1 00:00:05,470 --> 00:00:08,270 [soft rustling] 2 00:00:13,410 --> 00:00:14,480 Check, check. 3 00:00:14,580 --> 00:00:16,150 [snapping] 4 00:00:16,250 --> 00:00:17,310 Rolling. 5 00:00:22,020 --> 00:00:27,560 [crickets chirping] 6 00:00:27,660 --> 00:00:32,730 [snow crunching underfoot] 7 00:00:43,370 --> 00:00:44,910 [distant owl hooting] 8 00:00:46,280 --> 00:00:51,850 [reading sign] 9 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:57,420 Yep. Made that very clear on your nine emails. 10 00:01:06,300 --> 00:01:08,530 [sighs] Yeah. 11 00:01:13,840 --> 00:01:15,040 [click] 12 00:01:22,650 --> 00:01:23,780 Hello? 13 00:01:31,490 --> 00:01:32,620 [door closes] 14 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:35,620 It's Mike. 15 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:55,910 [Mike mutters] 16 00:02:03,050 --> 00:02:04,590 I got the script. 17 00:02:11,690 --> 00:02:12,830 Hello? 18 00:02:17,470 --> 00:02:18,670 MAN: [stage whispering] Hey! 19 00:02:20,540 --> 00:02:22,000 Are you rolling? 20 00:02:22,570 --> 00:02:23,770 MIKE: I am. 21 00:02:28,980 --> 00:02:30,480 MAN: Are you gonna yell "action"? 22 00:02:30,580 --> 00:02:32,620 MIKE: Oh. Uh... 23 00:02:34,080 --> 00:02:36,290 [clears throat] Action! 24 00:02:37,990 --> 00:02:40,160 [dramatically] On that fateful evening, 25 00:02:40,260 --> 00:02:43,430 I was not yet a killer. 26 00:02:44,560 --> 00:02:48,530 My thirst for blood was as of a small child, 27 00:02:48,630 --> 00:02:52,300 or... a baby wolf. 28 00:02:53,740 --> 00:02:56,740 I was merely perched on the precipice 29 00:02:56,840 --> 00:02:59,810 of the encroaching darkness. 30 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,550 - MIKE: Uh... - [pages rustling] 31 00:03:05,910 --> 00:03:08,980 "So, are you saying you chose to become a vampire?" 32 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:10,390 [laughing] 33 00:03:10,490 --> 00:03:13,690 Oh, my child, were it so simple. 34 00:03:13,790 --> 00:03:17,360 But what is choice and what is destiny, I cannot say. 35 00:03:17,460 --> 00:03:19,400 I only know this: 36 00:03:20,330 --> 00:03:24,230 as I watched the glorious day 37 00:03:24,330 --> 00:03:30,840 fade into a delicious, blood-red sunset, 38 00:03:30,940 --> 00:03:35,580 I willingly said goodbye to the sun. 39 00:03:36,980 --> 00:03:43,520 I chose to become that which I am now. 40 00:03:49,460 --> 00:03:51,030 - [hissing] - [Mike exclaims] 41 00:03:51,130 --> 00:03:53,360 MAN: Oh! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! 42 00:03:53,460 --> 00:03:55,200 Oh, my God. Did you feel that? 43 00:03:55,300 --> 00:03:56,770 That was incredible! Oh, my God! 44 00:03:56,870 --> 00:03:58,400 That's why you always roll on the first take! 45 00:03:58,500 --> 00:03:59,870 That's why we always roll on the first take! 46 00:03:59,970 --> 00:04:01,770 You-- you-- you were incredible. 47 00:04:01,870 --> 00:04:03,610 Get over here. I love you, man. Come on. 48 00:04:03,710 --> 00:04:06,140 - [both grunt] - What's your name again? 49 00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:08,710 - MIKE: Uh, Mike. - Mike. 50 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:12,550 I like Mike. Mm-hmm. Magic Mike. 51 00:04:12,650 --> 00:04:14,580 It's gonna be a great night, Mike. 52 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:16,620 Gonna be a great night! 53 00:04:19,360 --> 00:04:22,290 [Mike exhales] Holy shit. 54 00:04:23,390 --> 00:04:27,630 [eerie theme music] 55 00:04:55,290 --> 00:04:57,590 MIKE: Hey, I'm, uh, all set up out here. 56 00:04:57,690 --> 00:04:59,330 MAN: Sorry, I can't hear you. Come on in. 57 00:05:00,600 --> 00:05:02,630 - MIKE: Oh, sorry. - It's okay. 58 00:05:02,730 --> 00:05:04,630 I was just saying I'm all set up out there whenever you're ready. 59 00:05:04,730 --> 00:05:05,770 Mm-hmm. 60 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:08,170 - MIKE: Cool. - MAN: Hey, Mike? 61 00:05:08,900 --> 00:05:10,010 [spits] 62 00:05:13,080 --> 00:05:15,640 Uh, I just wanna say... 63 00:05:15,740 --> 00:05:20,280 I know this whole setup is a little awkward. 