In addition to being the lead actor, Matthew, as a producer, tried to learn as much as possible about the various aspects of the production. He was well aware that the visually stunning explosion scene they had just filmed was a compromise for Christopher Nolan. The filming location was originally a small bakery that the art department had transformed into a charming roadside café, only for it to be reduced to debris during the shoot.
The biggest obstacle in filming came from the London City Hall. Even under strict safety measures, they did not allow the crew to use real explosives. As a result, Nolan's stunt team had to use high-pressure nitrogen to simulate a series of explosion effects, blowing apart the café and the surrounding shops and stalls.
Matthew and Emma Roberts were positioned at the center of the explosion, so all the props around them were made from lightweight materials. Overall, the process was safe, and the effect was impressive.
The mess left behind was handled by a cleaning crew hired by the production. As it was nearing noon, most of the crew went to a nearby restaurant for lunch, with plans to resume shooting on the opposite side of the Thames River later in the afternoon.
Matthew and Emma Roberts sat at the same table, chatting while they ate.
"You stayed really calm during filming," Matthew said, his experience making his words sound particularly reassuring. "I've done a lot of action and explosion scenes, and I've never seen an actress remain as composed as you did in that kind of situation."
Emma Roberts smiled sweetly. "Did you think I'd freak out?"
Matthew nodded seriously. "I thought you might scream, duck for cover, or maybe even jump up in a panic…"
"But I didn't," Emma said proudly. "That kind of thing doesn't scare me."
Matthew set down his knife and fork, picked up his napkin, and wiped his mouth before offering a timely compliment. "Emma, you're special. You're not like other girls."
Everyone wants to feel special, especially young women.
Emma laughed loudly, her laughter carrying across the restaurant.
On the other side of the restaurant, Anne Hathaway was watching them, her pale face looking a bit gloomy. She didn't have any scenes in the morning but had come to the set in the afternoon for a shoot with Matthew and Emma. Watching Matthew joke around with Emma Roberts, Anne was realizing just how bad of a playboy he truly was.
He had gotten involved with her, was flirting with Emma Watson, and now that Watson had left London, was he planning to get close to Emma Roberts too?
By now, Anne had fully come to terms with the fact that she had no chance of roping Matthew Horner into being her fool. Realizing this, she decided it was best to distance herself. No point in letting herself get used again.
But the sight of Emma Roberts still left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Anne couldn't stand Emma from the moment she joined the production. Even though she had a bigger name than Emma Roberts, her role was smaller. Why was that? Just because Emma's aunt was Julia Roberts?
And people in the crew liked Emma Roberts far more than they liked her.
Why? Anne couldn't figure it out. She considered herself more elegant, with a regal aura like a princess. Compared to her, Emma Roberts was nothing more than an ugly duckling.
How could a common duckling outshine a princess? It had to be Julia Roberts' influence.
In terms of height, Emma wasn't as tall. In terms of beauty, she didn't compare. And her acting? Also not as good.
"I'm stepping out for a moment," Emma said to Matthew.
Matthew nodded. "Watch out for the paparazzi."
Emma laughed. "I'm not leaving the restaurant."
She got up and headed towards the restroom.
Matthew finished his glass of water and waited for a bit. When Emma returned from the restroom, they left the restaurant together, chatting as they walked. Being so close, Matthew caught the strong smell of smoke on Emma. She had likely gone to the restroom to have a cigarette. He had noticed this habit before. During rehearsals, she often left to smoke.
She wasn't just a casual smoker; her addiction seemed fairly strong.
Once outside the restaurant, Matthew saw that Brown Williams was waiting for him. Sensing there was something to discuss, he told Emma something and got into a separate van, with even the driver replaced by a bodyguard with a British driver's license.
As the van drove along the river towards the set on the other side of the Thames, Brown Williams gave him an update. "Two paparazzi from The Sun and that insider cleaner have been temporarily detained by the police after repeatedly getting into fights. They've all sustained minor injuries."
Matthew nodded and asked, "Are you sure nothing will trace back to you?"
"No," Brown Williams said confidently. "We've got solid alibis, and it's a minor case. The London police won't put much effort into it."
