Hollywood Director 1992

[Chapter 306: Michelle's Warning]

Caught up with an energetic group of women that included Jennifer, Sofia, and others, Link felt even his iron will and strong frame starting to wear thin. After a hurried breakfast, he rushed to the studio for a script meeting to discuss the screenplay and roles, while also preparing for character photos and checking on the progress of other departments.

---

By early February, everything was in place, and Link brought the crew to New York to shoot Batman Forever.

"Scene one, take one, action!"

The first scene involved Two-Face robbing the Gotham Bank, where he kidnapped a security guard to lure Batman out for a showdown. The scene culminated in a fierce confrontation between Batman and Two-Face and his henchmen, ultimately leading to the rescue of the guard.

Inside the bank, Two-Face, played by Gary Oldman, flipped a coin -- one side scratched, the other pristine. Turning to the guard on the floor, he smirked, "You. Sport. Any thoughts? Counting on Batass to rescue you? We sure are."

"...You gonna kill me?" the guard asked, visibly anxious.

"Might. Might not. Could say we're of two minds on the subject."

Two-Face, dressed sharply in a suit, allowed his unmarred side to face the camera, chuckling slightly.

"I got family. ...Please."

"What say we flip for it?"

The guard lay there, heart racing as he watched Two-Face toy with the shiny coin, murmuring, "Some are born heroes, while their brothers become monsters. Babies starve while politicians feast. Saints become martyrs, yet drunks and addicts roam every corner of our cities. Why? Because of luck! Blind, foolish, simple, unpredictable luck!"

In a moment of hysteria, Two-Face turned to reveal his left side -- a visage nearly melted away -- cracked and fearsome.

"What could be fairer than the random toss of an honest coin? Life... or death."

"Please. I swear I won't say noth-"

"The coin wants to decide," He flipped the coin up, catching it on the back of his hand. "Exhilarating, isn't it? The suspense? Sudden death or a new lease on life? Really makes a man live in the moment."

...

Link, sitting behind the monitor, watched intently as Gary Oldman delivered an impressive performance. The way Oldman spoke his lines, with emotion and physicality, truly captured the essence of madness. However, there were noticeable flaws.

At this stage of filming, Oldman struggled with controlling his intensity; at times he overacted, while in others, he fell short. When encountering such issues, it fell on Link, as the director, to provide guidance and corrections until Oldman embodied the character of Two-Face as intended.

This was the essence of a director's role -- sculpting the actor's performance into the portrait the film needed. It was akin to being a sculptor, shaping a classic screen icon, while mediocre directors only produced forgettable films.

Many seasoned actors recognized Link's talent for directing and were eager to collaborate with him. After observing Oldman's struggles, Link opted not to halt the filming and allowed him to find his rhythm. After five takes, once performance repairs seemed stagnant, he called Oldman over to discuss the role, addressing the issues and suggesting adjustments.

...

With Link's guidance, Oldman experienced a revelation and returned to the set with a noticeably improved performance. After a few more takes, Oldman truly immersed himself in the character, delivering a compelling portrayal.

"Director Link, I've heard rumors about your keen eye and thorough observations, how you excel in directing actors. Considering you're only in your twenties, I doubted the gossip, but now I believe it -- you're a remarkable director," Oldman exclaimed, giving Link an enthusiastic thumbs up after finishing a scene.

Link smiled, accepting the praise calmly.

...

After a week of shooting Two-Face's scenes, it was now Batman's turn. Upon receiving news of the robbery, Batman swiftly suited up and drove the Batmobile to the bank, coincidentally running into Dr. Chase.

"Hot entrance!" Dr. Chase exclaimed, watching Batman descend from the wires above.

Batman landed on the ground, looked at Dr. Chase, then looked at Commissioner Gordon next to him, "Two-Face?"

"Two guards dead. He's holding the third hostage. Didn't see this one coming," Commissioner Gordon said as he looked up at the building.

"Today marks the two-year anniversary of when I caught him," Batman said.

"We should have, though. Two million dollars waiting to be transferred from the Second Bank of Gotham on the 22nd How could Harvey? Two-Face resist?" Dr. Chase added.

"And you are?"

"Batman, I'd like you to meet--" Commissioner Gordon started introductions.

Dr. Chase held out her hand and said, "Chase Meridian."

"I asked Dr. Meridian to come to Gotham to consult on this case. She specializes..." Commissioner Gordon started explaining.