64 00:05:20,380 --> 00:05:23,950 You know? Some guy, I pay you $1,000 65 00:05:24,050 --> 00:05:25,720 to come all the way out here and film me, 66 00:05:25,820 --> 00:05:27,860 and I acknowledge that, and... 67 00:05:29,060 --> 00:05:31,130 I appreciate your trust. 68 00:05:32,900 --> 00:05:35,530 So, I wanna be 100% honest with you about something. 69 00:05:36,300 --> 00:05:37,630 MIKE: Okay. 70 00:05:37,730 --> 00:05:39,940 I'm feeling very vulnerable tonight. 71 00:05:40,900 --> 00:05:44,210 And sometimes, when I feel that way, I can get a little... 72 00:05:46,910 --> 00:05:48,810 in the moment. 73 00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:52,850 It's just, this is very important. 74 00:05:52,950 --> 00:05:54,150 This is my dream. 75 00:05:55,350 --> 00:05:58,820 And now, you are a partner in that dream. 76 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:02,220 And now, I'm getting emotional and I'm-- 77 00:06:03,190 --> 00:06:05,330 I'm-- I'm just trying to say thank you. 78 00:06:05,430 --> 00:06:06,560 Thank you, Mike. 79 00:06:08,260 --> 00:06:09,400 MIKE: You're welcome. 80 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:16,510 [clap] 81 00:06:16,610 --> 00:06:19,340 Truth. Dedication. Integrity. 82 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:22,110 These are the principles with which I have lived my life, 83 00:06:22,210 --> 00:06:23,780 and these are the very principles I plan 84 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,420 to bring with me should you choose to accept me 85 00:06:26,520 --> 00:06:28,350 into your intent-- Ah! Blah. 86 00:06:28,450 --> 00:06:29,590 MIKE: It's uh... 87 00:06:30,550 --> 00:06:31,720 it's gonna be a cut. 88 00:06:35,660 --> 00:06:36,890 Sorry, one sec. 89 00:06:37,630 --> 00:06:38,760 Get this right. 90 00:06:40,500 --> 00:06:42,200 Yeah, I know the lighting's important, 91 00:06:42,300 --> 00:06:43,470 but the performance is what matters here, 92 00:06:43,570 --> 00:06:44,870 so I think we just-- 93 00:06:45,500 --> 00:06:47,470 let's just-- I'm ready, so. 94 00:06:47,570 --> 00:06:49,040 MIKE: Okay. 95 00:06:49,140 --> 00:06:51,370 Okay, great. Ready when you are. 96 00:06:52,340 --> 00:06:53,880 - Truth-- - MIKE: Oh, sorry. One sec. 97 00:06:53,980 --> 00:06:55,110 [shouting] Mike! 98 00:06:57,180 --> 00:07:00,120 Can we have a little talk about process, please? 99 00:07:00,980 --> 00:07:04,550 Truth. Dedication. Integrity. 100 00:07:04,650 --> 00:07:07,390 These are the principles with which I have lived my life, 101 00:07:07,490 --> 00:07:09,260 and these are the very principles 102 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:12,500 I plan to bring with me should you choose to accept me 103 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:16,730 into your nine-month intensive Acting For Camera program. 104 00:07:16,830 --> 00:07:19,740 My name is Jeff Daniels. 105 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:23,340 I am not that Jeff Daniels, but I hope with your guidance 106 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:25,810 to one day achieve his level of artistry. 107 00:07:25,910 --> 00:07:30,080 I mean, come on. Speed in 1993, he plays Harry. 108 00:07:30,180 --> 00:07:32,980 The very next year, he plays another character named Harry 109 00:07:33,080 --> 00:07:34,350 in Dumb and Dumber. 110 00:07:34,450 --> 00:07:37,150 I have that talent. 111 00:07:37,250 --> 00:07:41,320 I have that dedication. I just need your skills. 112 00:07:41,960 --> 00:07:44,330 Together? [chuckles] 113 00:07:44,430 --> 00:07:47,500 Well... we can make history. 