章 865: Chapter 865: Rough Cut Ready!
In today's Hollywood landscape, it's increasingly difficult for original films to find their footing, even when helmed by big names like Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese. Original science fiction, in particular, faces an uphill battle in a market dominated by sequels and franchises. Take, for example, the midnight screenings of *Interstellar* a visually stunning, thought-provoking film from Nolan. Despite the director's clout, its box office performance at those early showings was only half of what *John Wick: Chapter 3* pulled in, a telling sign of how the market is slanted.
Martin, ever the seasoned filmmaker, remained unruffled by this early outcome. He knew that Nolan; famed not only for his directorial genius but also his shrewd marketing strategies, had an ace up his sleeve. Sure enough, Nolan's Syncopy Films, in collaboration with Warner Bros., Paramount, DreamWorks, and AMC Theaters, rolled out a bold initiative: an unlimited viewing pass for *Interstellar* priced at $34.99. The offer allowed moviegoers to watch the film as many times as they liked while it remained in theaters, a clever ploy that ignited chatter across social media.
The message was clear: *Interstellar* wasn't just a movie; it was an experience worth revisiting, a puzzle that might only reveal its full brilliance after multiple viewings. Nolan leaned into this narrative in promotional interviews, repeatedly emphasizing, "This is a film that only gets better every time you watch it." It was a masterclass in marketing. By subtly suggesting that one viewing isn't enough to fully grasp the film, the campaign positioned *Interstellar* as something fans would return to again and again.
But Nolan didn't stop there. He tapped into his deep well of industry connections, rallying heavyweight directors to boost the film's visibility. Steven Spielberg, who had invested in the project, didn't hold back in his praise: "Interstellar is incredibly good!" Meanwhile, British director Edgar Wright lauded the film's artistic depth and craftsmanship, declaring, "This film has great artistic impact and unparalleled filmmaking techniques. I must pay tribute to Nolan." The endorsements were strategic, signaling to both die-hard fans and curious onlookers that this film was something special.
In the end, success in Hollywood isn't just about talent; it's about building the right alliances and knowing how to play the game. Like Martin, Nolan's ascent is backed by more than just his directorial prowess, it's his knack for publicity, marketing, and creating a buzz that has solidified his place among Hollywood's elite.
When *Interstellar* finally hit theaters on a Friday, it opened in 4,180 locations across North America. Backed by the combined star power of Nolan and Martin, the film saw a steady rise in attendance, raking in $26.75 million on opening day. The numbers offered a glimmer of hope. At that moment, Martin, busy in his carving studio, could finally exhale, feeling some of the pressure lift off his shoulders.
Noticing his mood, Lily, who was working nearby, set aside her carving tools, wiped her hands clean, and changed out of her dusty work clothes. "Shall we celebrate?" she asked, a spark of excitement in her eyes.
Martin, putting down the statue he'd been working on, smiled. "How do you want to celebrate?"
Lily turned toward Elizabeth Olsen, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Liz, what do you think?"
Elizabeth pondered for a moment before replying, "The hot pot you made last time was incredible. How about we do that again for lunch?"
In recent years, Los Angeles had seen a surge in Chinese cuisine, with hot pot becoming a particularly popular comfort food. Various restaurants had adapted the traditional dish to suit local tastes, creating a vibrant culinary scene. Martin nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect. I'll have someone send over the ingredients."
As Lily dusted off the stone powder clinging to her clothes, she announced, "I'm going to take a shower first." With that, the trio's celebration plans were set, proving that even in the high-stakes world of Hollywood, sometimes the simplest pleasures, like sharing a meal with friends, are the most fulfilling.
Martin picked up his phone and called the housekeeper. "We're going to need a big order today," he said with a hint of anticipation. The housekeeper, ever efficient, quickly contacted their trusted supplier. By noon, Davis Manor was buzzing with activity as crates of fresh ingredients and specialty sauces were delivered, ready to transform their gathering into a sumptuous feast.
Once everything was in place, Martin checked the clock. "We'll wait for Bruce; he should be back soon," he announced, glancing at Lily.
Curiosity sparked in Lily's eyes. "What's he been up to in Europe all this time?"
Martin kept his answer short. "Just handling some business that needed his personal touch."
Sensing there was more beneath the surface, Lily decided not to press further. Instead, Elizabeth chimed in with a suggestion. "Let's wait until Old Bull arrives before we start lunch. It wouldn't be the same without him."
