The audience watched with bated breath as Anna counted down, her eyes tightly closed. When she finally opened them, she found Jacob cradling a guitar, prompting her to ask, "Where's my surprise?"
Jacob responded with only a smile, beginning to strum his guitar. The melody that flowed from it caught the audience off guard once again, revealing that Jacob was about to serenade them with yet another song they hadn't heard before.
"I met you in the dark, you lit me up,
You made me feel as though I was enough,"
Jacob's voice imbued the lyrics with a depth of emotion that struck a chord,
"We danced the night away, we drank too much,
I held your hair back when,
You were throwing up, "
The audience was enraptured, still reeling from Jacob's earlier song of "Yellow". Now, he was unveiling another mesmerizing song.
Couples in the crowd found themselves drawing closer, moved by the song's portrayal of Jacob's love for Anna. It was as if his affection was a tangible force, weaving through the notes and lyrics, leaving no one untouched by its warmth...
"Then you smiled over your shoulder.
For a minute, I was stone-cold sober. I pulled you closer to my chest. And you asked me to stay over. I said, "I already told ya. I think that you should get some rest", "
Jacob's voice flowed smoothly, serenading, "I'll wake you up with some breakfast in bed. I'll bring you coffee with a kiss on your head."
He went on,
"And I'll take the kids to school, wave them goodbye. And I'll thank my lucky stars for that night, "
The melody of Jacob's singing resonated with the audience, touching their hearts. As time slipped by, his performance gracefully concluded with, "I'm gonna love you 'til, My lungs give out,
I promise 'til death we part like in our vows
So I wrote this song for you, now everybody knows."
"That it's just you and me 'til we're grey and old, Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go, "
Catching a glimpse of Anna's beaming smile, Jacob was inspired to continue, "Just say you won't let go, oh, just say you won't let go.'"
Had the film been playing in that moment, the audience would have been compelled to applaud Lucas's portrayal of Jacob, swept up in the emotion of the performance.
Meanwhile, representatives from major distributors like Sony Pictures, Paramount, and Lionsgate found their interest in acquiring the indie film significantly heightened by its musical elements.
In the movie, Anna's reaction was genuinely touching as she showed her appreciation for Jacob's gift. Following this tender moment, their affection for each other deepened, culminating in a passionate kiss.
The scene was charged with passion and emotion, as Jacob and Anna became completely enveloped in their own universe, their kiss a world unto itself.
As the scene transitioned to Jacob and Anna intimately together in bed, some female fans, particularly those who admire Lucas, felt a twinge of jealousy towards Felicity, the actress portraying Anna. After all, she had the opportunity to kiss and be close to the attractive actor.
However, as the story unfolded, with Anna choosing to stay with Jacob a bit longer, it led to unexpected consequences. When Anna decided to return to England after an extended stay in Los Angeles, she was deported, severing her connection with Jacob.
This twist began to shift the audience's perception of the film. Initially expected to be a typical romance, it took a turn that reminded many of "Blue Valentine," a film from last year's Sundance Festival. However, "Like Crazy" distinguished itself with its cinematography and color grading, elevating the storytelling.
As time passed without contact from Anna, Jacob met Sam, portrayed by Jennifer, though he only saw her as a friend. The audience, filled with doubt about Jacob and Anna's future, was pleasantly surprised when Jacob finally heard from Anna after a long silence. The moment Jacob shared his plans to visit his girlfriend in England, it was clear from Sam's expression that jealousy had taken root, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
"I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Sam. It was clear she harbored feelings for Jacob, but his heart belonged to Anna." This sentiment echoed among some audience members, who found themselves feeling sorry for Sam's unrequited love.
Jacob's reunion with Anna in England was a moment of joy for the audience, eager to see the young couple together again. However, a sense of unease crept in when, upon a knock at the door, Anna greeted a man with evident happiness, leaving Jacob to watch from a distance.
The feeling of being an outsider intensified for Jacob as he accompanied Anna to a bar, observing her enjoyment with friends while he felt increasingly isolated. Despite spending some time with Anna in England, including a visit to her parents, the inevitable loomed—Jacob would have to return to Los Angeles, leaving Anna behind once more.
As the film unfolded, Sam's confession to Jacob marked a turning point. The audience was taken on a journey from the simple love story of Jacob and Anna to a more complex narrative involving other relationships—Anna with another man and Jacob with Sam.
This tangled web of relationships cast a shadow of solemnity over the audience, particularly among the couples watching, as they contemplated the complexities of love and the pain of letting go.
