I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 340: Cannes (6) - Edited
Chapter 340: Cannes (6)
Translator: Santos
In fact, Hollywood director Danny Randis had little interest in the film *The Leech*. He felt somewhat pushed into attending this Cannes Film Festival. Although it was a bother, he had come with a somewhat agreeable mindset due to the persistent requests from those around him.
That was just his nature.
He enjoyed watching films from various countries, but the overwhelming presence of hundreds of thousands of people muddled his mind. He had started directing because he loved making films, but his rising fame meant dealing with a multitude of people who approached him with ulterior motives.
Still, he had come, so he might as well do something he wanted. That was the extent of his enthusiasm.
*The Leech* was no different.
It was the only Korean film among the 20 works in the Cannes Film Festival's *Competition Section*. Nothing more, nothing less.
*“It’s Ahn Gabok's work.”*
Many people he encountered had talked excitedly about *The Leech*. There were murmurs that Cannes was trying to rectify past mistakes, that they had included it to maintain appearances, and that the status of Korean cinema had risen, and so on. Having only one Korean film was a bit unexpected, after all.
Danny Randis snorted inwardly.
*“While Cannes may be considering the public eye, it’s still Cannes. Surely they wouldn’t be foolish enough to choose a film just based on that image.”*
His disinterest in *The Leech* wasn't due to a disregard for Korean films; rather, it stemmed from the unique style of Ahn Gabok's works, which didn’t resonate with him. Years ago, Danny had watched one of Ahn Gabok’s films, and while it was of a high standard, he hadn’t been particularly impressed. Danny Randis’s heart had remained unmoved.
It was a straightforward matter of audience taste.
No matter how high his status was in Hollywood, he always watched other directors' films from the perspective of an audience member. Still, he acknowledged that veteran Ahn Gabok was an excellent director.
*“In any industry, maintaining momentum for decades deserves respect.”*
Regardless of the mismatch in styles, a master knows another master.
Danny’s attitude remained until the morning of the 2nd, just before the premiere of *The Leech*, the third film in the *Competition Section*. It was more of a mindset of, “Since I’m here, let’s give it another look.” After all, the atmosphere of Ahn Gabok’s film might have changed a bit since then.
The Lumière Theatre inside the Palais des Festivals, with its 3,000 seats, was completely filled.
Prominent directors, actors, influential figures in the film industry, and reporters gathered, including Danny Randis. The sounds of their conversations occasionally reached Danny’s ears.
“Ha ha, so this is why so many people are here, being the only Korean film?”
“Everyone’s curious, I guess. There’s a rumor that Cannes chose it to appease the public’s eye.”
“Oh, I heard that too. We’ll see if the rumors are true once it starts. But Ahn Gabok has had good results at Cannes before.”
“I know. That’s why it might not stand out too much.”
Their conversation leaned more toward curiosity than anticipation.
“Looking at the *The Leech* poster, can’t you feel the story right away?”
“Hmm—I think it’s a story about a man longing for wealth and his rise to success.”
“Oh! That’s right; I’ve heard there are many stories like that in Korea. Stories about life reversals.”
“Haha, it’s a bit fresh.”
“But if that’s all there is to it, it’s a bit disappointing.”
At times, the protagonist occupying 70% of *The Leech* poster was the subject of their talk.
“That actor is the one who appeared with Miley Cara on the opening red carpet. What was his name again? Kang Woo-jin?”
“Ah, I see. The other Korean actor on the poster looks familiar, but this Kang Woo-jin is unfamiliar. A rookie?”
“I heard he hasn’t been debuting for long.”
“He’s lucky. To be invited to Cannes right after debuting.”
“The acting might be a bit lacking.”
Clearly, they were talking about Kang Woo-jin.
“Is this actor not coming for the morning screening?”
“He stole the spotlight when he walked the red carpet with Miley Cara. I hope his acting is better than average.”
