I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 360

The 60-year-old, bald, bespectacled man from the group of foreigners spoke to Director Ahn Ga-bok, saying, “We would like to entrust you with the megaphone for our film.” This meant they wanted him to direct the movie.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, his face etched with wrinkles, looked at the group of foreigners sitting across from him and remained silent.

“······”

His expression was firm, serious, his emotions completely restrained. He was like a taciturn giant, a veteran with an undeniable aura.

His team members, who had accompanied him, were different. The CEO of Manage and a few executives, unlike the stoic Director Ahn Ga-bok, had eyes full of excitement.

‘Yes! Finally!’

‘To think I’d witness this scene in person!’

They were genuinely happy. The scene of Director Ahn Ga-bok being offered a directing job in Hollywood was unfolding before their eyes. Director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend and a piece of history in the Korean film industry, had won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival with his 100th film. Even before that, he was a giant who had left significant marks both domestically and internationally.

However, even for such a director, this moment was unprecedented.

It was rare for an Asian director to take the helm in Hollywood. Even if there were a few, there were no Korean directors at all. If Director Ahn Ga-bok accepted the offer, it would be a first, a significant milestone in the history of Korean cinema.

Director Ahn Ga-bok had broken several records this year.

‘At this age… have I finally reached this point?’

The current moment was a goal he had set decades ago. But it had taken too long, and he had almost given up, sadly concluding it was due to his lack of ability.

What was interesting was this:

‘Kang Woo-jin—after meeting that friend, my decades of experience were surpassed in just one year.’

Everything changed after Woo-jin became involved with Director Ahn Ga-bok. ‘Leech’ was just the beginning. He was curious about how much Woo-jin’s influence would grow. That was why Director Ahn Ga-bok had volunteered to be a ‘stepping stone.’ But strangely, Ahn Ga-bok’s directing career was now about to blossom on the world stage.

‘Is he like a benefactor? Indeed, if it weren’t for Kang Woo-jin, would ‘Leech,’ would I have received this kind of spotlight?’

In the grand scheme of things, both Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok had benefited each other, but if Woo-jin hadn’t taken on the role of ‘Park Ha-sung’ in ‘Leech,’ this day wouldn’t have come. At least, that’s what Director Ahn Ga-bok thought.

‘Who else could bring someone who goes beyond the ‘Park Ha-sung’ in the script?’

‘Leech’ shone brighter because it met Kang Woo-jin. After a moment of thought, Director Ahn Ga-bok turned his gaze. All the foreigners, prominent figures in Hollywood, were staring at him. Normally, one would eagerly accept the offer.

However, the veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok cooled his excitement.

“Thank you for this proposal.”

Being the first Korean director to helm a Hollywood film was tempting, but Director Ahn Ga-bok was too old to jump into it just for that. That was his own thought.

“However, why are you offering this to me? There are many excellent directors in Hollywood, aren’t there?”

His question was conveyed to the foreigners through an interpreter. All four executives smiled calmly. The meeting room was with executives of ‘Columbia Studios,’ a major Hollywood distribution and film company, one of the ‘Big Five’ in Hollywood.

They wouldn’t have been sloppy in their preliminary work for casting a director.

One of the executives, the bald man in his 60s, spoke to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“Of course, there are many great directors in Hollywood. But we need a director with keen senses and insight into society, not just a great or excellent one.”

-Swish.

He placed two thick stacks of paper on the table.

“Frankly, we considered your achievements at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Cannes is a prestigious film festival, and your results were remarkable. Many filmmakers recognized Director Ahn Ga-bok and ‘Leech.’ I, too, have seen your ‘Leech.’”

The two executives next to the bald man nodded, indicating they had seen it too, meaning they had also attended the Cannes Film Festival.

“It was captivating. I knew immediately that Director Ahn should direct our project. As soon as we returned, we began preparing to cast you as the director.”

The bald foreigner pushed the two stacks of paper towards Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“This is the official screenplay. If you accept, there will be a meeting with the producer soon.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had been listening calmly, lowered his gaze to the screenplay. After briefly opening it, he understood why there were two copies: one in English, the other a Korean translation. The bald foreigner spoke again.

“If you read it, you will understand why we want you.”

The consideration was significant. The translated screenplay, their politeness, and their explanations for the casting. Director Ahn Ga-bok opened his wrinkled mouth.

“······The ‘Leech’ that you couldn’t take your eyes off was not made by me alone.”

“Of course. Your team can participate as well.”

“If I direct, would I be involved in casting the actors?”

In Hollywood, casting was more the job of the executive producer than the director. However, the bald man answered as if it wasn’t a problem.

“The film production systems in Korea and Hollywood are different, but directors do participate in casting here. However, an agreement with the producer or the company would be necessary. It’s possible.”

“What amplified the perfection of ‘Leech’ was…”

“Are you talking about Kang Woo-jin?”

“Including him, the actors of ‘Leech.’ I want to ask about the freedom of casting actors.”

He was asking if they were considering casting Korean actors. The bald, bespectacled man smiled nonchalantly and said, as if it were a certainty.

“Kang Woo-jin, his name is already on our casting board.”

Monday, November 1st. Early morning.

October had ended, and November had begun. Before sunrise, the van carrying Kang Woo-jin was heading towards Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, to the set of ‘Beneficial Evil.’ Several stylists were dozing off. Kang Woo-jin, with his poker face and indifferent expression, was wide awake, looking out the window.

Only on the outside.

‘Ugh—my eyes are going to fall out. I can’t do this. I need to go to the sub-space first.’

Today would be filled with filming, with a schedule late into the night. Just as Kang Woo-jin was about to pick up the ‘Beneficial Evil’ script with the swirling black square on it.

-Bzzzt, bzzzt.

