"Martin, your performance is outstanding. In the next scene, I need you to convey a sense of caution—timid yet aware," Shyamalan instructed, his voice warm and encouraging.
"Just one thing: you'll need to perform while wearing glasses. Is that okay?"
Shyamalan's friendly tone reflected his appreciation for Martin's talent. Every director values actors who can deliver strong performances without the usual hassle.
Martin nodded, "I'll try."
"Great! You're doing well, but try to relax a bit more. You seem a little tense."
"Very good! This time, that's perfect. Keep it as it is, and let's do another take," Shyamalan said, visibly pleased. He had never encountered a young actor who could express such complex emotions through his eyes as Martin did.
But for Martin, these nuances were second nature. As a succubus, he understood that eyes are powerful tools of seduction, capable of conveying endless emotions. This was just child's play for him.
Bruce Willis watched in amazement. After Martin finished, he couldn't help but comment, "Martin, you're stressing me out!"
Martin smiled, "Bruce, that's a good thing! The more pressure you feel, the stronger your emotions will be. If you harness it well, I'm sure your performance will shine in this film!"
Martin had a model to draw from: the 11-year-old Haley Joel Osment, whose Oscar-winning performance had set a high bar.
After the film's release, critics hailed Osment's acting as "God-given talent," with one noting, "I was genuinely frightened by the skills of that little boy." Bruce Willis praised Osment as well, stating, "He acted with such depth and maturity; it felt like I was working with an adult."
Renowned film critic Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times remarked, "If this 11-year-old boy receives an Oscar nomination this spring, it will be historic... but not surprising." Many praised his performance as one of the best in Hollywood, distinguishing him as an "actor" rather than just a "child actor."
Martin marveled at the recognition Osment received, wishing he could channel such brilliance into his own performance. Drawing from Osment's example, Martin layered his own insights into the character, amplified by his natural allure as a succubus, resulting in a performance even more compelling.
As the days passed, both Martin and Bruce found their rhythm, their performances improving with each scene. Shyamalan's mood brightened daily; he greeted Martin with a smile whenever they crossed paths.
"That Nancy was right; directing Martin is indeed a joy!" he mused.
One day, Grant and Linda flew to Philadelphia to visit. Since Martin was busy with an important scene, they chose to watch quietly from the sidelines.
Unbeknownst to Shyamalan, who was focused on the action, he signaled for the recorder. "Scene 12, Act 21, begin!"
"Cole!" Bruce Willis called out, crouching next to a boy in a purple uniform in the empty school corridor.
"I didn't see anything?" he asked, confusion lacing his tone.
Martin stood still, his body trembling ever so slightly, lips pursed, head bowed.
"No, they're right there!" he replied, his voice quivering as he raised his head, revealing a pair of blue eyes filled with fear, uncertainty, and a flicker of hope.
The intensity of his gaze was captivating.
As his body trembled more, Martin pointed behind Bruce, his voice trembling, "Don't move. Sometimes it feels like you're falling into an abyss, but you're not moving at all."
With Martin's anxious tone, Bruce felt an inexplicable urge to look over his shoulder, but he resisted. Just behind him, several staff members turned in unison, their expressions mirroring Bruce's rising tension.
Shyamalan, staring through the camera at Martin's close-up, felt a chill run down his spine as the boy's eyes seemed to peer into another realm.
"Damn it! This is incredible!" he cursed under his breath.
Bruce began delivering his lines, holding Martin's shoulders, "Don't be afraid; it's all fake. It's just you..."
"Cut!" Shyamalan shouted.
Bruce sighed, releasing his grip and rubbing his face. He recognized that Martin's intensity had affected him.
But Martin, still caught in the moment, didn't hear the "cut." It wasn't until Bruce tousled his hair that he snapped back to reality, looking up with a confused expression.
"What's wrong? Is it over?" Martin asked.
"No, not yet. Your eyes—there was something terrifying in them. For a moment, I really thought something was behind me." Bruce waved his hands, still shaken.
Shyamalan's voice cut in. "Bruce, your performance is too stiff. Remember, you don't believe in ghosts right now. You shouldn't show fear."
"Got it, give me a moment to adjust," Bruce replied, nodding.
"Alright!" Shyamalan agreed.
Just then, the assistant director whispered something to Shyamalan. He glanced at Grant and Linda. "Martin, your parents are here. I'll give you ten minutes to rest."
"Bruce, is ten minutes enough?" Martin asked.
Bruce smiled wryly. "That should do it!"
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.