“You need to focus.” I nudged him. “Titles of Jonathan Follweiler films… go.”
He rambled three titles; I listed twelve more from memory.
“I printed out all his work,” I said, unfolding the papers I had in my purse.
“Let’s see, television credits… Director and Producer of City Pulse, Director of Original Stories of Trouble and 13 Lies – all of which are current projects. He has never received an Academy Award, but he was nominated in 2004 for two - Best Picture and Best Directing for The Wandering Road. Oh, and his film Safe Distance grossed 200 million.”
I flipped the paper to the next sheet. “Last project was the film Nefarious Hearts which premiered back in May.”
I proceeded to quiz Ryan all the way to the restaurant. Again the cameras clicked the minute we stepped out of the limo, but our bodyguard moved us quickly into the building.
It was quite intimidating being the only female at a table of four very powerful men. I took the first seat next to Mr. Follweiler; he looked the least intimidating and most friendly out of the selection.
Even though I received a warm welcome I couldn’t help but feel like they expected me to be a brainless bimbo; the stereotypical famous actor girlfriend that was just arm-candy. Their conversations conveniently omitted me from participating, so I sat quietly and observed. I noticed that none of them even bothered to ask for a response from me.
Ryan tried to be accommodating by smiling in my direction every once and a while, but he looked just as uncomfortable as I felt. I had a feeling that this was going to happen, so I kept a few aces up my sleeve just in case.
Ryan’s agent, Aaron, was just what I expected; forceful, powerful, quite arrogant, and a know-it-all. He knew everyone in this town and was definitely one of its strongest players. I sensed when he looked at Ryan that he saw nothing more than a juicy cash cow in front of him. Ryan was the meat behind his creative manipulations. Ryan’s manager, David, on the other hand, spent a great deal of time adjusting his Rolex on his wrist and checking out the short skirts and big breasts that passed by every twelve seconds.
I noticed a lull in the conversation and took advantage of it.“Mr. Follweiler, I just want to congratulate you.” My words came out nervously as I spoke quietly to him. “I read that your film Nefarious Hearts might get several Academy nods, including best picture. How very exciting!” I smiled politely.
“Thank you! I’m exceptionally proud of that film.” He adjusted his position to face me. “Did you have an opportunity to see it?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes sir, I did! Although I must apologize that I was only able to see it once it was released on DVD. I’m sorry I didn’t contribute to your opening numbers, but regardless I thought it was fabulous.”
He smiled at me and shifted his weight to lean in my direction, setting his glass of bourbon down to place an inquisitive finger near his mouth.
“So tell me dear, what was it about the film that you really liked?”
Ryan squirmed in his chair. I could feel his paranoia, but I was prepared with witty small talk. I sensed right away that this was his test; John was calling me out to see if I had really seen the film or if I was lying through my teeth.
“I was very intrigued by the character development - how all the principal characters were introduced in flashbacks? That was very inventive. It really captured my attention. I must admit that I was taken with the main character Giles right away. Oh, the feelings that he invoked in me! I didn’t know if I wanted to love him or despise him!” I politely chuckled. “But in the end, of course, I couldn’t help but root for him! And that’s why your film was recognized by the Academy. I thought Gerard did a phenomenal job in the role as well.”
Little did anyone at this table know, I had just watched the movie two weeks ago while I was still recovering from bronchitis and I had read several published reviews to obtain the bullshit that just rolled out of my mouth. The movie actually confused the heck out of me at some points.
Jonathan nodded his head and smiled widely at me. We continued to have a discussion on the film’s cast, until his head and attention tilted in Ryan’s direction. “And you, Ryan? Did you by chance get to see my last work?”
Ryan kicked me in the foot as he straightened up in his seat and adjusted his shirt collar. I looked over at Ryan lovingly, knowing full well he had not seen the film nor prepared for this meeting. David looked away, pretending to be distracted.
“Ryan?” I beamed. “Would you mind if I told him the story?” I ran the tip of my finger down my nose then gently rubbed my painted fingernails under my chin.