1361-1365

Chapter 1361: Box Office Champion

Once dismissed by Hollywood as neither artistic nor commercially viable, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has now shattered expectations, rewriting the rules and creating a miracle.

First, there was the media frenzy, with critics hailing it as Charlie Kaufman’s most complete and harmonious work, quickly making it the frontrunner for awards season.

Then, the box office followed suit. Despite being an independent, artistic, and niche film, Eternal Sunshine surpassed the $100 million mark thanks to the right marketing approach.

Everything about this feels almost mythical.

If this isn’t a miracle, then what is?

From its early screenings, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has defied expectations at every turn, breaking industry norms with each step and opening doors to a new cinematic world.

So, who is the architect of this miracle?

Charlie Kaufman? Michel Gondry? Kate Winslet?

In truth, everyone already knows the answer.

- “Anson Wood: The Box Office Legend Remains Unstoppable.”

- “The Golden Touch: Anson Wood’s Magic Continues to Shine.”

- “Hollywood is Entering the Anson Wood Era.”

- “Audience Satisfaction Survey: Anson Wood in a League of His Own.”

- “Hollywood’s Best Value Actor: Anson Wood Stands Alone.”

- “No One Can Resist Anson Wood!”

- “After Gus Van Sant, Now It’s Charlie Kaufman—Is There Anyone Anson Wood Can’t Elevate?”

- “Anson-Mania: The North American Film Market is Entering an Anson Frenzy.”

- “It’s Not Just About a $100 Million Box Office—Anson Wood is Reshaping Hollywood’s Market Norms.”

- “Unstoppable! Anson Wood Takes the Throne.”

There is only one answer: Anson.

Just a few months ago, all of Hollywood was enamored with Johnny Depp. The unexpected phenomenon of Pirates of the Caribbean took the industry by storm.

For one, pirate films had been dormant in Hollywood for years. The infamous Cutthroat Island still held the Guinness World Record for the biggest box office flop, completely killing any industry interest in the genre. Yet, thanks to Johnny Depp’s unconventional and mesmerizing portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, pirates made a triumphant return.

At the same time, Depp’s moment had been fifteen years in the making. Having spent his career carefully cultivating his craft while staying outside Hollywood’s mainstream, he finally found the role of a lifetime—one that allowed him to shine like never before.

Hollywood loves stories like this.

Overnight, Johnny Depp ascended to the pinnacle of Hollywood’s hierarchy, even overshadowing Anson Wood. Despite Anson’s meteoric rise over the past two years, he couldn’t compete with Depp’s long-overdue explosion in popularity. Even the Academy took notice.

But now, things have changed again.

The turning point? The success of Elephant and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

For an actor to have the star power to bring audiences to theaters for a blockbuster is already a rarity. That’s why the exclusive "$20 million club" includes only a select few—Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Jim Carrey, and now Johnny Depp.

But for an actor to have the power to attract audiences to see an artistic, independent film? That is even more extraordinary. That’s why actors like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson, despite not leading major box office hits, still remain Hollywood’s elite.

And if an actor can do both?

That’s Tom Hanks. The one and only Tom Hanks.

But now, maybe there’s another name to add: Anson Wood.

The box office success of Elephant was widely discussed in Hollywood, but opinions were cautious. Some dismissed it as luck, others credited its Palme d’Or win, and some believed its timely social themes played a role.

Then everything changed.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind didn’t just perform well—it shattered market conventions, broke past the $100 million barrier, and reached a new level. Its impact on independent cinema was as monumental as Spider-Man grossing $600 million in North America. It sent shockwaves through the industry.

Some might wonder: Why is Pulp Fiction considered such a landmark in film history?

There are many reasons. But one major factor was this:

It was the first independent film in North American box office history to surpass $100 million.

It barely made it—earning $101 million—but that milestone was unprecedented.

And this was back in 1994, when $100 million meant even more than it does today.

For ten years, no independent film had reached that height again. It remained an unattainable dream for the indie film industry.

Then came Elephant and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, reshaping the landscape once more.

Not long ago, some industry insiders jokingly remarked that Elephant falling just short of $100 million had ended Anson Wood’s streak of four consecutive films surpassing that mark:

- “So close! Anson is great, but he’s no Tom Cruise or Will Smith.”

