Chapter 44 46. Why are you still two-faced?

After Joseph Gordon-Levitt left, the second person who came in made Eric frown. It was Shia LaBeouf, the original star of "Transformers".

Eric just said that he doesn't dislike anyone, which is of course a lie. Shia LaBeouf is the one he hates the most.

It's just that this guy's agent is quite familiar with his father, so even though he is only 16 years old and a genuine high school student, he had no choice but to be allowed to the interview.

Since this guy had disappeared for a long time before the time travel, many people have forgotten him, but he is definitely the troublemaker in Hollywood. Ezra Miller would kneel down and call him "senior" when he saw him.

When Shia LaBeouf was 19 years old, he dared to threaten his neighbor with a knife. He was lucky that he was not beaten with an American-style Iai.

After he became famous because of "Transformers", he became even more arrogant and addicted to alcohol. He became a complete drunkard, always with wine in his hand.

First, he was arrested for drunkenly breaking into a Chicago drugstore chain and attempting to make a zero-dollar purchase.

Not even two months after stopping, he illegally smoked in a public place in Burbank again. He refused to appear when he received a court summons and did not appoint a lawyer. The court then offered a reward for his arrest as a wanted criminal, a seemingly humiliating $1,000. Finally, under pressure from public opinion, he paid the fine.

Then there was drunk driving, and his arm was hit by an Optimus Prime, resulting in a broken arm.

That's why there was a scene in "Transformers 2" where Sam's arm was injured. That's because Michael Bay was forced to change the script and the crew couldn't delay because of one person.

Then he complained that Spielberg was old, "Indiana Jones 4" was not up to standard, and that starring in this movie was the biggest mistake.

And he was able to star in "Transformers" because of Spielberg's support.

This was not the end. Later, while rehearsing the Broadway play "Orphan", he stalked his co-star Alec for a month, scaring the latter so much that he called the police and the crew fired him.

In 2012, there was another explosive news. On the set of "Lawless", a drunk Shia LaBeouf attacked Tom Hardy, knocked him unconscious and sent him to the hospital.

His reputation had become a mess, and perhaps no one wanted him to make movies anymore, so he started working as a director again.

He shot a short film and won an award. Just as his reputation was improving, he was accused of plagiarism. He then used a drone to apologize to the original author, but it flew to the wrong address.

It wasn't until 2019 that Shia LaBeouf's career reached its peak. He wrote and directed the movie "Honey Boy" which describes his childhood.

His father in the movie can only be described as a villain, and the audience also understands the pain brought by his original family.

Just when the audience began to sympathize with him, a reversal occurred. He personally admitted on the show that the plot was all fake and that he had made it up.

In order to get his father's consent, he even used a fake script to trick his father into signing it, causing his father to be criticized by everyone. This was really too deceptive and a prank.

Listed here are only some of the bad things Shia LaBeouf has done. In addition, there are such evil deeds as domestic violence against his girlfriend and beating up homeless people. Compared with him, Ezra Miller can be considered a fresh guy.

Eric would only use such a lunatic if he was crazy himself.

"Shia LaBeouf, do you know the story of Transformers?"

"Yes, I saw it on TV."

"Name me some Autobots and Decepticons."

Shia LaBeouf was stunned for a moment. What kind of question was this? In fact, he had never seen Transformers. He just learned a little about it for the audition.

He immediately stammered, "Optimus Prime, Megatron, and... and..."

Eric clicked his tongue a few times. “You don’t seem to understand that deceiving producers is not a good habit.”

Shia LaBeouf tried to explain, but Eric didn't give him a chance and continued to ask, "Can you drive skillfully? The hero has a lot of scenes in the car in the movie."

This question is of course a trap for him, because California law stipulates that minors must be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver's license.

But it doesn't mean that you can drive on the road after getting a driver's license at the age of 16. There are strict restrictions. For example, you can't drive at night, you must be accompanied by a parent, and you can't pick up anyone other than your parents.

Due to many restrictions, although many people pass the driving test at the age of 16, not many actually drive on the road. Transportation in Los Angeles is convenient, so students generally rely on public transportation.

Faced with this question, Shia LaBeouf could only try his best to explain: "Sir, I have my certificate, and I can practice well, this is not."

Eric interrupted again: "But we don't have time to practice. We only have two months to shoot, you know?"

Several interviewers were speechless. You just told Joseph Gordon-Levitt that the filming would take three months. Why did it change so suddenly? Seeing Shia LaBeouf being criticized and incoherent, Eric said expressionlessly: "Of course, what I just said is secondary. Let's audition first."

