Chapter 367: Chapter 367: Turning Against Each Other
Once upon a time, there were three mischievous individuals – an older gentleman, a middle-aged fellow, and a young upstart. They found themselves in the spotlight after a heartfelt acknowledgment from Martin Scorsese at the Oscars, where he received the Best Director award.
People, including the likes of Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale, eagerly awaited to witness these three characters locking horns.
Jack Nicholson's fiery attack on Martin was connected to the colossal project "The Dark Knight," presented by Warner Bros. and DC Comics, which instantly captivated audiences.
After some behind-the-scenes communication, Martin quickly responded. "Jack's portrayal of the Joker is timeless. He flawlessly embodied Tim Burton's vision of the character. However, the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' is a departure from what we've seen before. Compared to Jack's version, there's much more depth to explore. It's amusing, and I'm confident I can do justice to this role."
This response, somewhat, ignited a fiery exchange.
Nicholson, assuming the role of the trio's leader and leveraging his three Oscars, pointed fingers once again. "Success is a result of grind, dedication, and talent. Acting goes beyond donning disguises or gaining or losing weight. With years of industry experience, I remind my young brother to embrace the necessary refinement."
Martin, not one to back down, publicly retorted, "You told me, when faced with challenges, stop complaining, don't hesitate, have the courage to act!"
Nicholson fired back through the media, "If you've got the mettle, go for it, but mind your words!"
Their exchange caused a media frenzy, with many interpreting Nicholson's words as sarcasm, urging him to choose his words carefully.
Within days, Martin and Nicholson's feud became the talk of the town in the United States. It dominated entertainment news, even trending on Google.
Media and the public, always fond of redemption stories and conflicts, reveled in the apparent breakup of these long-time friends.
"Martin and Jack have been friends for so long."
"All over a Joker, they officially parted ways!"
"The power of the clown caused the downfall of the Hollywood trio before they even hit the screen."
"Watch out for the Joker; it can shatter hearts."
Media reports and the public's interest turned 'The Dark Knight' and the Joker into the hottest gossip topics in the United States.
"Is there really a feud among the trio?"
In a hotel room, Cate Blanchett, munching on snacks, asked Christian Bale, "Are Martin Davis and Nicholson really parting ways?"
Bale, also indulging in snacks, grinned, "We might just end up at odds."
"Survival of the fittest!" Blanchett quipped, "I hope they stab each other."
Bale contemplated and added, "Once I officially join the gang, I might stir the pot secretly. Who knows, it could actually happen."
Excited, Blanchett put her arm around him, saying, "That's a great idea."
However, when she tried to get closer, Bale hesitated, thinking of the torn sponge at Pinewood Studios. "Well, let's celebrate another day. I've got some other business to attend to."
Before Blanchett could respond, Bale rushed away, leaving her frustrated.
Blanchett muttered, "Useless man."
Indeed, Bale had a different mission. He left the hotel to pick up Heath Ledger from the Sunshine Hotel in Santa Monica, prioritizing his brother over everything else.
...
The verbal battle between Martin and Nicholson soon dragged Leonardo, the third member of the trio, into the spotlight.
Reporters swarmed Leonardo for an interview.
He suggested inviting Martin and Nicholson to a dinner to resolve the issue.
On a typical spring morning, Leonardo arrived at the Los Angeles Country Club.
A growing crowd of reporters and paparazzi followed him, swelling the gathering to over fifty or sixty people. Cameras and microphones were at the ready.
To top it off, two television stations dispatched broadcast trucks.
Shortly, a stretched Lincoln pulled up in front of the club. Jack Nicholson stepped out, surveying the press frenzy before entering the club.
Moments later, a Cadillac passed by, and Martin emerged with a stoic expression, pushing his way into the club.
"It's a shame we can't get inside."
"Someone with connections inside the club, give us the scoop!"
Reporters eagerly anticipated a showdown between Martin and Nicholson.
Inside the club, the trio of troublemakers finally met. Martin and Nicholson exchanged glances but remained silent, their displeasure evident.
Leonardo broke the ice, "Let's find a quiet spot to talk."
The three of them retreated to a private lounge.
News quickly spread among the club's staff, "They seemed quite upset with each other."
"They got into a heated argument."
As soon as the lounge door closed, Martin burst into laughter, exclaiming, "This is fun! It's all in good fun!"
Nicholson chimed in, "Feels like we're playing tricks on the media!"
"Hey, hey! Let's get serious," Leonardo exclaimed, visibly displeased. He emphasized, "How about maintaining some professional ethics as actors? We're in the midst of a conflict, and it looks like we might turn against each other!"
