Hollywood Director 1992

Chapter 307: On-Set PUA, Ben Affleck, Have You Learned It?

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"Ben, why are you back? Shouldn't you be filming on set right now?"

In the hotel, Ryan Phillippe saw Ben Affleck return dejectedly and asked curiously.

"It's nothing!"

Ben Affleck collapsed on the sofa, staring at the ceiling with unblinking eyes, his whole being listless, like a puddle of mud.

Seeing his condition, Ryan became even more curious. This guy had excitedly run to the set in the morning to act, shouting that he wanted to become Batman.

It had only been two or three hours, but he was like a different person—no, to be precise, like he had been castrated, completely dispirited.

What happened in between?

"Ben, what's wrong?"

Ryan Phillippe ran next to Ben Affleck, wanting to get the scoop.

"Nothing."

"Tell me, you don't look like you're okay. Are you sick? Should we go to the hospital? No? Could it be that you met some black guys at the set, and they got you from behind..."

"Shut up! I said nothing's wrong, so nothing's wrong! Are you annoying me?"

Ben Affleck pushed Ryan away, almost knocking him to the ground.

"Fine, don't tell me then."

Ryan Phillippe patted his butt and sat on the opposite sofa, picking up a newspaper to hide his face. After a while, he seemed to hear Ben Affleck talking.

"What?"

"I don't want to play Batman anymore."

"Why?"

Ryan's curiosity was reignited.

Ben Affleck's expression became extremely ugly, his fists clenched tightly, the muscles in his arms trembling. "Link is an asshole. I treated him like a friend, but he treated me like that."

"Link? What did he do to you? Don't tell me..."

Ryan Phillippe stared at Ben Affleck, his eyes dirty.

"Fuck! It's not what you think! Can't you think of something normal?"

Ben Affleck took a few deep breaths, indignantly saying, "He's deliberately targeting me. I clearly acted very well this morning, but he said I acted terribly and wanted to fire me."

"Just that?"

Ryan curled his lips in boredom. "You've worked with Link so many times, don't you know him? He's a tyrant on set. He'll scold anyone he doesn't like, even his girlfriends are no exception. Remember when we were filming 'Final Destination,' you were often scolded. Haven't you gotten used to it yet?"

"It's different! After filming a scene today, I went to Link to ask about the situation, and Link criticized my acting harshly, saying I acted terribly and giving me a week to adjust. If I couldn't act better, he'd kick me out and replace me with someone else."

Ben Affleck said indignantly.

"You're overthinking it. If Link wanted to replace you, he would have done it already. He wouldn't give you a week to prepare. If he said you acted badly, it means your performance really has problems. You should reflect on it and try to adjust within a week, putting on a better performance so Link has nothing to say."

Ryan Phillippe said.

Ben Affleck frowned. "If it's as you say, why didn't he say it privately? Why did he have to criticize me in front of so many people on set, with such a cold and heartless attitude? It's not very friendly."

"Remember at the script meeting, everyone gave their opinions, but you were the only one who didn't say anything. Link asked you how your preparations were going, and you patted your chest and said there were no problems. Now that filming has started, you're a mess. What else can Link do to prompt you? You're an adult, a professional actor, not a child. Do you need someone to teach you how to act by hand?"

Ryan said impolitely.

Ben Affleck's face gradually turned red. At the script meeting, he indeed didn't offer any opinions, only saying that he was prepared and telling Link not to worry. He said awkwardly, "I was originally acting well, but Link is too picky."

Ryan curled his lips and said, "Link is a great director who has worked with many veteran actors. Would he not know if you're acting well or not? You're not accepting criticism for acting badly. If I were Link, I would have told you to get lost immediately instead of giving you another week to prepare."

"You!"

Ben Affleck glared at him, but upon reflection, he felt that what he said made some sense.

This time, it was probably because he wasn't acting well.

Nicole Kidman, after reading the script, could also explain the Batman persona in great detail, but he couldn't.

He had indeed failed to live up to Link's expectations.

Link giving him a week to prepare wasn't too harsh.

Ben Affleck temporarily put aside the idea of quitting and picked up the script again to read, trying to find the feeling, but after reading it three times, he still didn't have a clue.

He called Matt Damon for help.

Matt gave him two suggestions. The first was to ask Link for help. Link is the director and screenwriter, and he understands the character the most. Asking Link for guidance is the most direct and effective way.