- “See? Even Anson couldn’t do it.”

- “Tom and Will’s streaks really aren’t easy to replicate.”

Since the 2000s, Hollywood’s box office has grown significantly, making $100 million a more common benchmark. Yet, no actor since Tom Cruise and Will Smith had managed to string together five consecutive $100 million films.

Why?

Because maintaining that streak requires not just star power but also consistency, excellent project selection, and a sharp career strategy. It demands a perfect synergy between actor, agent, and studio.

Another factor? After Johnny Depp’s rise, Hollywood actively moved away from the "star system," shifting toward franchise-driven filmmaking where studios held control. The power of individual actors at the box office started to fade.

Anson, too, fell short of the five-film streak—

But he came extremely close. His four-film streak matched Tom Hanks' record.

And, like Tom Hanks, Anson wasn’t fixated on box office success. Even as his influence continued to rise, he remained focused on artistic exploration, taking on independent and experimental films instead of chasing commercial hits.

Both actors saw their streaks end at four.

Of course, all of this was just playful speculation.

Even though Elephant didn’t break $100 million, it was still one of the most profitable films of 2003. No one expected a Gus Van Sant film to be associated with the term "most profitable," and even without a nine-figure box office, Anson had still made history.

Then came Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

(End of Chapter).

Chapter 1362: Leading the Pack

After The Elephant, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes center stage.

Like The Elephant, it's an independent film, yet it has stormed the box office with the force of a hurricane, achieving numbers comparable to The Butterfly Effect and The Princess Diaries.

What kind of phenomenon is this?

Shocking!

Just as people were half-jokingly declaring that The Elephant had ended Anson’s streak of billion-dollar box office hits in North America, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind delivered a perfect response.

An independent film? An art film? A niche, avant-garde film that deviates from the mainstream?

No problem!

As long as it’s Anson Wood, anything is possible.

Considering the unique circumstances surrounding Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as well as the market climate before and after its release, its $100 million impact in North America is absolutely historic. Even though Charlie Kaufman and Anson had no intention of proving anyone wrong, they still delivered a resounding slap to Hollywood.

Loud, crisp, and brutal.

Hollywood collectively fell silent—so stunned that they even forgot to cover their faces.

And if you add The Butterfly Effect into the mix, the answer becomes even clearer:

This is no coincidence.

Key figure: Anson Wood.

It doesn’t matter what the executives at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences think. It doesn’t matter what the higher-ups at Hollywood studios think. It doesn’t even matter what industry professionals’ rigid preconceptions are. The North American film market has provided its answer through action.

Numbers don’t lie.

Without a doubt, unquestionably, Anson now stands at the very peak of Hollywood—

The peak beyond the peak.

Johnny Depp? No, not even close.

Certainly, Pirates of the Caribbean became a cultural phenomenon. Its true impact wasn’t just in box office numbers but in the ripple effect it created across popular culture.

Captain Jack Sparrow’s image became a staple at theme parks and Halloween parties, and a widely referenced character in talk shows, movies, and television.

However, everything Johnny Depp has, Anson has as well. And what Johnny Depp doesn’t have—Anson has already claimed.

From every angle, Anson is the one towering over the film industry right now. To continue denying or ignoring this fact would only lead to self-embarrassment.

And most importantly, everyone knows that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was never meant to be a box office movie. Its massive financial success is 100% an accident—a delightful surprise.

Anson’s true moment in the spotlight is still on the horizon. Spider-Man 2 is the real summer blockbuster.

Some might say: “But what if Spider-Man 2 underperforms at the box office? What if it even crashes and burns?”

After all, in recent years, sequels have had a mixed track record. The Matrix sequels, for example, failed to set the box office on fire. Would Hollywood use that as an excuse to criticize and undermine Anson?

Before Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, that was a possibility. But after Eternal Sunshine, Hollywood insiders have learned their lesson.

If Spider-Man 2 succeeds at the box office, it will be the cherry on top. Anson’s position at the pinnacle of Hollywood is already unshakable—there’s no higher place for him to climb.

If Spider-Man 2 fails at the box office, it won’t change a thing. Hollywood’s studios and producers will still be eager to invest in Anson.