Martin, seated on a single sofa, crossed his legs and calmly inquired, "Leo, do you want to join in?"
Leonardo shook his head, replying, "Don't you think I'm better suited for the role of a mediator?"
Nicholson chimed in, "Like the President of the United States mediating between Israel and Palestine?"
Martin chuckled, "Now that's an absurd image."
Leonardo admitted, "I can't help it. I started early in this business."
Nicholson joined the laughter, asking, "Do you find that the newcomers are more interesting?"
Martin took a more serious tone, asking, "Warner Bros. and DC Comics haven't approached you?"
"Actually, they have," Nicholson responded cryptically. "Do you know what they said?"
Martin, skilled in marketing and promotion, could easily guess their intentions. He responded, "Nolan and Emma Thomas have been stirring the pot in front of me, urging me to respond to your attacks. It's not hard to deduce that our old acquaintances at Warner and DC want you to intensify your attacks on me."
Nicholson gave a thumbs-up to Martin, saying, "You're the one with the wildest ideas among our trio. Those guys want to create a rift between us for attention and commercial gain. They want us to be serious adversaries."
Martin nodded in agreement, "It's the nature of the industry. The investment in this film is astronomical, estimated at $270-300 million, including marketing and distribution costs. If it's not generating buzz, how will it attract audiences?"
Leonardo interjected, "Batman is the second most popular superhero in the United States."
Nicholson, with his experience in Batman movies, pointed out, "Even if it's a beloved character, the film must appeal to the general public to turn a substantial profit. Don't forget, there have been some Batman movie flops."
Martin continued, "What Jack and I are doing is, to some extent, drawing casual viewers' attention."
Leonardo probed, "Isn't there more to it?"
Martin hinted, "Jack's role serves as a benchmark. The early negative criticism is setting the stage for positive reviews after the film's release. The initial controversy paves the way for the later praise, especially for a talented actor like Jack."
Nicholson warned, "If you stumble in your performance, I won't hold back. I'll go after you even harder."
Martin accepted the challenge, "Jack Nicholson is a Hollywood acting legend. I can't let him jest with decades of reputation."
And then, with a touch of seriousness, he added, "Jack, if I truly mess up, feel free to unleash your criticism. I won't retaliate."
Leonardo interjected, "I wish Martin's character and this movie fail spectacularly."
Martin appeared conflicted, "I consider you my brother, yet you see me as your enemy!"
Nicholson suddenly raised his voice, "Who kicked my ass? Who did it, you rascal!"
A waiter, pretending to walk by, overheard this and quickly approached the commotion.
Retreating to a quiet corner, the waiter sent a message to the waiting reporters outside: "Martin kicked Jack's ass."
The reporter who received the message couldn't help but chuckle; the trio of troublemakers turning against each other was big news.
Back in the lounge, Leonardo checked the time and suggested, "It's almost time to leave. Each of you, ensure your acting skills are top-notch."
Nicholson couldn't resist a parting jab, "Of the three of us, you're the one with the least reliable acting skills."
Martin glanced at Nicholson, a man who found various ways to enjoy life, and remarked, "Old Jack, I envy your boundless joys and activities."
Nicholson laughed heartily, "When you reach my age, you'll understand that living with an open mind is key. Life is too short; you must savor the happiness."
Leonardo added with a grin, "And it helps to have money."
Martin paid little heed to Leonardo, already getting into character. He stood up, opened the door, and left the lounge.
Several observant waiters exchanged knowing glances; Martin's somber expression spoke volumes.
Meanwhile, a faint argument could be heard coming from the lounge as Leonardo and Nicholson continued their discussion.
Not long after their meeting, Nicholson, who usually wore a smile, exited the lounge with a serious demeanor.
Simultaneously, Martin departed from the club.
Reporters and paparazzi swarmed around Martin, bombarding him with questions, "How did the conversation go? Did you start a fight?"
Martin glared back at them with an ominous expression, causing many to fall silent involuntarily.
He didn't utter a word, merely got into his car and drove away.
Before the reporters dispersed, Nicholson emerged, and they surrounded him with inquiries.
Nicholson responded casually, "There's nothing much to say. Young people nowadays are too cocky."
The combination of Martin's demeanor and Nicholson's words was enough to send the reporters and paparazzi scurrying to write their stories.
It was clear that the news of Martin Davis fighting and even kicking Jack Nicholson's rear end would dominate the entertainment pages of newspapers and magazines the next day.
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