911-915

*Chapter 911: Peering into Reality*

Emanuel was no newbie, easily fooled by what he saw or swayed by the actions of actors and directors.

"Seeing is believing"—this saying often needs to be questioned in real life, especially in the entertainment industry.

What people see is often what these actors want the public to see; what they can see is often what these actors present under the spotlight.

After all, living under the constant glare of lights twenty-four hours a day turns their lives into a part of the performance.

This was portrayed vividly half a century ago in the film Sunset Boulevard.

Right now, with the media gathered and all eyes on him, Emanuel believed that if Anson wanted to, he could display one hundred percent of his gentlemanly charm.

"Reality"?

You might need to turn off the flash and the cameras to catch that fleeting moment in some unnoticed corner.

Like Ivan just now.

So, what about Anson?

Emanuel thought this was an interesting subject because this scene in front of him was like Roman Holiday—so perfect that it seemed to lack some authenticity. The difference was that they had switched places from the movie: Anson was the princess, and Emanuel was the journalist.

See, this is where things get interesting.

That day on the train, Emanuel tried to capture the superstar aura around Anson, who stood out effortlessly even when hiding in the crowd.

Now in Cannes, Emanuel was trying to capture the reality beneath Anson's superstar aura, the self he struggled to maintain amidst the blinding lights.

Two sides of the same coin.

But whether it's the former or the latter, the only certain thing is that Anson is a unique individual. It's been a long time since such a complex figure has appeared in the entertainment industry.

That's a good thing.

The thought lingered briefly in Emanuel's mind, and he made a decision without any difficulty.

"Of course. It would be my honor," Emanuel agreed readily. "I promise I'll produce the best photos for the crew."

Anson laughed.

Noah, standing nearby, didn't quite understand. He looked at Anson, then at Emanuel, scratched his head, and then followed with a smile.

At that moment—

A rustling sound.

A commotion echoed down the hotel hallway, like a drop of cold water hitting hot oil, instantly boiling.

You could see the crowd stirring—whispers, murmurs, people standing up, running around, turning away, making phone calls, inquiring for information.

Although Anson was right at the door, clearly, he was no longer the focus.

That's not surprising. This is Cannes—news and highlights are everywhere.

Emanuel glanced at Anson, only to find him watching the scene with amused interest, looking every bit like a curious bystander.

Then, a figure pushed through the crowd, walking towards Anson through the throng heading towards the elevator, visible from afar.

"Oh, sorry, I hope I'm not late? Either way, sorry if you had to come out to greet me; that would be really bad."

The newcomer was none other than The New York Times journalist, Nicholas Flynn.

Nicholas looked a bit disgruntled. He had a phone interview scheduled with François Ozon this morning, to be followed by an interview with the Elephant crew within thirty minutes.

Everything was set. As a seasoned journalist, Nicholas wouldn't let himself fall behind.

However!

He hadn't expected François Ozon to be hungover, throwing Nicholas's schedule into chaos.

Nicholas adapted on the fly, conducting the phone interview while rushing to the Majestic Barrière Hotel in Cannes to avoid being caught up in the frenzy. In fact, he arrived on time, even five minutes early; but the disruption left him uneasy.

Moreover, when the elevator doors opened, the scene before him made Nicholas pause for a moment—

What happened here?

Unlike other media, Nicholas had scheduled an exclusive interview with the Elephant crew two weeks before arriving in Cannes. It was undoubtedly the highlight of his trip, and The New York Times’s main focus, with Nicholas having reserved a large section in the paper's entertainment section in advance.

So, Nicholas had a prime spot without having to know about the early morning chaos in the hotel hallway.

Walking forward with a head full of questions, Nicholas saw Anson at a glance. Although he wasn’t late, he still offered the customary apology.

He made a small joke and turned to follow their gaze. Nicholas joked again, "Looks like Cannes is especially lively today. I just heard that the Young Adam crew opened up for interviews, and Ewan is willing to cooperate with all interview requests. No one should miss such an opportunity."

Ewan McGregor?

Emanuel's expression froze. Although she quickly regained control, she couldn't help but want to curse.

Damn it!

