Chapter 41: Miramax
That morning, because he had to go with Joey to the audition, Bruce got up when Grace did.
After getting ready, they went downstairs together, picked up coffee and breakfast at Central Perk, then drove to the law firm. Before getting out of the car, Grace said, "I haven't been home for two nights, so I'm going back to my apartment tonight."
Bruce replied, "Of course." Seeing Grace about to leave after saying goodbye, he called her back. "I'm going to tell my friends you're my girlfriend—is that okay?"
Grace smiled brightly. "Yes! I'll tell Audrey too!"
Bruce returned to the apartment building, parked, went upstairs and knocked on Joey's door. Joey was eating a bowl of cereal. "Why are you up so early? I was just about to come get you!"
Bruce said, "I woke up early—just got back from driving Grace to work. Has Chandler already left?"
Joey grinned. "Yep, he's gone. So... you and Grace are officially together now, right?"
Bruce replied, "Yeah, we made it official."
Joey's grin widened. "That's great, man! Congrats!"
Bruce smiled. "Thanks. But you've got an audition today—let's focus on that!"
"Let's go!" Joey tossed his cereal bowl into the sink, grabbed his jacket, and pulled a sheet of paper from a drawer.
Bruce stepped out first. While Joey locked the door, Bruce asked, "What's that paper?"
They talked as they headed downstairs.
Joey said, "My résumé. Want to see it?"
"Sure!"
Bruce skimmed it and asked, "You really speak French and were a high school swimming champion?"
"Nope on both counts!" Joey answered cheerfully.
"Then what happens when they find out? And how does fake French or fake swimming help you get a role?"
"First, it makes me look impressive. Second, I need to fill the page. As for getting caught—you think they'll throw me in a pool or find a French speaker at the audition?"
"Joey, that logic is so twisted I can't even argue with it."
191 Mercer Street. Bruce parked, and they walked up to Miramax Films' office building.
Inside, following directions from the staff, they reached the waiting area. The assistant took Joey's résumé and disappeared into the audition room.
The waiting room was already crowded with actors—unclear what roles they were all trying for.
Restless, Bruce excused himself to use the restroom and wandered the halls. When he returned and sat beside Joey, Joey was quietly running through his lines, occasionally making gestures.
"Joey, you really want this part, don't you?"
"Absolutely, Bruce. I'm actually nervous—I heard Harvey's really hands-on and super picky about casting."
"Hey, you're more prepared than anyone here. Don't worry about Harvey's standards—remember, the screenwriter's your friend. I've got your back."
"You're right—I'm going to nail this!" Joey's confidence returned.
"When you play Donny, bring out your confident side plus some intensity. Donny's tough and loves taking down bad guys—channel that energy."
Joey took a deep breath, nodded, and smiled.
Just then an assistant called the actor ahead of Joey. As the door opened, Bruce glimpsed Quentin inside. Their eyes met before the door closed again.
Bruce stood, and seconds later Quentin came out.
"Hey Bruce, what are you doing here?" Quentin looked pleasantly surprised, greeting Joey as well.
Bruce said, "Joey's auditioning, so I drove him over. Also curious to see Miramax—the company that bought my first mainstream script."
"In that case, want to watch the auditions? See your characters come to life?"
"Absolutely—that would be amazing!" Bruce said.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to Harvey. Joey, wait here—you're up next after this guy finishes."
"Got it, Quentin!" Joey replied.
Bruce followed Quentin into the audition room—a converted conference space. The previous actor stood at the front, waiting for Quentin before starting.
Opposite them sat a middle-aged man and woman. The woman looked professional, notebook open, very focused.
The man was heavyset, filling his chair. His collar looked tight, and his brow was furrowed as he studied some papers.
Quentin approached the man. "Harvey, this is Bruce White, our screenwriter."
"Hi, Mr. Weinstein."
Harvey turned and looked Bruce over. "Bruce, I can hardly believe it—Inglourious Basterds is the first script I've ever bought and fast-tracked without meeting the writer first!"
Unsure if that was good or bad, Bruce smiled. "Well, sometimes the work speaks for itself."
Harvey studied him for a moment, then gave a slight smile. "And confident too. Good."
Quentin introduced the woman. "This is Cynthia, our casting director."
"Hi, Cynthia!"
"Hi, Bruce! Excited to see your vision come to life."
Cynthia had an assistant hand the actor his sides, then she read the other character's lines opposite him.
After a few exchanges, Harvey interrupted. "That's enough. Send in the next one."
The actor looked startled but nodded and left.
The assistant escorted him out and brought Joey in.
Once Joey entered, Quentin whispered something to Harvey, then gestured for Joey to take his position.
From his seat behind them, Bruce heard Quentin say quietly, "Give this one a full read."
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