In other words, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has completely changed the landscape. Anson has already reached a position where he can’t lose—

No matter how Spider-Man 2 performs, Anson’s place in Hollywood is secure. The story has now entered an entirely new chapter.

To mark this turning point, The Hollywood Reporter published a feature article, taking readers behind the scenes of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and unraveling the mystery of this artistic masterpiece.

They bestowed Anson with the title “The First Superstar of the 21st Century”, drawing a parallel to Leonardo DiCaprio.

Back when Titanic shattered every box office record in history and upended Hollywood’s understanding of the film market, Leonardo became a global sensation. The media dubbed the film “The Box Office Bomb of the Century’s End,” and Leonardo was crowned “The Last Superstar of the 20th Century.”

At the time, no one could have predicted that this title would eventually evolve into “Hollywood’s Last Superstar.” Even Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. never quite reached that same superstar status, instead becoming witnesses to the end of Hollywood’s golden age of superstardom.

Of course, in this timeline, no one can predict the future of Hollywood’s film industry. But in this parallel version of our world, where the butterfly effect is in motion, Anson has beaten Depp and Downey to the punch—taking the torch from Leonardo himself.

In other words, in the eyes of The Hollywood Reporter, one of the industry’s most authoritative publications, Anson has already reached Leonardo’s level.

And he doesn’t even need to wait for Spider-Man 2 to be released—Anson already possesses the same level of global influence that Leonardo had post-Titanic.

His brilliance is undeniable.

And interestingly enough, both Leonardo and Anson share the same on-screen partner: Kate Winslet.

The Hollywood Reporter’s feature article landed like a bombshell, sparking an earthquake of discussion throughout the film industry.

Envy.

Jealousy.

Resentment.

All eyes turned to Anson, swarming around him like a relentless storm.

Yet, none of this could change the fact that Hollywood had now centered itself around Anson Wood—

Everyone wanted him.

No exceptions.

And as his agent, Edgar was now the hottest name in Hollywood.

But all of that is a story for another time.

For now, let’s turn our attention back to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

This wildly imaginative, emotionally profound sci-fi romance didn’t stop at breaking the $100 million mark in North America. Even amid heated discussions and buzzing publicity, audiences continued pouring into theaters, determined not to miss out on the cultural moment.

In the end, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind closed its North American box office run at $116 million, playing in theaters for an impressive 30 weeks and concluding its run with a stellar finish.

Later, Focus Features pushed for awards season recognition. As part of their campaign, they re-released the film in December—a common strategy to refresh audiences’ memories.

Even though the movie had only been out of theaters for two months, its re-release was met with enthusiasm, generating another unexpected wave of box office revenue.

And the reason for this? The movie itself.

After Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind became a box office sensation, it received both praise and criticism. For the general public, the film’s deeply artistic, introspective nature didn’t necessarily align with mainstream tastes. Yet, for that very reason, it became a cult favorite among young intellectuals and cinephiles.

Niche.

Unique.

Striking.

Melancholic.

The film left audiences with lingering questions and ample room for discussion, solidifying its place as a hot topic among artistic communities.

Anson and Kate Winslet, in turn, became the ultimate dream duo for the indie film crowd.

So, when the movie was re-released for awards season, some fans returned to theaters for repeat viewings, while new audiences seized the opportunity to experience it for the first time. This unexpected boost translated into yet another impressive box office surge.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1363: The New Literary Icon*

The re-release of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had a clear objective—Focus Features aimed to build momentum for awards season, primarily targeting Hollywood insiders and hoping Academy voters would head to theaters to watch the film. However, unexpectedly, the movie also sparked a fresh wave of discussion among young intellectuals and cinephiles.

During the six-week limited re-release, Focus Features screened the film in just over a hundred theaters across North America, strategically targeting its intended audience. Yet, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind still managed to gross an impressive $5 million. Not just Hollywood—even Focus Features itself was stunned.

Thanks to this, the film’s final North American box office total settled at $121 million.

A collective uproar followed.

Just when people thought they had adjusted to the success of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, another shockwave hit. Surprise after surprise, achievement after achievement—beyond simply marveling at Anson’s star power, no one knew how else to react.

However, the real surprise came from the international market.

Not North America, but overseas.

In the United Kingdom and France, a new perspective was rapidly gaining traction:

*Anson, the new literary icon.*

The public’s reaction: ???

