[US Entertainment] Actor

Leonardo talked dryly for a long time, and when he turned around, Ebert looked at him with great interest. He suddenly remembered that he seemed to be visiting a patient. He silently raised his hand and pointed to the paper on the table. The fruit gift box came, and he asked dryly, "Do you want to eat an apple?"

Ebert nodded.

So this first-line Hollywood actor, Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio, who is worth up to 2000 million US dollars, picked up the fruit knife and carefully peeled the fruit with unskilled movements. Compared with the long line of guys, Leonardo's movements were very jerky. He would slam the knife vigorously after a while, throwing the peel that stuck to the blade into the trash can.

Ebert covered his face silently: "I'm really afraid that you will throw the knife out and hit me in the face as soon as you let go, so that I will doubt your real intention to come to see me."

"My real intention does not include peeling apples, well, let me see..." Leonardo looked at the apple in his hand over and over again like a king inspecting his territory, and found that there was still a small piece of skin that had not been peeled. Clean, immediately make up a knife up.

Ebert swears he has never eaten such an ugly apple in his life, crooked like a miniature sculpture that has not been cleaned up, even if it was made by a celebrity worth 2000 million US dollars Arouse any desire to taste.But under Leonardo's intense gaze, Ebert could only hold the apple with one hand and gnaw it.

"If you weren't my friend, I would definitely refuse to eat such an ugly food." Having said that, Ebert bit the apple with great enthusiasm.

"My only mistake was that I didn't bring a peeler." Leonardo simply stood up and washed an apple for himself, without peeling it, and bit into it with gusto.

All of a sudden, the ward was filled with the crackling sound of biting apples, and the vibration frequency of Ebert's mouth was very similar to that of Leonardo's. The two, one in front of the other, seemed to be playing a cheerful duet.

"Seriously, Ebert, why are you still in the hospital? The environment here is not particularly good, and life is not convenient."

"It's only for a few days, and I can continue shooting in a week or so. Now that all kinds of gossip are spreading so chaotically, why don't you give the media more room for imagination?"

Leonardo smiled: "Although you look serious, you are very self-willed in your heart. You are not playing football, and concealing your injury may be used as a means of surprise. But the media is really a group of guys who are afraid of chaos , During this period of time, Toby was also being asked by reporters what he thought of your injury, and everyone knows that Toby participated in the audition for "The Pentium Era."

"As far as my current coffee position is concerned, it will be me who is embarrassed by the media asking Toby."

"Hypocritical Ebert. When we met last time, you had already decided to attack the character of "The Pentium Era", but you know that Toby is my good friend, so you deliberately kept it from me." Leonardo revealed With a sly smile, "If you really think that the coffee position is everything, you might not even participate in the audition."

"Toby likes Rhett Pollard a lot, but it's still LaPollard...that role, but most of the time what an actor will play is determined by a variety of factors, and you don't have to be embarrassed because Toby is my friend .”

At this time, Ebert really wanted to ask whether Leonardo knew that he was going to audition for "The Aviator".

If they still don't know, the two of them will be very embarrassed when the media exposes it.

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After recuperating in the hospital for half a month, Ebert finally returned to the set.For his return, all the actors and staff of the crew of "The Pentium Era" gave their warmest cheers.One reason is that Ebert's popularity in the crew is really good, and everyone is sincerely happy that he can recover. Another more important reason is that Ebert's injury caused many filmings of the crew to be suspended. Director Gary Ross has already Long time no smile.

Ebert gave Gary Rose a big hug.No matter how anxious he was, the director couldn't bear to be harsh on Ebert, but instead asked with concern: "How is your body, have you really recovered?"

Ebert smiled slightly: "Gary, you should worry about whether I have eaten and drank carelessly during this time. If I gain weight too fast, it may crush the 'sea biscuit'."

Gary Rose laughed and patted Ebert on the shoulder: "Now that we're back, let's start shooting."