As the film unfolded, showing Jacob and Anna's decision to reunite, the audience witnessed the subtle yet unmistakable signs that the spark between them had dimmed. Despite Anna's successful return to Los Angeles and their attempts to reconnect, it became clear that their relationship had fundamentally changed.
The magic that once ignited their romance seemed to have faded, leaving many in the audience, particularly the women, some accompanied by their partners, visibly moved to tears, seeking comfort in their significant others.
Amid the emotional scene, a young woman turned to her partner, her eyes reflecting the turmoil on the screen, and whispered, "Will we end up like them?" She nodded toward Jacob and Anna, her question hanging in the air.
Her partner responded gently, "It's just a movie," attempting to assuage her fears.
His words seemed to offer her some reassurance, grounding her back in the reality that their love story was theirs to write, distinct from the scripted fate of Jacob and Anna.
The transition from a moment of Jacob and Anna showering together to Jacob rocking the stage with his band captivated the audience. The crowd's pleas for an encore mirrored the viewers' excitement, a sentiment amplified when Anna was spotted among the audience, seemingly there to support Jacob. This glimpse sparked a wave of relief and joy through the theater.
"Thank God they're still together," a young woman murmured to her boyfriend, encapsulating the collective sigh of relief from the audience.
However, the film took an unexpected turn that stirred the audience's emotions anew. While initially thrilled for Jacob and Anna, the mood shifted dramatically when Anna was seen with a man named Simon, and Jacob shared a kiss with Sam onstage.
The film's conclusion, revealing Jacob with Sam and Anna with Simon, elicited mixed reactions. While some viewers found satisfaction in the unexpected endings, many, particularly the couples, were left longing for a different resolution. The notion that Jacob and Anna's journey ended apart, despite their intimate moments, left a bittersweet taste. The suggestion that if the two were not to end up together, their last shared scene should have been their shower together, lingered with the audience.
The intensity of the audience's feelings only deepened with the final reveal that the film was "Based on a true story." This added layer of realism prompted a deeper reflection on the complexities of love and relationship dynamics, leaving a lasting impression as the theater lights brightened.
As the film drew to a close, the audience, regardless of whether they were satisfied or dissatisfied with the ending, rose to their feet in applause.
Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times, along with other critics, initially dismissed "Like Crazy" as merely another film akin to "Blue Valentine." However, they soon discovered that it offered a depth and intrigue surpassing that of "Blue Valentine."
The cast's performances were notably impressive, with Lucas, in the role of Jacob, standing out. He delivered a captivating performance, particularly with his renditions of the film's songs. Kenneth Turan admitted that the melodies Lucas performed as Jacob lingered in his mind long after the film ended, finding them irresistibly memorable.
In his review, Turan expressed a predominantly positive opinion, a sentiment echoed by the majority of critics who had seen the film, though a few offered dissenting views.
Another journalist who had the opportunity to see the film also started to realize that the widely circulated photographs of Lucas kissing Jennifer or Felicity were indeed authentic scenes from the movie.
As the applause filled the air, Lucas exchanged warm smiles with Jennifer and Felicity. Together with the cast and director, they left the theater, stepping into the buzz of journalists from various media outlets eager for another round of interviews. Lucas, alongside his fellow cast members, fielded questions with ease, his smile never wavering.
--
Sundance 2011 rolled on, showcasing a mix of competing and non-competing films. Amidst this cinematic feast, "Like Crazy" began to capture the audience's imagination, its poignant story of Jacob and Anna striking a chord. The film's acclaim peaked when it was awarded the Grand Jury Prize, sparking immediate interest among distributors present at Sundance.
In a cozy café, Drake found himself in conversation with Davy Parks from Sony Pictures.
Davy, leaning in, shared his enthusiasm. "Drake, we're really interested in acquiring 'Like Crazy'. The buzz around it is incredible."
Drake paused, stirring his coffee. "I appreciate that, Davy. But before we go any further, I need to discuss this with Lucas."
Davy blinked, perplexed. "Lucas? The actor? Why would the acquisition need his approval?"
Drake set his cup down, meeting Davy's gaze. "Well, Lucas isn't just the lead actor. He actually funded the film with $380,000 of his own money."
Davy's eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and respect coloring his features. "That's impressive for such a young actor. Alright then, I understand. Take the time you need to talk it over with him."
Drake excused himself from the table, stepping out of the café into the crisp air. He let out a sigh, a mix of relief and fatigue washing over him. The day had been a marathon of discussions with representatives from various distributors, each conversation as draining as it was exciting.
