"Wow, first question, huh?" Anson teased, "Nicholas, you really don't waste any time, do you?"
Unlike other reporters, Nicholas Flynn wasn't interviewing Anson for the first or second time. He was already used to it and responded with ease, shrugging lightly. "Hey, there are a lot of people waiting in line behind me. I'm already public enemy number one and don't want to get surrounded when I leave. Tick-tock, tick-tock."
Instantly, the atmosphere lightened up.
Anson also smiled broadly and stopped joking around, focusing on Nicholas. "Sorry, I need to correct you on that."
"I don't see this as a completely different attempt or a subversion that breaks expectations."
"In my view, the biggest highlight of being an actor is that it offers an opportunity and a platform that allows you to take risks, to try, and to explore. This exploration might be about the world or about yourself. Every role is an adventure."
"So, from that perspective, the role of Anson is no different from previous ones."
"Of course, in a way, I understand what you mean."
"The biggest difference with this role is that he's just an ordinary person, a truly ordinary person. He's not a hero who saves the world by taking off his glasses, nor is he a super handsome guy who looks unnoticed on the surface but is actually full of charm."
Haha, hahaha.
He teased, joked, and self-deprecated.
Anson exuded a kind of confidence and lightness from within. Not only Nicholas but also Gus and the other staff members chuckled softly.
Emmanuel watched Anson, unable to look away.
A white linen shirt, khaki cargo pants, and the shirt sleeves rolled up casually, paired with white canvas shoes—he exuded elegance and vitality in his carefree manner. His black curly hair hung down lazily. More than the outfit itself, it was his ease and charm as he stepped onto the Cannes Film Festival's main competition stage for the first time. This relaxed demeanor effortlessly captured everyone's attention.
Involuntarily, she pressed the shutter.
"I understand that actors want to show their most perfect selves on the big screen, including myself. After all, it's the big screen where pores might be magnified ten times so every viewer can see the health of your hair follicles. I don't think it's easy to keep a calm mind."
Laughter erupted, unstoppable.
"But I've always been trying to convince myself that what appears on screen is another person, another life. I should let go of my obsessions about how I look and focus on the character."
"If my focus is always on Anson Wood's image—whether he's handsome or can become the dream lover of countless people—it means I'm not that character. I'm fake. There's a gap between me and the character. In the end, what's shown on the big screen is me repeatedly, Anson Wood trying hard to perform and hide his true self."
"Such a performance is fake."
"More importantly, that's not why I became an actor."
"God, if I wanted to maintain my current image, I shouldn't have continued being an actor, because there are too many traps here. A slight mistake can ruin your perfect image."
Hahaha.
The audience burst into laughter like thunder, but Anson remained calm, looking as if he didn't understand why everyone was laughing, which made the laughter even wilder.
"So, when the opportunity for 'The Elephant' came my way, I wasn't considering the movie's scale or genre. Instead, it was a new attempt, a chance to approach a story from a different perspective and show people another side of the story."
"It's an interesting adventure, and I'm very grateful that the director let me be a part of it."
When the whole of Hollywood was sarcastically mocking Anson for having ulterior motives, they didn't realize they were judging him with a narrow mind. The Hollywood vanity fair is so accustomed to measuring everything by profit that they forget a small part of people still have their own pursuits beyond profit.
Like an innocent heart.
Of course, the Hollywood vanity fair isn't that naive or foolish. It's entirely possible that Anson's statement was orchestrated by PR people behind the scenes, with publicists and "The New York Times" working together, with pre-prepared questions and answers delivered through Anson's mouth—fully utilizing Cannes to shed Anson's "pretty face" label.
So, really, there's no need to make a fuss.
Is this possible?
Emmanuel wasn't going to deny the possibility, but the point is, does the public buy it?
At least she does. She could see the sincerity in Anson's eyes, as well as the excitement and enthusiasm behind his eloquence.
That passion almost burns the soul.
Even Emmanuel, a battle-hardened veteran, was willing to listen intently, with great interest.
Nicholas felt the same way.
His smile widened. He knew Anson was trying to steer the conversation toward Gus and even Alex and Eric since this was an ensemble film, with no real lead.
But Nicholas couldn't help himself.
The reason is Anson. Nicholas had tried to understand Anson and had learned quite a bit. However, today, Anson surprised him again. After exploring the path of acting, Anson is growing and maturing. This actor in front of him—Nicholas wanted to dig deeper into his story.
So.
Even though Nicholas caught the subtext in Anson's words, he pretended not to notice, staring at Anson and continuing to dig further.
"In the film world, you're still a newcomer. 'The Elephant' is only your fourth released film. Of course, I'm looking forward to future developments."
"But what's interesting is that you don't seem to insist too much on the role. In 'The Princess Diaries,' you played a small supporting role, your first role. Yet, when 'The Elephant' came along, 'Spider-Man' had already achieved box office success, and you had worked with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. You still chose this role."
"No disrespect to the director, but what I mean is, it's a minor role. Among the kids in the film, you're not even the most important one."
After asking, Nicholas looked at Gus to apologize.
Gus didn't mind and gave a smile, then turned to Anson. "Honestly, I'm curious too."
Anson groaned, "Director..."
A groan of protest.
Amidst the laughter, Gus remained unfazed. "I'm listening. You must answer well."
Haha, the laughter grew even louder.
Anson spread his hands, looking like he had no will to live.
"There are no small actors, only small parts. Although this may sound idealistic, I always choose to believe it."
"Indeed, when people watch a movie or a play or read a novel, their focus is often on the protagonist. But we all know, without supporting roles, there would be no story. This isn't a cliché; it's a fact."
"Likewise, the more exciting the villain, the better the movie. That's also a fact."