Gary Rose still has some doubts about whether Ebert's shooting quality can reach the level before the injury. He even postponed the shooting of the scene that caused Ebert's injury to a week later, just because he was worried that bad memories would affect his performance. Ebert's performance made an impact.

Fortunately, after a recuperation, Ebert's performance was even better than the previous two weeks.

The big stone in Gary Rose's heart finally fell to the ground.

After returning to the crew, Ebert found that the atmosphere of the crew had changed drastically.It can be said that the previous shooting pace was only at a moderate speed, and the efficiency of the staff was not particularly high, but now, everyone seems to be working like clockwork, and Gary Rose's order almost achieved the effect of responding to everyone. Ebert couldn't help but silently marvel at this change.

Especially the props group, when inspecting the saddle and other supporting tools, the props group is almost outrageously careful.Ebert soon discovered that Leslie Pope, who was originally in charge of props, had disappeared from the crew and was replaced by a fat middle-aged man named Ein Holdwin.

Raising his eyebrows, Ebert thought that he probably knew the reason for his injury.

Gary Rose was a little worried at first, but after seeing that Ebert could keep up with the shooting rhythm and complete all the performances perfectly, Mr. Director waved his hand and densely listed a shooting task list for Ebert. , David Brown, the doctor, will also keep an eye on Ebert, in case he may have any discomfort.

"In this scene, what is Charles Howard's mentality? I always feel that his intention of cultivating 'Sea Biscuit' is not so pure." Ebert frowned and asked Jeff Bridges for advice.

"Your idea makes sense." Jeff Bridges flattened his lips, "In this movie, who doesn't have intentions for 'Sea Biscuit'?" "

"Charles Howard was the loser of the family, he was rich, but he was very lonely at heart, and he needed something to give him. As for you, Rhett Pollard, you are a lost jockey, and you Jockeys are not recognized for their work, but you can ride Sea Biscuit, you are as small and stubborn and rebellious, and you can get spiritual resonance from this horse." Jeff Bridges added , "Don't forget that the background of this movie is the Great Depression era. 'Sea Biscuit' represents everyone. Its unyielding spirit and courage to defeat the strong is the reason why Ms. Laura Hillenbrand wrote this book The true purpose of the book is to allow us to see ourselves clearly and fight our way through."

Ebert got an answer that satisfied him, and continued to study the script contentedly.

During this period of time, in addition to filming the scenes he needed to film according to the script, Ebert also had another very important thing to do, which was to re-establish his relationship with the horses in the crew.The more than 50 horses purchased by the crew are all strong and shiny guys. During the filming, members of the Animal Protection Association watched over them. The treatment these horses enjoy is absolutely top-notch.

At least when Ebert tasted the tasteless boiled chicken, he was very envious of these little guys who could eat imported grass.

The horses that were not threatened or frightened by external forces were very docile. They blinked their big eyes and slowly chewed the grass fed by Ebert. When Ebert tried to stroke their fur, they were obedient. Shun's little ones would even lower their heads and let Ebert rub slowly on their necks.Ebert went out of his way to see the horse he was riding on the day he was injured. This little guy who was a member of "Sea Biscuits" in the movie is really called "Warrior", and he is the horse that Ebert is most familiar with. , obviously, he still remembered Ebert, and when he saw Ebert coming, he raised his hoof and let out a cheerful cry.

Ebert was pleased by it.

He stroked the horse from top to bottom... The crew seemed to have fitted it with a brand new saddle, and the staff brushed and checked it regularly. The "Warrior" looked more energetic than half a month ago.

Ebert suddenly had the urge to feed the animals.Even if it's not a horse, a dog, a cat, or a squirrel will do.

However, his idea was strongly criticized by the agent: "Why don't you consider raising a panda, platypus or koala? What is your mind thinking all day long? You have to rely on others for three meals a day." Get over it guys and stop thinking about adopting animals before the Humane Society guys knock on your door one day for animal cruelty."

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. A slacker like you is only willing to hug them when they play, but what about feeding them? What about dealing with their poop? What about working? Don't think about it Leave the work to me and Bruce, unless you give us a raise."