He made his way to the hotel where Lucas was staying, his mind racing with the details of the offers he needed to discuss.
Upon meeting Lucas, Drake wasted no time diving into the details.
"Lucas, we've got some serious interest for 'Like Crazy.' Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, and Paramount have all approached me about acquiring the film," Drake began, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and gravity.
Lucas, leaning forward, asked, "What kind of offers are we talking about from each of them?"
Drake nodded, pulling out a notepad with the figures scribbled down. "Sony Pictures and Paramount have put forward the most tempting offers. Sony is offering us $1 million upfront, with a commitment to a wide release. Paramount's deal is slightly different; they're offering $850,000 upfront but with a higher percentage of the back-end profits. As for Lionsgate, their offer is more conservative, at $600,000 upfront with a moderate commitment to marketing."
Lucas shook his head slightly at the mention of Lionsgate's offer. "Given that we're already in for $630K on the budget, Lionsgate's offer doesn't cut it for us," he stated matter-of-factly.
Turning his attention back to the more promising prospects, Lucas continued, "Can you try to push Sony Pictures to increase their upfront offer? I trust your judgment on this, Drake."
Drake nodded, taking in Lucas's request. "I'll do my best. What are you thinking for yourself out of this deal?"
Lucas leaned back, his thoughts clear. "For me, I'd be looking at an 8 percent profit share and $100K upfront. As for you and the crew, I'll leave that negotiation in your hands. See what you can work out with Sony for a fair share for the rest of us."
Drake jotted down the numbers, his resolve firming. "Alright, Lucas. I'll get on it. We want to make sure everyone involved feels valued for their contributions. I'll start the conversation with Sony along those lines."
Lucas offered a warm smile, raising his glass in a gesture of celebration. "Drake, congratulations on the success of 'Like Crazy.' It's really taken off, hasn't it?"
Drake, with a smile mirroring Lucas's, clinked his glass against Lucas's. "Thank you, Lucas. But honestly, it's you who deserves a huge part of the credit. Without your funding, your invaluable suggestions, and your outstanding performance as Jacob—let alone those unforgettable songs—you know this film wouldn't have reached the heights it has."
Lucas just smiled, a modest tilt of his head acknowledging Drake's words. "It was a team effort, through and through." he said, the glasses chiming softly as they toasted to the shared success.
As they savored their wine, Drake glanced over at Lucas with a knowing smile. "Oh, and let's not forget your Grammy nomination for 2011. Congratulations, Lucas! That's no small feat."
Lucas, his smile unfading, responded with a humble nod. "Thank you, Drake. It still feels surreal, to be honest."
The Grammy nominations were unveiled in December 2010, and Lucas's nomination came as no surprise to his fans. Thanks to his album and its standout tracks, his name was already buzzing in music circles.
In Park City, film enthusiasts attended screenings of competitive films not only in Park City but also in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah. This year's Sundance Festival was quite successful, featuring notable films such as "Like Crazy" and "Another Earth."
Fans of Lucas who managed to see "Like Crazy" were thrilled and eagerly shared their experiences online. On Twitter, attendees from Sundance praised the film:
"Lucas's performance in the film was really good! His two female co-stars were also impressive!"
"I really liked the film, especially Lucas's songs! I was so impressed that I bought tickets again for my friends so we could all enjoy Lucas's performance and his music once more!"
Dozens of new posts about the film "Like Crazy" and Lucas Knight emerged on social media. Meanwhile, other fans of Lucas who were not previously aware of "Like Crazy" learned about the film, but they couldn't see it as it was exclusively screened at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
At the same time, the buzz about Lucas on Twitter began to fade after media reports covered his interview at Sundance.
Rumors about Lucas's relationships with Jennifer Lawrence and Felicity Jones were also put to rest by their new film at Sundance, "Like Crazy," which confirmed that Lucas was just friends with both actresses. This news reassured some of Lucas's female fans who felt it was too soon for him to be in a romantic relationship, although other fans continued to support the idea of Lucas with Jennifer or Felicity.
Some people even posted photos of Lucas with Jennifer or Felicity, set against romantic music.
As the 2011 Sundance Film Festival was drawing to a close, "Like Crazy," a Grand Jury Prize winner, became the center of a pivotal discussion in Park City. Drake, representing the film, was deep in negotiations with Sony Pictures. Inside a quiet corner of a bustling cafe, the air was tense with anticipation.
