The Box Office King of Hollywood

During the filming, there were quite a few scenes involving the romance between Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. Unlike "The Scorpion King," which gets straight to the point with undressing scenes, "Pirates of the Caribbean" is more subtle. This subtlety brought Matthew some trouble, especially since the scale of romantic scenes in the film couldn't be too explicit. Not to mention, Keira Knightley was only seventeen years old. Although her mother wasn't with her on set all the time, she visited every few days.

After finishing the scenes at the Governor's mansion, Matthew temporarily left the set. There were no scenes involving him in the next two days. Since the pirate cave set in Studio 2 was still under construction, the crew planned to shoot on location, first in Long Island, New York, then in the Caribbean.

Matthew learned that in Long Island, some scenes involving the "Interceptor" would be shot.

The maritime consultant, Matt O'Connor, pulled some strings to rent a large old-fashioned sailing ship, the "Lady Washington," to stand in for the "Interceptor."

As for the "Black Pearl," the crew had already invested a considerable sum in constructing a prop ship in the Caribbean.

Additionally, the crew officially renamed "Pirates of the Caribbean" to "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," presumably to pave the way for sequels.

This is quite normal in Hollywood. Most major productions reserve the possibility of sequels, whether the original film succeeds or not. Successful movie sequels mean less risk and more profit for the studios and distributors.

Matthew was excited about filming in the Caribbean, renowned for its enchanting scenery. However, he was curious about something: what was the relationship between the Caribbean he knew and the Caribbean Sea?

While taking a break from his laborious work on the other side of the Pacific, Matthew had heard a story from a technician about the "Pirates of the Caribbean" and its confusion with another series.

The technician's computer contained dozens of romantic action movies from a certain island nation, unencrypted. One day, he showed his eight-year-old nephew "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." Recognizing the title, the nephew asked the technician to play the sequel the next day.

The following afternoon, the nephew secretly asked the technician why the "Pirates of the Caribbean" he found on the computer showed adults bathing instead of sailors fighting monsters like the technician's version.

Fortunately, the technician was quick-witted. He told the nephew that they had to bathe first because their clothes got dirty from fighting monsters, and only then would they film the sequel. The nephew believed him!

That technician was indeed clever!

Matthew had four days off, including the weekend when the crew intentionally took a break. However, he was used to a routine life; even without work, he wouldn't stay up late and would always go to bed before eleven, waking up around six-thirty for a fifteen-minute jog, followed by a regular workday.

On his first day off, Matthew took a box of videotapes to the Los Angeles Performing Arts School in North Hollywood to find David Astor and exchange them for new ones.

"No more, Matthew," David Astor said in his office, putting away the tapes and stroking his bald head. "You've seen all I have; there's nothing else."

It had been three years, and how many tapes could David have for this diligent guy to watch and practice?

"I've watched so many and practiced a lot," Matthew scratched his head sheepishly. "But my acting hasn't improved. Am I too dumb?"

David Astor shook his head. "You're wrong." He thought for a moment and said, "Matthew, I've been watching your films, especially since 'Band of Brothers.' I've seen 'The Mummy Returns,' 'Black Hawk Down,' 'The Scorpion King' more than once. Your performance in 'Black Hawk Down' and 'The Scorpion King' is clearly better than in 'The Mummy Returns,' and much more improved compared to Ronald Spiers, who had almost the same expression throughout. Haven't you felt that filming is becoming more comfortable?"

"Action scenes are indeed getting easier," muttered Matthew. "But the rest..."

He thought for a while and then added, "It seems to be getting a bit better."

"You've been improving all along," David Astor said. Though not very famous, as an experienced actor and a drama teacher, his judgment was still excellent. "But the progress is slow, limited by both your talent and the type of movies you're in."

Matthew understood what he meant. "David, are you saying that independent films are better for honing acting skills than commercial films?"

