Tony explained the storyline of the movie "My Bodyguard." He said it's about a new kid in school, Clifford Peache, who doesn't believe the rumors going around about another student named Ricky Linderman. Ricky is a loner who is said to have killed his own brother. Clifford approaches Ricky to be his bodyguard because he's being bullied. Ricky initially refuses, but after saving Clifford from some bullies, they become friends. Ricky has emotional issues because of his brother's accidental death. Their friendship grows as Clifford helps Ricky find a part for his rebuilt motorcycle, and Ricky starts to come out of his shell, proving he's not a killer. However, the bullying escalates when the main bully hires an older bodyguard who intimidates Ricky and ultimately destroys his motorcycle.
Tony then mentioned that he had seen Alex in the "Little House on the Prairie" episode where he played Dylan. He thought Alex's portrayal of the sensitive and determined young boy who wanted to see the ocean before he passed away perfectly captured the kind of vulnerability and inner strength he was looking for in the character of Clifford Peache.
This explanation from Tony resonated with Alex. He could see parallels between Dylan's quiet strength and vulnerability in "Little House on the Prairie" and the character of Clifford Peache as Tony described him. The idea of playing a lead role in a movie like "My Bodyguard," filled him with excitement.
Alex, despite his excitement, still felt a sense of disbelief about the possibility of landing a movie role so soon after his initial foray into acting. He had always imagined breaking into the movie industry would be a long, arduous process, requiring years of dedication and perhaps countless rejections. This sudden interest in him felt almost surreal, and he wasn't quite sure how to process it.
"It's all happening so fast," Alex admitted to Tony Bill and Michael one afternoon, a slightly bewildered expression on his face. "I thought it would take years to even get a shot at a movie."
Michael chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Hard work is important, Alex, no doubt about it. But in Hollywood, talent alone isn't always enough. Luck plays a tremendous role – being at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people." He gave Alex a pointed look. "And you, my friend, have had tremendous luck so far. We'll see how long that luck lasts."
Alex pondered Michael's words. There was a truth to what he said. He hadn't exactly planned for any of this; it had all unfolded rather unexpectedly.
Tony Bill, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "So, Alex, what's your answer? Are you in for 'My Bodyguard'?"
A smile finally broke through Alex's thoughtful expression. "Yes," he said with a newfound certainty. "Yes, I am."
And just like that, in the same CAA office, with Bill and Nancy beaming at him, and Michael also present, Alex signed the contract. While Michael's presence wasn't strictly necessary for a relatively small-budget film like "My Bodyguard," he had made it a point to attend. As a key figure at CAA, Michael had a vision for the agency to make a bigger mark in the movie business, which was still seen as more prestigious than their already successful television ventures. Even a smaller film was a step in that direction. CAA agents were present, ensuring everything was in order – the actual legal drafting had been handled by lawyers behind the scenes. As it is a small-budget film, even as a lead Alex's salary for the role was set at $50,000, a figure that seemed astronomical to him. His journey into the world of movies had officially begun.
********
While Alex was thrilled to have landed the role of Clifford Peache, the cast of "My Bodyguard" Includes two other actors who would bring the story to life.
Playing the crucial role of Ricky Linderman, the initially reluctant bodyguard, was Adam Baldwin. This film marked Baldwin's very first role in a feature film, a significant step in launching his acting career.
The character of Melvin Moody, the school bully who makes Clifford's life miserable, was cast with Matt Dillon. Dillon just made debut this year with film "Over the Edge".
August brought the start of filming for "My Bodyguard" in Chicago. The movie would be shot on location throughout the city. For the fictional Fleer High School, the production chose the real Lake View High School as their setting. Additionally, the Ambassador East hotel served as the real-life counterpart for the hotel where Clifford and his father lived in the movie.
******
The fluorescent lights of the Lake View High School bathroom set hummed overhead. The crew was setting up for a tense scene where Moody corners Clifford for protection money. ALEX HAYES, as Clifford, stood looking small and apprehensive near the grubby sinks. MATT DILLON, smirking as the menacing Moody, leaned against the tiled wall with two other actors cast as his friends, Gary and Dubrow.
"Alright, Matt, Alex, and fellas," the director called out. "This is right after the classroom incident. Moody's establishing his dominance. Matt, that handshake offer needs to feel fake, a setup. Alex, you're wary but trying to be agreeable. Let's roll."
Matt Dillon as Moody sauntered over, offering a disingenuous smile and an outstretched hand to Alex.
MOODY (Dillon)
Hey, it's Peach Pit.
(Offers him handshake)
What do you say?
Alex, as Clifford, hesitated for a split second, then reluctantly shook Moody's hand, his expression a mixture of unease and a forced attempt at politeness.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
Just trying to make friends.
MOODY (Dillon)
Don't you want to be friends?
CLIFFORD (Alex)
All right. Here.
Dubrow stepped forward, offering his hand with a wider, slightly unsettling grin.
DUBROW (Actor)
What about me?