Kang Woo-jin’s phone displayed the caller: Director Ahn Ga-bok. Woo-jin tilted his head.

‘Grandpa? No, it’s Director Ahn? What’s up?’

After clearing his throat, he put the phone to his ear, his voice lower than usual, perhaps because it was hoarse.

“Hello, Director.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s old voice came from the other side.

“Yes, is it a good time to talk?”

“Yes. Please go ahead.”

“I’m in LA right now. Ah, is it dawn in Korea? Were you perhaps sleeping?”

Eh? LA? Director Ahn Ga-bok was in Hollywood? He hadn’t heard anything about it, but given the Cannes Film Festival, Kang Woo-jin quickly understood.

“No. I’m on the move, it’s fine.”

“Hmm, there’s something I wanted to ask.”

“Yes.”

“Have you received any Hollywood screenplays recently?”

There were ‘Jurassic Land 4’ and a few others, but he had turned them down, so he could say he didn’t have any. Ah, but was Joseph’s reservation still in place? Woo-jin answered.

“No. However, there are some being discussed.”

“Is that so? Hmm, then one more thing.”

“Yes.”

“When you start a Hollywood project, will you approach it with the same intensity as domestic projects? I’m asking if you’re planning to work on at least two projects at the same time.”

He had heard from Choi Sung-gun that the Hollywood system was more convenient for filming multiple projects. Even if Woo-jin, with his sub-space, went to Hollywood, nothing would change.

“Of course.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled from the other side of the phone.

“I see. Well, the more projects you have, the higher the chance of going to the Academy Awards.”

“······”

A question was heard.

“I’m planning to see you as soon as I return to Korea, can you make some time?”

Meanwhile, in LA.

It was morning in Korea, but early afternoon in LA. Inside a room at a five-star hotel in LA, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had just finished talking to Kang Woo-jin, let out a small breath and sat on the sofa. He looked down at the two screenplays from ‘Columbia Studios’ on the table.

“······”

After a moment of silence, Director Ahn Ga-bok recalled the meeting, specifically his conversation with the bald executive.

From the part where Kang Woo-jin’s name came up.

“The ‘Leech’ actors other than Shim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung were all impressive. But Kang Woo-jin, who won the ‘Best Actor Award’ at Cannes, was the most interesting to us. It’s natural that his name is on our casting board. Perhaps he is wanted all over Hollywood.”

“······”

The bald man spoke again to Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was slowly nodding as if satisfied.

“However, there are many actors on the casting board besides Kang Woo-jin. Here, regardless of the actor’s level, almost all of them go through auditions. It’s not to verify their skills, but to check their synchronization with the character. They do a 100% screen test after reciting lines. Many actors go through this process before the actor who best fits the role is selected.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok knew that all the top actors in Hollywood were in fierce competition. Screen tests were very common. Many top Hollywood actors would appear, but.

‘That won’t be a problem for Woo-jin.’

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who trusted Kang Woo-jin, asked the executives of ‘Columbia Studios’ something else.

“One more thing. Is this movie intended to aim for the Academy Awards?”

The answer was given by the bald, bespectacled foreigner.

“To be honest, that is our true intention.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, recalling his conversations with the bigwigs of ‘Columbia Studios,’ cut off his thoughts and leaned back into the sofa.

And then.

“Hmm-”

He let out a short groan. The offer to direct the project and the key points in the conversation with the ‘Columbia Studios’ executives, especially the ‘Academy Awards,’ were most impressive to Director Ahn Ga-bok.

“I see.”

Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok looked down at the two screenplays on the table, crossing his arms.

“The ‘Academy Awards’ are their true intention. Was this project written from the start to openly target the ‘Academy Awards’?”

That’s what the words of the ‘Columbia Studios’ people suggested.

There are various types of movies produced in Hollywood, but aside from those aiming for popularity and box office success, most have the ‘Academy Awards’ in mind. Some movies openly aim for the ‘Academy Awards,’ sacrificing some popularity, but surprisingly, those movies often do well in Hollywood.

This movie that Director Ahn Ga-bok was offered to direct was likely aiming for the ‘Academy Awards,’ based on the conversation with the ‘Columbia Studios’ executives. But it also couldn’t completely give up on popularity. That part was up to the director’s ability.

The shrewd Director Ahn Ga-bok rubbed his wrinkled forehead.

‘Haha. In my old age, I feel like I’m being swept up in a huge whirlwind.’

If it were 10 years ago, he would be excited, but the veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok was calm. He had a long talk with ‘Columbia Studios’ but hadn’t given a definite answer. First, he should read the screenplay.

Director Ahn Ga-bok, touching his wrinkled cheek, recalled Kang Woo-jin, whom he had spoken to a few minutes ago.

“I gave him a heads-up, but if the project is ambiguous, it won’t catch that monster’s eye.”

Ahn Ga-bok recalled the cold Kang Woo-jin he had first seen in Vietnam. Woo-jin had looked directly at Director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend, and said, ‘I’m not interested in Cannes.’

“He’s a strangely indifferent yet polite kid, but he’s ruthless when it comes to acting or choosing projects.”

Perhaps Kang Woo-jin would reject it without a second thought if he didn’t like it, regardless of the project’s background. Director Ahn Ga-bok knew that better than anyone.

Therefore, this screenplay had to be accepted by Director Ahn Ga-bok first. He had to decide whether to direct before showing it to Kang Woo-jin. He unfolded his arms and picked up one of the screenplays, the Korean translation.

The title was on the cover.

-‘Pierrot’

About an hour later.

-Flip.

A smile spread across the wrinkled lips of Director Ahn Ga-bok as he read the ‘Pierrot’ screenplay.

“I can see a ‘Pierrot’ running around in reality.”

He was full of conviction.

“This is something only that monster can do.”

End