114 00:07:51,130 --> 00:07:53,640 All right, thoughts? Just-- just hit me with it. 115 00:07:53,740 --> 00:07:56,300 MIKE: Great. I-- I thought it was great. It was good. 116 00:07:58,710 --> 00:08:00,110 That's it? Just good? 117 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:03,180 MIKE: No, I just-- You know, we've done a lot of takes, 118 00:08:03,280 --> 00:08:05,980 and I think somewhere in those last 18, 119 00:08:06,080 --> 00:08:07,480 you've-- you've got it. 120 00:08:12,820 --> 00:08:13,860 Huh. 121 00:08:15,560 --> 00:08:16,660 Okay. 122 00:08:17,890 --> 00:08:19,530 So, I don't believe you. 123 00:08:20,460 --> 00:08:22,200 I don't believe that we have it. 124 00:08:22,970 --> 00:08:25,230 I don't think you believe that we have it. 125 00:08:25,330 --> 00:08:28,500 I think that you are just saying that we have it 126 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:30,810 so that you can get your $1,000 127 00:08:30,910 --> 00:08:32,640 and leave here as soon as possible. 128 00:08:33,340 --> 00:08:34,880 And you know what else I think? 129 00:08:36,750 --> 00:08:39,210 I can't-- I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but... 130 00:08:41,620 --> 00:08:44,820 I think you don't care whether I get into acting school or not. 131 00:08:45,620 --> 00:08:47,520 Oh, my God, I'm gonna be sick. I'm gonna be sick. 132 00:08:47,620 --> 00:08:49,830 MIKE: No, no, I think you're a genuinely good actor. 133 00:08:49,930 --> 00:08:51,230 I don't believe you, Michael. 134 00:08:51,330 --> 00:08:53,360 I don't believe anything you say. 135 00:08:53,460 --> 00:08:55,200 MIKE: Well, what do you want from me? 136 00:08:55,300 --> 00:08:57,100 The truth! 137 00:08:57,200 --> 00:08:58,670 That's all. 138 00:08:59,470 --> 00:09:02,910 MIKE: The truth is I've done a lot of acting reels. 139 00:09:03,710 --> 00:09:04,870 And? 140 00:09:05,640 --> 00:09:06,810 MIKE: And you're... 141 00:09:07,610 --> 00:09:10,380 - up there-- - [shouting] No! No, no! 142 00:09:12,380 --> 00:09:13,580 [door slams] 143 00:09:21,820 --> 00:09:23,260 MIKE: Mr. Daniels? 144 00:09:32,030 --> 00:09:33,270 Hey, Jeff? 145 00:09:40,480 --> 00:09:43,280 So, I think we're, uh, wrapped here. Um... 146 00:09:44,210 --> 00:09:47,420 I'd like to talk about the payment we agreed on. 147 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:50,090 Um, if you got the cash, that's great, 148 00:09:50,190 --> 00:09:54,290 but I also have Venmo and Zelle if that works better. 149 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:03,130 But I am gonna need the payment before I leave. 150 00:10:08,100 --> 00:10:09,140 [Mike sighs] 151 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:36,000 God damn it. 152 00:10:41,870 --> 00:10:42,970 Shit. 153 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:48,540 - [Mike screaming] - [Jeff shouting] 154 00:10:48,640 --> 00:10:50,550 [screaming] 155 00:10:50,650 --> 00:10:52,980 JEFF: Here it is, Mikey! The truth! 156 00:10:53,080 --> 00:10:54,820 That's what we've been looking for here tonight. 157 00:10:54,920 --> 00:10:56,180 Look at that beautiful face. 158 00:11:00,220 --> 00:11:01,960 Please give me my camera. 159 00:11:02,060 --> 00:11:03,730 JEFF: Listen, I understand that you're upset, 160 00:11:03,830 --> 00:11:07,900 but I just wanna say, I'm so proud of you. 161 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:11,130 You found the truth in that bathroom, Mikey. 162 00:11:11,230 --> 00:11:14,000 And while I realize it-- it was uncomfortable for you, 163 00:11:14,100 --> 00:11:15,640 this is where great art begins. 164 00:11:15,740 --> 00:11:18,010 Okay, ple-- please stop talking. 165 00:11:18,110 --> 00:11:19,840 I just want my money, man. 166 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,850 JEFF: What? Really? 167 00:11:24,810 --> 00:11:25,780 You just-- 168 00:11:26,480 --> 00:11:28,420 you're just gonna leave all this behind? 169 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:29,850 I feel like we just had a breakthrough, 170 00:11:29,950 --> 00:11:30,920 - I don't-- - [stomp] 171 00:11:31,020 --> 00:11:32,190 [Mike sighs] 172 00:11:33,420 --> 00:11:34,720 JEFF: Oh, Michael. 173 00:11:36,490 --> 00:11:38,830 Did you just put your foot down with me? 174 00:11:46,030 --> 00:11:47,400 Interesting. 175 00:11:50,470 --> 00:11:52,040 This is getting exciting. 