The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 699

"I don't know how this movie is going to turn out."

Gazing at the bustling film set, where the crew was arranging the scenery, Anne Hathaway smiled at Ken Watanabe. "But I can be sure of one thing—my role is pretty significant."

Ken Watanabe replied politely, "You'll undoubtedly make this film shine."

His English was heavily accented, but the flattering words still brought a happy smile to Anne Hathaway's face.

Since Mal was a pivotal character in the film, Anne Hathaway always arrived on set

looking exceptionally beautiful and captivating.

What man doesn't appreciate a beautiful woman? Ken Watanabe was certainly no exception.

He'd taken an interest in Anne Hathaway during rehearsals. Back then, she was in a passionate relationship with Matthew Horner, so he hadn't dared to make a move. But judging by the last couple of days on set, Anne had suddenly grown cold toward Matthew, and it seemed they were having some sort of conflict...

Ken Watanabe decided this was his chance.

But just as he was about to speak, Matthew, dressed in his costume, walked over."Ken," Matthew said casually, his gaze on Watanabe. "I need to rehearse with Annie."

"Of course," Ken Watanabe replied without hesitation. "I won't get in your way."

Matthew paid no mind to the departing Ken Watanabe and turned to Anne Hathaway. "Nolan wants us to go over the lines again."

Anne Hathaway nodded, and the two of them ran through their lines once more.

The next scene on the schedule was a large party. For the sake of realism, Christopher Nolan had insisted all the food be freshly prepared, so the rest of the crew had been busy for some time setting up the elaborate party venue.

Matthew stood at the edge of the set, observing the crew, then suddenly asked, "Annie, is something wrong between us?"

Anne Hathaway denied it instinctively. "No."

Matthew didn't buy it.

He turned to look at her. "Really? If you've got a problem with me, just say it. Bringing personal drama onto a set is a recipe for disaster. I'm sure you know that better than I do, and I hope it won't affect your performance."

Anne Hathaway, however, didn't know where to begin.

Matthew continued to study her.

She was, without a doubt, a top-tier Hollywood beauty.

In fact, Anne's role in this film was essentially that of a showpiece. For one, her character wasn't directly involved in the dream heists. For another, with her delicate features, stunning figure, and radiant personality, she was the perfect candidate for such a part.

According to Christopher Nolan, Mal's primary function in the film was to add a romantic dimension to Cobb's story. Without it, the vast number of strange and violent scenes would make the film's atmosphere feel far too cold.

Anne Hathaway quickly composed herself. "It won't affect my work." She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I really did have something else to do on Oscar night."

Matthew brushed it off. "It's no big deal."

Hearing this, Anne Hathaway watched him closely. She could tell he genuinely didn't care, so she asked cautiously,

"Are you planning to make a horror movie?"

Matthew nodded slightly. "I had a deal with director James Wan, but someone else tried to poach him."

His expression remained calm. "But it's nothing serious."

She had regretted leaving with him that night, especially after appearing before Harvey Weinstein while holding Matthew's hand...

That was why she had avoided being alone with Matthew for the past few days.

In truth, Matthew saw it all quite clearly. Anne Hathaway probably didn't even realize it herself, but her character was frustratingly inconsistent.

A woman with a stronger conviction would have either kept her distance entirely or pretended to know nothing at all.

Anne, on the other hand, was always trying to get the best of both worlds, which left her constantly wavering.

***

After shooting two scenes that morning, Matthew took advantage of the lunch break to enter Anne Hathaway's dressing room.

Ken Watanabe watched Matthew close the door behind him. He stood frozen in the hallway for a moment before, a short while later, he heard Anne Hathaway's cries from inside.

He let out a long sigh and headed toward his own dressing room at the end of the hall.

How could he possibly compete with Matthew Horner? As a man who came from humble beginnings, born without a silver spoon in his mouth, how could he hope to steal a woman from someone of Horner's stature?

Besides, if he got on Matthew Horner's bad side, he was sure that all sorts of unnecessary trouble would start materializing for him in Hollywood.

***

Filming resumed that afternoon. Many people on the crew shot knowing glances at Matthew, but he was completely unfazed. It wasn't the first time something like this had happened on set, and he had, after all, waited until their break.

Even the director, Christopher Nolan, said nothing.

"Doesn't that bother you?" Emma Thomas whispered as her husband finished directing the scene and returned to his monitor.

"It's a bad look for the production."

Christopher Nolan glanced at Matthew and Anne Hathaway and said, "What's it to us? You've heard what kind of man Matthew Horner is."

Emma shook her head and replied, "A playboy."

"He hasn't disrupted the work schedule," Christopher Nolan said, taking his wife's hand gently. "Just pretend you didn't notice."

"Chris," Emma said, clearly not fond of Matthew, "I've always wondered why you cast him."

"You know why," Nolan murmured.

Emma Thomas shook her head and sighed. Of course, she knew why her husband had chosen Matthew Horner.

"The Dark Knight" had launched Christopher Nolan to an unprecedented career high. It wasn't just a box office smash; the film had also earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.

But what comes after a peak is often a decline. "Inception" would inevitably draw comparisons to "The Dark Knight," especially when it came to the box office.

For their investor, Warner Bros., the bottom line was always the most important consideration.

Casting Matthew Horner was the best way to mitigate the commercial risk.

Furthermore, she knew that Nolan wanted to secure the highest degree of directorial power. Warner Bros. had allowed him to serve as both director and producer, forgoing the usual checks and balances a separate producer would provide. And casting Matthew Horner as the male lead had been the key to that arrangement.

Only if "Inception" was a massive commercial success could the pair continue with their "director-as-lead-producer" model.

Then Nolan would be able to make any film he wanted.

In a business like this, everyone had their own interests to look after.

Matthew was no exception; he had taken on this film partly because

"Inception" was a key factor in defining their future partnership.

Their collaboration was mutually beneficial.

Soon, filming began, and Matthew continued shooting his scenes with Anne Hathaway.