This time, Hugo also noticed the change in Nicholas. At first, he had worried that today's interview would be filled with difficulties, with Nicholas constantly trying to trip him up. But the interview process turned out to be unexpectedly smooth. He didn't even feel like it was an interview—it was more like chatting with a friend. He even said many things he hadn't planned beforehand. And Nicholas—he seemed very friendly today.
When Nicholas finished his last sentence, even he couldn't help but laugh at himself. Originally he wanted to give Hugo a little affirmation, but after saying it he realized this style really didn't suit him. That left him slightly embarrassed, forcing him to hide it with a smile. "So, if there were a chance to release an album, would you be willing?" Nicholas quickly shifted the subject, continuing his interview.
Hugo also regained his calm. In his eyes, Nicholas transformed back from a friend into a journalist. At that moment, his coffee was finally brought over—just as Nicholas had said, the wait for coffee really was very long. So Hugo didn't answer immediately, but instead took his first sip right away. The coffee was medium roast, carrying a soft acidity, but compared to the bitterness Hugo was used to, it was heavier. On his first sip, his brows knit instinctively, but once the aroma bloomed across his taste buds, that tart sweetness left him intoxicated.
Hugo guessed this must be blended on the basis of Brazilian coffee beans, though he wasn't sure, since he couldn't really be called an expert yet. "Sugar or milk?" Joseph, sitting to the side, frowned at the cup of pitch-black coffee and asked proactively.
Hugo shook his head. "I'm planning to savor it a bit more." Actually, Hugo wasn't accustomed to drinking black coffee. But today this cup had a fresh flavor. He wanted to try a few more sips before adding sugar and milk—so as not to waste the barista's hard work.
"I'd guess it's Brazilian. I'll have to ask the barista later," Hugo casually said to Nicholas. Since both of them were interested in coffee, exchanging thoughts was a nice choice. As expected, Nicholas looked over with curiosity. "About the question you just asked—an album. Yes, if there were a chance, I think it would be hard for me to refuse. The problem is, who would actually want to sign me?"
Hugo's counter-question made Nicholas laugh. "That depends on how far-reaching the influence of A Few Good Men turns out to be." At present, A Few Good Men had just premiered, and already the news of Hugo singing the ending song had created such a stir. If its influence expanded further, record companies approaching him wouldn't be strange at all.
"Before the film was released, did you anticipate the opening numbers?" Nicholas carried on with another topic.
"No, of course not." Hugo shook his head briskly. Right now, all he felt was the aroma of coffee filling his mouth, as if he could taste the beans themselves. It was truly wonderful. "A courtroom drama—even if I was very certain it was an outstanding work—I still wouldn't dare to make such bold predictions."
Fifth place for opening weekend box office all year—that figure was indeed too bold.
"You were very certain it was an outstanding work?" Nicholas caught the key phrase and repeated it. Hugo nodded in affirmation, so Nicholas asked again, "Why? Why were you so confident in the film?"
Of course, Hugo couldn't say it was because he had traveled through time. But time travel had no direct link with A Few Good Men anyway. In truth, his impression of Scent of a Woman was far deeper than of A Few Good Men. "You know, an excellent script, an excellent director, a group of excellent actors—what more could we hope for from a film?"
"During filming, Jack's help meant a lot to me. Though his time on set wasn't very long, his acting left me with a very deep impression. I loved watching Jack act on set—it was a very special kind of enjoyment." Hugo deliberately mentioned Jack Nicholson. That was his favorite part of A Few Good Men: he had achieved a small breakthrough in acting.
Without having worked successively with Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson, it would have been difficult for Hugo to achieve such rapid progress in his acting. Of course, the experience he had accumulated before time travel was also important.
"I can picture what you're describing." Nicholas had no interest in the details of acting craft. Knowing Hugo's respect for Jack was enough. "Although you faced some difficulties earlier this year, afterwards you worked with two great actors, one after another."
"Of course, that's a great honor," Hugo said with a smile. He couldn't help but take another sip of coffee. This time, he was certain: the bitterness was indeed heavier. He ought to add a bit of milk.
"So, between Al and Jack, who do you think is more outstanding?" Nicholas asked, then flashed a sly smile. This was a classic journalist's trap question. Now it was up to Hugo to see how he would answer.
