Hugo began to recall the image of the male lead in "Sleepless in Seattle." Tom Hanks imbued this character with many qualities, such as steadiness and stability. But what was the character of Sam, the male lead, like in the story?After Sam married his wife, he was devoted to her and took care of his family. After having a son, he was a kind father and a considerate husband; he was, in fact, a typical image of an ideal American patriarch. Even after his wife passed away, Sam still yearned for her, sad but strong, lonely but independent, carefully raising his son, yet believing he would never find anyone like his wife again in his life—a loving, considerate, and humorous image was instantly established.So, what aspects of Sam's character did Hugo align with, and what did he deviate from? Hugo had no problem with the image of a loving good man and good husband. However, the part about being a kind father was a chasm for Hugo, and this was Hugo's weakest link when compared to Tom Hanks.However, Hugo's thoughts had already expanded at this point. He couldn't help but think that not all fathers would be as kind, steady, and warm as the Sam portrayed by Tom Hanks. There are countless types of fathers in the world; Tom Hanks represented one type, but there must be others. So, if he were to become a father, what kind of image would he project?The father figures in Hugo's impression were mostly taciturn, serious, not good at expressing their true emotions, and shouldering the entire family, which also made communication between fathers and children relatively difficult. If it were Hugo, he wouldn't want to be such a father; he would communicate with his child. Even if it wasn't smooth, he would try; even if he couldn't be friends with his child, he would still make an effort.So, what would Sam, played by Hugo, be like? A twenty-five-year-old with an eight-year-old child certainly doesn't fit the movie's setting. How about thirty? With makeup, it is indeed possible to achieve the effect of a thirty-year-old, and given all the ups and downs Hugo has experienced, playing a thirty-year-old man, though challenging, is not a major problem.So, Sam must have met his wife in high school. After dating for many years, they chose to marry after graduating from college, and they had their child, Jonah, in their first year of marriage. The couple supported each other, living a simple yet happy life. Although there were arguments and disagreements in their everyday lives, they persevered. Unfortunately, his wife's death meant Sam couldn't walk with her until the very end.His longing for his wife caused Sam to pour all his emotions into his child. He made his child the center of his life but couldn't hide his inner disappointment and loneliness. In front of Jonah, Sam tried his best to act normal, taking on both the father and mother roles, but he still couldn't fill the void left by his wife. Perhaps Sam might have tried to start a new relationship, but he couldn't find a soulmate. For Sam, "no one could be as perfect as my wife," which made him miss his wife even more.Hugo could play such a character. Why not? Although Hugo had not raised a child or become a father, the most important qualities of a father are a sense of responsibility, family values, maturity, and rationality, and Hugo does not lack these. Hugo also had a unique understanding of the father-son relationship, especially after his argument with his father, Adam, this past Christmas. Hugo truly had many feelings about it.If Hugo were to star in "Sleepless in Seattle," where would the differences lie compared to Sam played by Tom Hanks? Tom's maturity and steadiness were evident from his appearance to his demeanor. However, due to Hugo's "disadvantage" in appearance, he would be more like a young father, emphasizing a devoted and youthful image, and his actions would be more dynamic. Perhaps, in addition to being less expressive, he might also add a touch of romance.At this point, Hugo understood why Rob thought he was suitable for the widower role in "Sleepless in Seattle." The steadiness and meticulousness Hugo displayed in "A Few Good Men" conveyed a sense of trustworthiness that belied his appearance. Moreover, Hugo's own efforts, his understanding of the role, and his focus during work were even more convincing. Therefore, Rob believed that Hugo would imbue Sam, the widower, with more charm, and make him even more compelling in "Sleepless in Seattle," a story with a strong fairy-tale quality.After clarifying his thoughts, Hugo couldn't help but smile. If both Rob and Joseph had confidence in him, then why should he not believe in himself? Of course, there was no reason.Giving up before trying, and self-negating before making an effort, was not Hugo's style. It was a fact that the role of Sam in "Sleepless in Seattle" presented difficulties, challenges, and a gap, but Hugo was not incapable of taking it on. He could completely integrate his interpretation of Sam into the role, create a unique Sam, and tell a slightly different "Sleepless in Seattle."So, Hugo decided to give it a try! If, after his efforts, Nora still thought he wasn't suitable for the role, Hugo would accept the outcome because it would mean he wasn't