Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 268: The Winner Takes the Cake

Shocking! Truly shocking!

Is this really an FBI agent?

Hobbs is a traditional FBI agent, upright, righteous, and forthright. He loathes the actions of Brian and Dominic and is determined to bring them to justice. However, Hobbs later understands Brian and Dominic's Robin Hood-like spirit and realizes they became criminals out of necessity. Being a man of principle, Hobbs decides to let them go.

Fundamentally, Hobbs and Brian are of the same kind, with similar character settings and frameworks. By the seventh film, Hobbs, although still an FBI agent, has cooperated with Brian and Dominic, retracing Brian's old path.

"Fast & Furious 5" is a commercial film and does not require fully fleshed-out characters. Each role just needs to display its unique traits and perform its part well. The overlap between Hobbs and Brian's roles isn't an issue. By casting a distinctive actor like Dwayne Johnson, the characters naturally differentiate. However, plans can't keep up with changes.

Now, Renly has infused Hobbs with an unbelievable charisma.

Decisive and resolute, sharp and imposing, his few words command control, even when surrounded. His unwavering demeanor and absolute strength radiate an aura of submission. Yet, he isn't straightforward or righteous; his unpredictable and cunning nature adds a different allure, making his character's journey unpredictable.

Hobbs, upon his entry, effortlessly gained the upper hand in his confrontation with Dominic, achieving an incredible dominance in presence. His shrewd negotiation style left Dominic, who was straightforward, struggling to cope. Though Dominic and Brian regained the advantage with their numbers, Hobbs' fearless determination and mocking provocations put him back in a leading position, withdrawing calmly from a circle of over two hundred.

It was utterly spectacular; every cell in the body screamed in excitement!

In the previous scene, Renly's brilliance made it impossible to look away. Every detail, action, gaze, and line was powerful and resonant. His commanding presence effortlessly dictated the performance rhythm, leaving an audience gasping for breath. Missing a single blink risked missing the intensity, capturing everyone's heartbeat.

Comparison highlights the gap.

In the face of Renly's performance, Vin's acting immediately appeared flawed. His lines lacked modulation, his tone remained consistent, and his emotional expression was too singular, lacking confidence. His eye contact seemed guilty, revealing inner panic, and his performance was too superficial and hollow. Not only did it fail to withstand scrutiny, but it also inadequately conveyed Dominic's state. His line, "This is... Brazil," was overly flamboyant, like a clown seeking attention.

What was meant to be a duel became a solo performance.

Fortunately, Justin had foresight, letting Brian step in as a substitute. Brian's entry was a last-minute change without added lines, but his presence balanced the physical confrontation, avoiding a one-sided situation.

Thankfully, it's a commercial movie, so acting demands aren't high. Vin's earlier performance barely passed if he doesn't mind Renly stealing the spotlight. But, even if Vin did, what could he do?

But is this okay?

Renly's performance resembled Joker from "Batman: The Dark Knight," with his unconventional and audacious demeanor, though Hobbs lacked Joker's unbridled and morally ambiguous madness. Yet, both characters possess undeniable charisma.

Will the subsequent plot still hold? Would Hobbs release Brian and Dominic for their bond? Would their confrontation end in Brian and Dominic's victory? Would the plot's progression remain convincing?

Of course, commercial films don't strictly require plot coherence. But, even disregarding the plot, is this portrayal of Hobbs okay? An FBI agent displaying a blend of justice and villainy, blurring the lines between hero and antagonist? Is this charisma-laden Hobbs acceptable? Breaking free from the agent's role constraints, embodying a Bond-like allure, captivating the entire audience?

Is this really okay?

"Absolutely not!" Vin had lost it, yelling at Justin, ignoring harmony, "Does he think this is an amusement park? Pointing a gun at his head? What kind of absurd performance is this? Exaggerated, comical, shameful, despicable, foolish, absurd!"

Vin's emotions were completely out of control. Before leaving, Hobbs had even threatened Dominic's life, and more importantly, Vin felt the fear of a knife at his throat. Ignoring his image, he vented his anger. If he couldn't confront this directly, he would exert his producer's authority to demand scene cuts or alter Renly's acting style.

"He's an agent! An FBI agent! Not a circus clown! And definitely not performing 'The Dark Knight.' His portrayal is utterly ridiculous! If he wants to act, go to Broadway! What's with his aggrieved attitude in Hollywood? It seems like he's been forced here. This is a commercial film; it requires a commercial approach. What's with the unnecessary performance?"

Vin didn't name names, but his words had already torn the facade, shamelessly unleashing his fury on Justin.

"Vin..." Justin began, but Vin cut him off before he could speak, his anger relentless.

Alfred stood among the extras, watching the drama unfold, noting the tension within the "Fast & Furious 5" crew. Vin was egocentric, demanding everyone revolve around him, disregarding the film's overall quality. The situation looked increasingly dire.

However, beyond the gossip, people marveled at Renly's performance. "Alfred, wasn't that guy incredible?" "Yeah, I was so captivated I forgot to aim my gun!" "Unbelievable, he completely dominated those two. If I faced him, I'd be scared out of my wits."

"His name is Renly," Alfred responded.

"Right, he's the young master from 'The Pacific.' I've seen his acting." "I knew he looked familiar. That young master was impressive!"

Vin's rant at Justin continued, but everyone on set had eyes. The previous scene didn't need explanation; the contrast was stark. Now, while Vin ranted, others discussed Renly's stellar performance.

Alfred knew Vin's protest was futile. He believed Renly could easily dominate even with a different approach. The real question was the upcoming physical confrontation. Could Renly withstand Vin? If Vin held a grudge, how would Renly respond?

Justin felt like a lone boat in a storm, barely holding on, overwhelmed. He couldn't find the right moment to interject. Vin's unrestrained rage flooded over him.

"Vin, you're being unreasonable!" Paul intervened, interrupting Vin's outburst.

Vin turned, glaring at Paul, his eyes like a raging bull, "Back off! Paul, if you interfere, I'll break your arm!" He couldn't contain his humiliation, venting it all out. Even Paul wasn't spared.

Paul, who usually avoided trouble, wouldn't back down if confronted. He tried to avoid disputes and gossip, which was why he refused a producer role. He knew it meant more responsibility and drama. But when trouble came, Paul wouldn't shy away.

"Try me!" Paul didn't hesitate, stepping forward, escalating the tension to a peak.

Vin matched Paul's step, using his chest to shove Paul, ready to use force. When it came to fists, he feared no one, not even Dwayne Johnson!

The air was thick with tension, as if the set was about to explode.