Sure enough, just before noon, Bruce arrived, having been promptly picked up from the airport by the house's ever-vigilant security team. He barely had time to freshen up before joining the others at the table. They were soon joined by Thomas, who had dropped by purely to enjoy the meal and share in the camaraderie. The five of them, seated around a table filled with bubbling hot pots, fresh vegetables, and thinly sliced meats, dove into the rich flavors and easy conversation.
After the satisfying lunch, Thomas excused himself, citing work obligations. He left with a quick wave and a promise to catch up again soon. Meanwhile, Martin and Bruce retreated to the study, the warmth of the meal giving way to more serious matters.
Bruce had been in Europe for over ten days, and Martin wasted no time cutting to the chase. "Did everything go smoothly?" he asked.
Bruce leaned back in his chair, nodding. "It's basically in place," he replied, before detailing the negotiations and meetings he'd navigated overseas. "The framework is set, and I've already put together a shell company. We're just waiting for the green light to move forward."
Martin's expression remained thoughtful. "You'll stay on top of coordinating everything, then?" he confirmed.
Bruce nodded again. The preparations were meticulous, leaving little room for surprises. With everything underway, Martin was free to shift his focus back to the film's ongoing promotion.
He spent the rest of the afternoon upstairs with Lily and Elizabeth, relaxing in their company and enjoying the quiet before the whirlwind of the next few days. They knew that starting Monday, Martin would be traveling overseas for the *Interstellar* promotional tour, leaving little time for leisure.
*Interstellar* was still causing waves online, with social media buzzing thanks to the dedicated efforts of Martin's fan base. On Saturday, the movie saw another strong day at the box office, pulling in $27.87 million. In comparison to blockbuster adaptations and sequels, these numbers might seem modest, given the film's hefty $180 million budget. But for an original, hard science fiction piece, this was a significant achievement.
The numbers even outshone *Avatar*'s opening weekend, which took in just over $70 million. By the end of its first weekend, *Interstellar* had earned $78.65 million in North America, claiming the top spot on the box office charts. It even surpassed *Transformers 4*, which had benefited from the holiday boost of Independence Day.
As the new week began, Martin joined the crew and flew out to Rio de Janeiro to kick off the overseas leg of the promotional campaign. The combination of Nolan and Martin was a surefire draw internationally, especially with the heavy marketing muscle behind it. The buzz was building, and they knew that the film would resonate with global audiences, particularly in markets that had a strong appetite for big-budget science fiction.
Back in Los Angeles, Emma Thomas stayed behind to handle more immediate business. She met with Daniel on behalf of Nolan to discuss their next project with Warner Bros. Daniel had already read through the plans and script outline for Nolan's upcoming film, *Dunkirk*. However, he couldn't help but express some hesitation. "Isn't science fiction Chris's forte?" he asked, looking over the details once more. "He's been dominating that genre for years now, and the market response has been phenomenal."
Emma smiled knowingly. "True, but Chris has always been driven by storytelling first, and this project, though different offers something he's been eager to explore. Trust me, it'll be another success, just in a new way."
The wheels were in motion, and while *Interstellar* was riding high, Nolan and his team were already looking ahead, preparing to conquer a new genre, confident that their storytelling magic would once again capture the world's imagination.
Emma Thomas didn't mince words. "Let's be honest: it's tough for science fiction films to win Oscars."
Daniel, already familiar with Nolan's ambitions after previous conversations with Martin, nodded thoughtfully. "True, but sci-fi films are far more lucrative." He knew Nolan had reached a point in his career where the usual markers of success, money and fame, were no longer enough. The Oscars had become the final frontier for him.
Emma's expression shifted slightly as she pivoted. "Chris has been with Warner for more than a decade now. We've had our ups and downs, but overall, the partnership has delivered consistently strong results."
Daniel caught the underlying message immediately and leaned forward. "Of course, Warner is committed to continuing that relationship," he replied, his voice firm. After all, with *Interstellar* dominating the box office and Nolan hailed as a near-mythic figure among fans, there was no way Warner Bros. would risk losing him. They both knew that if Warner faltered for even a moment, rival studios would be lining up at Nolan's door with blank checks.
In fact, the poaching had already begun.
Emma gave a slight nod, satisfied for now. "We're planning to stick with Warner," she confirmed, giving Daniel the reassurance he needed. But they both knew there was more at stake here.