Wait a minute—who? Anson? Are we talking about that pretty-boy idol? The same Anson who was overlooked by the Academy because of his “model-like” looks?

Die-hard film fans nodded in firm agreement—it was indeed him.

Yes, he had long been labeled a pretty face, and his looks were his initial claim to fame. But looking at his career objectively, he had never been a typical "hollow" heartthrob.

Films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Elephant speak for themselves, demonstrating Anson’s ability to navigate different genres and artistic styles. Even The Butterfly Effect—while not a traditional indie film—carries an intellectual, sci-fi-philosophical edge.

In Spider-Man, Anson played an outcast, a high school loner passionate about photography and nature. The Princess Diaries followed a similar pattern—his character was a band member and a social misfit living on the fringes.

If anything, Catch Me If You Can was his most mainstream role. Despite earning his first Golden Globe nomination for it, the character of Frank Abagnale was the one that most aligned with his "pretty-boy" image, showcasing his charm in a way that mainstream audiences could easily embrace.

In other words, Anson never deliberately chose between commercial or artistic films—he chose roles. Through them, he revealed his own unique aura as an actor, showcasing his depth beyond mere good looks.

If that doesn’t make him a "literary icon," what does?

Of course, this argument had its flaws.

Early in his career, Anson didn’t have the luxury of choice—he took whatever roles were available, seizing any opportunity that came his way. The idea that he carefully curated an artistic filmography was more of a retrospective interpretation by passionate fans than an intentional career move.

Naturally, this sparked plenty of debate.

Yet, one undeniable fact remained: Over the past six months, Anson had taken a clear leap forward with three consecutive films. His choices reflected a refined artistic sensibility, proving that even under the "pretty-boy" label, he had a distinct actor’s persona.

And in Europe, die-hard cinephiles saw him differently than their North American counterparts.

The Cannes Film Festival played a pivotal role. Behind-the-scenes stories about Anson, passed through word of mouth among devoted moviegoers, painted a very different picture from the media’s shallow portrayal of him. This perception was further reinforced during the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind test screening at the Angelica Film Center. The film’s inherent artistic quality collided with Anson’s evolving image, creating an undeniable cultural shift.

As a result, the “literary icon” label spread like wildfire across Europe. Film lovers debated it passionately, and before long, the discussion translated into tangible box office results—an unmistakable signal of Anson’s transformation.

From a pretty-boy idol to a full-fledged literary icon—it was a stunning reinvention.

After a wave of intense demand, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was released in 38 countries worldwide, setting a new benchmark for films penned by screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. It was a testament to the changing attitude of international distributors.

The United Kingdom emerged as the film’s strongest international market, generating a staggering $20 million and igniting discussions in local media.

France followed closely behind, with an impressive $15 million. More importantly, as the largest international market for arthouse films, France’s leading film distributors finally acknowledged Anson’s appeal in the realm of artistic cinema.

This was, without a doubt, a critical milestone.

Beyond the UK and France, Germany, Spain, and Japan also delivered unexpected success, with each market exceeding $6 million in box office earnings—an exceptional feat for an arthouse film.

For comparison, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind—directed by George Clooney, written by Charlie Kaufman, and even featuring a Best Actor win at the Berlin Film Festival—only managed to gross $17 million internationally, despite its prestige.

This contrast underscored just how extraordinary Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s box office performance was.

Additionally, eight other countries, including Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and Norway, each surpassed the $3 million mark, signaling a truly global phenomenon. The film’s momentum spread far and wide.

Ultimately, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind defied all expectations, crossing the $80 million mark in international box office revenue. The staggering success dominated media discussions worldwide.

Back in North America, Anson’s rising influence had been evident for months—his presence at the Grammys and Oscars had already generated significant buzz, while Midsummer Midnight and Another Light had kept his name in the headlines. A steady stream of media coverage outside of the film industry had contributed to the film’s ultimate box office explosion.

But internationally, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind had not benefited from a large-scale marketing push like commercial blockbusters. Despite this, it still shattered expectations—a testament to Anson’s growing global impact.

For this reason, the film’s $80 million international haul was arguably even more significant than its $100 million North American milestone, further fueling industry discussions.

