Hollywood (我就是好莱坞) Part I

CHAPTER 9 - IN THE FLESH

"This Brad Pitt is taller than Eric, and he also feels somewhat... old ?" Brad Pitt went out of the door and as they temporarily put on hold the auditions, James Brooks started to discuss with the other judges.

Penny Marshall said: "Yeah. I think number seven, Blake Quinn, was quite good."

Several other judges also expressed their opinions.

Eric looked up number seven's information; a 17-year-old thin white youth with blond hair and a height of 1m70. His appearance was truly consistent with Alex's past image, but this was not what Eric wanted.

He couldn't bear staying silent anymore and blurted out: "Penny, I think Blake Quinn appears to be too weak, although he fits very well the image of a bullied high-school student, in the second part of the movie, when Alex starts dominating the basketball court, his appearance will be a problem as the audience will find it laughable. I just graduated from high-school and I can tell you, there's no way someone with a stature like Blake Quinn would ever make it on the team."

James Brooks thought it made sense, he nodded: "You're right, so Eric, who would you consider ?"

"How about Brad Pitt ?"

Penny Marshall said: "But Brad Pitt is a little taller than you."

Eric shrugged and replied: "Height is not an issue, some children are taller than their parents, it's nothing out of the ordinary, and his build will make Alex's changes more believable."

James asked: "How so ?"

"Brad Pitt's performing skills are up to par, and although he has never played as a lead, he has done many soap operas, and after what he showed in the audition, I believe he will definitely be able to portray the weak and dispirited boy of the movie's first part. Later on, after receiving Mike's encouragements and training, he would gain the courage to stand up for himself and pursue the girl he likes. Giving his build, the audience wouldn't find it weird, they'd instead think along the lines of: There you go, Alex !"

The several surrounding people nodded in assent, Eric could feel that James Brooks was also somewhat moved, but he didn't make an immediate decision and said: "Okay, we will discuss this issue again later. Let's start the actresses' auditions."

The first one to come in was naturally Angelina Jolie. Her performance was okay but it was not outstanding. Her style was way too dramatic and it caused Eric a headache. If he had been in charge of the casting, then perhaps he would've given her one of the other small roles as that would've been interesting, but unfortunately, he didn't have that power.

Several other girls followed, and then it was Drew Barrymore's turn.

She had a childish face, she donned a knee-length white pleated skirt and small black leather boots, as well as a white vest which contrasted with the black straps of her bra that would show from time to time when she walked. Just looking at her appearance, you wouldn't be able to link that precocious teenager to a drug addict.

As she sat on the opposing chair and stroked her hair, Drew Barrymore quickly discovered Eric sitting in the middle of the 40-50 year-old middle-aged men and women. The distinct edges of his face and the sharpness of his eyes made him appear exceptionally handsome. Drew's lips curved into a mischievous smile, which startled Eric.

James and others, as if by prior agreement, all turned to look at Eric strangely. Eric looked back at them innocently: Yes, hello ? Why are you staring at me, I'm innocent you know ? I'm the victim here, okay ?

James was the first to break the silence: "Alright Drew, let's do this seriously."

"No problem, Mr. Brooks." Drew sweetly smiled as she instantly turned into a well-behaved girl next door.