176 00:11:55,110 --> 00:11:57,050 What's he gonna do next? 177 00:12:14,230 --> 00:12:16,600 - Thank you. - JEFF: You're welcome. 178 00:12:21,470 --> 00:12:23,970 Oh, my. Look at that. 179 00:12:24,070 --> 00:12:27,080 It is really coming down out there now. 180 00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:30,050 It's a good thing you got, uh, four-wheel drive 181 00:12:30,150 --> 00:12:31,550 in your car there, Mike, huh? 182 00:12:33,580 --> 00:12:34,920 Well... 183 00:12:35,020 --> 00:12:36,920 [inhales sharply] ...oof. 184 00:12:37,020 --> 00:12:38,790 Even if you get out of the driveway, 185 00:12:39,860 --> 00:12:42,090 coming down that hill is gonna be treacherous. 186 00:12:43,690 --> 00:12:46,460 But, that's what snow chains are for, so. 187 00:12:47,930 --> 00:12:49,930 Oh. No snow chains? 188 00:12:50,030 --> 00:12:52,400 God. They're never really there when you need 'em, are they? 189 00:12:54,270 --> 00:12:55,640 Look, I'm-- 190 00:12:55,740 --> 00:12:57,110 JEFF: I've got another $1,000 for you. 191 00:12:57,210 --> 00:12:58,670 I've got a new scene that just hit me. 192 00:12:58,770 --> 00:12:59,810 I need to show that same fear and vulnerability 193 00:12:59,910 --> 00:13:01,140 you just showed in the bathroom. 194 00:13:01,240 --> 00:13:02,680 I had it all wrong and I apologize. 195 00:13:02,780 --> 00:13:04,580 I wasted your time. But this is the thing: 196 00:13:05,750 --> 00:13:07,320 I shouldn't be playing the villain. 197 00:13:09,220 --> 00:13:10,420 I need to play the victim. 198 00:13:13,620 --> 00:13:14,790 Doot! 199 00:13:16,020 --> 00:13:17,690 [Jeff vocalizing] 200 00:13:17,790 --> 00:13:18,760 Ahh! 201 00:13:18,860 --> 00:13:21,000 [cackling] Yeah! Yeah! 202 00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:26,470 MIKE: Okay, lighting set. 203 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:31,270 All right, you got a full battery? 204 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:35,040 Uh, do you wanna tell me about the scene that we're doing here? 205 00:13:35,140 --> 00:13:37,810 Yeah, I'm James Caan, you're Kathy Bates. Duh. 206 00:13:38,950 --> 00:13:40,350 Tie me up. 207 00:13:40,450 --> 00:13:41,980 - MIKE: What? - I need you to tie me up 208 00:13:42,080 --> 00:13:43,550 nice and tight so I can't get loose, 209 00:13:43,650 --> 00:13:45,320 so when you come charging through that door 210 00:13:45,420 --> 00:13:48,460 with this bat, we're gonna see true terror on my face. 211 00:13:48,560 --> 00:13:51,660 The same kind we saw on your face in that bathroom. 212 00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:53,700 The kind that undeniably gains admittance 213 00:13:53,800 --> 00:13:55,530 to the most prestigious nine-month 214 00:13:55,630 --> 00:13:57,530 Acting For Camera program in this country. 215 00:13:57,630 --> 00:13:59,200 MIKE: Man, I don't-- I don't know-- 216 00:13:59,300 --> 00:14:01,170 - [shouting] Mike! - [Mike exclaims] 217 00:14:01,270 --> 00:14:02,870 You see? Terror! That's what I'm talking about, right there. 218 00:14:02,970 --> 00:14:04,810 We just need that look on my face, okay? 219 00:14:04,910 --> 00:14:06,010 So come on, tie me up. 220 00:14:07,140 --> 00:14:08,510 - [shouting] Move it! - [Mike exclaims] 221 00:14:08,610 --> 00:14:10,010 - MIKE: God. - Okay. 222 00:14:12,410 --> 00:14:15,050 All right, how familiar are you with the movie Misery? 223 00:14:15,150 --> 00:14:16,990 I mean, yeah, I've seen the movie. 224 00:14:17,090 --> 00:14:18,850 Okay, good. So you know how she's always coming in 225 00:14:18,950 --> 00:14:21,590 and kind of threatening him and terrorizing him, right? 226 00:14:21,690 --> 00:14:23,230 I need you to come through that door, 227 00:14:23,330 --> 00:14:25,360 I need you to come at me hard. 228 00:14:26,630 --> 00:14:29,060 - What are the lines that I'm-- - We're gonna be improvising. 229 00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:31,600 We don't need lines, man. This is make-believe. 