Drake leaned forward, making his case, "We're asking for $1.3 million and 13% of the box office shares."
Davy, the Sony Pictures representative, rubbed his forehead, concern etching his features. "That's a significant ask, Drake. You know the risks involved for us at that amount, not to mention the marketing expenses."
Recognizing the hesitation, Drake lowered his demand slightly, "How about $1.2 million then?"
Davy sighed, still unconvinced. "It's still a big gamble for us."
Sensing an opportunity, Drake played his ace. "Consider Lucas's involvement. His songs in the film are a major draw. He's not only a rising star as an actor but also in music. His album sales are through the roof—hundreds of thousands of units—and he's even Grammy-nominated. Having him is worth the $1.2 million. He's a central character and even performs a song in the film. It's a unique selling point that's sure to attract audiences."
Davy paused, mulling over Drake's points. The promise of Lucas's growing popularity was tempting, but the decision was far from simple.
Davy looked thoughtful, his gaze settling on Drake with a mixture of contemplation and caution. "I need to discuss this with the Sony Pictures executives. It's a lot to consider," he admitted, his voice carrying a tone of professional hesitation.
Drake nodded, his expression firm yet open. "I understand, but just so you know, other distributors are interested in acquiring 'Like Crazy.' We might find a distributor who will accept our terms."
Davy's response was prompt, reflecting the urgency of the situation. "I'll get back to you as soon as possible, Drake. I appreciate your flexibility, and I'll push for a quick decision on our end."
A few days later, as the Sundance Film Festival neared its conclusion, Drake successfully secured a deal with Sony Pictures to acquire the film "Like Crazy." The agreement was settled for $1.2 million and 12 percent of the box office shares.
Drake then allocated 8 percent of the box office shares and $100,000 to Lucas, recognizing that Lucas's star power and musical contributions to the film were instrumental in closing the deal at such favorable terms. Lucas's recent Grammy nomination had undoubtedly swayed Sony Pictures' decision to invest heavily in "Like Crazy."
Meanwhile, Lucas had returned to New York, where preparations for his Grammy appearance were already underway, thanks to his manager, Neil. Neil had arranged for a designer to outfit Lucas for the prestigious event.
Although Neil received several project offers from other studios, particularly for indie films interested in casting Lucas, they had to decline as Lucas's schedule was now dominated by his upcoming appearance at the 2011 Grammy Awards and Golden Globes.
Of course, Lucas carefully read through the project scripts before making any decisions. Ultimately, he declined because none of the scripts ignited his passion for acting in those projects.
Lucas had a busy schedule ahead. With the Grammys still weeks away, he was already committed to filming episodes for the TV series "Modern Family." Shortly after, he was required on the soundstage for HBO's "Game of Thrones," where he also had to voice some scenes for his character, Rob.
Amid this hectic period, Lucas was kept in the loop by the production team of "The Hunger Games," as they needed to coordinate schedules and updates.
In his scarce downtime, Lucas caught up with Jennifer over the phone, sharing updates about their days. During one call, Jennifer mentioned meeting Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein while preparing for her role in "The Hunger Games."
Lucas, concerned, cautioned her, "There are rumors about that guy; you should be careful. I don't want you to end up regretting anything."
Jennifer, in the workout room, couldn't help but smile at Lucas's concern. "Rumors are just rumors. He might be different in real life. I've just spoken to him, and he seemed funny and straightforward," she replied.
Lucas shook his head, his tone more serious, "Just be careful, Jennifer. What he shows you might just be a facade to earn your trust and lure you into a trap."
Laughing softly, Jennifer responded, "A trap? You're overthinking it, Lucas."
Lucas, knowing the more severe allegations against Weinstein but unable to disclose his futuristic insights, pressed gently, "Just be careful, okay?"
Acknowledging his serious tone, Jennifer agreed with a warm smile, "Alright, I'll be careful."
Before the 2011 Grammy Awards, the Golden Globes are set to make their mark. In December 2010, just like the Grammys, the Golden Globes announced their nominees. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 4, 2011.
On February 3, 2011, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, a host of celebrities, directors, writers, music icons, animators, influential Hollywood figures, and journalists will be in attendance. At the same time, designers will be busy dressing everyone from A-list to C-list celebrities.
The area surrounding the Beverly Hilton Hotel is already buzzing with excitement, as fans gather, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors.
