Made In Hollywood

"George is the mentor who inspired my filmmaking journey. When I was under ten, I often visited the Star Wars sets," Duke said, standing in the media reception hall. He looked at George Lucas beside him and continued speaking to the reporters surrounding them. "It was George who created those magical scenes that ignited my passion for filmmaking, which led me to eventually enroll in the California Institute of the Arts..."

This was part of the promotional efforts for two films, and Duke was generous in his praise for Lucas. George Lucas, in turn, also expressed admiration.

"Since 1995, I've been trying to convince Duke to direct the new Star Wars film, but I wasn't successful."

At the astonished gazes of the reporters, Lucas continued, "Until I saw the script for 'The Matrix,' I finally understood why Duke turned down Star Wars. I believe he is making a great sci-fi film, creating a world unique to him. Once the film is released next year, it will surely mark the beginning of a new era for science fiction films!"

"A groundbreaking sci-fi film is being born!"

After Lucas finished speaking, he and Duke left the media reception hall and passed a hallway to enter a smaller party room. This was the space for the core cast and crew, and because most people were still in the media hall promoting the film and themselves, only a few behind-the-scenes staff members were present.

Sitting at a table, Duke couldn't help but shake his head and said to George Lucas, "You're praising me too much."

"I believe in your abilities," Lucas responded confidently. "You've never let anyone down."

Duke could only smile and changed the subject, bringing up Star Wars' production.

"I think the few months of waiting were definitely worth it!"

The conversation shifted to the film's female lead, Padmé Amidala. Lucas was obviously pleased with the young Jewish actress playing the role. "In the film, Queen Amidala is only fourteen years old but is already a successful politician. Although there are many talented young actresses in Hollywood, we all know, Duke, that it's difficult to find someone with a youthful appearance who can also express the queen's mature and wise demeanor. Natalie's performance far exceeded my expectations."

"I've seen her in 'Léon' and 'Heat,'" Duke suddenly thought of the future, "I have to admit, she's a brilliant actress. But, George, have you thought about who to cast as the adult Anakin Skywalker? If the young actor's performance is lacking, he will be completely overshadowed by her, throwing the film off balance and affecting how audiences perceive the couple."

The relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequels was one of the most well-known yet mismatched pairs on screen. The Canadian actor portraying Anakin was often considered woefully inadequate compared to Natalie Portman's performance.

Lucas nodded slightly, "It's not good when the female lead is too outstanding."

He frowned. "Male actors typically mature later. Even a recognized acting genius like Daniel Day-Lewis didn't fully blossom until after thirty. It's difficult to find a young actor with great skill..."

Duke shrugged. Finding a suitable actor was Lucas's problem.

Even if he couldn't find one, it wouldn't matter much. The Star Wars franchise had an influence that Duke could never have imagined. As long as it was a high-budget Star Wars production, it would attract plenty of viewers.

Noticing an actor entering the party room, Duke left his table and walked over to a slender girl who seemed thirsty. She walked straight to the bar and ordered a glass of juice.

"Hi, Nat."

Duke greeted her while sitting down on a nearby stool. Natalie Portman turned and smiled, "Hi, Duke."

"I'll have a martini, thanks."

After placing his order, Duke asked Natalie, "Why are you back so soon?"

Natalie casually replied, "I'm not of legal drinking age yet, and I don't want the media to bother me too much. They're so annoying."

Duke raised an eyebrow. Natalie continued, "They only asked a few questions about the movie, then kept asking if I had a boyfriend at school..."

She shrugged. "Some reporters even asked if I was a virgin!"

Clearly irritated, Natalie took a big sip of her juice and muttered angrily, "I'm not Drew Barrymore or Kirsten Dunst!"

"It's normal. You'll get used to it," Duke said, setting his glass down. "If they didn't ask those questions, they wouldn't be entertainment reporters."

The sixteen-year-old girl suddenly had a thought and asked, "Duke, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

Duke, initially puzzled, then grinned. "It's an honor to be questioned by such a genius like you."