Daniel, ever the strategist, wasn't blind to the risks. He could push for *Dunkirk*, but the project was high-cost and had a different flavor compared to Nolan's recent blockbusters. The potential box office returns seemed modest, and the whole endeavor was a gamble. He threw out a suggestion. "Chris and Martin have been a golden duo for years now. Why not bring Martin on board for this?"
Without Martin's magnetism, Daniel worried that the film's commercial appeal might wane. It was a pairing that had proven nearly invincible at the box office.
Emma's face softened into a resigned smile, but she shook her head. "I'd love that too, but this is an ensemble drama with no clear lead. Inviting Martin doesn't make sense here, and frankly, it's not even about the paycheck this time."
Daniel wasn't ready to give up so easily. He could envision how the two titans, Nolan and Martin working together would practically guarantee an industry-shaking hit. "Couldn't the script be adjusted? Maybe we create a lead role specifically for Martin..."
Emma's response was immediate and final. "That's impossible. This film isn't designed to spotlight one particular character, it's an ensemble, through and through."
Daniel's thoughts raced, but he quickly grasped the bigger picture. If Nolan was gunning for the Oscars, the last thing he needed was someone like Martin overshadowing him, especially when it came to awards season. Martin's undeniable star power could split the vote, potentially stealing attention away from Nolan's directorial brilliance. Emma's underlying concern was clear: they couldn't afford for Martin to unintentionally dilute Nolan's shot at the big prize.
"I hope Warner Pictures can move this project forward quickly," Emma added, her tone gentle but laced with expectation. In Hollywood, it wasn't uncommon for top-tier directors or actors to put subtle or not so subtle, pressure on studios. Daniel knew the drill and responded with a reassuring smile. "I'll push the review as soon as possible. With Chris's clout, it's practically guaranteed that Warner will greenlight this."
Emma's smile hinted at satisfaction, but there was always more work to be done. After wrapping up at Warner, she headed straight to Burbank, determined to confront a different matter. Her next stop was Disney Studios, where she made her way onto the bustling set of *The Continental Hotel New York*. She was here for Mene, someone who had been ducking her calls and dodging her for days.
Emma's patience had worn thin. Standing near the set, watching the organized chaos of the production, her eyes were steely. She wasn't one to let things slide, especially when it came to business. Today, she would finally corner Mene and get the answers she needed.
The battle wasn't just about films and Oscars. In Hollywood, it was about power plays, loyalties, and making sure everyone knew where they stood. Emma was ready to remind Mene of exactly that.
As the *Interstellar* crew embarked on their promotional tour across Brazil and Argentina, back in Los Angeles, Davis Film Studio was making headlines of its own. At a highly anticipated press conference, they dropped a major announcement that sent ripples through the industry: after a month and a half in theaters, *John Wick: Chapter 3* had crossed the $500 million mark at the North American box office and soared past $1 billion globally. This milestone marked the first time a Davis Studio film had achieved such astronomical success, cementing their position in the big leagues.
The news injected fresh energy into the box office, with *John Wick 3* enjoying a resurgence over the weekend, pulling in an additional $6.24 million domestically and nearly $10 million internationally. The film's global haul now stood at an impressive $1.034 billion.
Meanwhile, *Interstellar* entered its second weekend in North American theaters, maintaining a steady momentum despite a noticeable dip in critical reception. The buzz was still alive, but the film's initial glowing reputation was beginning to show cracks. Fans of Martin were vocal, but thanks to the strategic efforts of Davis Studio, the audience was more grounded, resisting the temptation to elevate the film's hero into a mythic figure like they had done with characters like the Joker or John Wick.
In contrast, Nolan's fans were another story entirely. Their devotion bordered on fanaticism, with many treating the director as an untouchable genius. Any critique of *Interstellar* online was met with swift and often brutal backlash, with detractors being dismissed as intellectually inferior. Comments like "You just didn't get it" were among the kinder responses. This combative atmosphere created a polarized environment where fans of the film were labeled as "Nolan worshippers" while critics were derided as ignorant fools.
Despite the online skirmishes, *Interstellar* benefited from Nolan's rock-solid reputation and the star power of Martin, which kept ticket sales robust. During its second weekend, the film held strong, earning another $40.37 million in North America. Combined with weekday earnings, the domestic box office climbed to $148 million. Overseas, the film took in $51.27 million across more than 30 countries, bolstering its global reach.