That guy had canceled their photo shoot at the last minute, and now he was turning around and opening up interviews for reporters, putting on a friendly front.

Damn!

Emanuel's anger was hard to contain.

Nicholas wasn't aware of the backstory; he was just casually chatting about this morning's unusual events. But after speaking, he noticed the people walking away in twos and threes, and a sudden bad feeling struck him, making him look a bit awkward.

"So...they're not leaving because of Ewan, are they?"

Emanuel: ...

Noah: ...

Anson, on the other hand, remained calm, chuckling lightly, "Instead of waiting in line here, why not seize the opportunity to get to work? This is how Cannes should be, right?"

Anson wasn't bothered by what was happening—

There were only four members in the Elephant crew, and they could be split up to be interviewed individually, so the number of interviews they could give was limited.

It's not right for one crew to trap all the media here. Cannes should have countless angles worth reporting on. As a former journalist, Anson hoped the media would make a clean break and cover the festival comprehensively, without getting stuck on one tree.

Nicholas retracted his gaze and said meaningfully, "Choices, choices, a journalist must learn to weigh their options. Ten insignificant reports can't compare to one truly valuable piece. Jumping at every opportunity without discernment might not end well."

"Haha." Anson understood immediately—Nicholas was standing up for him—

Aside from being a journalist and interviewee, could they also be considered friends?

Many journalists shared Nicholas's thoughts. Everyone had their own judgment, and seeing more reporters than expected rushing to the elevators, many turned back and took their seats in the hallway again.

Some left, but the hallway was still crowded and bustling. After a brief moment of chaos, order was restored.

*Chapter 912: Open Conflict and Subtle Tension*

A question: there are two exclusive interview opportunities right now, Ivan and Anson. If you could choose only one, who should it be?

Ivan!

Shouldn't it obviously be Ivan?

Of course, Anson is a hot topic; anything involving Anson becomes a headline, easily creating a media frenzy. But Ivan is no less compelling.

It's important to note that Ivan is an actor, a true actor who burst onto the scene with the independent film Trainspotting and re-established his on-screen charm last year with Moulin Rouge!. His role in Star Wars: Episode II marks a new attempt in the commercial field.

This is in stark contrast to someone like Anson, who is often seen as just a pretty face.

Whether we admit it or not, there is always bias and prejudice against "eye candy," just as journalists look down on paparazzi and refuse to acknowledge them as part of the press. Similarly, actors look down on pretty faces, refusing to see them as real actors—

Actors are actors, and pretty faces are just that—two different things.

So, choosing between Ivan and Anson is essentially choosing between professionalism and popularity. It's like choosing between a journalist and a paparazzo.

The answer is simple.

What's more, this is Cannes, one of the top three European film festivals, so the choice should clearly be Ivan, right?

This isn't even a real question; any journalist with professional integrity knows their choice.

However, reality says otherwise.

Between Ivan and Anson, the journalists overwhelmingly chose the latter—even here in Cannes.

If it were just one or two journalists, that could be understandable since every industry has its bad apples. But this was almost unanimous; the journalists flocked to Anson in droves.

How does one explain that?

Clearly, this struck a nerve with Ivan.

Young Adam and Elephant premiered on the same day. Although one was in Un Certain Regard and the other in the main competition, making their exposure inherently different, Young Adam received zero attention and made no noise. It was as if the film didn't even exist, with all of Cannes' attention solely focused on Elephant. This put the Young Adam crew in an awkward position.

After all, the Young Adam crew isn't just a group of unknowns in an indie film. Whether it's Ivan or Tilda, they are both big names, yet they were snubbed at Cannes, which was truly embarrassing.

Ivan does not like Anson.

It's not a personal grudge; it's just that during the shooting of Star Wars: Episode III, he overheard Hayden Christensen talking to someone, saying he and Anson used to be friends, but now Anson no longer stays in touch.

Heh.

Ivan laughed.

The answer was obvious—Anson was acting like a diva. After Spider-Man outperformed Star Wars: Episode II, he got a big head.

Hayden is just a naive kid, as innocent as a blank slate. Forget scheming—he'd probably still be counting money even after being sold out by someone. Naturally, he couldn't have caused any trouble, so the answer was clear.

