work hours weren’t off to a terrible start—until everyone spotted Lucas with a stone-cold, grim reaper-like expression.

The moment he entered, the lively chatter died down. People exchanged wary glances, silently asking each other what was going on, but no one had an answer.

Within minutes, rumors were flying.

Some whispered that Lucas had confessed his love and been rejected.

Others speculated he had been dumped last night.

A few suggested he was frustrated and had tried to take care of his needs over the phone, only to fail.

The gossip spun wildly, painting vivid stories about Lucas’s personal life.

In the styling and makeup departments, the chatter was particularly intense. As they gossiped away about Lucas, they entered the backstage dressing room of the theater and found the lights already on. They assumed someone had beaten them to work that morning—

But when they looked closer, they saw a person sitting in front of the makeup table.

Their legs were propped up high on the vanity, and they leaned back precariously in the chair, balancing on a single leg. The whole scene teetered on the edge of disaster. The person had a cowboy hat covering their face, seemingly indulging in a lazy, drowsy moment of relaxation.

*Who the hell was this?*

Someone shouted in anger. The person jolted awake, startled out of their half-asleep, half-dreaming state. They scrambled to stand up—

And failed spectacularly.

They tipped backward, chair and all, and crashed onto the ground with a loud thud.

Onlookers winced as if they could feel the impact themselves.

But the person remained sprawled out, motionless.

A few brave souls mustered the courage to step forward. Upon closer inspection, one of them gasped in shock. “Anson?!”

The people at a distance, secretly observing, were utterly dumbfounded.

What was going on?!

Within *thirty minutes*, the entire “Walk the Line” crew was abuzz with rumors.

Word spread that Anson had gotten wasted after a breakup, leaving Lucas to clean up the mess and stay up all night.

Some said Anson had been out partying instead of focusing on work, and Lucas had spent the entire night searching for him, only to find him at the set at sunrise.

There was even a rumor that Anson had fallen for Kate while filming Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, confessed, got rejected, and drowned his sorrows in alcohol while she married Sam Mendes.

Others claimed Anson had flirted with the wrong person at a bar and got beaten up by a local biker gang, spending the night in jail until Lucas bailed him out early in the morning, trying to keep the scandal under wraps.

Even crazier theories swirled—Ryan Phillippe had allegedly shown up last night, suspecting Anson of having an affair with Reese. When Ryan failed to catch them in the act, he allegedly lashed out in anger, leading to a fight. Anson had supposedly come to the set early just to avoid Ryan, and the sunglasses he wore were to hide a black eye.

The rumors grew wilder and wilder.

By the time Reese and the others arrived at the set, the entire crew was brimming with barely contained excitement. The energy in the air was downright electric, leaving Reese completely baffled.

She furrowed her brows in confusion. “Why do I smell gossip in the air?”

At that moment, an age-old truth of show business was confirmed once again—

*The more famous you are, the more drama follows.*

Anson was already at the top of Hollywood’s pyramid, but thanks to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, he had ascended even higher, reaching new career heights.

Yet, despite his skyrocketing fame, Anson remained notoriously mysterious. The paparazzi could barely dig up any dirt on him.

So, in a world where fame and gossip go hand in hand—rumors were bound to thrive.

A rare opportunity had presented itself. Seeing Anson slip up, even slightly, set off an unstoppable wave of speculation.

However, the rumors didn’t last long before the truth surfaced.

*What?! Anson had done all of this on purpose to prepare for today’s scene?*

He had *fully immersed himself in the role, using method acting to blur the lines between himself and his character*?

The hangover, the exhaustion, the lack of sleep—

*It was all part of his process.*

Anson had arrived at the set two hours early, attempting to sleep in a bizarre position, but his rest had been terrible. His current state was absolutely awful—yet it was *perfect for the role.*

The makeup and styling teams barely needed to lift a finger. Anson had already done all the work for them.

They couldn’t help but marvel—no matter how skilled they were, they could never replicate such raw authenticity.

But *Anson had achieved it.*

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 1369: Layers of Doubt

Was everything just part of Anson’s performance preparation?