“Could he have come to Cannes with only decent skills?”
“That might be the case.”
“Anyway, isn’t a success story a bit cliché?”
In the meantime, they were comparing *The Leech* to the Japanese film screened yesterday. Listening quietly to their conversations, Danny Randis stroked his chin. There was something subtly off about the atmosphere in the theater, but if *The Leech* truly was about the protagonist longing for wealth, then—
*‘Hmm—this doesn’t seem like it would be interesting.’*
It wasn’t a compelling premise.
*‘The Leech* began.
*♬♪*
As the title appeared, the giant screen showcased Korean actor Kang Woo-jin. His dialogue was in Korean, but subtitles appeared below in French and further down in English.
For about ten minutes, the initial atmosphere among the 3,000 audience members was maintained.
A penniless protagonist and the wealthy figures who entered his life. The expressions of Danny Randis and most audience members showed that they were somewhat bemused. However, his expression twitched slightly.
*‘...Sign language?’*
Kang Woo-jin. No, *The Leech’s* “Park Ha-sung” began to display impressive sign language.
*‘Huh—there’s no way that looks practiced.’*
Typically, when filming a movie, actors are trained in various skills that align with their characters. However, no matter how much one practices, it’s quite difficult to appear “real.” Yet, the sign language from Kang Woo-jin on screen showed no signs of mimicry.
Instead.
*‘That actress, Oh Hee-ryeong, definitely practiced.’*
The experienced Oh Hee-ryeong had an air of practiced skill. Of course, it was a subtle difference, but Danny, as a master, could see it. He had encountered thousands of actors up to this point. Yet, in Kang Woo-jin’s sign language, there was absolutely no hint of imitation.
If that was the case, the answer was clear.
*‘Did they cast an actor who was already fluent in sign language?’*
They must have found someone proficient in sign language beforehand to play the role. Danny Randis nodded slowly. Still, as *The Leech* progressed, his attitude began to shift as well.
*‘...Hmm?’*
As Kang Woo-jin’s acting continued, Danny Randis loosened his previously held posture. He uncrossed his arms and widened his eyes. Several times, he pushed up his round glasses.
*‘What is this?’*
As *The Leech* progressed, Kang Woo-jin’s performance started to captivate all 3,000 audience members. *The Leech* was not just a typical success story about the protagonist. While it initially gave off that impression, as time went on and the content heightened, it veered into an entirely different direction.
Danny Randis, along with the world’s notable audience members, began to murmur.
*‘The protagonist suddenly brings home a guest?’*
Of course, this was internal dialogue.
*‘The husband is monitoring his wife.’*
*‘Is he trying to consume the wife through that protagonist?’*
*‘Is he trying to kill her?’*
*‘What circumstances could lead to wanting to kill his wife?’*
Everyone was gradually becoming immersed in *The Leech*.
*‘A success story? No... This is a story I’ve never seen before??’*
It was a narrative that far surpassed the expected content. And naturally, it was backed by the performances of the actors. Among them, one stood out.
*‘That protagonist is leading the movie, both in acting and atmosphere. His aura is quite exceptional.’*
*“Park Ha-sung,”* in other words, Kang Woo-jin.
At this moment, in the eyes of Hollywood’s master Danny Randis, there was only one thing.
*‘The “Ripley Syndrome”? Is he really showing that?’*
He could see nothing else. There was no room in his mind for distractions. Kang Woo-jin’s performance captivated both his eyes and ears. Especially after the protagonist entered the fictitious wealthy family, Kang Woo-jin’s acting became jaw-droppingly impressive. It didn’t particularly show any element from the film itself. None of the characters within the movie were portrayed in such a manner.
But it was unmistakably clear.