"...dual personalities. Abnormal psychology. Washington's poster child for the criminally insane. I read your work," Batman said calmly.

...

Link felt a mix of excitement and responsibility as he looked over the production with intense focus, ensuring that everything went smoothly.

"Alright, cut!" he called after finishing the scene.

"We did great, right? Was that awesome or what?" Ben Affleck, in his Batman suit, flashed a wide grin.

Link shot him a side glance. "Ben, to be honest, I was disappointed with your performance. Casting you as Batman might have been a mistake."

Affleck's smile faltered, his expression quickly shifting to despair as if he had been hit with a figurative brick. After months of preparation that included training physically and honing his acting skills, he had thought he was doing well.

"Why? Why would you say that?" he protested.

Nicole Kidman, who had been waiting for her chance to interject, caught Link's eye and hesitated before speaking up. Link interrupted, "Ben, last year when you were cast, I repeatedly advised you to dive deep into the character and the script. During your performance just now, I didn't see any evidence of that research."

"I studied! I've read the Batman comics five times and watched the movies and shows over a dozen times. I can recite many lines!" Affleck insisted defensively.

"Studying isn't about how many times you've read the material. It's about what you've learned from it. Tell me, what does Batman mean to you?" Link inquired pointedly.

Affleck thought for a moment. "Batman is a handsome, wealthy young man with a strong sense of justice."

"Go on," Link encouraged.

"He has impressive skills, fights against crime, and strives to keep Gotham City safe. Yes, he loves peace."

"And what else?" Link pressed further.

Affleck frowned in concentration. "Isn't that enough?"

Disappointment crept across Link's face. He turned to Kidman. "Nicole, what's your take on Batman?"

Seated with a cup of steaming coffee, Kidman smiled slightly. "Batman is, of course, a good man -- handsome, powerful, wealthy, intelligent, disciplined, strong-willed, and a bit of a playboy. Uh, Link, Batman seems somewhat like you."

"Is that all?" Link raised an eyebrow, indicating he wanted more.

Seeing his reaction made Kidman nervous, and she quickly continued, "Well, there are a few more things. First, Batman is deeply insecure. Witnessing his parents' murder at eight left him with severe psychological scars. As he grew, he became obsessed with training, advanced weapons, and racing cars. He is nocturnal, distrustful of partnership, and prefers solitude -- all manifestations of his insecurity.

Second, he has a dark side, driven by a thirst for revenge. After his parents were killed, he despised all crime in Gotham, using his bat persona to instill fear among wrongdoers, setting him apart from other superheroes.

Third, he possesses a strong sense of duty. He has an extraordinary commitment to protecting Gotham; whenever crime arises, he drops everything to catch the criminals, which almost feels obsessive. The moral complexity is compelling -- he doesn't want to kill, yet uses violent means to combat evil. His character embodies duality -- the justice-driven Batman vs. the billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne."

"From this perspective, Batman can almost be seen as a version of Two-Face without the darkness," Kidman concluded.

Link nodded slightly; although Kidman hadn't covered everything, she had hit on several crucial points. He turned back to Affleck. "Have you considered these aspects?"

"Of course!" Affleck chimed, puffing up.

"Then tell me where your portrayal of Batman diverges from the true essence of the character."

Affleck scratched his head, unsure. "I only did one scene. There's still so much left to portray. Should I do a few more scenes and show you?"

Link shook his head. "It's not that simple. You don't grasp who Batman is at his core, and performing several scenes won't change that. Nicole, what do you see as his shortcomings?"

After a moment's thought, Kidman remarked, "Ben's portrayal of Batman feels too flippant, lacking the maturity and gravitas expected. He doesn't convey the darkness and brooding nature; he more resembles a youthful, sunny city slicker."

"Exactly," Link replied, looking intently at Affleck. "You've trained for months, gone through ample research, and in terms of appearance, you fit the role of Batman. However, internally, you're miles away. This comes from being lazy and cutting corners. Even Nicole can identify various characteristics of Batman, and you've only scratched the surface. How do you expect to embody Batman with that mindset?"

Affleck's face flushed.

"I'm giving you one more week. If you don't embody the character and transform into Batman, we'll have to consider recasting," Link declared, putting on his headphones and returning to other tasks.

Affleck hung his head, lost in thought, before slowly walking away.

...