In the end, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind amassed a worldwide total of $201 million. This near-miraculous achievement became one of 2004’s standout cinematic highlights, drawing comparisons to When Harry Met Sally—another romance film with strong artistic sensibilities that defied commercial norms to achieve box office success.

The ultimate question remained:

Would Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind stand the test of time, as The New Yorker suggested, cementing itself as a true classic? Or was this extraordinary success merely a product of marketing brilliance—an ephemeral phenomenon that would eventually fade into obscurity?

Only time would tell.

*(End of Chapter)*

Chapter 1364: A Life of Drunken Dreams

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Early in the morning, a heavy knocking echoed through the hotel corridor like a torrential downpour, making the entire world seem to tremble slightly.

However, inside the room, there was complete silence—no response, no movement.

Standing at the door, Noah was sweating profusely, his face flushed with anxiety, on the verge of tears. The commotion woke Lucas, who was in the adjacent room.

Lucas stepped out, his face stern, revealing no trace of emotion.

"What's going on?"

It wasn’t even six in the morning yet, and most of the Sing Along film crew was still fast asleep. There were nearly three hours until today’s call time.

In some movies, actors require special makeup—like Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man—which means they often have to wake up hours earlier, sometimes as early as 3 AM, to start the preparation process.

But for the Sing Along production, that wasn’t necessary. Everything was running as usual.

So, at this hour, the entire crew was still asleep, and the hallway was eerily quiet.

While the outside world was in a frenzy over Eternal Sunshine and the summer box office season, the Sing Along team remained fully immersed in their work, operating in an orderly and efficient manner.

Focused. Invested. Absorbed.

Every member of the crew was giving their undivided attention because Lucas—the head of Forest Pictures and the film's producer—was personally overseeing the set.

Nobody wanted to be caught slacking.

During breaks, bits and pieces of conversations revealed the growing buzz around Eternal Sunshine, and with that excitement, the anticipation for Sing Along only increased.

But today, Noah's unexpected appearance so early in the morning disrupted the crew's routine.

Seeing Lucas, Noah immediately straightened up, his expression turning serious.

"Mr. Wood, Mr. Anson asked me to wake him up at six this morning."

And yet… after knocking for so long, there was still no response.

Given Anson’s recent state on set, Noah and Lucas exchanged a glance, both becoming alert.

A flicker of something unreadable flashed in Lucas’s eyes. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but since Anson had specifically requested to be woken up—

"Step aside."

Lucas pulled a room key from his robe pocket and effortlessly unlocked the hotel door, pushing it open—

Pitch black.

Not a shred of light. The blackout curtains were drawn tightly, completely blocking out the sun. Only the faint light from the hallway revealed the vague outlines of the furniture.

But all hotel rooms had similar layouts. Relying on memory, Lucas navigated through the living area toward the bedroom—only to bump into the sofa unexpectedly.

Clatter.

The sound of bottles knocking against each other rang out, followed by the unmistakable scent of alcohol filling the air.

Lucas’s heart clenched, an uneasy feeling rising within him. His pulse quickened.

"Anson?"

He couldn't hold back and called out.

But still—no response.

Click.

A sharp sound as the light switch flicked on. The darkness melted away under the soft yellow glow.

Lucas turned to look at Noah, realizing only now how tense he had been—so much so that he had completely forgotten about turning on the lights earlier.

Finally, the state of the room came into focus—

Scattered liquor bottles, a mess of clothes and shoes, a toppled bedside lamp, and a small table that had been knocked over. The place looked like a storm had torn through it.

Inside the bedroom, the blankets and sheets had all slid off onto the floor, leaving the bed completely bare. Following the trail of fabric, they finally spotted Anson—curled up tightly under the blankets, resembling a shrimp.

"Oh, God."

Noah gasped.

Lucas's heart stopped for a moment. A nameless fear gripped him, dragging him down into a sinking abyss. His entire world seemed to shatter in an instant.

"Anson?"

In a flash, Lucas rushed forward, panicked and helpless, scooping Anson into his arms. Instinctively, he reached for Anson’s wrist, checking for a pulse.

Still beating.

Holding his breath, Lucas felt an overwhelming sense of relief as the steady rhythm pulsed against his fingertips. A numbing sensation spread through his limbs as his body, previously wound tight, finally eased.

Noah, still looking worried, asked, "Should I call the on-set doctor?"

