The Box Office King of Hollywood

Hearing Tom Hanks' question, Matthew understood that a good answer could work in his favor. He could tell that Tom Hanks seemed quite satisfied with his performance so far. A poor answer, however, would certainly cost him points.

Both the original novel and the memoir mentioned rumors of Ronald Speirs executing German prisoners, but they were just that—rumors. Neither source explicitly confirmed that Speirs had killed prisoners.

Tom Hanks' question, however, presupposed that Speirs had executed prisoners and asked for his opinion on the matter.

From the standpoint of the present, a time of peace, killing prisoners of war is universally abhorred and condemned.

From a humanitarian perspective, it is utterly reprehensible and reviled.

But as an actor auditioning to play Ronald Speirs, Matthew felt he couldn't afford to answer from either of those standpoints. Instead, he needed to think from the perspective of a paratrooper who had just parachuted into France—more precisely, as if he were Ronald Speirs, assumed to have killed prisoners.

In an instant, various battlefield descriptions from the novel he had read numerous times flashed through his mind.

This was an audition, and Tom Hanks was waiting; he didn't have much time to deliberate.

"I believe..." Matthew began, "given the circumstances at the time, it was the wisest course of action."

"Have you read the original book?"

Seeing Matthew nod, Tom Hanks asked, "Based on the book, why do you think so?"

"At that time, the troops had just landed on French soil, and it was uncertain whether they would be counterattacked and driven back into the sea the next day," Matthew explained entirely from the perspective of a hardened soldier. "The options were to find planes to take the prisoners to a camp yet to be established, release them, or execute them on the spot."

He elaborated, "But the first option was impossible; they were paratroopers, and behind enemy lines at that. Releasing the prisoners was an even worse option—who knew if they would return to the German ranks? Perhaps one of the released would end up taking the life of one of their own brothers-in-arms."

Tom Hanks thought of Erban and nodded again.

The more Matthew spoke, the clearer his thoughts became. "According to the book, the unit wasn't in a position to manage these prisoners. They were about to move to a rally point and then engage in the battle to take the 88mm gun positions. Keeping the prisoners would be a liability, and transporting them would drain vital combat resources. Thus, executing them on the spot was the most rational decision."

Indeed, the memoir subtly mentioned more than once that, especially in the early stages of the landings, paratroopers deep behind enemy lines didn't need prisoners.

The memoirs Matthew had read were now proving their worth.

"That's all," Tom Hanks told the casting director. "I've finished my questions."

The casting director nodded, glanced at the others who had no comments, and then told Matthew, "Mr. Matthew Horner, you may leave. We will inform your agent of the results tomorrow."

Matthew politely said his thanks, turned, and left the audition room, walking back through the corridor to the wardrobe room.

Just like when he came for the audition, he didn't see Helen Herman and wondered where she might be.

Back in the wardrobe room, with the help of an assistant costume designer, Matthew took off his gear, changed back into his clothes, washed the little makeup from his face, and walked out.

It had been less than twenty minutes since he left the wardrobe room when he saw Helen Herman pacing near the entrance.

"Let's go," Helen said upon seeing Matthew, leading the way out of the studio. Once outside, she asked, "How did the audition go?"

"It felt okay," Matthew recounted the audition process as they walked, "Tom Hanks asked me several questions and seemed quite positive."

Helen nodded slightly. "That's a good sign. I just inquired, and Tom Hanks didn't speak a word during the auditions of the three actors before you."

Matthew perked up. "He wasn't interested in them?"

"Most likely." Helen led the way out of Warner Studios. "But what Tom Hanks truly thinks, only he knows."

As they exited the studio gates, Matthew asked, "They said they'd inform you tomorrow. When's the earliest we could hear back?"

Helen approached the car, opened the driver's door, and said, "Typically, we should receive a notification by tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow morning, huh?" Matthew walked around to the passenger side. "The wait is agonizing."