Kidman glanced at Affleck, then back at Link, and seeing his serious expression couldn't help but ask, "Are you really considering replacing Ben?"

"He's too out of sync, always joking around without the psychological depth or attitude to properly play Batman. This has adversely affected his performance, rendering it bland -- like a crude imitation of Michael Keaton's Batman, which is quite dull. I'm giving him a week to prepare. If he fails to shift his mindset, I'll have to find someone else."

Kidman nodded thoughtfully. "What about my portrayal of Dr. Chase? If I'm not up to par, will you fire me?"

"You're doing well," he assured.

"Thanks! But can you smile more? You look just like Batman -- stoic and isolated -- which is a little worrying because, you know, I kind of adore Batman. If you keep acting like this, I might end up falling for you," Kidman teased playfully, blinking at him with a spark in her eye.

Link chuckled and shook his head, trying to keep it professional.

...

"Hey, Link, Nicole, are you two busy?" Michelle Pfeiffer appeared, clad in a stunning champagne silk dress that hugged her tall and slender figure, the hem stopping perfectly above her knees, showcasing her elegant legs.

"Michelle, you're early!" Link exclaimed.

Michelle played Catwoman in the film, though her appearance would only come later.

"I had nothing to do this weekend, so I thought I'd check in on you," she said with a smile as she leaped into Link's arms for a playful kiss, relishing the moment.

Kidman's expression darkened slightly as an unsettling feeling brewed inside of her. Even the news of Tom Cruise's infidelity hadn't stung as much as this. Yet, when Michelle turned back, Kidman swiftly donned a polite smile.

"Nicole, your dress is gorgeous," Michelle complimented, observing Kidman.

"Thank you! I'm eager to see you back in your Catwoman suit; you were fantastic!" Kidman replied with genuine admiration.

Michelle chuckled, turning to Link. "Darling, do you want to see me in it?"

Link's mind wandered to an image of Michelle in the tight black Catwoman suit, striking a pose on a rooftop, and he couldn't help but feel a little excited.

But he reminded himself that this was a professional environment and focused ahead.

"Don't tempt me; sit down, and I'll join you after filming," Link said, giving her a playful pat on the back as he returned to the director's zone to coordinate the day's tasks. With problems arising in the Batman scenes, they would continue with Two-Face and Riddler's storyline for now.

...

"Nothing's more charming than a man hard at work," Michelle sighed as she reclined on her folding chair, eyes glued to Link at the center of the set.

Link was deep in discussion with the assistant director, cinematographer, and art director about the upcoming scenes, his sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. He articulated points with conviction while occasionally listening carefully to others. There was a commanding presence to him combined with an artist's passion.

"Yes, he's quite captivating," Kidman agreed, watching as well.

Michelle turned, intrigued by this exchange. "So you've got an eye for Link too?"

"Absolutely," Kidman replied, meeting her gaze without hesitation.

Michelle smirked, letting out a playful scoff. "Liking Link shows you have taste. But you are pestering Link before you get divorced. You're not doing him any favors surrounding yourself with him; you might be hurting him instead. On behalf of Monica, Jennifer, Lily, and all of Link's women, I'm kindly warning you -- stay away from him until you're divorced. I'd hate to see you get him mixed up in your problems; don't blame us if things don't go well."

Surprise flickered across Kidman's blue eyes, pondering Michelle's words.

"Michelle, you've misunderstood. I have no intention of complicating things for Link. Yes, I had interest before, but he turned me down. Now, I only want to interact as friends and colleagues," she clarified.

"You better stick to that," Michelle said, leaning back with a casual air, yet her eyes remained fixed on Link.

Kidman hesitated. "Michelle, I'm genuinely curious about something. Can I ask?"

"Go ahead!"

"Even with Link's immense wealth and clout as Guess Pictures' top executive, he has limited resources. You and Monica, Jennifer, and the others seem like competitors, so why is there no friction between you?"

That question lingered not just for Kidman but many in the industry. Typically, when a guy juggled multiple girlfriends, chaos ensued. Yet, with Link's lengthy list of companions, everything remained surprisingly calm, leading many to envy his situation.

Michelle brushed her golden locks aside and grinned. "Because he's an extraordinary man. Being one of his women is genuinely lucky -- all the rest is unimportant."

As Kidman gazed at Michelle, then back at Link, a surge of curiosity filled her, threatening to consume her as the scene continued to unfold.

*****

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