Holden:Yes.
Holden gives a nervous chuckle.
Wilder:Recent pictures came out of you at an acting class. Are you preparing for any big roles?
Holden:Nothing solidified yet. Just sharpening skills.
He runs his hands through his hair again while staring directly at the camera. A kind of stare that is straight through your soul. I down the glass in one sip.
Wilder:I’m fascinated by your journey. Did you ever fall out of love with acting?
Holden:I think it piqued my interest when I was young, but I didn’t truly enjoy it until years later, when I knew the real meaning behind the craft. When I could understand the psychology of the characters I was playing.
Wilder:Everyone says you are difficult on set. Do you think that’s true?
Holden:I think I had a few bad days that got documented. I am not proud of how I acted. When I see those videos, it makes me feel ashamed of myself.
Wilder says nothing, just moves on again.
Wilder:Why do you think your latest movie, Whiplash, failed at the box office with record low numbers?
Of course they would try to focus on the bad. I suck in my breath, watching and waiting for his answer.
Holden:Timing… We had some strong opponents that same box-office weekend. I truly believe in the project and what came of it.
Wilder:Does it make you want to quit at all?
Holden:All the time.
They both laugh toward the camera.
Wilder:You mentioned the meaning of the craft for you—
Wilder is cut off by Holden’s words for the first time this whole interview.
Holden:I love… I love shaping a character from the pages. My mannerisms. My tone. My expressions. They all matter when bringing something to life. Seeing the end result—it makes me so happy when people spend their free time watching something I am in.
Wilder:Speaking of love, a recent video went viral at the premiere of LoveSick. Did you see it?
Holden:Yes.
He avoids Wilder’s eyes. I grip my chair.
Wilder:What’s the girl’s name again?
Holden:Charlotte.
I curl my hand into a fist, biting down hard enough onto my knuckles to leave indents. My name has just been broadcasted on a livestream with a hundred thousand viewers watching.
Wilder:What did you think of it?
Holden:I think she was kind enough to take that stand for me…
If I could roll my eyes further behind my sockets, I would.
Wilder:Come on now… nobody makes that big of a public spectacle if they aren’t in love?
Holden nervously laughs before a pink undertone appears on his cheeks.