Hugo's hand, mid-pour of milk, paused for a moment before he revealed a wry smile. "You've given me a question that no one in the whole of America could answer." In truth, when it came to judging which actor was more outstanding or greater, that was entirely a matter of opinion. Neither awards nor works could define an actor's excellence; they could only serve as footnotes to success. "I think it would be far wiser to leave that question to time. I can hardly claim to be wiser than time itself."
Nicholas had expected Hugo to give a similar kind of answer—not the empty "they're both outstanding," but instead a cleverly evasive way of sidestepping. Yet Nicholas wasn't ready to let Hugo off so easily. "Oh no, give me an answer. You can only choose one."
"If you tell me who is more beautiful, Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, then I'll answer your question." Hugo tossed out another equally thorny question, leaving Nicholas instantly at a loss.
Meg and Julia were the reigning sweethearts of Hollywood in the late '80s and early '90s. From every angle, they were both the most popular actresses at the moment: equally beloved by fans, equal in Hollywood status, and equally strong in terms of works. To choose one winner between them, in 1992, was virtually impossible.
Nicholas had originally thought to simply pick one at random and press Hugo further—after all, he was the reporter, and since he was the one writing the article, he could simply cut out his own answer. But Hugo seemed to have seen through Nicholas's intent, shaking his head directly. "You'll have to put it in your article. I'll keep the evidence." That left Nicholas half laughing, half helpless.
"All right, I surrender." Nicholas knew he still had many tricks to deceive Hugo with, but Hugo's attitude made it clear—he wasn't going to give an answer. So rather than waste more time here, it was smarter to carry on with the interview. "After the success of A Few Good Men, what are your plans? Or, rather, what ideas do you have for your future acting career?"
The full meaning behind Nicholas's question was this: after the low point of Hudson Hawk, Hugo had finally staged a comeback through two films. Would he now be more cautious? Did he have more mature plans for the future?
Hugo thought for a moment. On this matter, he truly hadn't thought much, because before Scent of a Woman was released, he didn't even have the standing to consider such questions. Even now, many difficulties still lay before him. "I think the most important thing is to keep my feet on the ground, choose scripts wisely, and then focus on my acting—becoming a better and better actor."
"So what you mean is, compared to commercial films, you'd prefer to take on art films?" Nicholas interpreted Hugo's words according to his own thoughts. After the success of Dead Poets Society, Ron Meyer had arranged several heavily commercial films for Hugo. The results had been predictable—they all failed, sending Hugo plummeting to rock bottom.
"Oh no, of course not." Hugo laughed. "What I mean is that no matter what kind of film it is, the most important thing is focusing on my work as an actor. After all, right now, I don't exactly have too many options, do I?"
Nicholas revealed a meaningful smile. "Trust me, you have more options than you imagine." Though Hugo had already been in Hollywood for ten years, he was still only twenty-five. Planning out his acting career properly was both important and difficult. Nicholas knew Joseph was a rookie agent, and Hugo had a history of poor decisions. So the future was truly uncertain.
Still, at least for now, Hugo could enjoy the fruits of his harvest. The success of A Few Good Men had only just begun. "All right, thank you for your cooperation today. My interview ends here." Nicholas stood up once more, extending his right hand as a sign of friendliness.
Hugo also stood and clasped Nicholas's right hand. "You were very friendly today—far more than I imagined."
"Heh, of course, I've always been a friendly person." Nicholas knew exactly what Hugo was hinting at, but chose not to respond directly.
Unfortunately, Hugo wasn't about to let the chance slip by. "No, you weren't like this before. I've read your reports, remember?"
That made Nicholas laugh awkwardly. "Yes… well, that was just work. I wasn't targeting you personally, only trying to write good stories." In fact, Nicholas's impression of Hugo had also changed dramatically. After the Golden Raspberry Awards, Hugo seemed like an entirely different person. The success of the last two films had been earned solely through his own efforts. And today's conversation made Nicholas unexpectedly discover they had quite a lot in common. It truly had been a pleasant exchange.
So Nicholas added, "I think you can look forward to this interview report."
Hugo curled his lip. "Like looking forward to Los Angeles having a white Christmas?"
Faced with Hugo's humor, Nicholas couldn't help bursting out in laughter.
...
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