Thread: Hyde and Seek [ Chai & Mr Quixotic ]

RE Hyde and Seek Ariamella Mr Quixotic The silence was deafening when Michael finished with the taunts which followed the slap, and glanced over at Hannah. The older woman's jaw had dropped open, and she stared at Michael with eyes widened in shock. When their gazes met, she shook her head, and took a step forward. However, before she take could another, Michael's pupil narrowed, and he mouthed No. Hannah momentarily hesitated, then threw Michael a ' you'd better know what you're fucking doing look ', and ceased her movement. Did he? Michael had a reputation as a Director who ranted and raved, and screamed at his cast, but he'd never been known as a misogynist, or to become physically violent. Anyone who entered the acting profession usually possessed a large ego it was virtually a prerequisite and his methods generally consisted of identifying a weakness in an individuals psyche, and verbally challenging their pride. Enough so that they'd determine to prove him wrong. However, he'd decided the case of Katrina Ellis required something more, and the slap had been a calculated move deliberately soft enough to not cause harm, but with enough sting to humiliate. Michael wanted Kat truly angered, so that he could gauge if the Lily he required for the film to be a success resided within her. If she were not to react with anger or fury at all, but with only her usual composure, he'd also have his answer. Michael's focus returned to Katrina as he felt the shove, and the action caused him to stumble. His arms flailed in an attempt to regain his balance, and when he'd recovered it enough to focus on the young actress, her expression bought a smirk to his face. The girl looked pissed. Michael's mouth opened to speak, but it quickly clamped itself shut as he ducked. The phone slammed against his shoulder, then bounced off, and clattered to the floor. By the time he'd straightened, she'd began to rant, and Michael folded his arms across his chest and decided to not interrupt. The smirk turned into a smile as she spoke without pausing for breath, and insulted him. He didn't react to her threat to end his career, although it caused a brief shiver, however he was confident that if she reported him, he'd be able to talk his way out of it. At the comment about his failed acting attempt, the Director shrugged the girl was right. His eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of his Directing ability, but after the initial annoyance receded he had to hold back a laugh. Michael was certain Katrina didn't mean it otherwise why would she have initially been so enthused to take on the role, and work under his guidance and that her fury was speaking for her. A sign to the Director that this was not a performance, but a part of the real Kat, which to date she'd kept hidden. The entire time his eyes remained on her face, and he didn't notice the raised arm until it was too late. Hannah looked on with an expression of concern, and her eyes darted between the duo. As she realised Katrina's intentions, she emitted a gasp of surprise, and screamed. Kat. No, but could do nothing to stop the actress from returning the slap Michael had laid on her. Hannah winced at the deliberate rake of Kat's nails down Michael's cheek, but didn't move to intervene. When Michael had finally seen Kat's raised arm, his eyes had widened, and he'd attempted to swat it away, but was too slow. He connected with her elbow just as her palm struck his face, and the sting of her nails as they created furrows in his skin caused him to cry out in pain. He instinctively pressed a hand to his cheek to feel for any blood, and lurched forward with his other arm extended in an attempt to grab her. You fucking...... He yelled, about to call her a bitch, however as he missed her, the shock faded, and he allowed his arm to drop. A chuckle escaped his lips instead. I guess I deserve that, didn't I? Michael rubbed his gouged cheek, and cocked an eyebrow, but Katrina had already collected her phone, and begun to walk off. He spoke to her back. Now if you only brought that passion and fire to the screen. It's a pity that I had to resort to striking you, so that you'd demonstrate what you're capable of, and for that, I'm truly sorry. However, what I'll never apologise for is attempting to help my cast reach their potential. I saw Lily there for a moment, Katrina, and that's what I needed to see, but if you feel that you can no longer work with me, and wish to leave, I won't try to stop you. He motioned for Hannah to go after her, and raised his voice as Kat moved further away. But consider this. Did the slap hurt anything but your pride, Katrina? What do you think it's going to be like when you see the billboards, then watch Hyde and Seek on the big screen because rest assured, filming will go ahead with or without you and another actress has taken your role? When you analyse her performance, and know in your heart that could do have done so much more with it, but gave up because your ego was offended. Can you live with that, Katrina, or will you regret it for the rest of your career? He paused as Hannah reached Kat, then fired one final departing shot. You could be a once in a generation actress, but until you find the courage to stop holding yourself back in front of the lens, you'll never be better than mediocre. If you won't do it for me, do it for your Mother. As he went silent, Hannah gently took hold of Kat's wrist, and squeezed. Are you okay, honey? She glanced at Michael, who had turned and was stalking to the exit, then returned her attention to the younger woman. He shouldn't have done that, but the man's right about one thing. You have the talent to be great. Don't make a hasty decision because of one incident. I know Michael he's not the person you may think he is. He cares about his cast, and wants to see them succeed. Sometimes he has a funny way of showing it. Hannah shot her a sympathetic smile, then released her grip on Kat's arm, and turned towards a bank of elevators. The cast and crew had accommodations on the top two floors for the duration of filming at the location. Hannah pressed the call button, and looked back at Katrina. It wasn't the first occasion she and Michael had performed the 'good-cop', 'bad-cop' routine, and she could only hope that it would work once again. However, the Casting Director had her doubts he may have just gone too far with the slap. I don't about know you, but it's been a long day, and I need a drink. It might help us both calm down.