The term that flashed through Danny Randis’s mind, as well as the minds of the 3,000 attendees gathered in that theater: *“Ripley Syndrome.”*
*‘That subtle handling of gazes, the emotional expressions, and the meticulousness of the actions. Acting? Can we even call that acting?’*
The performance of the Korean actor on the colossal screen was simultaneously kind and violent. His pupils gradually filled with desire and became murky, yet his movements and vocal emphasis remained eerily calm.
It couldn’t be helped.
*‘He believes—all of his perceptions and feelings are actually his reality.’*
There was no trace of imitation to be found. Kang Woo-jin in *The Leech*, as it progressed past the midpoint and into the latter half, was slowly erasing the initial impression he had made. It was so subtle that the audience would hardly notice unless they focused.
It wasn’t just finesse.
*‘That actor—is he really an
actor?’*
Kang Woo-jin on screen presented a *“delusion”* to Danny Randis, the Hollywood giant. Although he was surrounded by star actors and various figures from other countries, Kang Woo-jin, now two years into his career, was practically an unknown. This lent weight to the misconception. After all, who here could instantly believe that a rookie with such a shocking filmography could be in Cannes?
Gradually.
*‘Wait, is it possible that Ahn Gabok... actually cast someone with true Ripley Syndrome?’*
The esteemed Hollywood director Danny Randis began to feel his brain tangling. Not just him, but the 3,000 individuals gathered at the Cannes Film Festival felt the same.
*‘Acting? Or is it real? I’m confused.’*
*‘Why am I feeling... chills? That actor seems completely different from his initial portrayal. It’s like—he's a man who has gone completely mad.’*
*‘Is he really using someone who has Ripley Syndrome? How could such vivid acting be possible!’*
*‘But if they really brought in someone suffering from Ripley Syndrome to play the lead, then Ahn Gabok must truly be out of his mind.’*
At this point, everyone was realizing the true meaning hidden in *The Leech’s* poster. Ah, this isn’t just a success story of a man, but rather a portrayal of *“Ripley Syndrome.”* Clearly, *The Leech,* with its premiere, delivered a resounding slap to the back of the heads of many renowned attendees at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film had ended, and not a single person had moved for over five minutes.
But this was just the beginning.
Including the ten official judges, many associated with Kang Woo-jin were set to attend the second screening in the afternoon. The afternoon showing would also be filled to capacity with 3,000 attendees.
In other words, there was still one step left.
---
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At the same time.
As the morning of the 2nd approached, around 11 AM, the first screening of *The Leech* that started at 9 AM would have just concluded. At this moment, the name "Park Ha-sung" or "Ripley Syndrome" was firmly etched in the minds of many. Meanwhile, Kang Woo-jin, from *The Leech*, was sprawled out on the bed of his five-star hotel room. He lay there, barely moving, breathing softly on the vast white bed.
*‘...’*
For a moment, one might have thought he was dead, but in reality, he was deep in sleep. The exhausting schedule from the opening ceremony and the previous day had taken its toll. Although he maintained a strong exterior through his concept act, the tension that had erupted in the unfamiliar environment had drained him. Thankfully, the use of his spatial abilities had allowed him to endure the previous two days.
*“Ugh—”*
Kang Woo-jin slowly opened his eyes. However, he didn’t get up immediately. With disheveled hair, he merely yawned and stretched. Gradually, he picked up the water bottle that lay on the table, simultaneously lifting his phone to check the time.
*“Wow— it’s 11 AM? I really overslept.”*
For Kang Woo-jin, the ten days of the Cannes Film Festival felt like a vacation. Of course, there were various schedules throughout the festival, including the opening ceremony, but compared to his usual commitments in Korea, the period leading up to the closing and awards ceremony was relatively relaxed. Especially today, the day of *The Leech’s* second screening, was particularly laid-back.
*“Let’s see, *The Leech’s* second screening is at 7 PM. I should start getting ready around 4 PM.”*
Kang Woo-jin’s team, including Choi Seong-gun, was likely moving around freely. After all, they were busy sightseeing. Regardless, Kang Woo-jin picked up the water bottle from the table and lifted his phone.