Anson is just a pretty face—only a temporary sensation—yet he behaves this way. Ivan found it ridiculous.

Still, Ivan didn't have any particularly bad feelings toward him because he knew this was the industry norm. Hollywood needs pretty faces. When one fades, another quickly steps in. These pretty faces all think they'll be immortal, but the harsh reality will eventually show them that Hollywood doesn't believe in dreams.

Ivan didn't care to compete with Anson.

However!

Such an Anson actually stole all of Ivan's spotlight in Cannes, making Ivan look so pathetic, so foolish, so insignificant.

Damn.

Ivan was genuinely angry. He couldn't believe this had actually happened. Journalists abandoned him, a real actor, for a pretty face.

Let me ask you, journalists, are you out of your minds? This is Cannes, not the People's Choice Awards!

Damn. Damn, damn, damn!

Ivan had a string of Scottish curses on the tip of his tongue, but he held back—

He couldn't lose.

If he lost control, then he would have lost.

So, Ivan held an emergency meeting with his agent and publicist to come up with a plan to salvage the situation.

"Ivan vs. Anson"—rumors of their behind-the-scenes rivalry and mutual dislike began to quietly spread through Cannes, becoming the talk of the town.

By afternoon tea, half of Cannes knew that Ivan and Anson were at odds. People started getting curious about what had happened between the two.

Yves was the first to get the news and personally confirmed with Anson, only to see a completely baffled look on Anson's face. He had no idea what was going on. Yves didn't say much but quickly understood the situation.

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

After a bit of digging, Yves traced it back to... Emmanuel.

It didn't take long; by nightfall, the story had a new version.

Ivan was jealous of Anson's spotlight. Not only did he lose his gentlemanly demeanor and throw a fit, but he also canceled his pre-scheduled work to directly compete with Anson, attempting to force journalists to choose sides and grab Anson's interview opportunities—

And he failed because most of the media stayed at the majestic Hotel Barrière in Cannes.

He lost face in every way.

What made it even funnier was that Anson hadn't paid any attention to him from start to finish. Anson focused entirely on the media interviews, showing no intention of participating in the rivalry. It was a one-man show on Ivan's part.

It's laughable!

Those who successfully interviewed the Elephant crew all stated:

One of the most successful media days ever!

They couldn't praise it enough, making the other media outlets that didn't get the opportunity green with envy. Meanwhile, the media that chose Ivan had expressions that spoke volumes—no need to wait for the reports to be released; their faces said it all.

The difference was clear.

Of course, in the media, in the reports, everything seemed calm and harmonious. There was no sense of the turmoil beneath the surface—

What happens in Cannes stays in Cannes. The undercurrents hidden beneath the storm are merely the tip of the iceberg in the glamorous world of fame and fortune. The open conflict and subtle tension between Ivan and Anson is neither the first nor the last.

But Emmanuel could guarantee that something had indeed changed.

Different was different. When the journalists looked at the two actors again, their gazes had already shifted.

This is reality.

Despite the chaotic start in the morning, with surprises and twists happening all at once, once Anson entered work mode, he demonstrated his professionalism.

Emmanuel still remembers Nicolas' first question.

"Anson, without a doubt, Elephant is completely different from your previous works in terms of scale, the weight of your role, style, and core themes. As an actor, the image you present and the challenges you face are also completely different, breaking all expectations. Could you talk to us about the real reason behind choosing this project? What are your thoughts on your image as an actor?"

An exclusive interview is, indeed, an exclusive interview.

Right off the bat, Nicolas showed his professionalism, throwing out a profound question—one that was even deeper and more incisive than the ones at the post-premiere press conference.

Not just Emmanuel; Gus, Alex, and Eric all turned to look at him, clearly feeling the weight of the question.

Chapter 913: The Professional Interview

"Wow, first question, huh?" Anson teased, "Nicholas, you really don't waste any time, do you?"

Unlike other reporters, Nicholas Flynn wasn't interviewing Anson for the first or second time. He was already used to it and responded with ease, shrugging lightly. "Hey, there are a lot of people waiting in line behind me. I'm already public enemy number one and don't want to get surrounded when I leave. Tick-tock, tick-tock."