As Lucas set foot in Beverly Hills, he couldn't help but look around in awe. Despite the Beverly Hilton Hotel—where the Golden Globes were set to take place—being some distance away, the area was already bustling with activity. This atmosphere was distinctly different from his experiences at Sundance or the Emmys, bringing him an entirely new and refreshing feeling.
--
On February 4, 2011, the Golden Globe Awards officially began.
Journalists were already on the scene, greeting top celebrities and conducting interviews. As the stars walked the red carpet, several reporters eagerly awaited the arrival of a certain actor. This actor, though not as popular or established as others gracing the red carpet, was poised to capture significant attention at this year's Golden Globes. Notably, the young actor was nominated not only for "Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture" but also for "Best Original Song" for his work in two different films!
The young actor in question was Lucas Knight. His original song "The Scientist" from "127 Hours" had garnered a nomination, as had "Fix You" from the blockbuster film "Inception." For a young actor, receiving a nomination in one category is impressive, but being nominated twice for "Best Original Song" was truly remarkable.
As journalists welcomed renowned celebrities such as Al Pacino, Colin Firth, Javier Bardem, Brendan Gleeson, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, and others, the excitement along the red carpet was palpable. When Natalie Portman arrived, cheers erupted from fans who loved her performance in "Black Swan."
Among the crowd, fans of Lucas Knight held signs and chanted slogans, eagerly awaiting their idol's appearance. Though they were only a small percentage of the overall crowd, their enthusiasm was unmistakable, as they stood alongside fans of other major celebrities.
"Lucas is always the last to show up at these events..." a fan muttered impatiently as he waited for Lucas.
"Yeah, it was the same at the Emmys. He's always the last one to appear... Maybe it's a strategy from his PR team or something," another fan added, nodding in agreement.
While they spoke, other fans mingled and cheered along with the crowd as various well-known celebrities made their grand entrance on the red carpet.
Unbeknownst to Lucas's fans, he didn't actually have a PR team orchestrating his late arrivals. In fact, Lucas was simply waiting for his rented limousine to arrive so he could head to the Golden Globes.
Looking anxious, Lucas turned to his manager, Neil, and asked, "When is the limousine going to show up?"
Neil, phone in hand, replied, "I'm trying to reach the driver, but he's not picking up!"
Just as Lucas and Neil were considering alternative transportation options, the limousine they had been waiting for finally appeared in the distance and pulled up in front of them.
Seeing the limousine finally arrive, Neil flung open the driver's door and demanded, "What took you so long? We paid a thousand bucks for this service, you know?"
The driver, looking apologetic, replied, "I'm sorry—I ran into some trouble on the way."
Neil sighed and turned to Lucas. "Alright, hop in, you're about to be late."
Lucas nodded, but as he caught a glimpse of the driver, he exclaimed in surprise, "Shawn?"
The driver, Shawn, turned back to Lucas with a look of recognition. "Lucas! It's you!"
Neil, puzzled, looked between Lucas and Shawn. "You two know each other?"
Lucas nodded, then climbed into the limousine. "Yeah," he confirmed. As he settled in, he urged, "Shawn, you better hurry. I can't be late for the red carpet."
Shawn nodded in understanding. "You got it, Lucas."
With that, Neil, still puzzled, watched the limousine pull away. He shook his head, a slight smile on his face, as he pondered the unexpected connection between Lucas and the driver.
--
At the Beverly Hilton Hotel, just as Lucas's fans were starting to doubt his attendance at the 2011 Golden Globes, a limousine pulled up. To their surprise and delight, Lucas stepped out. The crowd of fans, energized by his arrival, erupted into cheers as he made his way down the red carpet.
As Lucas walked down the red carpet, he noticed his fans eagerly waving items for him to autograph. Realizing that much of the crowd seemed indifferent towards him, Lucas decided to approach his fans and sign autographs, much to their delight. After engaging with them, he headed towards the media backdrop, where a swarm of journalists quickly gathered around him.
The onlookers who had initially paid him little attention were now visibly surprised by the amount of media focus he was attracting. Even the celebrities at the backdrop found themselves watching as journalists flocked to Lucas, intrigued by the attention the young actor was commanding.
While not every journalist rushed over to Lucas, the significant number who did made it clear that there was something special about him, sparking curiosity among everyone present.
Meanwhile, journalists were eager to interview Lucas about his nominations at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards, as well as the impressive box office success of his film "127 Hours," which had grossed 102 million dollars.
--
Author's Note: Please note that the schedule of the Golden Globes Awards event has been adjusted for the purposes of this novel.