Shia LaBeouf was stunned again, but he was yelling in his heart: "It doesn't matter. Why are you making it sound so serious? You're scaring me!"

But at this moment, his mind was in a mess, how could he get into the state? He got stuck three times in a simple performance, and finally walked out dejectedly.

Eric encouraged him and said that he had a bright future and that this was just a poor performance.

Shia LaBeouf couldn't help but have the illusion again that this producer was not bad.

After he walked out, Eric said, "Did you see that? He's too young and can't handle the pressure at all. How can he handle the formal filming if he can't handle a few questions?"

Several interviewers were speechless again. You said all the good and bad things about them, and it seemed like it was all the other party's fault.

Outside, when everyone saw Shia LaBeouf almost crying, their hearts skipped a beat. Although he was just a nobody, he shouldn't be so miserable. The interviewer was too cruel!

After calming down, James McAvoy stood up from his seat, while Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender cheered him on.

"You can do it, James. This is the best opportunity. You must be able to seize it. You are Sam."

"I'm Sam! I'm Sam!"

While doing self-hypnosis and taking deep breaths, James McAvoy walked into the audition room.

The moment they saw him come in, several interviewers knew he was eliminated.

First of all, the height. Gal Gadot is 175 cm tall, while the British gentleman in front of her is only 170 cm tall. This is embarrassing.

What’s more serious is his temperament, which is even more artistic than Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s.

The long and thin eyebrows, big eyes with bags under their eyes, dry and thin lips, and a small mouth make him look like the protagonist of an art film.

If he is willing to sacrifice, it is not impossible for the heroine to play the role.

In short, it doesn't match the appearance of an American hero at all, and Eric will definitely not be satisfied.

Not long after, James McAvoy came out with a conflicted expression, and Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender hurried over to ask about the situation.

"James, how's it going?"

"I failed, and he told me clearly that I was not suitable, but asked me if I would like to play other roles?"

"What role?"

"A supporting role that doesn't have much plot but is very important. He'll have a close-up and lines. He's not cannon fodder anyway."

After hearing this, Tom Hardy and Fassbender understood why he was so conflicted. How could he not be conflicted after auditioning for the leading actor but getting a role whose number he didn't even know?

"James, do you want to accept it?"

"Why not? With my current fame, it's better to have something than nothing."

Not long after James I-Mei failed the audition, Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender were also eliminated.

The former is not a muscular man like Bane yet, but has a cool and handsome look. The audience can tell at a glance that this guy is not a good guy, and he has nothing to do with Sam.

And Eric remembered that the young Tom Hardy had always had problems with alcoholism and drug addiction, and was probably still undergoing treatment, so it was impossible to choose him as the leading actor.

The same problem exists with Michael Fassbender; although he is handsome, his face shows a rebellious and stubborn character at first glance.

Especially when he frowns, he always gives people a feeling of deep hatred and resentment, which is suitable for Magneto, but obviously incompatible with Sam's enthusiasm and sunshine.

Of course, they did not gain nothing. Eric gave them the role of American soldiers, with lines and scenes.

Zhan Yimei is not suitable for wearing military uniform, so Eric gave him the role of a computer expert, which fits his temperament.

These two men are more suitable for wearing military uniforms, especially Fassbender. Eric can already imagine his ferocious expression as he shuttles through the battlefield.

At this point, the British trio of "Band of Brothers" were collectively killed.

Inside the audition room, Eric looked at James Franco in front of him. He was not yet the controversial Fu Lanlan, but he was also the most famous person who came to audition today.

"James, give me a side profile, very good."

"Just frown slightly and let me see, that's all."

"Now smile."

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

James Franco smiled slightly, and the aura of a rich young man on his face was unstoppable, but Sam's family background was actually very ordinary.

Eric frowned and said, "James, relax a little and open your mouth a little wider. I need you to laugh happily and make a ha-ha sound."

"OK."

James Franco nodded and readjusted his expression, now giving people a rather stern feeling.

Then he opened his mouth and laughed, but the intensity seemed a little too strong and it turned into a silly smile.

Several interviewers shook their heads in their hearts, because they saw in James Franco a common problem among young actors, especially those who are popular and handsome.

These actors know that they are very handsome, and they know which part of their body is the most handsome, so they always show it off intentionally or unintentionally, and try to hide their shortcomings as much as possible.

There is nothing wrong with this approach, and it is also human nature, but that temperament becomes established over time and it is difficult to correct it in a short period of time.

After examining his body and temperament, Eric asked, "What do you think you can bring to the film?"

