Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 226: Performance Aura

Felicity tried to react, but found herself dry-mouthed and blushing, her heart pounding so fiercely that she felt suffocated. She wanted to escape, but her body wouldn't respond. She could only stare blankly into those eyes, melting bit by bit, as if she were snow bathed in the first rays of spring sunlight.

"Cut!"

Drake's voice, barely audible over the music, called out. As he spoke, the music was paused.

Although the sound wasn't loud, to Felicity it was like a thunderclap, shattering the reality and illusion that had enveloped her. The scene broke apart like a dismantled Lego set, allowing her to escape the overwhelming gaze. She turned away from Renly, gasping for fresh air, and tried to compose herself.

"Sorry, sorry, my mistake." Felicity raised her right hand apologetically, like a guilty student, "I just... uh... suddenly forgot my lines. Give me a minute!"

Drake, initially wanting to ask what had happened, decided not to press further after hearing Felicity's explanation. He turned to Jennifer beside him, "Is it just me, or does Renly really seem to be in love with Felicity?"

Jennifer didn't respond immediately, lost in thought. In that brief two-minute performance, she had clearly felt Renly's powerful presence—

Without any explosive force or noticeable effort, his expressions, gestures, and even the small habitual movements of his hands and feet controlled the rhythm of the entire performance. From his awkward entry into the room, to his shy glances, and his uneasy gestures, Renly portrayed the tender, awkward sparks of young love with astonishing detail. The chemistry of falling in love was palpable and entrancing.

The audience saw not just a boy in love, but a specific character, Jacob, brought vividly to life.

Throughout the performance, Felicity's rhythm was completely drawn into Renly's world. She couldn't help but smile at his awkwardness, try to break the tension when he was embarrassed, and feel her heart flutter with his stolen glances...

The most crucial element was Renly's unintentional gaze that seemed to glue itself to Felicity, especially the way he looked at her eyes. A small detail that, if unnoticed or unrecorded by the director, might be missed by the audience. Yet, the emotion conveyed through his eyes was beautiful enough to melt hearts.

The spontaneous decision to abandon the script had given Renly a broader space to perform. He translated his understanding of Jacob into the scene, infusing it with soul and transforming the entire scene into his own. His portrayal of falling in love was so real, so magical, so moving.

The atmosphere between their gazes was electrifying!

It's incredible how such a seemingly uneventful scene, with no dramatic conflict or ample space for performance, became a showcase of Renly's extraordinary acting prowess. His control over the rhythm and aura of the performance was exceptional.

Rhythm and aura are elements that only actors can truly feel. Even directors might struggle to articulate it. For actors, the influence of their partner's expressions, actions, and words during a performance can be profound, whether positive or negative. This is one of the charms of a scene with a partner.

Working with a seasoned actor, like Meryl Streep, the partner's rhythm can easily be drawn into her established patterns, creating an undeniable aura. If the partner lacks experience, they might struggle to keep up, potentially turning the scene into a one-person show.

However, if the partner is also a veteran, like Robert De Niro, the interaction can be fiercely dynamic, with both actors vying for control, resulting in thrilling performances.

Partner scenes are one of the greatest joys of acting. Solo performances bring the pleasure of unrestrained expression, while partner scenes offer the excitement of mutual interaction and balance.

Yet, Renly was only twenty, and "Like Crazy" was just his second film. Not even a seasoned actor, his performance showcased a maturity and mastery that was astonishing. Even as a spectator, Jennifer could feel the natural flow of his performance, her attention irresistibly drawn to him.

Fortunately, this scene was about blossoming love, not confrontation. Felicity's immersion into Renly's performance, though slightly overshadowed, maintained the scene's harmony, enhancing the love's flow and spreading seamlessly.

Renly filled the scene with content and depth far beyond the script, extending into the character, the love story, and the film's thematic essence. Such skill was truly impressive!

This reminded Jennifer of her own experience in "Winter's Bone" the previous year.

In that film, she had felt in total control, her performance flowing effortlessly, earning widespread acclaim post-Sundance Film Festival, with some calling her a "genius girl" and predicting an Oscar nomination.

Jennifer had been pleased with herself, proud of such early recognition in her career at nineteen. But now, she realized she had been narrow-minded. Hollywood was vast, and right before her, Renly was someone to be admired.

For her, portraying her understanding of a character was the limit. Leading the rhythm of a performance and enveloping her partner in her aura was unimaginable. She didn't know how wide the gap between them was, but she knew she wanted to catch up with Renly!

Her fighting spirit ignited, her blood boiling, eyes shining with determination. She admired actors like Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro who could transform films with their performances, elevating the art of acting to its pinnacle.

Now, she had a new goal: Renly Hall. Compared to veteran actors like Meryl and Robert, surpassing Renly seemed a more attainable short-term goal.

Jennifer couldn't wait to perform opposite Renly. Accepting "Like Crazy" was one of the best decisions of her career.

"Jennifer? Jennifer?" Drake's voice finally broke through her thoughts, interrupting her intense internal excitement. Turning to face him, Drake asked, "Is it just me? What do you think?"

Jennifer's gaze returned to Renly. Felicity, sitting on the bed, was calming her emotions. Renly, however, remained cross-legged, lost in thought, as if in his own world, unaffected by the interruption.

"It's not just you. At that moment, Felicity truly fell in love with Renly," Jennifer confirmed, then shrugged, "Or rather, who wouldn't?"

Drake fell silent, contemplating her words. But Jennifer didn't give him much time to think. "Director, as an actor, may I offer some suggestions?" Drake, approachable as always, nodded without hesitation. "When we resume filming, remember to capture Renly's details—his hand movements, footwork, mouth movements, especially his eyes. His eyes bring out the essence of the scene."

The difference in an actor's performance across various productions often lies in the director's approach. Some directors prefer medium or wide shots, emphasizing body language, while others favor close-ups, highlighting facial expressions. Still, others might use back or side shots, where lighting plays a crucial role.

In essence, actors perform while directors capture and present. If the director doesn't highlight it, even the best performance might go unnoticed by the audience.

Drake nodded, acknowledging her point. "I understand. That's my plan, and it's a key focus of this film. But what did you notice in Renly's eyes?" As a director and a man, Drake lacked the subtlety needed for such details.

Jennifer patted his shoulder, "You're not a woman, you wouldn't understand."