October 25
recordings of "devil's advocate"
New York, a virtual city of thousands of people from different cultures, is recognized worldwide for its landmarks, once a great port in ancient times, perhaps the most memorable among films. The air of New York is breathed differently, and now it is the city of sin, the one that awakens the coldness in people, their passions, ambitions, and the darkest, most trivial desires.
- What a beautiful view from here. - Billy heard the producers. They were in Trump Tower, leased for a month while filming began.
Monica was happy, delighted—she was part of the cast, even though she had to perform a sex scene. Her scenes were, at the very least, filled with lust. She was stunning with her chestnut hair, slightly reddish, styled in gathered waves. Her figure was magnificent—wide hips, full, voluptuous, now growing more toned with exercise.
- Who would've thought we'd be actors… sharing the screen? - The Italian woman spoke, looking more beautiful than ever in her fitted, dignified costume. Even now, every gesture of hers was imbued with desire—her flirtatious way of acting, her natural rebelliousness, so powerful it was impossible to ignore.
- Well, I always tell Jim to handle negotiations for me. I don't like getting involved in the movies I invest in unless it's for contractual matters... It's a hassle, and it only disrupts the production business and those who truly care. It's good to have you here. - Billy spoke, waiting for his scene. There was still time.
- It's no problem, my love. - Monica replied.
- Well, someone once murmured about wanting to take a break and go to Italy. I guess that's in the past now.
Billy teased.
- I want to be with you, at least for now. - Monica said.
- We could find a movie to do together... doesn't matter if it's in Europe, let's make something, just the two of us. - The young man placed his hands on her slim waist—no doubt, she had the figure of a top model, her skin silky smooth under Billy's touch.
- I'd love that... Maybe we should ask Jim what's being planned in Europe. - Monica suggested, once again entertaining the idea of continuing in acting—something that perhaps was an intrinsic part of Italian cinema.
- You've already been to the Berlin Festival. I think… that opens doors for you to do another role. Now you need to go to Venice, then we can head to Cannes. -The girl replied, lost in her thoughts.
- Everyone to their places! - A shout rang out. Monica snapped out of her trance. She wore deep crimson lipstick, her smile starting shy but soon widening.
- Scene 44, take 1. -
INT. LAW FIRM LOBBY – DAY
The firm's offices. A grand central atrium. Offices border this space. The lawyers come in all shapes and sizes. The assistants, both men and women, are equally attractive. The HUM of serious BUSINESS hums in the background.
HEATH (walking)
We have forty partners at the moment. Around six hundred associates. This is the main office, but we have quite a few international agreements, so Mr. Milton spends a lot of his time in the air.
Besides our corporate clients, we currently represent about twenty-five foreign countries—the Middle East, the Balkans, Central America, and West Africa. Interesting work, but it requires a lot of travel.
Kevin slows as they pass an open door—
HEATH (O.S.)
You've been scheduled for fifteen minutes, which is a good sign, so make the most of it...
INT. LAW FIRM – CHRISTABELLA'S OFFICE – DAY
THROUGH a large window, we see a woman pacing inside her office. She wears a headset, speaking rapid-fire Italian. She is a goddess. Her name is CHRISTABELLA. She is stunning beyond reason. She also happens to be a brilliant EUC attorney.
She turns. Sees them looking. And just like that, the Venetian blinds SNAP shut.
INT. LAW FIRM – DAY
Heath is now far ahead. Kevin quickens his pace to catch up…
INT. LAW FIRM – ARCHED HALLWAY – DAY
Kevin has taken about six steps when suddenly, he looks down. He stops. Completely frozen.
HEATH
Gotcha. (grins) Man, I love that…
The floor is nothing but glass. Sixty stories up in the air. A bridge between two skyscrapers.
HEATH
Saw a senator piss himself right where you're standing.
KEVIN (unnerved)
Great.
HEATH
He's waiting for you. Good luck.
Kevin steadies himself. Starts walking. Ahead, there is nothing but an open door.
- Cut. -
- Good take, let's move on to the next shots. - Taylor Hickford called out, his voice calm yet commanding.
Billy exhaled. It was nice when scenes moved quickly, but now he had to reshoot the same scene from a different camera angle. He watched the practiced walk—this time, the camera would track behind him. Another shot would focus on Heath as part of the dialogue exchange.
Monica waved at him before heading to her next scene, which was to be shot from a different angle—a rooftop set with black railings almost reaching chest height, covered with a green screen for special effects. And of course, the safety net below is the next priority for the security team.
The next scene was with Al Pacino. And just like Billy—no… better than Billy—he embodied the method, fully immersed in his craft. His presence was indescribable. He was consumed by his performance, eyes widening, perhaps observing, flashing a rebellious smirk before turning away.
…
Nightfall was approaching. Breakfast had been lavish in the morning, but lunch had been lost between takes.
- Scene 45, take 3. -
INT. MILTON'S OFFICE – DAY
First, it is round and vast. The walls are stone. There are no windows. Beams of dramatic natural light shine from above. It is starkly minimalist, unnervingly pristine—no papers anywhere.
Kevin stands, taking in the space.
MILTON (O.S.)
Behind you.
Kevin turns. There he is.
MILTON
Sorry. Didn't mean to...
KEVIN
No, please. (extends his hand) Kevin Lomax.
MILTON (shakes his hand)
John Milton.
KEVIN
A pleasure to meet you.
MILTON
Have we been treating you well?
KEVIN
Very well. Thank you.
MILTON
Your wife? Has she been enjoying herself?
KEVIN
She sure has. It's been great. Everything's been great.
MILTON
Good. That's our secret. We kill with kindness. (paces the room, circling him) What's your secret?
KEVIN
Couldn't say.
MILTON
You were a prosecutor.
KEVIN
Straight out of law school. Five years in the Jacksonville D.A.'s office.
MILTON
Sixty-four consecutive convictions. That's quite a number.
KEVIN
I like being in court. Didn't take many plea deals.
MILTON
How's that? One day you're locking them up, the next you're setting them free.
KEVIN
Takes some getting used to.
MILTON
But it pays better, doesn't it?
KEVIN
Yeah, it pays better.
MILTON
The math teacher. The Gettys case. Heard you were brilliant.
KEVIN
The prosecution didn't do their job.
MILTON
Really. Do you think your man was guilty?
KEVIN
I didn't say that.
MILTON
Then what did you say?
KEVIN
How about this? I started the case with a clear conscience.
- Cut. -
Taylor called out.
Billy exhaled. The intensity of the performance had been no small feat, but in just three takes, they had nailed the entire scene. Almost like a mere detail—yet they had crafted a long, impactful sequence.
- Let's call it a day. - Someone whispered to Taylor. They could sort everything else tomorrow.
Stepping out of the tower, three blocks awaited Billy before reaching his hotel—the Paramount, where the crew was staying, courtesy of Jim. It didn't just attract attention—it gave them a sense of familiarity, a closer look into the workings of the industry, even noticed by the camera crew.
...