yet ready for further development. He would then continue to strive tirelessly to become an even better actor.Perhaps, "Sleepless in Seattle" was an opportunity, a challenge, different from the challenge of "The Firm." If Hugo continued to play the lawyer role in "The Firm," he might feel more confident, but there would be no breakthrough. However, "Sleepless in Seattle" offered more possibilities for Hugo's acting career.Of course, Hugo had not yet auditioned for either of these two films, and the results were still unknown, but Hugo had already made up his mind. He would do his utmost to strive for it. Even if playing a widower at the young and vigorous age of twenty-five was an incredibly difficult challenge, Hugo would not give up easily.From his initial, almost automatic rejection upon hearing the proposal to his current change of mind and decision to embrace the challenge, Hugo's thoughts had undergone a tumultuous journey. This also made Hugo seriously ponder a profound question for the first time: What kind of actor do I truly want to be?"Joseph, I've decided to give it a try," Hugo said, "not just because it's an opportunity Rob introduced, but because I want to challenge myself.""But, is this role really suitable for you?" Now it was Joseph who became uncertain. He was not only worried about this but also about the script. "Is this story really suitable for you? Will it hinder your acting career? You know, you've never starred in a romance film before... Maybe after you star in one, you'll become a 'pretty face' actor in the future, God!"Chick flicks are a very special genre of film. In the long history of Hollywood, countless actresses have gained recognition through chick flicks, but male actors are few and far between. Firstly, male actors often have less significant roles in chick flicks, and secondly, once male actors are relegated to being pretty faces, it's very difficult for them to make a comeback. Female pretty faces still have a large male audience, but the target audience for male pretty faces only began to be developed in the second decade of the twenty-first century, when female audiences began to receive attention.So, Joseph's worries were not unfounded. Hugo already had a handsome face, making it easy for people to pigeonhole him as a pretty face. Hugo had finally carved out a niche for himself with "A Few Good Men" and "Scent of a Woman." What if all his efforts were ruined by a chick flick? What then?Joseph was worried, truly worried.Hugo was also a bit hesitant after listening to Joseph, because he also didn't know what kind of actor he would become in the future; it was too distant a matter. But then, Hugo reaffirmed his idea, "Joseph, I don't know what kind of actor I want to be now, nor do I know what kind of actor I can become in the future, because it's too big a question. No one can see the future." Even someone who has transmigrated is like that; they can't see their own future."But now, I want to first become an actor who dares to challenge myself. So, I want to give it a try. Even if Nora doesn't think highly of me, I still want to try my best. Perhaps, through continuous attempts and failures, we will find a future direction," Hugo said firmly, which gradually calmed Joseph down, but he still looked at Hugo with uncertainty.Hugo continued, "The script for'Sleepless in Seattle' isn't a simple romance film; the male character also plays an important leading role in it. What's more, the male lead isn't just a pretty face; he's a widower, a man with a family, a child, depth, and a past. This role is not simple; on the contrary, it's very challenging."At this point, Hugo paused, and Joseph finally emerged from the swamp of pessimism, his eyes gradually regaining clarity. "Nora doesn't think I'm suitable; in fact, I didn't think I could do it at first either. But, without trying, how can we draw a conclusion? As you just said, perhaps this is an opportunity, an opportunity to break through myself. It wouldn't be difficult for me to continue playing a lawyer; but for me to go from a student to a lawyer, and then to a widower, that's a huge leap. If I can succeed, that would be a tremendous opportunity...""But what if you fail?" Joseph's brows still held a faint worry. In truth, the main reason was his own insufficient understanding of the role of an agent, so he could only feel his way forward. Hugo had finally had a brilliant 1992, and Joseph didn't want to ruin it all.Upon hearing this, Hugo laughed, "So what? At worst, I'll win another Golden Raspberry Award, and then we'll try again."Joseph was also amused by Hugo's cheerfulness. In truth, Joseph knew that if Hugo won another Golden Raspberry Award, he might not be lucky enough to rise again. But at this moment, Joseph didn't voice this worry, because he knew that, as Hugo said, Hugo's acting career was just beginning. If he were timid and fearful, then perhaps Hugo's height would remain just as it was.Although Hugo didn't know what kind of actor he wanted to be, or what kind of actor he could become, Joseph was certain that he would definitely not stop there."Alright, then we'll try again when the time comes!" For some reason, Joseph felt an unprecedented confidence in Hugo.