Instantly, the atmosphere lightened up.

Anson also smiled broadly and stopped joking around, focusing on Nicholas. "Sorry, I need to correct you on that."

"I don't see this as a completely different attempt or a subversion that breaks expectations."

"In my view, the biggest highlight of being an actor is that it offers an opportunity and a platform that allows you to take risks, to try, and to explore. This exploration might be about the world or about yourself. Every role is an adventure."

"So, from that perspective, the role of Anson is no different from previous ones."

"Of course, in a way, I understand what you mean."

"The biggest difference with this role is that he's just an ordinary person, a truly ordinary person. He's not a hero who saves the world by taking off his glasses, nor is he a super handsome guy who looks unnoticed on the surface but is actually full of charm."

Haha, hahaha.

He teased, joked, and self-deprecated.

Anson exuded a kind of confidence and lightness from within. Not only Nicholas but also Gus and the other staff members chuckled softly.

Emmanuel watched Anson, unable to look away.

A white linen shirt, khaki cargo pants, and the shirt sleeves rolled up casually, paired with white canvas shoes—he exuded elegance and vitality in his carefree manner. His black curly hair hung down lazily. More than the outfit itself, it was his ease and charm as he stepped onto the Cannes Film Festival's main competition stage for the first time. This relaxed demeanor effortlessly captured everyone's attention.

Involuntarily, she pressed the shutter.

"I understand that actors want to show their most perfect selves on the big screen, including myself. After all, it's the big screen where pores might be magnified ten times so every viewer can see the health of your hair follicles. I don't think it's easy to keep a calm mind."

Laughter erupted, unstoppable.

"But I've always been trying to convince myself that what appears on screen is another person, another life. I should let go of my obsessions about how I look and focus on the character."

"If my focus is always on Anson Wood's image—whether he's handsome or can become the dream lover of countless people—it means I'm not that character. I'm fake. There's a gap between me and the character. In the end, what's shown on the big screen is me repeatedly, Anson Wood trying hard to perform and hide his true self."

"Such a performance is fake."

"More importantly, that's not why I became an actor."

"God, if I wanted to maintain my current image, I shouldn't have continued being an actor, because there are too many traps here. A slight mistake can ruin your perfect image."

Hahaha.

The audience burst into laughter like thunder, but Anson remained calm, looking as if he didn't understand why everyone was laughing, which made the laughter even wilder.

"So, when the opportunity for 'The Elephant' came my way, I wasn't considering the movie's scale or genre. Instead, it was a new attempt, a chance to approach a story from a different perspective and show people another side of the story."

"It's an interesting adventure, and I'm very grateful that the director let me be a part of it."

When the whole of Hollywood was sarcastically mocking Anson for having ulterior motives, they didn't realize they were judging him with a narrow mind. The Hollywood vanity fair is so accustomed to measuring everything by profit that they forget a small part of people still have their own pursuits beyond profit.

Like an innocent heart.

Of course, the Hollywood vanity fair isn't that naive or foolish. It's entirely possible that Anson's statement was orchestrated by PR people behind the scenes, with publicists and "The New York Times" working together, with pre-prepared questions and answers delivered through Anson’s mouth—fully utilizing Cannes to shed Anson's "pretty face" label.

So, really, there's no need to make a fuss.

Is this possible?

Emmanuel wasn't going to deny the possibility, but the point is, does the public buy it?

At least she does. She could see the sincerity in Anson's eyes, as well as the excitement and enthusiasm behind his eloquence.

That passion almost burns the soul.

Even Emmanuel, a battle-hardened veteran, was willing to listen intently, with great interest.

Nicholas felt the same way.

His smile widened. He knew Anson was trying to steer the conversation toward Gus and even Alex and Eric since this was an ensemble film, with no real lead.

But Nicholas couldn't help himself.

The reason is Anson. Nicholas had tried to understand Anson and had learned quite a bit. However, today, Anson surprised him again. After exploring the path of acting, Anson is growing and maturing. This actor in front of him—Nicholas wanted to dig deeper into his story.

So.

Even though Nicholas caught the subtext in Anson's words, he pretended not to notice, staring at Anson and continuing to dig further.

