The Blue Hour

Part 7

Prompt:
Do you think that these are believable ways that a stoic man might act? In one of the chapters (the one where they have the encounter), Vivi stumbles into the bar they were at during a night out with her long time girlfriend whom she hasn't been out with in a while. They went there because they had to use the bathroom. Her heart leaps when she sees Julian there after 15 years looking handsome as ever. He is with a group of friends including his wife Amelia. Vivi and her friend end up staying and ordering a drink even though they were planning to go home while Vivi explains to the friend who the man is. The friend insists that they stay and they sit facing the group, though Julian's back is turned to Vivi and her friend. That doesn't stop him from turning around multiple times however, to catch her eye with his longing glance. Others at the table may even notice, including Amelia, who catches Vivi's glance once with a glare. The air is thick with their tension. I want this to be cinematic visually, for it may be on screen one day (one can hope). When Julian gets up to walk past them to use the bathroom, Vivi's head is down and she is looking at her phone, so she misses him brush past. Her friend tells her however, that he was getting up to possibly greet her, or even just be closer, but she missed it. Her friend tells her to fix her eyes to the hallway where Julian disappeared to (the bathrooms). Vivi does so, and when Julian returns from the hallway, she tries to make eye contact but he does not meet her gaze, and only does so again once he has sat back down. Why might Julian behave this way, and how can I make such a subtle but meaningful encounter visual and cinematic, but not over the top?

Response:
Julian's behavior in this scene can be deeply believable and effective in portraying a stoic man who feels conflicted. Here's why and how his actions might make sense:

1. Why Julian Might Behave This Way:
   -Conflicted Emotions: Julian is drawn to Vivi, and even after 15 years, the connection they shared is still potent. However, his loyalty to his wife and the life he has built causes him to hold back. His repeated glances toward Vivi are a way for him to check if she still feels the same, but his restraint in openly greeting her shows his inner turmoil.
   -Fear of Confrontation: Julian might fear causing a scene, especially with his wife present. He turns to look at Vivi when he thinks no one will notice, but when the stakes are higher (like passing by her), he retreats, not wanting to risk making his feelings too obvious.
   - Subtle Bravery: His decision to walk by Vivi could show a part of him wanting to acknowledge her, but his stoicism prevents him from going further. Not making eye contact on the way back may be a form of self-protection, not wanting to fully reveal himself.

2. Making the Scene Cinematic but Subtle:
   -Body Language: Focus on the physical details—Julian's tense posture as he turns to look at Vivi, the slight clenching of his jaw, or his fingers gripping the edge of his chair. Small but telling motions will convey his internal struggle without being overt.
   -Eyes: Eyes can be very cinematic. His glances toward Vivi should be fleeting but intense, like they're communicating everything without words. When he finally locks eyes with her from across the room, it's as if the whole world fades for a second—until he pulls away.
   -Ambient Tension: The atmosphere can enhance the emotional charge. Perhaps the background noise in the bar fades when Julian and Vivi's eyes meet, heightening the significance of each moment. When Amelia glares at Vivi, the tension could feel like a shock wave across the room.
   -Missed Moment: The missed encounter when Julian brushes past her could be framed as a "slip through the fingers" moment. Maybe Vivi feels the rush of air as he passes, and the camera lingers on her reaction—her breath catches, but she's too late to see him.
   -Music/Lighting: Using soft, moody lighting or an understated musical score can give the scene a melancholic, romantic quality. You could also play with a slow-motion effect when Julian glances over or walks past, emphasizing the weight of each subtle movement.

Overall, Julian's restraint is what makes the scene so powerful. His stoicism is part of his character, but the small cracks where his feelings show through—the glances, the missed opportunity to speak—make the moment loaded with meaning, especially when contrasted with Amelia's more overt reactions.