*“Let’s see how everyone’s doing~”*
There was plenty to check on. From Kang Woo-jin’s triumphant walk on the Cannes Film Festival’s opening red carpet to the situation back in Korea, including the two films showcased in the *Competition Section*, recent premieres of *The Stranger*, and responses to Miley Cara’s new album teaser, as well as updates on his social media and the status of his *“Kang Woo-jin”* alter ego.
Of course, he also needed to check the accumulated messages and notifications.
At that moment.
*—Woo-woo, woo-woo.*
The phone lying on the bed vibrated. It was a call. Kang Woo-jin paused for a moment and looked at the caller ID. It was Producer Song Man-woo. The *Beneficial Evil* team had likely returned to Korea by now. Slightly tilting his head, he composed himself to respond. Clearing his throat, the usual low tone prepared, he held the phone to his ear.
“Hello, PD-nim.”
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On the other end, Producer Song Man-woo sounded a bit bustling. It seemed to be from the set of *Beneficial Evil*. Given that Kang Woo-jin was absent, filming would have to continue without him.
“Woo-jin, I’m sorry to bother you while you’re busy with the Cannes Film Festival. It must be chaotic there, right?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“Ha ha. I’ve been following the news through articles. I’ve seen the excitement over your appearance on the red carpet at the opening ceremony. I heard Japan is buzzing about it too.”
As Producer Song Man-woo transitioned the conversation, Kang Woo-jin thought,
*‘What’s going on? Are they accelerating the launch or something?’*
He answered quietly.
“It’s no problem for me.”
Then a few minutes later, Kang Woo-jin suddenly stepped into his spatial area. He confirmed the document titled *Beneficial Evil*.
*—[9/Script (Title: Beneficial Evil), EX grade]*
Kang Woo-jin smiled.
*“At least there’s no major change.”*
---
About an hour later.
Around 1 PM. The main venue of the Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals, was roughly a 10-minute walk from a five-star hotel. This hotel was different from the one Kang Woo-jin was staying in, but it was packed at lunchtime with many guests. Naturally, most were attendees of the Cannes Film Festival.
Among them.
“Did the director really ask to have lunch with us?”
“Right? I was surprised when I got the call.”
At a four-person table near the entrance, two familiar figures were visible. Joseph Felton and Megan Stone were sitting side by side. It seemed like they were waiting for someone.
At that moment.
*—Swoosh.*
An older foreign man entered the restaurant. It was Danny Randis, the Hollywood director, wearing round glasses perched on his nose. With his thinning hair, he spotted Joseph and Megan immediately upon entering and approached them.
*‘...’*
He approached silently. Recognizing his presence, Joseph and Megan turned their gazes toward him. Danny Randis shook hands with them as he sat down, his expression serious.
*“I watched *The Leech* this morning. Does Kang Woo-jin, by any chance, have Ripley Syndrome? Did Ahn Gabok cast him for the film?”*
His straightforward question surprised Joseph. Megan felt the same. For reference, Joseph had yet to see *The Leech*. He planned to catch it during the 7 PM showing. However, remembering Kang Woo-jin’s display of Ripley Syndrome from their earlier interactions, Joseph put on a relaxed smile and replied.
*“That can’t be true. Kang Woo-jin is an actor; everything you saw was just his performance.”*
Danny Randis paused for a moment, wiping his forehead.
*“...Acting? Are you sure?”*
*“I would stake my life on it.”*
*“Huh—so what you’re saying is that the character is not just a performance. Goodness, he doesn’t look that old, yet he has that kind of intensity. Impressive. Is he a child actor?”*
Megan and Joseph exchanged glances and laughed.
*“No, Kang Woo-jin debuted only two years ago.”*
For a moment, Danny Randis frowned deeply, seemingly unable to comprehend.
*“...Did you say he’s only been debuting for two years?? Are you joking with me?”*