This…

Could it really be true?

Firsthand information from the styling and makeup departments sent shockwaves through the crew. The previous rumors hadn’t even had a chance to spread fully before they were overturned.

Some people believed it—

Because this was exactly like Anson. It seemed like something he would do.

Did everyone forget?

When Anson arrived in Memphis to record the special deluxe edition of Midnight in Midsummer, he completely disrupted the crew’s shooting schedule in an unreasonable manner. Just when everyone was complaining, the situation took an unexpected turn. In the very first scene, Anson delivered a breathtaking performance that gave the film a strong start.

The details and facts all pointed to the same conclusion—Anson had poured his heart and soul into this project. The subsequent progress of the crew further confirmed this.

What was happening now was eerily similar to what had happened before filming began.

So why was it impossible?

However, some people didn’t believe it—

Are you sure? This is Hollywood we’re talking about.

Anyone who truly understands Hollywood knows that stories of indulgence, self-destruction, and darkness are far from uncommon. So why would Anson be any different?

They hadn’t forgotten—Anson was still young, not even twenty-two yet, an age where curiosity and ambition about Hollywood and fame were at their peak.

With Another Light’s meteoric rise and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s industry-shaking impact, Anson’s status in Hollywood had soared to an almost unbelievable height.

For anyone, this would be an extraordinary honor and achievement. Even someone as experienced as Johnny Depp, after more than a decade in Hollywood, could still lose himself in the overwhelming praise and admiration. So what about Anson, who had only been in the industry for three years?

Maybe, at the start of filming, Anson was indeed passionate about the project and fully committed. That was entirely possible.

But over time, as the shoot progressed, his mindset could have changed. Maybe he got lost in the glitz and glamour of fame. That was just as possible.

From all available signs, Anson had clearly messed up last night—drunk on his own success, he had let his guard down. In the end, he was still young, and his true nature had been exposed.

At best, it was just a case of drinking too much—something the crew could relate to and understand. After all, who hadn’t been young once?

At worst, he had been dragged into Hollywood’s dark side. And it wasn’t just about alcohol—who knew what else could have happened under the cover of night?

That was why Lucas was furious.

Right now, Lucas and Edgar were busy cleaning up the mess for Anson—

The follow-up rumors? Those were just smokescreens they had planted to cover up Anson’s mistakes. They weren’t just trying to shift the focus; they were going on the offensive, deliberately spinning the story into something positive, even elevating Anson’s image.

Was this kind of PR strategy new in Hollywood?

Of course not.

But it was undeniably clever. Instead of being crushed by the crisis, they were turning it into an opportunity to fight back.

In that sense, Anson had a powerful PR team—one whose crisis management skills were on par with the professionals in 24.

But they weren’t naïve. They were all seasoned industry insiders. Nothing in Hollywood was ever that simple.

Or, to put it another way—

Which version of the story was more believable?

A top-tier actor, willing to go to extreme lengths for a role, becoming completely immersed in his character?

Or a young star, who rose to the top too quickly, losing himself in the excesses of Hollywood?

Clearly, the latter.

No one could deny that the first scenario was possible—after all, not everyone could be painted with the same brush.

But the harsh reality was that actors who were truly dedicated to their craft were rare, while those who succumbed to Hollywood’s temptations were the norm. People were simply more inclined to believe in the dark side of human nature.

It’s just like how, when a theft happens in a supermarket, suspicion habitually falls on a Black person—

Yet, according to police records, middle-aged white women are statistically more likely to be shoplifters.

Bias and truth, reality and speculation—there’s always a gap between them. The focus often isn’t on what actually happened, but rather on what people choose to believe.

And that was exactly what was happening now. The crew let their imaginations run wild, and the waves of speculation continued to spread uncontrollably.

What was amusing, however, was that the crew gossiped in hushed tones as if they were secret agents exchanging coded messages, as if they had stepped straight into a scene from Mission: Impossible.

Meanwhile, Lucas and Anson remained calm and composed.

