Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 240: State Fluctuation

This kitchen argument is the most crucial scene in "Like Crazy," not because it leads to the story's conclusion, but because it encapsulates the film's core essence.

In truth, Jacob and Anna still deeply love each other—so deeply that Jacob continually flies to London, tirelessly striving despite Sam's love for him. He remains drawn to Anna. Anna still feels jealousy, insecurity, and longing, almost breaking down when the bracelet Jacob gave her accidentally breaks.

Their love is so intense that it consumes all their energy. Even separated by the Atlantic, they strive to be close. Physical exhaustion evolves into mental fatigue. They lack the strength to argue and gradually forget the goals they initially pursued.

So, what are they doing?

Would things be simpler if they chose to give up? Anna could build a life with Simon in London, and Jacob could run his furniture studio with Sam, severing ties completely. Life might become easier. Jacob wouldn't need to shuttle between cities, and Anna wouldn't have to beg for a visa. Their lives could be smoother—Anna could focus on her journalism career, and Jacob could concentrate on designing furniture and expanding his business.

Every rational thought in their minds screams they should give up. They still love each other but have also begun to resent each other.

People often think love and hate are opposites, but they realize that love and hate are intertwined, inseparable. The deeper the love, the deeper the hate. When love and hate merge, what keeps them going?

This is the theme of "Like Crazy": Anna and Jacob still love each other but also have companions by their sides. How should they choose? Love or companionship? Or, more fundamentally, is love about passion or companionship?

This argument scene requires not just tension and sparks but also complex emotional changes. Every line and glance hides countless emotions. But Renly and Felicity's earlier performances fell short.

Renly knows the difficulty of this scene well.

In the previous life, this scene wasn't well-acted. Both leads failed to convey the lines and emotions properly. They only showed the surface conflict without delving into their inner struggles, doubts, and confrontations. As a result, the emotional impact was weakened.

This time, however, Drake has higher expectations for the film. The previous high-quality shoots have unearthed the script's deeper meanings. The emotions have accumulated to a tipping point, so he naturally expects the actors to deliver outstanding performances, igniting all the chemistry and elevating the film to a new level.

Renly's state isn't good—an unprecedented, first-time occurrence.

Renly's grasp of the emotions isn't precise enough. What is Jacob's mindset? Is there an emotional connection beyond work between him and Sam? Is Jacob more guilty or angry when faced with Anna's questioning? And what is his reaction to Anna's suspicion, especially later when he discovers the issues between Anna and Simon?

If Renly's understanding isn't thorough, how can he portray it?

So far, in his three films, including all previous shoots of "Like Crazy," Renly has never felt this way. Is this his first bottleneck in acting? Or is it just a temporary block? After all, every actor experiences fluctuations in their state.

Renly tries to clear his thoughts but finds it difficult. His previously orderly mind seems chaotic. "Or maybe this feeling is exactly Jacob's?" Renly ponders, but his thoughts remain blocked and inexplicable. This feeling is truly terrible, and Renly can't help feeling a bit irritable.

"Renly, can we talk?" Felicity stops Renly as he stands up, "I don't feel right, really not right."

Felicity honestly admits that in the previous scene, if Renly's performance was flawed, hers was outright terrible. Her lines felt like an out-of-body experience, and her acting was so stiff and awkward that it was unbearable to watch.

Felicity feels unable to sort out such complex emotions or resonate with Anna's feelings. So, she needs to talk to Renly—not just because he is her partner, but because he is a more outstanding actor than she is.

Renly rubs his temples, "Okay, but... I need to talk to Drake first. If you want, you can join me." Renly gives a wry smile, "My head is a bit foggy, and a conversation might help."

"Ha. Same here." Felicity laughs, "Let's go find Drake together."

They approach the monitor where Drake is reviewing the previous scene. They must admit, the scene is still up to average standards. For Drake's earlier standards, it would be usable and screen-worthy. But after experiencing the recent high-quality work, Drake's expectations have risen, and he needs more from the actors.

"Drake," Renly interrupts Drake's review, directly posing a question, "During this time, nothing happened between Jacob and Sam, right?"

In the past, Renly's statements would be assertive, but today it comes out as a question. Drake notices Renly's off-state but doesn't inquire further. He nods affirmatively, "Yes, nothing happened between Jacob and Sam after Jacob married Anna." Is this Jacob's story, or is it Drake's story?

Renly nods thoughtfully. That's why Jacob is so angry and irritable. The terrifying reality is that Jacob realizes the bond of trust between him and Anna has been severed. They start to doubt and question each other. Behind their arguments lies a harsher truth.

Jacob knows that even if he convinces Anna now, it's only temporary. Future incidents, a phone call, a glance, a trivial matter, might trigger the suppressed doubts again.

"And something did happen between Anna and Simon, right?" Felicity also seeks confirmation. After receiving Drake's affirmative answer, Felicity falls silent. She now somewhat understands Anna's inner anxiety and unease. It's not just about Jacob and Sam, but also about her betrayal. She starts doubting herself, regretting, even hating herself, but she doesn't know what to do.

This reminds her of the conversation before Jacob first left London. Jacob told her he felt like an outsider. Now, she has become the outsider in Jacob's life.

Felicity suddenly falls silent. She can feel Anna's deep despair and pain. But when did things start going wrong? She tries to recall those clues. What were Jacob's emotional cues then? How did Renly interpret them?

Felicity looks up at Renly, "Do you think we still love each other?" This question is strange—Felicity is part of the couple, why ask "we"?

But Renly understands immediately. Felicity is asking about Jacob and Anna, "Yes, we still love each other deeply." Renly rubs his temples again, wishing he had a cigarette. He searches his pockets but remembers he's in costume—Jacob doesn't carry cigarettes. "But sometimes, love can't solve all problems."

"So, is it the distance?" Felicity asks.

"No. It's just life." Renly answers again, the faint sorrow and helplessness evident. Is this also Jacob's feeling? Feeling suffocated but not knowing what's oppressing him.

He can't stay here any longer; it's unbearably stifling. "Drake, I need five minutes."

With that, Renly ignores the astonished looks and quickly leaves the small apartment, sprinting down the stairs and along the street. He finds a coffee shop a block away, buys a cigarette, and sticks one in his mouth, finally calming down. The crisp autumn air in London also helps.

He needs to breathe some fresh air.

He lowers his head, clearing all thoughts from his mind. Despite sporadic flashes of Jacob's images and memories, the suffocating feeling fades, which is a good sign.

Walking along the street, Renly slowly strolls. He needs calm first, then thinking. Taking a deep breath, the refreshing cool air of early autumn revitalizes him.

He sees two figures in the distance, standing below the apartment building, looking around as if searching for an address. Then they spot Renly, and Renly sees them too. He stops about twenty steps away.

But the two people don't mind. The petite, well-proportioned woman raises her right hand, waves gently, and smiles warmly, "Long time no see, Renly."