"Still, stay cautious," Matthew advised.
Brown Williams, with his military and counter-terrorism background, was naturally cautious. "I know. I'll keep monitoring the situation."
"What about the law firm?" Matthew asked.
With Bella Anderson and Helen Herman absent, Brown Williams also acted as his part-time assistant.
Brown Williams responded quickly, "Doddy Street Law Firm has already started preparing. Once we sign on Saturday, they'll officially file the lawsuit. By the way…" He paused, thinking. "That lawyer, Amal Alamuddin, picked up the surveillance footage from the hotel and the police today. I've already given her a copy as well."
Hearing the name Amal Alamuddin, Matthew recalled the promises she had made. In some ways, it was also a transactional relationship.
"Brown, help me find a good-quality mini camera later today," Matthew said casually. "You handle it personally."
Though unsure of Matthew's intent, Brown Williams nodded. "I'll take care of it this afternoon."
Then he added, "There's something I'd like to discuss with you in advance."
Matthew glanced at him. "Go ahead."
"I'm thinking of taking some vacation starting in early May," Brown Williams scratched his neck. "I haven't had time off in two years. Last year, my wife wanted to take the kids on a world tour, but with the Tijuana cartel situation, I had to decline."
"Go ahead," Matthew said generously. He remembered that Brown Williams hadn't taken a proper vacation since becoming his bodyguard. "I'll have Bella Anderson arrange for the best travel service company to cater exclusively to your family."
Matthew was always generous with capable employees. "I'll cover all the expenses."
Brown Williams was about to refuse, but Matthew raised a hand to stop him. "Don't say no. This is your well-deserved benefit."
Seeing Matthew's insistence, Brown Williams smiled and agreed. "I'll make sure everything is arranged before I leave."
Matthew was set to return to Los Angeles in May, where paparazzi wouldn't be as troublesome. Brown Williams taking time off wouldn't be a big issue.
By now, Matthew understood that you had to reward people properly if you wanted them to perform well. People weren't machines, and it was rare in the U.S. under union regulations for someone like Brown Williams to go years without a long vacation.
The van arrived near Buckingham Palace, close to St. James's Park. Before getting out, Matthew asked, "How long will you need?"
"Two weeks," Brown Williams replied.
Matthew nodded and said no more as he entered a nearby makeup trailer to prepare for the afternoon shoot.
They were only about 100 meters from Buckingham Palace, in a busy area. The crew had just one afternoon to film, and everyone, not just Matthew, was working intently.
Actors were getting into makeup, cameras were being set up, and the sets were being arranged. Coordinating the large number of extras took over an hour before the crew was finally ready to start filming.
The scene focused mainly on Dom Cobb and Adrienne, with Matthew and Emma Roberts taking center stage. They both continued their strong performances from the morning, with most of their shots completed in one or two takes.
The crew was running smoothly and efficiently.
By around 4:30 p.m., they had successfully wrapped up the last shot at the location.
Anne Hathaway's character, Mal, made her appearance. As throughout the film, her role was once again to serve as a contrast to Matthew and Emma Roberts' characters.
"Get out of the way!"
In front of Buckingham Palace, Matthew shoved an actor holding Emma Roberts aside. "Let her go! Don't touch her!"
Before he could make another move, several extras rushed in and grabbed hold of him.
On the other side, more extras held Emma Roberts.
They both struggled, but to no avail.
"Wake me up! Wake me up!" Emma shouted desperately.
Anne Hathaway's figure suddenly emerged from the group of extras. Her face, cold and menacing, looked terrifying. But what was more frightening was the knife she held in her hand.
"Mal!" Matthew shouted.
But it was no use. With a chilling expression, Anne Hathaway strode toward Emma Roberts and plunged the prop knife into her.
"Ah…"
Emma let out a scream of agony.
"Cut!" Christopher Nolan's voice rang out. "That's a wrap! Great job, everyone!"
With that, the extras released Matthew, and Anne Hathaway shot him a glance before walking off without another word.
Nearby, the extras also let go of Emma Roberts.
"Ow!" Emma didn't stand up. Rubbing her chest just below her bust, she crouched down, complaining, "That really hurt!"
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]