They had to know about the rumors swirling around the set. Yet, they did nothing to stop them. Even the management team turned a blind eye.

Why?

Lucas and Anson’s unwavering confidence made people wonder—

Were all the rumors completely wrong? Had everyone misread the situation? Had nothing actually happened last night?

And just like that, the rumors gained even more traction, fueling yet another wave of heated discussions. The gossip showed no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Naturally, the actors had heard about it too. The set was a small world, after all.

When the rumors reached Reese, she was utterly shocked—

The entire story was ridiculous.

Other people might not know the truth, but she certainly didn’t believe it.

Think about it—when The Butterfly Effect and Elephant were making waves, Anson had distanced himself from all the noise, choosing instead to perform in a bar under a fake name for two whole months. That took incredible determination.

Would someone like that really lose themselves just because of one big success?

Moreover, everyone had seen how much effort Anson put into his role as Johnny Cash. He even skipped the Academy Awards two years in a row, risking offending the establishment, just to stay dedicated to this project. Would he really be foolish enough to ruin everything halfway through filming?

Ridiculous.

Reese found the whole thing laughable.

But she also knew how powerful Hollywood rumors could be. No one was immune to them. That worried her. She instinctively glanced at Anson.

And what did she see?

Anson, completely unbothered, lazily resting his head and dozing off. Not the slightest trace of concern.

Reese couldn’t help but chuckle.

A nearby assistant lowered their voice and whispered to her—

Anson had woken up at six in the morning. The hotel kitchen staff had leaked the information while preparing his breakfast.

He had gotten up three hours early?

If he had really been out partying all night and was now this exhausted, how could he have possibly woken up so early? The logic didn’t add up.

So, those rumors?

Reese turned to the assistant. “Do all the assistants know about this?”

The assistant shook their head.

Reese smirked. “Then let’s make sure they do.”

Regardless of the truth, Reese didn’t want the crew spreading baseless accusations about Anson.

She had been in his shoes before. She knew what it felt like to be trapped by slander, unable to defend yourself.

She wanted to help Anson however she could.

After all, they were co-stars.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1370: Mastering the Situation*

Rustling, rustling.

Not noisy, yet not entirely quiet. Though no one spoke loudly, an undercurrent of tension permeated the set. Side glances, abruptly halted conversations as people passed by, hushed whispers followed by knowing smiles—these subtle cues floated in the air.

Unsettling.

Reese knew she wasn’t the subject of the gossip, but the atmosphere was still unnerving.

Yet, the true focus of the attention remained unbothered, as if nothing had happened at all.

Reese looked at the ever-smiling Anson. “Are you sure everything’s fine?”

Anson seemed confused by the question. “What?”

Reese hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words. Staring at Anson, she suddenly felt foolish for worrying about his situation.

Forcing a small smile, she said, “Nothing. I just noticed you’re sweating a lot. Are you okay?”

Anson waved it off. “I’m fine—just getting ready for the performance.”

Filming was about to begin. The scene would pick up midway through Johnny Cash’s performance, where he would naturally be drenched in sweat.

Originally, the makeup team had planned to create a sweaty effect, but Anson had taken a different approach. He spent thirty minutes singing intensely in the waiting room beforehand. Coupled with a hangover from the night before and inadequate sleep, his body was already feeling weak and feverish, making him sweat profusely—perfect for the scene.

Reese watched Anson, who seemed completely at ease and eager to begin, and couldn’t help but marvel. Was this the difference between people?

If she were in his shoes, caught in the midst of a storm, she would be a nervous wreck—so anxious that she wouldn’t even be able to distinguish the taste of the food in her mouth.

But Anson?

Reese didn’t say anything more. “That’s great, then.”

Taking a deep breath, she refocused her attention. As she saw the various departments and crew members finishing their preparations, she finally relaxed and got into character.

Everything was ready.

Then, Anson stepped out from the wings and onto the stage—

*Boom!*

In an instant, a wave of heat and noise erupted. The entire venue roared to life.

“Ahhh! Ahhh!”