"In the film world, you're still a newcomer. 'The Elephant' is only your fourth released film. Of course, I'm looking forward to future developments."

"But what's interesting is that you don't seem to insist too much on the role. In 'The Princess Diaries,' you played a small supporting role, your first role. Yet, when 'The Elephant' came along, 'Spider-Man' had already achieved box office success, and you had worked with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. You still chose this role."

"No disrespect to the director, but what I mean is, it's a minor role. Among the kids in the film, you're not even the most important one."

After asking, Nicholas looked at Gus to apologize.

Gus didn't mind and gave a smile, then turned to Anson. "Honestly, I'm curious too."

Anson groaned, "Director..."

A groan of protest.

Amidst the laughter, Gus remained unfazed. "I'm listening. You must answer well."

Haha, the laughter grew even louder.

Anson spread his hands, looking like he had no will to live.

"There are no small actors, only small parts. Although this may sound idealistic, I always choose to believe it."

"Indeed, when people watch a movie or a play or read a novel, their focus is often on the protagonist. But we all know, without supporting roles, there would be no story. This isn't a cliché; it's a fact."

"Likewise, the more exciting the villain, the better the movie. That's also a fact."

Chapter 914: A Rare Opportunity

Back and forth, thoughts collided.

Even though this wasn't Nicholas and Anson's first interview, it sparked an incredible chemistry on the special stage at Cannes, making the conversation a delight.

From their expressions, it was clear that both Anson and Nicholas were completely absorbed, their faces glowing with enthusiasm, and even those listening in were not left out.

Anson's words continued, coming from the heart, with no trace of a rehearsed script.

"So, instead of worrying about whether the character is in the spotlight, focus on the character's depth and nuances; instead of worrying about the character's importance in the story, focus on their place and value within it; instead of worrying about your ranking on the cast list, focus on the value you contribute to the entire story."

"Even a comedic side character has its own brilliance."

"When we talk about 'The Lion King,' no one forgets Timon and Pumbaa; when we reminisce about 'Titanic,' we still remember the captain who faced death calmly and the orchestra that played until the last moment on deck; when we mention 'Ice Age,' that squirrel is the biggest highlight."

"To me, there is no difference between these characters."

"As you said, I'm still a newcomer. I consider myself an apprentice, just entering the world of acting, maybe not even that—perhaps I only know how to strike a pose in front of the camera, you know, a handsome pose."

Caught off guard, a laugh escaped his lips.

Obviously, Anson never minded being called a "pretty face." Not only did he not mind, but he was completely candid about it.

This kind of wisdom and openness was enough to make anyone take notice—let's not forget, this young man isn't even twenty-one yet.

"I don't know exactly what to do when facing a role. I'm still learning and training. So, every role, every scene is a new lesson for me, and I can't relax at all."

"Otherwise, the roles I can play in the future will only decrease."

"Of course, I'm not pessimistic. I know I have some freedom now. The success of two films has given me a privilege countless actors dream of: choice. This means I can make some selections."

"For film companies, when producers come to me, it's often with market and box office considerations in mind. This might limit my exploration of characters to some extent because taking on the box office responsibility means you need to fulfill your role and stay handsome."

Ha.

Anson laughed again, "But supporting roles are a bit different. Because the spotlight isn't on you, it allows for some bold and even crazy experiments. So, I welcome supporting roles, as long as you don't mind me going wild on set."

Pfft.

Emmanuel couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

Turning her head, Emmanuel saw Anson's manager looking exasperated, wanting to say something but holding back. After struggling for a moment, he looked up at the sky and chose silence in the end—

Clearly, the manager didn't want Anson to keep taking supporting roles. After all, Anson's career was just starting, and now was the time to establish his position in the industry, focusing on leading roles.

But...what could the manager say?

Emmanuel's smile grew even brighter. She liked this talkative and eloquent Anson, who showed his love for acting.

Evidently, Nicholas felt the same, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

"Although you don't have much experience now, the important thing is that each of your roles brings a surprise. How do you prepare for a role?"

Anson, "Oh, that's a tough question."

"I think the key is how you communicate with yourself and how you trust yourself, giving yourself to an unfamiliar character."