230 00:14:31,700 --> 00:14:34,900 I need you to make me believe that you're gonna kill me. 231 00:14:35,670 --> 00:14:37,370 [exhales] Here we go. 232 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:40,410 And... action! 233 00:14:42,980 --> 00:14:45,250 Whoa, whoa. What are you doing? 234 00:14:45,350 --> 00:14:47,420 - MIKE: What? - You're-- you gotta be 235 00:14:47,520 --> 00:14:49,120 running and screaming and yelling and, like-- 236 00:14:49,220 --> 00:14:50,750 MIKE: I didn't wanna yell over your lines. 237 00:14:50,850 --> 00:14:52,290 I thought you were saying something. 238 00:14:52,390 --> 00:14:53,520 Okay, you don't have to be that considerate. 239 00:14:53,620 --> 00:14:54,920 Okay? Menacing. 240 00:14:56,890 --> 00:14:58,590 [exhales] 241 00:14:58,690 --> 00:15:00,130 - You ready, Mike? - MIKE: Yes. 242 00:15:00,230 --> 00:15:01,600 - I said are you ready, Mike? - MIKE: Yes! 243 00:15:01,700 --> 00:15:04,370 Here we go. Three, two, one, kill! 244 00:15:04,470 --> 00:15:06,200 I'm gonna cobble you! 245 00:15:06,300 --> 00:15:09,300 Mike, it's-- it's "hobble." It's not "cobble." 246 00:15:09,400 --> 00:15:12,710 Can you just be a murderer? It's not that hard. 247 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:14,540 MIKE: "Hobble." 248 00:15:14,640 --> 00:15:16,140 [Mike shouting] 249 00:15:16,240 --> 00:15:17,880 - Oh, wait, here's an idea. - MIKE: Dude. 250 00:15:17,980 --> 00:15:19,810 Next time you come in, you veer right towards my legs 251 00:15:19,910 --> 00:15:22,220 and just start bashing my legs with the bat. 252 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:23,950 Just slam 'em, and I'll turn. 253 00:15:24,050 --> 00:15:26,220 I can kind of fake towards camera. 254 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:28,120 I'll have the big agony and the tears and all that. 255 00:15:28,220 --> 00:15:29,720 It'd be, I think, pretty cool. 256 00:15:29,820 --> 00:15:31,490 Okay, but I'm not gonna actually hit your legs-- 257 00:15:31,590 --> 00:15:33,560 Mike, will you please just help me? 258 00:15:34,430 --> 00:15:35,760 Jesus. 259 00:15:37,770 --> 00:15:41,240 Oh, my God, my legs! I'm never gonna walk again! 260 00:15:41,340 --> 00:15:45,640 No, Annie! No! No! 261 00:15:45,740 --> 00:15:47,280 Oh, my God, this is so embarrassing. 262 00:15:47,380 --> 00:15:48,740 I'm ashamed of myself, Mike. 263 00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:52,750 Oh, my God. I think we're gonna have to start from scratch. 264 00:15:53,850 --> 00:15:55,280 How do you erase the camera? Can we just-- 265 00:15:55,380 --> 00:15:56,620 Is there an "erase all" button? 266 00:16:21,240 --> 00:16:23,380 - Penny for your thoughts? - [Mike gasps] 267 00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:25,450 [scoffs] Will you please stop doing that, man? 268 00:16:26,810 --> 00:16:27,950 [Mike sighs] 269 00:16:30,390 --> 00:16:31,650 JEFF: Probably thinking about 270 00:16:31,750 --> 00:16:32,850 how you wanna get out of here, huh? 271 00:16:34,060 --> 00:16:35,190 Yeah, I get it. 272 00:16:37,890 --> 00:16:39,330 It does kind of seem like we hit 273 00:16:39,430 --> 00:16:40,960 a bit of a creative wall in there, but, 274 00:16:41,060 --> 00:16:42,360 you know, they do say that... 275 00:16:43,900 --> 00:16:45,530 That's right when the magic happens, you know what I mean? 276 00:16:45,630 --> 00:16:47,700 - It's, like, uh, two seconds... - I'm-- 277 00:16:47,800 --> 00:16:49,740 - ...before the miracle. - I'm begging you, man. 278 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:53,140 Just, please, like, leave me alone for a little bit until 279 00:16:53,240 --> 00:16:55,210 - the snow stops and I can-- - Just hear me out, okay? 280 00:16:55,310 --> 00:16:57,210 No more-- no more audition scenes. 281 00:16:57,310 --> 00:17:00,050 No more acting school. That was all ego bullshit anyway, okay? 282 00:17:00,980 --> 00:17:02,820 What if you and I make 283 00:17:04,790 --> 00:17:07,660 a film together, tonight? 