Ebert feigned anger and said: "Everything before is an excuse, the point is the last few sentences, right?"

"I'm honored that you heard what I meant. In short, regardless of salary increase or no salary increase, refuse any pets. You can consider raising one after you really become famous, but you have to do everything yourself. Don't think about throwing the mess away. Give it to me." The manager responded coldly.

After thinking for a long time, Ebert finally dismissed his thoughts.Raising an animal can indeed bring a lot of warmth to people, but only if its owner is willing to spend a lot of time providing love and protection to these fragile little things.

Ebert, who is as busy as a dog every day, does not meet such conditions at all.

Filming on "The Age of Pentium" got back on track after Ebert recovered.Gary Rose's frown gradually relaxed due to the smooth shooting process. The loud roars and reprimands disappeared, replaced by gentle smiles and patient explanations. The director seemed to smooth out all the edges and corners overnight. personality.But nowadays, no one dares to underestimate or ignore this good-natured director. On the contrary, they treat every detail of the shooting with more trepidation and care.

Even though it might just be a moment of calm after the storm, the crew and cast hope it lasts a little longer.

Soon, the movie filmed that "Sea Biscuit" and "Warrior" had agreed on the date of the game. In order for "Sea Biscuit" to win, Charles Howard, Tom Smith and Rhett Pollard used the time of night The "Sea Biscuit" was trained, and the reporters who tried to film the training scene of the "Sea Biscuit" during the day could only return disappointed.

The crew filmed at the Santa Anita Racetrack, one of the most famous racetracks in the United States. During World War II, it was converted into an internment camp for deported Japanese-Americans. Now it is Los Angeles. Nearby famous tourist attractions, tourists who are interested in horse racing will also choose a sunny day to bet some dollars on the horses they are interested in.

The crew borrowed a small training venue this time, and the night was pitch black, with only a few headlights working hard to illuminate the world as if it were daytime.As the end of December approached, the weather was getting colder, and the actors had to add a few layers of clothing to their coats to keep out the cold. Before filming today's scene, Ebert also wrapped himself up in a thick layer, but once the filming started, he had to take it off The thick packing on his body—fortunately, the crew was already scared by the last emergency. Although Ebert didn’t wear many costumes, his protective measures are the best among all the actors. If conditions permit If so, the prop masters even hoped to protect every strand of his hair.

"Are you ready?"

Ebert nodded.After the filming started, he immediately turned into Rhett Pollard with a relaxed expression, got on the horse under the guidance of Tom Smith, and patiently trained "Sea Biscuit" over and over again.

After the defeat of "Sea Biscuit", as a jockey, Rhett Pollard was always suffocating in his heart. His character was irritable and irritable, but his love for horses was sincere, and only horse racing could make him feel happy.

So, under the lens of photographer John Schwartzman, the corners of Rhett Pollard's mouth were slightly pursed, and his eyes were full of stubborn light. Every time he got on and off his horse, his eyes were fixed on the front. The action of holding the rein with his fingers was extremely vigorous, as if a flame was beating in his heart that could burn everything.

Even sophisticated players like Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper are now completely reduced to Ebert's background.

John Schwartzman is undoubtedly a master of controlling the camera. This photographer has acted as a cameraman in big-budget films such as "Brave to the Dead", "Pearl Harbor" and "The Hero". His ability to control the scene and the big scene is top-notch. Of course, he is also not weak in detail. Every movement of Ebert in the dark night seems to be marked in slow motion, firmly imprinting Rhett Pollard's personal idiosyncratic.

"Run the whole field?"

"I want it to run once and for all," Tom Smith instructed Rhett Pollard.

"But I can't see it." Rhett Pollard's face was full of hesitation, after thinking about it, he refused.

Tom Smith didn't mind: "It's okay, it can be seen."

"Please, Tom, don't do this, why do you always like this, damn it!" Reid Pollard frowned slightly, and finally climbed on the horse.