MOODY (Dillon)
Sure. Shake hands with Dubrow.
Alex shook Dubrow's hand quickly, trying to avoid eye contact.
DUBROW (Actor)
How you doing?
The actor playing Gary stepped in, leaning close to Clifford.
GARY (Actor)
Where'd you go to school before here?
CLIFFORD (Alex)
South Side Academy.
GARY (Actor)
Ooh, costs a lot of money to go there.
Dubrow moved closer, his smile turning into a leer.
DUBROW (Actor)
You rich?
CLIFFORD (Alex)
No.
DUBROW (Actor)
Hey, that's nothing to be ashamed of, man.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
I'm not ashamed.
GARY (Actor)
(nodding knowingly)
Knew he was rich.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
No, I'm not, really.
Matt Dillon as Moody stepped in, his eyes narrowing.
MOODY (Dillon)
Hey, listen, pal, it's obvious you got bread. Question is, you got sense? I'm serious. Do you have sense? (Clifford remained silent, looking down.) Hmm? Hmm?
Moody gave Clifford a rough shove . Alex looked surprised and says the dialogue.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
I think so. Sometimes.
MOODY (Dillon)
I think so too. So you'll know this is no private academy. Now, you go to a school like this you need a bodyguard.
DUBROW (Actor)
You know, we got Ricky Linderman in our Homeroom?
MOODY (Dillon)
You know about Linderman? He's a psychopath. He just went berserk. Wasted some kid. Shot him in the head.
Suddenly, Matt Dillon as Moody made a sharp "Bang!" sound with his mouth, making Alex jump visibly.
MOODY (Dillon)
Blew his brain out.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
Why'd he do that?
GARY (Actor)
Probably he was a pain in the ass.
MOODY (Dillon)
Guys like Linderman lose control after a while.
Matt Dillon suddenly yelled "Yah!" and shoved Alex hard against the tiled wall.
"Cut!" the director called out. "Matt, that yell was great, but Alex, we need more surprise on your face when you hit the wall. Let's take it again from the 'psychopath' line."
They reset. The scene continued.
MOODY (Dillon)
Like that, you know? That's when you come to us. We're bodyguards. Interested?
Alex, as Clifford, looked genuinely uncomfortable, his voice showing a hint of fear.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
I don't know. (clearly uncomfortable somewhat afraid)
MOODY (Dillon)
For you, it's cheap, uh... Buck a day.
Alex's eyes widened slightly, capturing Clifford's surprise.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
Buck a day? (In surprise)
MOODY (Dillon)
Yeah, buck a day. We give everyone the same deal. You can work it out day to day, or week to week. Any way you want to work it out, man.
Matt Dillon walked over to the actor playing Gary who was off to the side, making small balls out of tissue paper and water from the sink.
"Alright, everyone, quick break," the director announced. "Matt, on the next take, you'll start throwing those little paper balls at Alex's head while you're talking. Alex, just react naturally, try to dodge them."
The break ended. The cameras rolled.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
Where am I gonna get a dollar a day?
Matt Dillon as Moody turned back, tossing a wet tissue ball that just missed Alex's head. Alex flinched, moving his head slightly.
MOODY (Dillon)
Lunch money. You don't wanna eat that crap, anyway.
DUBROW (Actor)
50 cents for Godzilla feed.
GARY (Actor)
It's a rip-off.
DUBROW (Actor)
Sixty, if you want two milks.
Matt Dillon threw another tissue ball, this one hitting Alex's shoulder. Alex grimaced, trying to stay in character.
MOODY (Dillon)
So, for that same 60 cents... we're talking two milks... you got us almost paid for. Now all you got to do is... scrape up another 40.
Matt threw another paper ball, hitting Alex's cheek this time. Alex could've easily avoided it, but in a flash of inspiration, he decided it would look more effective for Clifford to get hit, and besides, it wasn't that painful anyway, so he just grimaced, trying to stay in character.
CLIFFORD (Alex)
I'm not gonna give you my lunch money. I have to eat.
MOODY (Dillon)
Got to eat, huh?
Matt Dillon walked over to Gary, took a plastic cup from the prop table, and grabbed Alex roughly by the collar, dragging him towards the grubby toilet stalls.
MOODY (Dillon)
Come here. Come here.
Moody shoved Alex towards a toilet and dipped the cup into the bowl, filling it with the murky water. He then turned and pushed the cup into Alex's face.
MOODY (Dillon)
Tell you what, eat this.
Alex made a disgusted face, his eyes wide with revulsion.
MOODY (Dillon laughing says)
Suddenly he changes his mind, eh?
In a swift reaction, Alex as Clifford grabbed the cup and splashed the toilet water all over Matt Dillon's face.
Alex immediately took off, running out of the bathroom.
And the camera focused on Moody's dripping face, a look of furious humiliation replacing his usual smirk.
"Cut! That's a wrap on the bathroom scene! Excellent work, everyone! Matt, that was a great reaction to the water!" the director announced, a grin on his face.