284 00:17:10,630 --> 00:17:12,160 I saw your short film, Mike. 285 00:17:15,630 --> 00:17:17,000 - You did? - I liked it. 286 00:17:18,470 --> 00:17:20,170 - Really? - I didn't love it. 287 00:17:20,270 --> 00:17:21,670 It didn't set the world on fire. 288 00:17:21,770 --> 00:17:23,770 I mean, it felt like you were kind of just... 289 00:17:23,870 --> 00:17:27,010 scratching the surface of those characters' pain, you know? 290 00:17:27,110 --> 00:17:28,240 You were scared. 291 00:17:29,610 --> 00:17:33,350 But we could make a movie with real pain in it. 292 00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:37,350 Something deeply personal. 293 00:17:39,020 --> 00:17:41,420 A story only you and I could tell. 294 00:17:45,690 --> 00:17:47,100 What do you think about that, Mikey? 295 00:17:52,500 --> 00:17:55,300 Yeah, no, I think I'm just gonna wait for the snow plow to come, 296 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:56,900 - and I'm gonna-- - I'll give you $2,000, 297 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:58,440 and we can shoot it in under an hour. 298 00:17:58,540 --> 00:17:59,940 Yep. Yeah. 299 00:18:04,810 --> 00:18:06,410 So, what's this story? 300 00:18:06,510 --> 00:18:10,250 Don't know yet, Michael. But I'm excited. 301 00:18:10,350 --> 00:18:12,390 You know, I once saw this obscure film 302 00:18:12,490 --> 00:18:15,660 from a completely unknown but deeply talented filmmaker, 303 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:18,230 and his process, it was really fascinating. 304 00:18:18,330 --> 00:18:20,960 He would use a combination of documentary and fiction, 305 00:18:21,060 --> 00:18:22,900 and he would set up scenarios in which 306 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:25,270 the people would-- would play things that were simple 307 00:18:25,370 --> 00:18:27,240 and close to home for them. 308 00:18:27,340 --> 00:18:29,640 For instance, if he was here tonight, I think he would say, 309 00:18:29,740 --> 00:18:32,270 "Why don't you just play a guy who's hired someone 310 00:18:32,370 --> 00:18:34,310 "to come up and film his audition video? 311 00:18:34,410 --> 00:18:35,740 "You know, he's a little awkward, a little strange." 312 00:18:35,840 --> 00:18:38,410 And you could play a struggling filmmaker, 313 00:18:38,510 --> 00:18:40,250 right, who's a little annoyed, 314 00:18:40,350 --> 00:18:42,420 wants to get out of there as soon as he can with his cash. 315 00:18:42,520 --> 00:18:43,650 It's great, right? 316 00:18:45,120 --> 00:18:46,320 MIKE: Sure. 317 00:18:51,460 --> 00:18:52,530 Set. 318 00:18:52,630 --> 00:18:53,760 JEFF: [whispering] Are you rolling? 319 00:18:53,860 --> 00:18:55,360 - MIKE: Yes. - JEFF: Okay, 320 00:18:55,460 --> 00:18:56,500 I'll lead you into it. You just follow me. 321 00:18:56,600 --> 00:18:57,670 MIKE: Okay. 322 00:18:59,270 --> 00:19:00,340 JEFF: Action! 323 00:19:01,700 --> 00:19:02,970 Hey, are you Mike? 324 00:19:03,070 --> 00:19:04,440 MIKE: I am. Hi. 325 00:19:05,110 --> 00:19:06,270 Oh, my God. 326 00:19:07,540 --> 00:19:09,440 Oh, my God, this is gonna be a good night. 327 00:19:09,540 --> 00:19:12,180 You know, you have a really nice, kind face. 328 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:13,980 MIKE: Thanks. 329 00:19:14,550 --> 00:19:15,620 Can I get a hug, Mike? 330 00:19:16,220 --> 00:19:17,650 MIKE: Uh, sure. 331 00:19:17,750 --> 00:19:19,520 [Jeff chuckles] All right. 332 00:19:21,590 --> 00:19:22,860 Gotta ask first these days. 333 00:19:22,960 --> 00:19:24,130 You don't want HR coming after you, 334 00:19:24,230 --> 00:19:25,330 you know what I mean? [chuckles] 335 00:19:25,430 --> 00:19:26,460 [Mike chuckles awkwardly] 336 00:19:28,460 --> 00:19:30,200 So, you haven't asked me about the axe yet, Mike. 337 00:19:30,800 --> 00:19:31,870 MIKE: Sorry? 338 00:19:32,430 --> 00:19:33,870 You know, the axe in the stump right there. 339 00:19:33,970 --> 00:19:35,740 I just-- I assumed you'd be curious 340 00:19:35,840 --> 00:19:37,470 as to how that might play into the scene. 