"Exactly." David Astor sighed lightly. "With your current skills, you can handle most commercial entertainers. These films don't require high acting prowess or explosive performances, and directors' demands are relatively low..."

He paused, looking up at Matthew. "But if you want greater development, you can't neglect your acting. Even Tom Cruise's acting isn't as bad as people criticize."

"Thanks for the advice, David," Matthew said, appreciating David's good intentions.

David Astor had never expected anything from him and was willing to help out of admiration.

"Matthew," David continued after a moment, "you're now famous and have chosen your path. Try to do your best. If you need help, just ask."

"I will," Matthew replied. "I still have a lot to learn in acting."

After helping David Astor place the tapes back on their shelves, Matthew said goodbye and left.

Walking through the yard of the Los Angeles Performing Arts School, Matthew looked back at the classroom he once attended. Through the window, he could faintly see people inside. Hollywood was indeed a place that never lacked newcomers.

Anyone, even an A-list star, would be surpassed by countless others if they stopped progressing.

As Matthew reached the school gate and considered attending acting classes again when he had time, his Nokia phone rang in his pocket.

He took it out and saw a long-lost number.

"Hello, Matthew Horner speaking," Matthew said tentatively. "Is that... Rachel?"

"Matthew!" The voice on the other end was clearly excited. "I just tried, not expecting you to still have the same number!"

"If I changed my number, how could you contact me?" Matthew joked. "I kept this number, always waiting for you to return."

"Hmph... hmph..." The voice chuckled. "You still have a way with words."

Remembering their times attending acting classes together, Matthew asked, "Where are you now? Canada? Or back in Los Angeles?"

"I'm back! That's why I'm contacting you. When are you free? Let's catch up."

"I'm free today," Matthew replied, checking his watch. "I have a couple of days off. Are you available now? I'll treat you to lunch."

There was a brief pause on the other end before the voice replied, "Of course, I'm free if you're treating. Where shall we meet?"

Matthew remembered a decent restaurant nearby. "I'm in North Hollywood, at the performing arts school where we took classes. I'll wait for you at the entrance."

"That's a coincidence, I'm also in North Hollywood. Wait for me, I'll be there in ten minutes!"

After hanging up, Matthew left the Los Angeles Performing Arts School and stood patiently at the entrance. In less than ten minutes, a familiar voice called out.

"Matthew!"

Hearing the voice, Matthew turned and saw Rachel McAdams.

She wore a beige sun hat, with her curly blonde hair falling beneath it, swaying gently in the wind. With light makeup and a noticeable dimple when smiling, she looked as sweet as ever. She wore a casual short denim jacket over a striped T-shirt, paired with brown leggings that highlighted her long, slim legs.

What caught Matthew's attention the most was that Rachel had come on a bicycle.

"Rachel..." Matthew greeted her warmly. "You're still so beautiful!"

"Thank you," Rachel said, getting off her bike. "You look even better than before!"

Matthew opened his arms, and they hugged gently. "Are you planning to settle in Hollywood now?"

"Yes!" Rachel said, stepping back to appraise Matthew. "This time, I'm not going back. I'm determined to succeed in Hollywood!"

Matthew nodded and said, "Let's go for lunch." He glanced at the bicycle. "Should we leave your bike at the school? I know the security at the gate. They can watch it for you."

"Sure."

Rachel followed Matthew into the performing arts school. Although he wasn't famous enough to be recognized everywhere, the security knew him from his frequent visits to see David Astor. After a quick word, Matthew left the bicycle in their care and took Rachel to his car. They drove east along Laurel Canyon Boulevard and arrived at a rather upscale restaurant.

Like most people, with money came the pursuit of pleasure and status.

This was normal; most people in the world were like Matthew.

Apart from these considerations, he had recently been thinking about buying a house. He had saved a substantial amount from "The Scorpion King" salary, and with the first installment of his "Pirates of the Caribbean" payment already in, he would have at least two million dollars by the year's end. He was considering purchasing a property of his own.

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