hollywood system: art

The recordings were progressing pleasantly, with the evening fast approaching. It was a little past five in the afternoon, and many scenes had already been shot. However, the crew was exhausted. Monica held a novel in her hand, watching the scenes unfold from afar, shifting her attention from one set to another when something caught her eye.

-So, Billy is considered a high-tier actor for his age, but low-tier compared to the veterans of the industry, - Monica remarked, her words potentially open to misinterpretation. She had a penchant for provoking those who spoke ill of the young man, like a mother ready to defend her children, her claws poised to counter any accusation.

-I wouldn't put him in such a low category. He's simply the greatest rising star, at least with his precision—something that's rare to find, especially among the young. Though the current generation is immensely talented, the boy stands out, - commented John Ladou.

He was certain the woman's words carried a sting. Her extended legs, the skirt riding just above her thighs—she embodied perfection and commanded attention.

…

The cameras focused intently as he viewed each take from different angles. Now dressed in an elegant formal suit, Billy had been filming for two hours already that day. The good pace brought some relief to Cameron, whose rough demeanor had softened slightly. The push from everyone to work more efficiently had sped up the schedule. Recording had now taken two months, pre-production five months, and post-production would take at least another six. By June of the following year, the grueling schedule would drain the energy of all participating actors. Of course, some scenes would take longer to shoot than others.

For instance, the pool being built nearby to film the sinking scenes—a massive construction project to faithfully recreate every detail. The older Rose's scenes would be shot last, once the sequences involving the great ship were completed—a reverse of what might have been expected.

-Get your suit on, kid; we're filming some scenes now that you've got the outfit, - Cameron instructed. They needed ten takes. At this point, they were filming the final scenes, where Rose dies and appears young again aboard the Titanic, alive, vibrant, and brimming with hope—holding on to the memory that time hadn't erased.

-I'll grab a sip of water, - Billy said, stretching his arms. Six hours of work and the intense focus required were taking their toll.

Scene 29, Take 3.

INT. MOLLY BROWN'S CABIN.

Suits, jackets, and men's formalwear are scattered everywhere. Molly is having the time of her life. Jack is dressed, save for the jacket, while Molly works on tying his bowtie.

-MOLLY: Don't feel bad about it. My husband still can't tie one of these darn things after 20 years. There you go.

She picks up a jacket from the bed and hands it to him. Jack steps into the bathroom to put it on. Molly begins tidying up the bed. Kathy Bates was undoubtedly a stellar actress—one of the best, alongside Frances Fisher, Victor Garber, and Gloria Stuart. Billy and Kate would soon join their ranks as widely acclaimed stars.

-MOLLY: I have to buy everything in three sizes because I never know how much he's eaten while I'm away.

She turns to look at him, though her voice lowers to an inaudible murmur.

Meanwhile, Billy completes the take. A cut is called, and he adjusts his suit with the help of some wardrobe team members, tailoring it perfectly to his fit. "Can I keep it?" he asks jokingly. Surprisingly, he could, but only after all the filming wrapped, as he planned to wear it to the red carpet premiere.

-MOLLY: Well, well, well… you shine like a brand-new penny.

-Cut.-

They moved on to the next take. Everyone synchronized their watches as Billy slicked back his hair. Monica thought he looked dashing, while Kate seemed taken aback by how striking he appeared, perfectly fitting the role.

The filming circle tightened as they captured each scene from various angles. The crew gathered around to discuss a few things with him, while Billy waved to Monica from a distance, careful not to lose the intensity required for the scenes.

-Scene 29, Take 1.-

EXTERIOR SHIP DECK / FIRST-CLASS ENTRANCE - SUNSET.

A violet sky with orange hues glowing in the west. Notes of classical music fill the air. The camera follows Billy as he strolls along the deck. By high-society standards, he seems like a tough guy—handsome in his pristine white-tie attire, complete with pearl cufflinks. Billy acts as though he belongs, though his confidence falters momentarily before regaining his composure. He exudes confidence—not arrogance—but a self-assuredness befitting the elite world.

-MAJORDOMO: Good evening, sir.

Jack plays the part smoothly, nodding with just the right amount of aloofness. Molly, following closely, watches with a smile. Billy glances directly at the camera for a brief moment, his expression perfectly spontaneous and captivating.

UPPER LANDING / GRAND STAIRCASE AND DECK.

Jack steps in, stunned by the splendor before him. High above, the enormous glass dome with its central crystal chandelier looms. Six floors below, the Grand Staircase of First Class unfolds—a pinnacle of opulent maritime architecture. The room is alive with elegantly dressed women in elaborate hairstyles and dazzling jewelry, while men in formal evening wear converse with one hand resting behind their backs, their voices subdued.

Jack descends to the A Deck. Several gentlemen acknowledge him with superficial nods. He nods back, simply. He feels like a spy. Cal descends the stairs, Ruth on his arm, draped in jewels. They pass Jack without recognizing him. Cal nods at him with the politeness of one gentleman to another. But Jack hardly has time to dwell on it, because just behind Cal and Ruth, on the staircase, is Rose—a vision in red and black. Her low-cut dress reveals her neck and shoulders, her arms adorned with long white gloves that extend far past her elbows. Jack is mesmerized by her beauty.

The sight of something beloved stops time. People long to enlarge their eyes to capture every detail. Seeing her, Jack freezes, as though this moment were monumental.

As Rose approaches, Jack attempts a gentlemanly posture, his hand behind his back. She extends her gloved hand, and he takes it, kissing the back of her fingers. Rose blushes and smiles openly, unable to tear her gaze from him.

-JACK: I saw that in a movie once and always wanted to try it.

-ROSE: Cal, I believe you remember Mr. Dawson.

-CAL: Dawson. Didn't recognize you. (He looks him over.) Amazing. You could almost pass for a gentleman.

-Cut.-

The crew swiftly moved on to the next scenes. Billy took a moment to relax—his parts were done for now. The night had fallen, and more scenes awaited to be filmed.

...