341 00:19:37,570 --> 00:19:39,240 MIKE: Yeah, it had crossed my mind. 342 00:19:39,340 --> 00:19:40,680 Yeah, I'll bet it did! 343 00:19:40,780 --> 00:19:42,640 But look, I don't want you to worry. Okay. 344 00:19:42,740 --> 00:19:44,380 It's just rubber, you know? It's fake. 345 00:19:44,480 --> 00:19:45,550 Here, you wanna test it? 346 00:19:47,010 --> 00:19:48,680 Good. I just want you to be comfortable, 347 00:19:48,780 --> 00:19:51,650 because in a few moments, I am going to be swinging 348 00:19:51,750 --> 00:19:54,320 this axe full force towards the base of your skull. 349 00:19:54,420 --> 00:19:55,520 Cool? 350 00:19:56,090 --> 00:19:57,430 - Cool. - All right, cool. 351 00:19:57,530 --> 00:19:59,760 So, I say we ditch the victim idea. 352 00:19:59,860 --> 00:20:01,260 That wasn't working, right? 353 00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:02,830 And we go back to me playing the villain. 354 00:20:02,930 --> 00:20:05,900 But not like a 19th century vampire. 355 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:07,840 That was kind of dumb. What if I just play, like, 356 00:20:07,940 --> 00:20:10,670 a regular, every day, average guy villain? 357 00:20:10,770 --> 00:20:11,940 The last guy in the world you'd think 358 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:13,710 would be a serial killer, right? 359 00:20:13,810 --> 00:20:17,210 And then, when you watch the whole nuanced performance 360 00:20:17,310 --> 00:20:20,380 all the way to the climax, you realize, 361 00:20:20,480 --> 00:20:23,290 this guy's been dropping hints the whole way. 362 00:20:23,390 --> 00:20:26,350 Carefully placed Easter eggs. 363 00:20:26,450 --> 00:20:30,790 And you think, "This guy might be capable of murder!" 364 00:20:30,890 --> 00:20:32,630 Like, take the axe, for instance. Right? 365 00:20:32,730 --> 00:20:36,900 So emotionally, on my face, playing anxiety, worry. Right? 366 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:39,530 But when you go back and you watch the footage, 367 00:20:39,630 --> 00:20:42,040 the physicality of him with the axe? 368 00:20:42,570 --> 00:20:45,940 Calm. Cool. Collected. 369 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:48,710 MIKE: Wait, sorry. Are you describing the scene, 370 00:20:48,810 --> 00:20:50,450 or are you actually doing the scene? 371 00:20:50,550 --> 00:20:52,610 Exactly. The naturalism is what it's all about, right? 372 00:20:52,710 --> 00:20:54,280 The acting is so good, 373 00:20:54,380 --> 00:20:56,150 you don't even know what's acting and what's not. 374 00:20:56,250 --> 00:20:58,450 It's like-- it's like a magic trick. Like sleight of hand. 375 00:20:59,550 --> 00:21:00,790 Speaking of which... 376 00:21:01,720 --> 00:21:03,090 when you think about it, 377 00:21:04,330 --> 00:21:06,960 did you get enough time to test that axe properly? 378 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:09,300 Are you sure it's fake? 379 00:21:10,330 --> 00:21:11,930 He only offered you the handle. 380 00:21:12,030 --> 00:21:14,140 You didn't even get a chance to test the blade. 381 00:21:15,770 --> 00:21:19,040 And then, it starts to dawn on you. 382 00:21:19,870 --> 00:21:23,110 While it is an absolutely insane idea 383 00:21:23,210 --> 00:21:27,250 that this man is not an actor auditioning for acting school, 384 00:21:27,350 --> 00:21:30,990 that this entire evening has been an elaborate ruse, 385 00:21:31,090 --> 00:21:34,820 that you are not in the company of a hack Jeff Daniels, 386 00:21:34,920 --> 00:21:37,660 you're with one of the greatest actors of all time. 387 00:21:39,060 --> 00:21:40,930 Oh, that's ridiculous. That can't be true, right? 388 00:21:41,030 --> 00:21:42,660 So, you don't need to run away. 389 00:21:44,070 --> 00:21:47,840 But you do start to slowly walk away, because... 390 00:21:48,740 --> 00:21:50,510 how can you be sure? 391 00:21:51,310 --> 00:21:52,370 And then it hits you! 392 00:21:52,470 --> 00:21:55,180 Wait, the axe! Right! 