"It's like losing your keys. When you finally find them, they bring back those familiar scenes, 'Ah, of course, I left it here.' But while rummaging through every drawer and strange corner, you can't seem to recall where you put them."

"However, when you do find it, there's this sense of rediscovery."

"It's the same with shaping a character."

"You doubt yourself, you get confused, and you encounter setbacks. There's no shortcut or method other than trusting yourself. You keep trying until you find that familiar feeling."

"The problem is, once the film starts shooting, you don't have enough time to find the keys every time. The director and the cast can't wait around for you, and weather can be a terrible factor. So, you have to prepare in advance. And we often forget we're already prepared, so we need to keep calming down to find that feeling again."

"To me, maintaining interest and patience is very important. Once you get bored, everything loses its meaning."

"See, that's another reason to take on different roles."

Sincere, candid, deep.

At this moment, it was clear that Anson was not just a pretty face. He was always thinking, always exploring the craft of acting.

Nicholas gently lifted his chin, his face showing a keen interest—

Previously, people often focused on Anson's appearance, like fashion choices or lifestyle habits, hoping to live like him.

Now, Nicholas was starting to get curious about Anson's inner world. How did this actor lead trends—whether in fashion, box office, or discussions? One time might be luck, two times a coincidence, but three times it's inevitable. The sensation Anson stirred at the Cannes Film Festival this time was definitely no accident.

Nicholas thought this was a chance to gain a deeper understanding.

And not like on "The Tonight Show," where it was all light-hearted chatter, but a genuine dive into an actor's world. What place could be more fitting for this than Cannes?

Nicholas took it a step further, "What you just talked about is an inner preparation. I'm curious about the acting aspect and the work level. So, let's assume—do you watch playback on set? Or maybe go back in the evening to watch the day's footage?"

Eric: Speechless.

So profound, so professional—Eric clearly couldn't keep up. He felt like yawning but knew he couldn't doze off now without being told.

Eric secretly turned to look at Alex, only to find Alex completely focused, listening with keen interest.

Eric: Traitor!

But Alex was genuinely intrigued. Didn't he find this extremely fascinating?

For once, the usually observant Anson didn't notice this. He was completely immersed in the in-depth discussion with Nicholas.

Passionately.

"Occasionally," Anson said.

"As I said before, I'm still learning. I try to trust myself and the character, then throw myself into the director's hands, following their guidance, avoiding as much as possible standing behind the monitor, pointing fingers. Believe me, I'm not quite there yet, ha."

"Like this time, filming 'The Elephant,' I realized that an actor's performance largely depends on the camera's position. This means that telling a good story isn't a one-person show for the actor."

Nicholas' interest was piqued, "Oh, how so?"

Chapter 915: Mutual Commercial Praise

"You know, in this movie, the only protagonist is this campus."

"Gus focused the camera on an ordinary day at the school. Although there's a main character in the frame because the lens needs a focal point, this character serves as an introduction to the entire scene. The camera tries to capture a slice of life."

"So, even when the camera focuses on you, you feel like an extra. You're just a small part of the whole picture."

"I prepared a lot for the role, but every time I asked Gus for feedback, he'd just say, 'Good, very good.' I was confused, 'Because I didn't do anything.' Then Gus would say, 'Don't worry, you didn't do nothing.'"

"I always hoped to do more, to express myself. But standing in front of Gus's camera, I could feel the character gradually coming to life, and I started to trust the director more. Gus Van Sant knows what he's doing; we can trust him."

While speaking, you could feel a sincere and pure passion from Anson—something that can't be faked.

Unknowingly, everyone in the hotel room was focused on Anson. The noise outside the hallway and the excitement beyond the window no longer mattered. Even the rivalry between Evan and Anson lost its appeal, as everyone was drawn into Anson's world.

Click.

Emmanuel pressed the shutter again—

So, is this what star quality looks like?

Later, Emmanuel's photoshoot with Anson made it to the Italian edition of "Vogue." The most striking was this shot:

A black-and-white image of Anson sitting on a single sofa, leaning slightly forward. The breeze lifted the curtains, and sunlight softly fell on him. His side profile beamed with happiness and excitement. Even without color, you could feel the vitality breaking free from the film's constraints, burning passionately.