Lucas shook his head. "No need." But there was no time to explain. Instead, he focused on Anson.

"Anson, wake up. Anson?"

Finally, Anson seemed to hear the voice. He groaned in pain—

"Ugh."

The moment the sound left his lips, he forcibly cut it off, swallowing the rest of his agony. But his tightly knit brows and scrunched-up face betrayed him.

For a second, it was as if he stopped breathing altogether.

Then, unable to hold back any longer, the sound escaped from his throat.

"Oh, God…"

His hoarse voice, rough as a broken gong, was so grating even he winced at the sound.

Finally, he sat up, but every muscle in his body protested in pain—as if he had been thrown into a burlap sack and beaten senseless.

Lucas: "Water."

Silently, Anson raised his right hand. A bottle of mineral water was placed in his palm. Without hesitation, he gulped it down in one go.

Then, his shoulders slumped, and his head drooped, as if carrying the weight of a thousand pounds.

Lucas turned to Noah. "Go to the hotel kitchen and make a cup of honey lemon water. Make sure it's warm. Also, ask them to prepare breakfast—nothing too greasy. If there's nothing else, plain porridge will do."

Noah listened carefully, ensuring he didn’t miss a word before quickly turning to leave. His hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Anson, still with his eyes closed, muttered, "Lucas, you're going to scare the kid at this rate."

Lucas didn’t respond. Instead, he rummaged through the room, searching for something.

Anson patiently waited, only to feel something land on his face. He reached up and grabbed it—sunglasses.

Slipping them on, the harsh light was finally bearable, allowing him to open his eyes.

Lucas's voice came from the side. "How much did you drink last night?"

Anson shrugged. "I don’t know. But Lucas, you know what? My alcohol tolerance is better than I thought—I didn’t even black out."

Lucas shot him a glance. "You used to drink more recklessly before. Now, after three years of sobriety, your tolerance has already declined."

Anson: "…"

"So you knew all along, huh? But did you really have to call me out like that?" He let out a dry chuckle. "Ha. Ha."

Lucas studied him carefully, countless words swirling on the tip of his tongue. But in the end, all he let out was a long sigh.

"What happened?"

"You asked Noah to wake you early today. It seems like you knew you'd be hungover, which means these empty bottles weren’t just an accident."

Piecing together the scattered clues, Lucas was beginning to see the bigger picture.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 1365: The Early Bird Catches the Worm*

"Performance."

Anson rubbed his aching temples and closed his eyes again, but the conversation didn’t stop. He naturally gave his answer.

"Getting into character."

"There’s a major scene today, and I want to be fully immersed in the role."

Lucas found it absurd. He couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. "So, to get into character, you deliberately got yourself drunk, then asked Noah to wake you up early, just so you could be in a sleep-deprived, hungover state? And all of this is just for the role?"

"Anson, I understand. You've been preparing for this role, constantly adjusting your state of mind. But don’t you think this is a bit ridiculous?"

Since joining the production, Anson had been completely dedicated to staying in character for Johnny Cash. He even put aside promoting Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It was clear to everyone that Anson was serious—missing the Oscars wasn’t a joke.

Lucas, Noah, and the others had all noticed his dedication.

But even so, what they were seeing now went beyond Lucas’s understanding. It was too extreme.

Anson slightly lifted his chin, letting his sunglasses slide down to the bridge of his nose. He looked at Lucas over the top of the frames.

"Have you heard the saying, ‘The early bird catches the worm’?"

"Luca, I’m not a genius actor like Daniel Day-Lewis. I need external help. I have to fully immerse myself in the role."

"If I could, I’d go even further—I’d truly become Johnny Cash. But…"

At the lowest, most chaotic point in Johnny Cash’s life, it wasn’t just alcohol. Drugs, women, and violence haunted him relentlessly.

But Anson couldn’t go that far.

Because this body had already died once. OD. He couldn’t take that risk again.

More importantly, having a second chance at life, Anson didn’t want to escape reality. He refused to be a coward hiding in the illusionary world of alcohol and drugs. No matter what happened, he wanted to face it head-on.

Of course, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. The life we imagine often differs from reality. But at the very least, he was trying.