The second was to think for himself, think hard, and not be lazy anymore. As long as he does his best, he will definitely be able to do it well.

Ben Affleck rejected the first method.

This morning, Link had pointed at his nose and scolded him on set, and even said he was going to fire him.

Too cold and heartless.

He wasn't ready to face Link.

Since he couldn't ask Link for help, he could only think for himself.

Ben repeatedly studied the script and repeatedly thought about how to act, thinking for several days until his head was about to explode, but he still couldn't figure it out.

While Ben Affleck hadn't found his rhythm, Link first filmed the scenes of other characters in the movie. The character with the most scenes in this movie is Batman, and second is the Riddler, played by Jim Carrey.

The Riddler's real name is Edward Nygma. He has been obsessed with all kinds of puzzle games since he was a child. He claims to be the most intelligent person on Earth and can easily manipulate everyone.

In order to prove that his wisdom far surpasses Batman's.

Before each crime, the Riddler leaves clues for Batman to solve, hoping to defeat Batman in this way.

But Batman is smarter than him, and every time he can solve his riddles, disrupt his criminal activities, and lock him up in Arkham Asylum.

The Riddler is characterized by wearing green clothes, a top hat, and liking to talk eloquently and make some exaggerated performances.

This kind of character is not difficult for Jim Carrey.

Sometimes he performed too excessively.

Link had to remind him to tone it down.

One morning, the crew was filming the Riddler doing brainwave research when Ben Affleck came to the set, saying he was ready and wanted to try the scene.

After not seeing him for a few days, Ben Affleck seemed to have changed. He frowned tightly, his temperament was gloomy, and he seemed to be carrying a lot of pressure.

Link agreed and let him go on stage to perform the scene where the two characters meet with Jim Carrey.

The Riddler was originally an employee of Wayne Enterprises. After researching the brainwave collection device, he took the initiative to run in front of Bruce Wayne when Bruce Wayne came to the factory to inspect, hoping that Bruce Wayne would take out more funds to help him complete this research.

However, Bruce Wayne refused his proposal after hearing that living people were needed for experiments.

The Riddler went to the dark side from then on.

"Cut!"

Before the two of them finished performing, Link called a pause.

He told Ben Affleck that it wouldn't work. Bruce Wayne is a cold and domineering CEO, not a frustrated little employee. His performance didn't reflect the character of Bruce Wayne, and this wasn't the Batman he wanted.

Link asked him to go down and think about it again.

Ben Affleck retreated, his face gloomy and fists clenched, his back view appearing lonely and angry.

"Link, is this okay? Will Ben give up on the role and walk out?"

Nicole Kidman asked.

"Whatever, if he doesn't play it, there's always someone else."

Link said indifferently.

Nicole Kidman smiled slightly and sat on the folding chair next to him, "Don't pretend you don't care. Actually, you care about him a lot. You're using this method to hone him and suppress him, to get him into character sooner, right?

After these few days of training, Ben is no longer as flighty as before, and his acting is no longer so superficial. He's made great progress. It's all thanks to you. As long as he can persevere, he might be able to play Batman well."

Nicole Kidman propped up her cheek, quietly watching him, and smiled, "Link, you're really amazing at training actors. Gary and Kim also say so. You're so amazing, can you train me more? I want to improve too."

Nicole Kidman used the word 'train,' the kind of training a master gives to a slave, not guidance.

"No problem."

Link waved his hand, telling the crew to prepare and continue filming the Riddler's scenes.

"Why? Why? Why?"

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Outside the set, Ben Affleck clenched his fist and punched the wall hard, his voice filled with resentment, his expression becoming ferocious.

Ryan Philippe scratched the back of his head, secretly worried. This guy wouldn't turn evil, would he?

"Ben, don't be angry. Your performance today was much better than before. Keep working hard, and you'll definitely act even better."

"Hmph!"

Ben Affleck suddenly turned his head, staring at Ryan with red eyes, "Did you snitch to Link?"

"What snitch?"

"Don't pretend. During the script meeting, I saw Link and Nicole flirting, joking that Link was a scumbag who wouldn't even let married women go. Now Link is suddenly targeting me. Did you guys tell him about this, and he got angry and is taking the opportunity to suppress me through filming?"

"Don't make wild guesses. The premise of Link criticizing you is that you didn't act well, right? If you acted very well, why would Link criticize you? Or do you think your performance just now was perfect, even better than Jim Carrey's?"

Ryan retorted.