For nearly a month, he had done almost nothing else, even taking leave from his acting and language classes at the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts to focus solely on preparing for the role of Ronald Speirs. Now, after the audition, although the onsite

 vibes had been promising, the inability to immediately know the results was torturous for someone so eager for the role.

Helen got into the car, seeing Matthew settle into the passenger seat without hesitation, and asked, "Where to?"

"Angel Agency," Matthew buckled his seatbelt, "Your office. It's easier to pass the time with someone to talk to."

Helen started the car and stated bluntly, "I'm busy."

She was not only Matthew's agent but also represented a considerable number of other actors.

"That's okay," Matthew casually said, "I'll go see Amanda..."

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered that Amanda had left Los Angeles for New York and, by now, might already be at Cambridge University.

"Amanda's already in the UK," Helen's voice interrupted his thoughts. "When you get the role and go to the UK to shoot, you can see her then."

She turned the car into another street. "There's some news you might find interesting."

Matthew, surprised by Helen's usually more reserved manner of speaking, asked, "What news?"

Helen, unusually straightforward, replied, "Sony Columbia Pictures just confirmed that 'The Soul Switcher' will officially premiere in North America starting December 8. They're planning a premiere event."

That was Matthew's first film, a memorable one.

"You have some connection with Angelina Jolie, right?" Helen revealed her intent, "Contact her, walk the red carpet at the premiere. Don't let people forget you."

"That might be difficult," Matthew shrugged helplessly, "I've cleared things up with her. I called her and her assistant recently, and no one answered."

Helen then asked, "What about Winona Ryder? I remember you said you know her."

"She'd probably rather not see me," Matthew, not wanting to explain, simply said, "I'll call Angelina Jolie again later, maybe I can still make it to the premiere."

He knew, without much reminder from Helen, that he needed to do everything possible to boost his visibility.

"It would be best if you could contact her," Helen shared another piece of news, "From what I know, Sony Columbia Pictures is planning to produce a big-budget action adventure film with a female lead. Angelina Jolie is very likely to be the lead actress and producer. If you can get through to Jolie, you might land a decent supporting role."

Matthew was suddenly motivated. "I'll give it a try. I'm sure Angelina Jolie still remembers me."

The office building of Angel Agency wasn't far from Warner Studios, and soon the car arrived at the three-story building.

By now, Angel Agency had grown somewhat, with Helen Herman plus four other agents, though their clients were mostly minor actors and extras.

Rather than wait alone in agony, Matthew decided to find someone in the office to chat with to pass the tedious and anxious waiting time.

As night gradually fell, the auditions at Warner Studios were wrapping up. Tom Hanks packed up his things and left the audition room through the back door to his office, where another producer, Gary Goetzman, was waiting for him.

"How did it go on your end?" Tom Hanks asked.

"Very smoothly," Gary Goetzman smiled, "Damian Lewis, whom you and Steven recommended, is perfect for the role."

"That's good," Tom Hanks pulled up a chair and sat down.

The lead role came from his and Spielberg's recommendation. To avoid any appearance of bias, that audition was specifically assigned to Gary Goetzman.

"And your side?" Gary asked Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks, just about to sip from his water glass, simply pushed the stack of actor profiles toward Gary Goetzman. "Take a look for yourself."

Gary flipped through the profiles quickly, pausing suddenly on one, looking up in surprise, "You gave this guy four stars!"

"A young actor very suitable for playing a tough military man," Tom Hanks set down his water glass, "Of all the auditions today, he left the deepest impression on me. Check out the audition tape, and if you have no objections, I'll have someone notify him tomorrow."

Gary stood up, returned the profiles to Tom Hanks, and said, "I'll check it out now."

As night descended, Matthew returned to his apartment in Westwood. After a shower, he lay in bed continuing to review materials when his phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and hit the answer button, "Hi, Bubba."

It was Britney on the other end, "Hi, Matthew, did you pass the audition?"

"I don't know yet, I might get some specific news tomorrow."

There was a pause on the other end before Britney added, "I'm free tomorrow. How about I come over in the morning and we wait together?"