The Magic Hour Page #3

Sir...

Happy with her performance?

Why not?

She seemed kinda awkward to me.

That's her individuality.

Okay, back to the hotel.

On the move!

Back in the bus, everyone.

What about my mic?

A gimlet, please.

Well done, today. May l?

I didn't introduce myself.

Murata Taiki.

I'm Takachiho Mari.

Mari?

Isn't that your character's name?

Oh, I see...

Taking your stage name from your character.

Were you nervous today?

Everyone is, at first.

Best not to worry about your performance.

Just be yourself.

Reveal the real you.

What do you think?

Does that help at all?

Completely.

Sometimes I think about

how a film set draws so many people together.

Folk of all ages,

some with money, some without.

With one goal, pooling talent, sharing the same food...

There's nothing like it.

In the end, it's the process I like more than film itself.

Eisenstein once said...

Tell me next time. Good night.

The action takes place over there,

but the camera's here on the 3rd floor.

So we shoot across the street through the window.

All on a long lens?

I want the actors to forget the camera.

No crew in the room so the cast can really focus.

Our focus would be fine anyway.

I don't want "fine"... I want your very best.

Where will you be?

Next to Murata-san, playing Della's minder.

You act as well?

Murata-san, I remind you again do not call me "Sir".

I'm counting on your best performance.

I'll give it a shot.

Sir...

I've been on many sets in my time,

but this is the most thrilling.

Same here.

Don't do anything stupid.

I can see you're risking your life.

I've got no other choice.

I'll miss you.

Did you have to say that?

Sir, if I could make a suggestion...

With my background in stunts I'd like to show off my techniques.

Do nothing unnecessary.

Like the special way I handle this...

Out of the question!

I always prepare my own hand props.

This is the last thing I need.

Mr. Mayor, please hurry our next appointment awaits.

He plays the mayor so well,

the crew must treat him like one.

Murata-san, is that make-up by any chance?

It's just a little foundation.

I said not to, didn't I? Eyeliner, too? Good grief...

The cameras roll as soon as we enter.

I present Della Togashi.

You're the Della fellow?

Indeed, I am Della Togashi.

Hey, kid...

Well done. You are free.

Thank you very much.

Whaddya need with me?

For starters...

do you mind getting off my desk?

Togashi, my lad.

You think we're totally in the dark?

That we don't know why you're in town?

Kurokawa...

We know everything.

You're making no sense.

Last month,

in this very room the boss was shot at.

From across the street.

The bullet grazed his ear and ended up

here in the wall.

It was you who shot him.

No idea what you're talking about.

You were hired by Ebora & Associates.

Never heard that name.

They're planning to muscle in on this town.

Their first step,

hiring you to eliminate me.

Y'know...

I never forgive those who threaten me.

In that case, get this.

I'll tell you a little secret.

When you pat someone down,

do it properly

or don't do it at all.

Put the guns down. Quick.

You, too.

Do as he says.

Farewell.

When did you set this up?

You didn't tell your director?

I wanted to show you what I can do.

Murata-san, that's a wrap for today. Let's go.

Is it my fault?

Not exactly.

Wait here.

Boss wants to see him.

Filming restarts.

I'll get it right this time.

Not you.

But...

Scram.

Is it that tasty?

Indeed, I am Della Togashi.

Whaddya need with me?

Is it me or did we just go through this?

Hand me the gun.

Well spotted.

It's made of rubber.

We're going in that direction?

Young Mr. Togashi... I want to ask you something.

What about?

I'm greatly impressed by your boundless courage

and your varied sense of humor.

I like you.

Would you join me?

As my guest,

it would be worth your while.

Not a bad proposition, I think.

I must refuse.

Let me hear why.

I cannot betray a client.

Trust is everything in my line of work.

It would be bad for future business.

That's a shame.

Come here.

I'll be right back.

For chrissakes, at that point you've got to agree to join.

But...

If Della dies, the movie as over.

Surely you get that?

I didn't think that far ahead.

Why does he do that?

Why? To get in with them.

Shut up and get on with it.

Explain something to me.

What?

This "Cut" business.

You just yelled "Cut, Cut".

That's Della Togashi's nickname.

Nickname?

His close friends all call him "Cut".

After his special throat-slashing technique.

Boss, you'll be pleased to hear, Cut...

I mean Della Togashi and I just spoke and he agreed.

How did you persuade him?

He does whatever I say.

Why?

He's like my kid brother.

Get in here.

Sorry about that.

I hadn't thought it through.

Forget about that.

I'll get it right now.

Camera's rolling.

Young Mr. Togashi...

If you like it that much, take it.

Indeed, I am Della Togashi.

Whaddya need with me?

Back there, are we?

Go on ahead.

You'll join forces with me, right?

From this day forth

I call you "Boss".

Kurokawa, drinks...

Kiddo...

You're his minder.

Understood.

I will inform your previous client.

Want one of these?

Let's drink an oath, Cut.

Who the hell said "Cut"?

Who was it?

Who the hell are you to say "Cut"?

Can't l?

Whaddya think?

Goddamn amateur.

Listen... and you listen well...

the only man to say "Cut" is this man here!

When do we see the footage?

No rushes. Wait 'til it's finished.

Tomorrow's scenes?

I'll let you know. Wait in the hotel.

It's terrible.

You were found out?

The opposite.

Opposite? What on earth's that?

We were hired.

But I've got to hand it to the actor.

When he plays Togashi, he really becomes a killer.

I almost believe it myself.

Marching in here with a toy like this...

That took balls of steel.

Hey, it's me.

Long time, no see.

That Della Togashi of yours

came gunning for me.

He's one tough cookie.

So I decided to hire him.

From today, I'm telling you

he's with Tessio & Co.

They hired Della Togashi to their side.

Seems someone's going around impersonating you.

If I have a nightmare, may it soon pass.

If I have a dream, may I never wake.

Hey, come back!

How grand to have men risk their lives for your sake.

Not just for my sake.

Why don't you just stick with the boss?

It's complicated.

Can you lend me some money?

You're broke?

Sorry.

My policy is not to lend to those who won't repay.

Ask the boss for some.

A call from the hotel.

Kurokawa from the boss's office

came and took your assassin away.

It's very sudden. I was told it's tomorrow.

What?

The next scene.

Scene?

Whatever...

So what's the story?

Come on...

We got this hi-tech weapon from the Hong Kong mafia.

We're selling it to some guerrillas from Southeast Asia.

I see. A common-enough scenario.

A state-of-the-art rifle.

Is it okay for me to be there?

I've only just been hired.

It's what I wanted.

You?

How come?

I want to see what you can do.

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