Natalie raised her eyebrows and looked at him again before asking, "How do you deal with reporters when they ask you those kinds of questions?"

"I mean..." she deliberately shifted the topic. "Magazines and the media often talk about you and other actresses... Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it..."

"It's fine."

Since she had already mentioned it, there was no harm in admitting it. Duke raised an eyebrow, "Just ignore them, because no matter what you say, what appears in the newspapers or magazines will either be completely unrelated to what you originally said or will be exaggerated a hundred times."

"I've always liked your movies."

The clever girl seemed to subtly warn Duke while smoothing over their conversation, "I went to see 'Independence Day' when you were shooting in Central Park."

"I regret not meeting you back then," Duke chuckled. "I've always liked the character of Mathilda."

He snapped his fingers at the bartender behind the bar. "Make a drink suitable for a girl."

Turning back to Natalie, he added, "I'll get you a drink to make up for that missed opportunity."

Natalie picked up her half-finished juice. "Sorry, I think this is more suitable for me. I'm not yet eighteen."

"No reporters will come in here..."

When the bartender delivered the drink, Duke slid it over to Natalie. "It's just a sweet drink, nothing too strong. You haven't had a drink yet, right?"

In North America, it was almost unthinkable for a sixteen-year-old girl to have never had alcohol.

"I..." Natalie hesitated before finally saying, "I'll just taste it."

She picked up the glass, took a small sip, and seemed to find it fine. She then took another sip.

"How does it taste?" Duke asked.

"It's sweeter than the pear wine I've had before..."

At that point, Natalie suddenly covered her mouth and looked at Duke with wide eyes. She seriously said, "You can't tell anyone, especially not my mom or my agent!"

Duke quickly nodded. "It's our secret."

Whether in the East or West, alcohol was often used as a tool to bring people closer.

"What about your mom?" Duke glanced around. "I haven't seen her."

"I made a lot of promises," Natalie said, taking another sip from her glass. "That's why she stayed in the room. I'm not some clueless kid."

"In every mother's eyes," Duke leaned in slightly, "her child will never grow up."

"Does Leah feel that way about you?" Natalie raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Duke nodded. He casually added, "My mom always says I'm too childish."

"Childish?" Natalie gave him a suspicious once-over.

She wasn't an innocent, naive girl. She had heard some things from her agent, especially regarding issues between the agent and CAA and Mel Gibson, which her agent used as typical lessons. If someone as experienced as Duke were truly innocent, then Hollywood would be full of angels.

"My mom always says I love to fantasize, and that some of those fantasies are unrealistic." Duke knew she wouldn't believe this right away, so he quickly added, "But she always encourages me to turn those childish ideas into movies."

"I see." Natalie nodded.

Aside from the necessary socializing, Duke spent most of the time talking with Natalie. This girl was quite different from other actresses in the industry. Whether it was a strategy from her agency or her own choice, she rarely socialized, appearing to be an oddity among the actresses.

The party wasn't over yet when the two left the room, walking toward the elevator.

"Although we're staying in the same hotel," Duke asked as they walked toward the elevator, "I rarely see you."

"I spend most of my time in my room," Natalie kept a respectable distance from him. "I still have schoolwork to do. I don't want to give up my education for acting."

As they entered the elevator, someone came out. Duke quickly entered and, after Natalie followed, asked, "What floor is your room on?"

"I can handle it myself."

Natalie came over, pressed the button, then stepped back. "Duke!"

"Mm?"

Duke turned to her, and the girl's face was flushed. It seemed the drink had made her slightly tipsy. "Why are you following me?" she asked, then firmly added, "I won't let you into my room, so don't even think about it!"

"Hey, darling!"

Duke shook his head. They were in Sydney, and Natalie was only sixteen. "I'm just tired. I want to go rest."

"Also..." he suddenly stepped forward, using his height advantage, "don't you want to see what's different about me when I'm directing with George? You can always come to watch."

When the elevator door opened, Duke exited first, not looking back as he walked toward his room.

.....

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