Luca was dumbfounded. "Is it really that serious?"
"Mr. Babank, I was too reckless on this matter."
He thought for a moment and said, "Initially, my idea was to hand the script directly to you, Mr. Babank. You're the person I most want to collaborate with. But I heard you were recovering, so I had no choice but to hand the script to your assistant to arrange, asking them to send it to some well-known domestic directors. I didn't specify who, though."
"Oh, you wanted to work with me from the start?"
Babank, with a cigar in hand, looked at him curiously. "Tell me why."
Luca composed himself and slowly said, "Mr. Babank, I finished writing the script for *Buried Alive* while I was in the U.S. It was initially meant to be filmed there. But at the time, my new movie had just been released, and I faced a lot of criticism. American directors and film companies didn't think much of me, and it was tough to find a skilled director to collaborate with. So, I turned my attention to domestic directors."
"I watched many of your films, comparing them over and over, and ultimately, I felt you were the most suitable. Your films like *Street Kid*, *Kiss of the Spider Woman*, and *Blood Prison* all take place in confined spaces like prisons. You use prisons as metaphors for inescapable situations, depicting extreme human conditions. In such small spaces, people temporarily lose their freedom, and most of their activities are heavily restricted and suppressed. They are forced to muster all their courage to struggle for survival."
As he spoke, he recalled his previous understanding of films and his reflections from watching Babank's movies the day before, expressing his carefully considered thoughts.
Babank was born in Argentina. In the 1970s, influenced by the Brazilian New Cinema movement, he moved to Brazil and became a Brazilian citizen. During that time, many countries worldwide were going through political crises, including Brazil. Under the strict control of the military government, Brazilian society was stifled, in a state of limited or no freedom—what writers referred to as a "suffocating state."
Directors who grew up in such conditions often had a twisted outlook. They liked exploring how individuals or groups behaved under extreme conditions, delving into human nature, animal instincts, and social structures. Babank was a prime example of this type of director.
In his films, actors were like test subjects placed in a confined space, stripped of their freedom, and observed for their reactions. Everything felt oppressive and distorted. Directors like him could be called "pressure cooker directors."
*Buried Alive* shared many similarities with his films. The oppressive atmosphere in a small space, the human struggle, hope intermingled with despair. But in *Buried Alive*, the space was even smaller—a seven-foot coffin—and there was only one character to observe.
Such a script would be a challenge but also a tempting lure for directors like Babank.
As Luca continued, he suddenly realized he didn't need to be so cautious. The script was his, after all. Now it wasn't about him seeking collaboration but rather them wanting to collaborate with him. The one who should be cautious was Babank, or perhaps other pressure cooker directors watching from the sidelines. This script scratched their itch—would they easily give it up?
"I've watched your films, Mr. Babank, and I can feel the same sense of oppression and struggle that's in *Buried Alive*. That's why I want to work with you. What do you think of the script? Are you interested in directing this project?"
He stared at the old man's bald head as he asked.
"The script?" The old man puffed out a smoke ring, looking unimpressed. "It's just okay."
Luca raised an eyebrow. "You're not interested, Mr. Babank?"
"A little bit," the old man replied. "I haven't had much to do lately and was planning to shoot a new movie. I just hadn't found a good script. Yours is okay, I'm a little interested. But why are you so set on being the lead actor?"
"I've seen your movies, and to be honest, you're just average. This role is extremely challenging, and I don't think you can handle it. Hey, hey, where are you going?"
The old man noticed him getting up to leave mid-conversation. "What's the rush? I'm not done talking."
Luca shook his head. "Mr. Babank, I understand what you're trying to say. You're trying to convince me to give up. But I'm determined about this role. No matter how you try to persuade me, I'm playing this part."
"Take care, Mr. Babank. Goodbye."
"Wait!" The old man stubbed out his half-smoked cigar and quickly grabbed Luca's arm, moving faster than you'd expect from someone battling cancer.
"Why are young people always in such a hurry?" he grumbled. "You've got decades ahead of you. Why can't you just let me finish?"
"Sorry, Mr. Babank, but my condition is non-negotiable—I have to be the lead. If that can't be met, there's nothing more to discuss," Luca said firmly.
"You little punk..." Babank gave him a stern look and sighed. "Can you tell me why you're so insistent on being the lead?"
"To become a better actor."
Luca thought for a moment and replied, "Mr. Babank, if you've been keeping up with Hollywood news, you'd know I've been facing a lot of criticism recently. Many say I'm not a good actor. I know my weaknesses, and that's why I'm determined to improve. That's my goal."
The old man nodded. "So you want to hone your skills here and then take on Hollywood again."
"Yes. Hollywood is a global stage. Actors dream of making it there, just like soccer players dream of the World Cup. I'm no different."
"You need a coach, then?" Babank grinned as he touched his bald head.
"Exactly. Would you be willing to be that coach, Mr. Babank?"
Luca asked.
"Heh..." Babank thought for a moment. "Alright, I'll agree to let you play the lead."
"Really?" Luca was excited, feeling relieved. With a tough director like Babank on board, half the battle was won.
"But I have one condition."
"What condition?" Luca frowned.
"I have doubts about your acting skills. I'll agree to work with you for now, and I'll do my best to guide you during filming. But if you still don't meet my standards, I'll have no choice but to replace you. It must be written into the contract. Can you agree to that?" Babank said sternly.
Luca frowned. If this old man gave him random feedback and then kicked him off the project with a flimsy excuse, wouldn't it all be for nothing?
"I know what you're thinking," Babank said with a snort. "Don't worry, I won't kick you out. In my crew, I never replace anyone who's willing to work hard. I always give opportunities. But acting depends largely on talent, discipline, self-awareness, and sacrifice. Some people can't handle it and quit on their own. Will you be the next one to quit? The only actor in the film?"
Luca shook his head and extended his right hand.
"Deal."
"Are you sure?" Babank's greenish eyes sparkled with twisted amusement as he grinned at Luca.
Luca had a bad feeling. Was the pressure going to be too much?
"Yes, I'm sure!" Luca thought, *We're all a little crazy here. If we're going to go wild, why should I be scared?*
"Great!" The old man chuckled and turned to his assistant. "Call Rodrigo Santoro. Tell him to be ready. If Luca quits, he's up."
What? They already had a backup?
Luca knew Rodrigo Santoro—a handsome Brazilian actor. If Luca hadn't acted fast, Santoro would probably be Brazil's top heartthrob. Plus, Santoro had played the third lead in Babank's *Blood Prison*, making him a perfect fit for *Buried Alive*.
So Babank wasn't joking around. Luca instantly felt the weight of the pressure.
Is this what makes "pressure cooker directors" so twisted?
They haven't even started filming, and he's already feeling suffocated.
But since the collaboration was set, no matter what, he would see it through.
Back at the office, they started discussing the project in detail. With both of them on board, there was no need to worry about funding. Neither was short on money. But as they talked about the filming process, hearing about the old man's methods made Luca break out in a cold sweat.
Would anyone still be normal after going through such a twisted process?
"Luca, it's not too late to back out now."
"No. I chose this path, and I'll see it through, even if I have to crawl."
"Good. I love tough guys," Babank chuckled darkly.