Ben Affleck's lips moved, wanting to retort but finding himself speechless.

Whether acting opposite Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, or Nicole Kidman, he felt a sense of being suppressed, which made him very uncomfortable.

He was the protagonist, but he became the weakest actor in the crew in terms of acting skills and strength.

"Ryan, do you think I can still play Batman well?"

Ben Affleck asked dejectedly.

"Yes, you were personally selected by Link. To question you is to question Link. So far, no one has dared to question Link on film."

Ryan said affirmatively.

Hearing his words, Ben Affleck felt much better. He was chosen by Link from hundreds of male actors to play Batman, which meant he was indeed suitable for the role.

But what should he do now to play the role well?

Ben Affleck grabbed his hair, his expression depressed and anxious. The enormous pressure almost made him unable to breathe.

"Want to know how to play Batman well?"

Just as he was struggling, a woman's soft voice came from behind.

Ben Affleck and Ryan turned around, and the beautiful Nicole Kidman walked in gracefully.

"What do you mean? You know how to play Batman well?"

Ben Affleck wiped his eyes and asked.

"Of course!"

Nicole Kidman smiled confidently, "Want to know? Promise me one condition."

"What condition?"

Ben Affleck thought of how insightful she was when analyzing Batman's character background. Maybe she had some brilliant ideas.

Nicole Kidman pointed at him and then at Ryan, saying coldly, "In the future, don't discuss my relationship with Link on set. Whether Link and I are lovers or partners, it's none of your business. You only need to offer your blessings, not make wild guesses."

Ben Affleck and Ryan revealed embarrassed expressions.

"Ms. Kidman, I apologize to you. I will never discuss your relationship with Link again."

Ben said.

Ryan nodded quickly.

Nicole Kidman snorted lightly, "To play Batman well is very simple. You have a ready-made reference template, Link!"

"Link?"

"That's right. Batman is young, handsome, rich, talented, and has strong self-control. Isn't that Batman?

He was adopted at a very young age, his parents divorced, and his foster mother died early. He filmed 'Paranormal Activity,' which was adapted from his childhood experiences. This shows that he also lacks a sense of security. After he became famous, he often travels with bodyguards, which also illustrates this point.

There's also the multifaceted nature of his personality. He becomes cold and ruthless on set, but outside of the set, he's a gentle, humorous, and affectionate playboy. This is exactly the same as Batman. There are other aspects as well. As long as you observe carefully and study slowly, you'll find that Batman is not much different from him."

Hearing Nicole Kidman's description, Ben Affleck's eyes gradually lit up. Link was indeed like Batman, whether in terms of external conditions or internal personality, there were many similarities.

"Ms. Kidman, thank you. I know what to do."

Ben Affleck said excitedly.

After receiving Nicole Kidman's guidance, Ben Affleck no longer buried himself in thinking about how to play Batman. He sat in the crew with a small stool, observing Link from morning till night, at all times.

Even if Link frowned and looked at him displeased, he wouldn't back down. Instead, he learned to frown like Link, and even took out a small mirror to see if he looked like him.

"What's wrong with Ben?"

In the director's area, Link frowned and asked.

Nicole Kidman didn't answer, covering her lips and laughing softly.

"Hi, Link, are you busy?"

At this moment, a sweet voice came from the side. Nicole Kidman turned her head and saw the newly promoted American sweetheart Jennifer Aniston following Link's assistant in, then throwing herself into Link's arms, offering a sweet red lip.

Nicole Kidman rolled her eyes, feeling very unhappy. Every time she was alone with Link, some messy women would come to ruin the atmosphere. It was so annoying.

"Ben, what are you doing?"

Suddenly, a roar came from the side.

Nicole Kidman looked over, almost bursting out laughing. Ben Affleck was hugging Ryan Philippe next to him, imitating Link's action of kissing Aniston, and kissing Ryan next to him.

Ryan was so frightened that he screamed, pushing Ben away with all his might, staggering and running far away.

"What's wrong with him?"

Jennifer Aniston looked at Ben Affleck in surprise from Link's arms.

Link watched for a while, roughly guessing Ben's thoughts, "He's practicing his acting. Why don't you go back to the hotel first? I have two more scenes to film this afternoon."

"You continue filming, don't worry about me. I'll wait here for you to get off work."

Jennifer Aniston tiptoed and kissed him, then picked up her skirt and sat on the sofa next to him, propping up her cheek and watching Link work seriously.

"Scene 102, take 2, begin!"