In the dark, even in the light of the lights, everything is not so clear.Ebert didn't know how the real Rhett Pollard would behave in such a situation. He could only pretend to be Rhett, and he raised his neck proudly like a soldier who went to war, trying to hide his dissatisfaction. Fearing the darkness, his pupils dilated slightly, his breathing was a little short, and he softly shouted "God" to ask for his instructions, until finally he returned profusely in sweat.

Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper looked at each other, and they both saw the look of shock in each other's eyes.

"If today's young people are so good, we old guys will have no way to survive."

Gary Rose couldn't help applauding Ebert's unreserved performance.At this time, he had completely forgotten how impatient he was not long ago. He couldn't help but think that if all the actors could maintain such acting skills and efficiency, it would definitely not be a dream to complete the filming as planned!

For the whole crew, the most difficult scene is undoubtedly Rhett Pollard's "falling horse" scene.This scene is not the accident that happened to Ebert before, but the scene where Rhett Pollard is actually injured.

Anyway, little, cranky, blind Rhett Pollard transforms into a little, cranky, blind, crippled Rhett Pollard after this scene.

Regarding the scene that is about to start filming, the crew of "The Pentium Era" maintained a tense and cautious attitude. The only protagonist of this scene, Ebert, felt the strange atmosphere of the crew the most, because he had already Received warm greetings from no less than ten people.

Director Gary Rose was the first to tell him that if he felt any discomfort during the filming, this scene could be arranged at the end of all the scenes.

The crew doctor David Brown followed the director's instructions and took the trouble to check Ebert's body several times a day.

Even the producer Ms. Catherine Kennedy, who has always been in the dark, came to the crew the day before the filming of the scene to express her concern for Ebert.

Ebert, who deeply felt that he was enjoying the treatment of the national treasure giant panda, could only shake his head silently, and twisted his shoulders to indicate that he was fine everywhere. David Brown's inspection also confirmed the authenticity of his words.However, it seemed that they were stunned by the injury of Ebert's fall from the horse last time. Everyone in the crew always treated Ebert with a cautious and loving attitude.

The moment Ebert read the full script of The Age of Pentium, Rhett Pollard was a miserable young man.Born in a wealthy family, when he was young, he used the works of Shakespeare and Dickens as spiritual food. However, the stock market crash made his parents abandon him among several young children. He became a horseman in a horse farm .Then, in the violent atmosphere of the underground boxing ring, one of his eyes lost its light.Meeting "Sea Biscuit" should be one of the few glorious moments in his life, but soon, an accidental fall from a horse broke his bones, and he may even lose his qualifications to become a jockey.

Therefore, in Ebert's view, Rhett Pollard is definitely not a character that can be easily interpreted. In addition to honing excellent riding skills, he must carefully explore the heart of this character.

After Gary Rose announced the start of the filming, Ebert rode a tall brown horse quickly on the runway. The sudden noise of the maintenance machine in front quickly frightened the moving horse, and he turned sideways Turning over - this scene is very scary to shoot. In fact, the horse's rollover and startling movements have been rehearsed by the horse trainer dozens of times. Horses can be regarded as a kind of intelligent animal. This level of performance is right It is not difficult for professional animal actors.

In the script, Rhett Pollard hooked one foot on the saddle, and the frightened and frantic horse dragged him for a long distance on the runway. In the actual shooting process, the difficulty was greatly reduced. Because the horse dragged Ebert to run forward at a leisurely pace, even if Ebert would suffer some torture, the danger was much lower than the scene described in the script.

Even so, the staff still kept a close eye on Ebert and the horse under him, lest any accident happen.

Fortunately, until the end, the shooting of the film was quite smooth, and the parts that needed to be accelerated were handed over to doubles and special effects, and all the work that the actors needed to do had been done.

The time soon came to the Christmas holiday. Since a small part of the plot of the movie was still unfinished, the crew only gave the actors and staff a 5-day vacation. By the time the movie was officially finished, it was already February of the next year.