The promotional tour kept the crew on the road until mid-August. When Martin finally returned to Los Angeles, *Interstellar* had crossed $250 million domestically and $462 million worldwide. Market analysts and Warner Bros. executives projected that the film's final box office tally could land around $800 million, a solid figure for an original sci-fi epic.
Wasting no time, Nolan struck while the iron was hot. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he teamed up with Warner Bros. for a press conference to announce their next collaboration. As usual, Nolan, ever the maestro of mystery and marketing, kept the specifics under wraps, opting instead to tease the project with a cryptic code name derived from a child's name.
But in a place like Hollywood, where secrets are currency, could such a simple tactic truly keep the media in the dark? Of course not. Within hours, entertainment journalists were buzzing, speculating on what this enigmatic project could be, and eager fans were already dissecting every possible clue.
The gears of hype were once again in motion, setting the stage for yet another cinematic event, proving that in the world of Hollywood, it's not just the stories on screen that captivate audiences, it's the carefully crafted spectacle behind the scenes that keeps everyone talking.
Like a skilled conductor, Nolan has always known how to orchestrate the media's attention, using behind-the-scenes content as much more than a mere bonus. Instead, he turns it into another layer of storytelling, subtly guiding public opinion to move in sync with his narrative. This mastery of publicity is one of the many reasons his collaborations with Martin have been so successful, but for now, their partnership has reached a temporary conclusion.
Yet, whispers in the industry suggest that it won't be long before these two titans face off as rivals, perhaps even at the Oscars.
After a brief two-day rest, Martin received a call from Louise that brought him back into the thick of things. He headed over to Disney Studios, where Assistant Director Steve Downton had arranged a private screening of the first cut of their latest project. The screening room was dimly lit, the atmosphere buzzing with the anticipation of seeing months of hard work take shape on the big screen.
The version they were about to view was over 200 minutes long, a rough cut with many scenes still missing their final layers of special effects. Despite the raw state of the film, Martin was eager to dive in. Every shot, every frame, was still fresh in his mind, each scene an echo of the time and care he had invested.
For many, sitting through an unfinished version of a film, especially one this long, could be tedious. But for Martin, it was a thrill. He saw the film not just as a director but also with the keen eye of a producer, mentally editing as he watched. Which sequences could be trimmed? Where could pacing be tightened? How could a particular scene be sharpened for greater impact? These questions raced through his mind as he scribbled notes in his trusty notebook.
Throughout the screening, Martin would frequently call for pauses to discuss his observations with Louise and Joel Negron, the editor. As a relatively new director, Martin knew his insights could sometimes miss the mark. But with Louise's seasoned guidance and Joel's wealth of editing experience, they found the right balance. Martin was open to criticism, quickly adjusting his approach whenever he realized his suggestions weren't quite right.
Confident in his directorial abilities, Martin was also aware that filmmaking is a collaborative art. Among the assistant directors, only Steve Downton felt comfortable enough to voice his thoughts. The others played quieter roles, managing lights or running the projector in the background.
In the corner of the room, Robert Eggers, recognizable by his thick beard, served as the temporary projectionist. Every time Martin called for a stop, Eggers was quick to pause the reel. Over the course of the shoot, Eggers had come to respect Martin. The man who was often portrayed as difficult by outsiders turned out to be refreshingly approachable and surprisingly considerate in his daily interactions. Eggers knew he had a purpose here beyond merely running the projector, he had been preparing for this day, waiting for the right moment to bring up his own ideas.
The screening was anything but smooth; discussions and debates broke out constantly, leading to frequent interruptions. What was meant to be a morning review extended well into the afternoon, as Martin's meticulous attention to detail left no scene unexamined. By the time they finally wrapped up at nearly four o'clock, everyone else was drained. Yet, Martin remained energized, his passion and excitement undiminished.
As they left the screening room, Robert Eggers saw his opportunity. Without missing a beat, he hurried after Martin, determination in his eyes. He knew that Martin was not only a visionary but also someone who appreciated the contributions of those willing to step up. This was his chance to share his ideas, to make a mark and, perhaps, to become a bigger part of the project.
The marathon review had been taxing, but for Martin, it was just another step in the creative process. For Eggers, it was the beginning of what he hoped would be a defining moment in his career.
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