393 00:21:56,280 --> 00:21:59,180 He slid the blade across his hand. 394 00:21:59,810 --> 00:22:01,680 So, if there's blood on his hand, 395 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:03,850 that axe is real. 396 00:22:05,490 --> 00:22:07,460 If there's blood on his hands, 397 00:22:08,490 --> 00:22:10,860 this could be really, really bad. 398 00:22:16,730 --> 00:22:18,530 It's the moment of truth, Mike. 399 00:22:26,570 --> 00:22:29,980 [Mike laughing] 400 00:22:30,080 --> 00:22:32,750 - [both laughing] - MIKE: Oh, my God! 401 00:22:32,850 --> 00:22:35,680 That scared the shit out of me! 402 00:22:35,780 --> 00:22:37,520 That was convincing, man. 403 00:22:37,620 --> 00:22:39,850 Like, I admit it, like, you didn't have it in 404 00:22:39,950 --> 00:22:41,920 - the takes before, but, like... - I know. I know. 405 00:22:42,020 --> 00:22:43,660 MIKE: ...that was really good! 406 00:22:43,760 --> 00:22:46,830 You have an audition, man. And we have a short film. 407 00:22:46,930 --> 00:22:48,830 I mean, this could get into Sundance. 408 00:22:48,930 --> 00:22:50,500 Yeah! High five! 409 00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:51,570 [both chuckle] 410 00:22:55,540 --> 00:22:57,710 - MIKE: No. - Yes. 411 00:22:57,810 --> 00:22:58,910 [Mike exclaims] 412 00:22:59,010 --> 00:23:00,910 JEFF: Run, Mike, run! Yes! 413 00:23:01,010 --> 00:23:02,410 [Mike yelps] 414 00:23:02,510 --> 00:23:09,420 [both panting] 415 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:23,100 [Mike breathing heavily] 416 00:23:24,800 --> 00:23:26,530 [Jeff snarls] 417 00:23:26,630 --> 00:23:28,040 MIKE: Cut! Cut! 418 00:23:28,140 --> 00:23:30,270 - No, keep rolling! - MIKE: I am rolling! 419 00:23:30,370 --> 00:23:32,040 - [Jeff shouting] - Cut! 420 00:23:32,140 --> 00:23:33,480 [both grunting] 421 00:23:33,580 --> 00:23:34,710 JEFF: Where you going? 422 00:23:34,810 --> 00:23:36,040 Hey-- [grunts] 423 00:23:36,140 --> 00:23:41,480 [Jeff panting] 424 00:23:41,580 --> 00:23:44,590 Hey... where'd you go? 425 00:23:44,690 --> 00:23:50,890 [panting] 426 00:23:50,990 --> 00:23:52,130 What? 427 00:23:52,990 --> 00:23:54,130 That was really good. 428 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:56,300 I'm impressed. 429 00:23:59,530 --> 00:24:00,640 Oh! 430 00:24:01,340 --> 00:24:02,640 [snickers] 431 00:24:02,740 --> 00:24:04,470 I see a footprint. 432 00:24:05,770 --> 00:24:08,110 Guess you're hiding over here somewhere. 433 00:24:09,040 --> 00:24:10,950 Well, unless you pulled a Shining, 434 00:24:11,710 --> 00:24:13,850 you retraced your footsteps, maybe-- 435 00:24:13,950 --> 00:24:15,850 Oh! Wait. I-- [laughs] 436 00:24:15,950 --> 00:24:17,950 Nope. Come out, Mike. I saw you. 437 00:24:18,050 --> 00:24:20,150 Hi. Hi! 438 00:24:20,250 --> 00:24:22,120 Oh, boy. Oh, that's not very good. 439 00:24:22,220 --> 00:24:23,390 That's not good at all. 440 00:24:24,390 --> 00:24:27,190 Don't really see a way out of it for this one. 441 00:24:27,290 --> 00:24:29,400 Might be the end of the movie, my friend. 442 00:24:30,430 --> 00:24:33,640 Unless you got any i-- Wait, is he getting an idea? What? 443 00:24:34,540 --> 00:24:37,910 What is this? Oh-- Oh! Right, the car. 444 00:24:38,810 --> 00:24:41,180 Yeah, race to the car. That's kind of an interesting idea. 445 00:24:41,910 --> 00:24:45,210 My thing is, I guess I'm a little closer to the car 446 00:24:45,310 --> 00:24:47,350 than you are, so I don't know if it-- Oh! 447 00:24:48,480 --> 00:24:50,690 Oh, there he goes! There he goes! 448 00:24:52,250 --> 00:24:56,060 Oh, no. Oh, no! [laughing] No, it's locked! 449 00:24:56,160 --> 00:24:58,030 Oh, you got it, Mike. 450 00:24:59,230 --> 00:25:01,300 - You got it. Fuck! - [axe thuds] 451 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:02,860 [Mike grunts] 452 00:25:04,630 --> 00:25:05,870 - [axe thuds] - [Mike groans] 453 00:25:06,570 --> 00:25:07,700 [Jeff grunts] 454 00:25:09,300 --> 00:25:10,970 [axe thuds] 455 00:25:11,070 --> 00:25:12,370 [Jeff exhales] 456 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:16,210 [Jeff sighs] 457 00:25:17,110 --> 00:25:18,380 [exhales] 458 00:25:23,120 --> 00:25:24,390 [sighs] 459 00:25:30,020 --> 00:25:32,030 [eerie theme music]