Screams, shouts, and cheers filled the air. The 300-seat theater was packed to capacity with extras and background actors dressed in their parents' 1950s clothing, making it look like a masquerade ball.

Appearing in a Hollywood film as part of a costume party was already crazy enough.

But what was even crazier?

They were seeing Anson up close in person.

“That’s Anson!”

“Oh my God, I can’t breathe!”

“Anson! Anson! Ahhh!”

Some were so overwhelmed with excitement that they screamed beyond their vocal limits, their mouths open in silent yet fervent exclamations—

*Ahhh!*

The entire theater was in a frenzy, completely out of control, like a volcano erupting.

The crew had not anticipated this reaction.

Mangold: ???

Of course, this was the effect they had hoped for.

When Johnny Cash—played by Anson Wood—took the stage, the audience was supposed to explode with energy, creating the atmosphere of a live performance.

That was the film’s intended reality.

However, Mangold was caught off guard. He had not expected Anson’s presence to trigger such an overwhelming reaction, far beyond what they could manage.

Now what?

Should they intervene? It didn’t seem necessary—this was exactly what they wanted.

Should they let it continue? It was on the verge of getting out of hand—was that really okay?

Some audience members had even started stomping and jumping, their uncontrollable enthusiasm shaking the entire building.

Mangold blinked. He suddenly realized they had underestimated Anson’s star power. Ever since filming began, the production had drawn massive attention, but he had always assumed it was just the “Hollywood movie set” effect.

Now, he wasn’t so sure.

Someone beside him asked, “Director, what should we do? Should we start rolling? Can we even control the situation?”

After all, the focus of this scene was supposed to be Johnny Cash and June Carter. But they still needed the audience to cooperate.

Mangold: …

Before Mangold could respond, Anson had already taken charge.

Stepping forward, Anson positioned himself at the front of the stage. He raised both hands, motioning downward, all the while smiling and making eye contact with the audience. He moved along the front edge of the stage in a sweeping arc, ensuring he connected with everyone.

Once.

Twice.

Miraculously, the chaotic energy settled. The audience remained excited, their heaving chests and shining eyes betraying their ongoing enthusiasm, but the theater itself had calmed. The uproar now simmered beneath the surface, ready to erupt again when needed.

“Thank you!”

A brief pause.

“Thank you for letting me know what’s happening in the world outside. Clearly, the theater is the place to be tonight.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

“But there’s a reason I shut out the outside world. Let’s focus on what’s in front of us. Today, I need your help. Let’s enjoy this performance together and make this scene unforgettable, shall we?”

Thunderous applause erupted.

Not just applause—whistles and cheers as well.

Anson raised his right hand again, gesturing downward. This time, he barely needed any effort to quiet the crowd. “Save some energy—we have a long day ahead.”

This time, only soft chuckles could be heard, quickly fading as the audience controlled their excitement.

Looking out, the entire theater was captivated by Anson. Their bright eyes sparkled with anticipation and admiration. Each person slightly lifted their chin, gazing at him with reverence—

No acting was needed. This alone perfectly recreated the electrifying atmosphere of Johnny Cash’s performances.

For a brief moment, it felt as if a time portal had opened, merging reality and film. The man on stage was Anson one second, Johnny Cash the next, then back to Anson—the two personas seamlessly overlapping.

The atmosphere was set.

Reese, too, was mesmerized, her eyes locked onto him without realizing it.

Then, at that exact moment, he turned to her, eyes bright and lips curling into a smile. “Ready?”

Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly nodded. “Of course. Of course!”

Anson turned to the camera and flashed an “OK” sign.

In an instant, without even needing Mangold’s cue, the entire crew snapped into action. Silence fell over the set as everyone shifted into work mode.

Mangold, momentarily sidelined, glanced around. The crew had flawlessly transitioned into filming mode without his direction, leaving him momentarily bemused.

But he simply shrugged.

Wasn’t this ideal?

Everything was already in place. Like sitting at a fully prepared dinner table, all that was left to do was start.

“Action!”

(End of chapter)