"There are many. I will obey any arrangement of the director. I can endure hardships and do any scene myself. There will definitely be a lot of explosion scenes in the movie. If the director wants it to be more realistic, I can use no stunt double. I am confident that I can portray Sam well and present a popular leading actor to the fans."

The answer was great and everyone was very satisfied. Everyone likes an obedient and responsible actor.

When they walked out of the audition room, the people waiting saw the smile on James Franco's face, and they all felt nervous, thinking that something was wrong.

Then Jake Gyllenhaal came out and left without saying a word, recalling what Eric had just said.

Then came Ben Foster. There was no disappointment on his face, which was not surprising because he did not have a strong desire to win.

He has been acting in TV series these years but has not gained much fame. Especially since his girlfriend Kirsten Dunst became famous for starring in "Spider-Man", he felt the gap even more.

His mediocre acting career, repeated failures and setbacks had already worn away his will, and he often felt that he was not suitable for this path.

He has been quarreling frequently with his girlfriend recently and has been in a depressed mood and has no motivation. He just submitted his resume with the mentality of giving it a try. If he is selected, it will be luck. If not, forget it.

Fortunately, it turned out well and I got a small role as an American soldier.

After Ben Foster left, auditions continued.

There were fewer and fewer people waiting, and more and more people left in disappointment, until only Heath Ledger and Chris Evans were left on the scene.

Inadvertently, the two of them looked up at the same time and their eyes met. Although they didn't know each other, they were the only two left in the huge room, and it seemed a bit awkward not to do something.

So, both of them smiled at the same time. Fortunately, Chris Evans' number was called at this time, which ended the awkward scene.

Inside the audition room, others gradually figured out Eric's routine. He seemed to be very familiar with these young actors and was always able to make various demands based on their strengths and weaknesses.

And it was obvious that he didn't like some of them, and his questions were very targeted and aggressive.

He was also very tolerant of some of them, such as Jake Gyllenhaal. Eric gave a lot of pertinent advice and was also very friendly to the trio of "Band of Brothers".

As for Ryan Gosling who just left, a newcomer who has been in the industry for two or three years, he was also very tolerant and allowed the other party to fully demonstrate his characteristics. His temperament really fits the role of Sam.

Of course there are some flaws, such as a slightly long chin, but in this audition it is already considered good.

At this time, the door opened again, and a tall, handsome and sunny boy walked in and introduced himself politely.

Looking at Mr. Tao, who was only 21 years old and still had a youthful and reserved look on his face, Eric couldn't help but smile.

"Chris, relax, don't be so nervous, this is just an audition, not an interrogation!"

There was a light laugh in the room and the atmosphere instantly eased a lot. Chris Evans finally felt relaxed.

"The interviewer is very nice, why are those people so sad?"

While muttering to himself, the young Captain America cooperated with Eric in performing different actions and expressions.

The subsequent auditions went smoothly as well, because all the roles he played in the past two years were high school students, and he was very comfortable with this kind of role.

After going through the basic process, several interviewers nodded secretly, saying that he had the right temperament and was handsome, and was a strong contender for Sam.

Suddenly, Eric stood up from his seat, walked up to Chris Evans in front of everyone's puzzled gazes, and circled around him several times.

Then, in the latter's surprised gaze, he moved closer, pinched his chin, patted his abdomen and chest, paused briefly, then let go and returned to his seat.

"Sorry Chris, I mean no harm, it's just that if you want the role of Sam, you need to work harder."

Chris Evans was startled, thinking about Eric's action just now and then thinking about his handsome face.

"No way, is he gay?"

"Who cares? This is an A-grade production and this is Hollywood. You should have realized this long ago, Chris. Just close your eyes and you will be able to do it."

Gritting his teeth, Chris Evans said with all his might: "Whatever you want me to do, just ask me, sir."

"It's not that complicated actually. You're in such good shape and so strong. Sam isn't that kind of person."

"I need you to lose weight. You have to say goodbye to the muscles you've worked so hard to build. This will make your wide chin narrower. That's Sam."

Hearing this, the young Captain America breathed a sigh of relief, his mood going through a lot of ups and downs.

In the past two years, when auditioning for roles, directors always asked him to gain muscle, and he always played big guys. This is the first time I have encountered a role where he was asked to lose muscle.

It's painful to keep in shape, but it's bliss to destroy it.

With a smile on his face, the young Captain America walked out of the audition room.

If there are any readers who like my book, please give me some monthly tickets. Of course, the old saying still applies: don’t support the book.

(End of this chapter)