Page 24 of Love Unscripted
She lifted a shoulder. “I have my moments.”
A beat passed. His gaze lingered.
She leaned forward. “So… what did you want to discuss?”
Aaron inhaled slowly, then rolled up his sleeves with deliberate calm.
“Alright. Let me be direct.”
Something in his tone shifted. Gone was the easy warmth.
“You’re very talented, Camille. Your acting is riveting and real. You’re a powerhouse of talent.”
Julie returned with the milkshake. Camille thanked her, took a sip—buying herself a second.
Here it comes.
“But we’re losing time,” he continued. “The studio’s watching. The crew knows we’ve stalled. We’ve been circling the same three scenes for days.”
He held her gaze now—steady, unwavering. “That can’t continue.”
She set the glass down carefully. “So it’s my fault.”
His jaw tightened slightly. “That’s not what I said.”
“You didn’t have to.”
Silence stretched. Charged.
“Camille,” he said, quieter now—but more precise, “the first few weeks, you were exceptional. You listened to me. You trustedmy direction.” He leaned in just slightly. “Now you’re resisting it.”
Her spine stiffened. “I’m trying to give you the best performance I can.”
“By rewriting lines mid-scene? By disregarding blocking we agreed on minutes earlier? Turning Esther into someone she isn’t?”
“IamEsther. While we’re shooting, I live her. I know the choices she would make.”
“It’s not about what you feel. It’s about the film we’re making. And this isn’t a one-woman project.”
Her smile was bitter. “There it is.”
“There what is?”
“You want obedience. Total control.”
“I want you to be aligned with the script.”
“Same thing.”
“No,” he said, calm but unyielding. “It isn’t.”
She leaned back, folding her arms. “When I first beganShadow Peakthe director dictated every line reading. I told him it made me feel useless. He said it was his job.” Her eyes locked on his. “Do you agree with that?”
Aaron took a moment, sipping water before answering. “Yes. A director can be as specific as he wants. It’s his prerogative.”
“So its fine if actors get turned off.”
“That’s their prerogative.”