Finally, Nicholas turned his gaze to Gus—

Not because he was no longer interested in Anson, but because Anson's words brought Gus back into the conversation. Nicholas could no longer ignore him.

"Director, is Anson right? You always tell him, 'Don't worry, everything's fine.'"

Gus remained calm, as his attention was always present, "Haha, 'Don't worry, everything's fine,' sounds like a movie title."

A small joke, made before anyone noticed, Gus continued.

"Partly right."

"In fact, Anson is a very smart actor. We often overlook his brain because of his appearance, just as people always thought Marilyn Monroe was dumb."

"Anson is always thinking and learning. He has his own understanding of the character, the script, and the movie. But at the same time, he's open to possibilities, willing to discuss and learn."

"So, when he appears in front of the camera, you can't take your eyes off him. Trust me, he's definitely not an extra."

From the side came Anson's voice, "Oh yeah."

Humor suddenly filled the room. Gus wasn't joking, but Anson's small action lightened the mood.

Gus laughed too, "So, I don't need to worry about him. The camera is there, and so is he. We just wait for things to happen."

Such high praise?

Nicholas was a bit surprised. Is this commercial flattery a bit exaggerated? After all, in the movie "Elephant," the actors didn't have much space to perform.

Gus noticed this and reminded him, "If you get a chance, you should watch it again. Even now, I'm still grateful that Anson took on this role."

Nicholas slightly raised his chin, showing an understanding expression, and then looked at Anson again.

Anson nodded seriously with a full expression, "I feel the same way. I'm very honored to have acted in this movie. Thanks to the director for giving me this opportunity."

The more serious his expression, the funnier it was, as if saying outright: We're doing business here.

Gus looked at Anson helplessly, with a smile.

Nicholas couldn't help it either, smiling brightly as he brought the conversation back, "So, what helps you find the emotions needed to create and portray a character?"

This time, Anson didn't joke, "Costume design."

Nicholas was stunned: This...

Emmanuel also looked over in surprise.

Is this a coincidence?

This year at the Cannes red carpet, Anson had been showcasing his fashion sense, dominating the town's hot topics with an overwhelming presence. Everyone was talking about it. Now, Anson integrates fashion styling into his character—is this a coincidence or part of a PR strategy?

Industry professionals know that effective publicity often combines internal and external approaches to create an image. Not only is there a professional fashion aspect, but also an actor's professionalism. This allows Anson's fashion image to truly stand out.

And it's impressive.

Both Nicholas and Emmanuel immediately made connections.

Anson understood the meaning in their eyes, but he remained calm, "In fact, this has always been the case since my first role in 'Friends.'"

This is all true.

"A character’s personality, preferences, class, and identity can all be reflected in their costume design. Some people say, 'Hey, I don't care about clothes at all,' but the point is, not caring is an attitude and a character trait."

"Even among those who don't care, some prefer simple matching, buying ten sets of the same style to wear in rotation. Some wear whatever they have, piling on colors and designs. Others want to match but have an innate, unique taste, often going down unconventional paths."

"See, these people all have their own colors."

"I always believe that, like appearance, fashion is an aspect of a person's personality on display. It's also a mask they show the world. By examining this mask, you can peek into the true essence hidden underneath, and a character is born."

"When I study a character, I like to approach their mental world from the outside in, bit by bit."

"So, styling, in my opinion, is the first bridge between me and the character."

Nicholas's eyes lit up slightly, "Like hair color, for example."

Before Anson could answer, Gus couldn't help himself, "The blonde hair in the movie was entirely Anson's idea."

That face of pride seemed to say: Look, look at how amazing my actor is.

Anson also puffed out his chest slightly, with a "praise me" expression.

Nicholas thought, these details should be recorded, or the readers will miss out.

Perhaps everything here is just part of a PR strategy, or maybe this is Anson's professional insight.

Truth and lies, mixed together, become irrelevant because Nicholas has opened a window to truly understand Anson—

Anson as an actor.

No longer just the charming figure in "Spider-Man" or "Catch Me If You Can," but more rich, complex, and full... and even more exciting.

Indeed, Cannes is Cannes, with its own special magic.