The problem was, imagination alone wasn’t enough. He couldn’t convincingly portray Johnny Cash’s reckless, intoxicated state just by imagining it.

He needed to experience it.

So, after careful consideration, he chose this method.

Now, there was no need to act. He was genuinely sleep-deprived and hungover—seamlessly stepping into Johnny Cash’s state of mind.

After a brief pause, Anson didn’t continue explaining. "So, I chose a method I could accept."

Lucas, however, wasn’t having it. "You don’t need to do this. Anson, in my heart, you’re already the best actor. To me, you are Daniel Day-Lewis. You are that guy… De Niro."

Anson was stunned. He stared at Lucas in silence, feeling warmth rise in his chest.

Then, the corners of his mouth lifted. "Oh, Luca, I thought you never watched my performances. I thought you couldn’t stand seeing me on the big screen."

"Robert De Niro. His name is Robert De Niro. I never expected to hold such a high place in your heart. Hahaha."

Lucas watched as Anson playfully nudged him with his elbow, looking exasperated. "I’m serious. You don’t need to do this. You’re already an incredible actor."

Anson dropped the act. "That’s because you’re my brother. No matter what I do, you’ll support me 100%. But others won’t."

Lucas frowned. "But you don’t need to live for others’ opinions."

Anson sighed. "I know."

"But I want to be a great actor. I love acting. When I perform, for just a moment, I feel like I can see an entirely different world. It’s an adventure, an exploration. It allows me to feel the colors and weight of life."

Lucas hesitated.

But Anson knew—Lucas was wavering.

"Right now, I’m still learning. I need to work harder, even if that means using clumsy methods, to find my way into the performance."

"Maybe, once I’ve gained enough experience, I won’t need to do this anymore."

Lucas’s brows furrowed. "Gaining experience? Are you saying you’ll do this again?"

Anson froze. He hadn’t expected Lucas to catch onto that detail.

What now?

"Ah, Luca, my head hurts." Anson clutched his temples, his brows furrowing in pain.

Lucas stared at him expressionlessly.

Anson looked back, exasperated. "Didn’t you just say I’m a great actor? And now I’m slipping up? Can’t you play along a little?"

Lucas: …

After a brief silence, he sighed. "I’ll get you some aspirin."

Without another word, Lucas stood up. He had taken only two steps when he stopped again, his back still facing Anson. "At the very least, next time, tell me in advance."

Anson responded, "If I told you, you’d stop me."

Lucas turned around, eyes locking onto Anson. Finally, his ever-serious and reserved mask cracked. Frustration poured out through the cracks. "I don’t care. You must tell me. Because even if I try to stop you, you’ll do it anyway, won’t you? So no matter what, you have to tell me first."

"This is not a request—it’s an order."

It was rare to see Lucas lose his temper.

Anson shrank back, looking obedient. "Okay."

Lucas had been prepared to argue further, but hearing Anson’s agreement caught him off guard. He had to stop himself mid-sentence, struggling to regain his composure. He glared at Anson’s innocent expression. "Don’t look at me like that. It won’t work on me."

Still curled up in his blanket, Anson felt completely drained from their short conversation. His head was heavy, and he was dizzy.

So this was how it felt—this was the state Johnny Cash performed in, the state that pushed him over the edge.

Just imagining it wouldn’t have been enough. Paper theories alone couldn’t replicate reality. So, was this why method actors insisted on personal experience, immersing themselves so deeply that they sometimes lost themselves?

Back when Catch Me If You Can was filmed, Anson had experienced the emotional torment of a performance. But that had been an accidental breakthrough, a beginner’s step. Only now had he truly taken a solid first step into the world of acting.

What he had told Lucas was true—he loved acting. He loved immersing himself in a role, piecing together a character’s emotions. It was thrilling.

Even the hangover and headache.

If it helped him understand his character better, Anson was willing to go through this again. Step by step, he would awaken the memories buried deep within this body—

Since arriving in this world, his memories had been incomplete, blurry. But now, he realized—his body still remembered. It remembered the madness from three years ago.

When Lucas returned and saw Anson still curled up by the bathroom door, looking exhausted and miserable, he sighed in frustration.

He would never understand actors. They were all lunatics. If critics dared to insult Anson’s performance after the movie was released, Lucas would personally knock on their doors in the middle of the night!

(End of chapter)