Jade's taking me back to the production office. I had to join Gibson who had offered to stay with me for the night because, as of tomorrow, my immersion to work on my role was about to begin.

He lives in a small studio in the Echo Park area, which happens to be the trendy part of the city. Posters of cult films line the walls of his living room and an incalculable number of figurines with the effigy of heroes of films and series proudly stand here and there throughout the apartment.

We sit down on the couch to discuss how to proceed. In front of him, on the coffee table, a folder with the name of my character is placed. He makes it slide towards me.

"Here's everything you need to know about Brody," he said. "From the second he was born until the first scene. All the details of what led him to be interned are also included. Tomorrow, we will go to GoldenBay House, the psychiatric institute that has agreed to receive for two months.

I agree by vaguely flipping through the fine file. Even if I didn't show it, I was looking forward to tomorrow to start this famous work of introspection.

"But before... we'll take care of your hair!"

The next morning, after the visit to the hairdresser, I have the pleasant surprise of seeing Jade, who was waiting for us at the exit of the hairdresser, leaning on his car. She covered a little more than the day before, wearing a black t-shirt with the peace and love logo, topped by a denim jacket and very tight navy blue pants. She also wears a fédora on her head, giving it a bohemian touch. She is stunned by my new look and cannot hide her craze.

"Then I say yes," she exclaimed, approaching us and applauding. Why hide behind that horrible hair when you can look like... this?

She walks her hand from my head to my feet, her head following the movement. I cast a circumspect gaze at Gibson, who looks away.

"Don't be mad at him, I'm the one who harassed him to give me the name of the hairdresser." He told me his evil plan, and I wanted to see your metamorphosis. How do you feel?

"To tell the truth, much better than I would have thought... and my hair wasn't that bad! I pretend to be offended."

My two friends started to laugh, and I soon joined them. I felt liberated from being, in a way, the same as I was. When the hairdresser asked me what I wanted, I opted for the cut I wore before: very short on the sides, shaved limit and a little long on the top of the skull, to style them back. I also shaved the goatee. I was once again the young man who made girls dream.

"If I'm here, it's also to say goodbye," Jade tells me, "which gets me out of my thoughts."

"Goodbye"? But...

"Yes, you idiot! We're not going to see each other for a month," she told me, "as if that were the obvious."

I then remember that Gibson also asked him to immerse himself in the life of his character to better prepare for the role. On the other hand, her experience will be different from mine: given Violet's murderous past, Jade will have to learn from women who have committed violent acts and thus spend a lot of time in prison. Which she fears a little bit. Right, by the way. Then she will join me at GoldenBay House for the second part of her research, to explore Violet's psychological side.

"I wish you good luck in the madhouse," she said, smiling before hugging me.

I give her back her hug. Even though I only met her yesterday, I know I can count on her.

"Good luck with psychopaths, I'll throw it to him before I end our hug."

"I'm going to be a profiler," she jokes, greeting us before getting in the car.

In the early afternoon, we go to the GoldenBay House Institute. Along the way, I do some research on the internet. The site of this establishment presents well, listing all the pathologies they treat. The ones of my character -- depression and suicidal urges -- are just some of the ones I see. Located a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, it is built on top of a cliff, offering stunning ocean views. The setting looks really idyllic.

Gibson's car parks in front of the entrance. We are greeted by the director of the place, Dr.Joe Gallagher, a man of about 60 years, with a rather imposing physique. He's tall, shoulders wide. He wears a gray suit and reminds me more of a businessman than a doctor. Her white hair is brushed and a light down adorns her jaw. He offers us a nice handshake, before inviting us to follow him to his office. The place, built on two floors, is huge and very lit by gigantic bay windows. Many works of art follow one another along the walls. I feel more like a museum than a mental hospital.

"I am very pleased to have you here and I hope I can help you as best I can", Dr Gallagher says, sitting behind his desk.

Gibson and I, sitting across from him, thank him for accepting this rather peculiar request.

"I will make our best services available to you", he assures us.

Now we are reassured. He lists my future living conditions, puts a schedule at our disposal with the various therapy workshops, as well as the joint support sessions that, according to him, will be very rewarding.

"On the other hand, we are in a psychiatric institution that treats people with more or less serious pathologies. They operate in a peaceful and reassuring environment. For their mental health and well-being, it might be better if they didn't know that you were an information-seeking actor. Some will probably feel judged or disturbed by your intrusion into their routine. So I thought I'd make you look like one of the sick. You can very well resume the pathologies of your character. But, in no case, you must reveal the real reason for your presence. Otherwise, I would be obliged to shorten your stay with us".

I completely understand Dr. Gallagher's reluctance. He cares about the mental health of his patients, and that is to his credit.

He stands up, just like us.

"So, welcome to GoldenBay House!"

******