บท 255: Chapter 255: Pursuit
Early on Monday morning, Martin punctually arrived at Warner Studios' Wanted Studio, dismounting from his electric vehicle.
A burst of cheers erupted as more than a dozen lattes collided, and ribbons and sequins floated around, adorning Martin in a cascade of celebratory decoration.
Warm applause spread throughout the studio, each clap resounding in celebration of the film's success, for Martin, who acted as the project's leading actor and promoter, and the bonuses that all crew members could now look forward to.
In Hollywood, when a movie performs well at the box office, it benefits not only the big names but also all regular crew members who receive bonuses. Even the lowest-earning crew members get a share.
Acknowledging the team's role in the success, Martin joined the applause and shouted with gratitude, "Thank you! Thank you to each one of you for your incredible support!"
He displayed enthusiasm and humility as he continued, "This film's success is due to your dedication. Without you, we wouldn't be standing here!"
The applause and cheers swelled once more.
Martin waved to the back, signaling Bruce and Mene to come forward, each carrying a box of wine. Martin declared, "I'll treat everyone to a drink."
Many behind-the-scenes crew members might be working together on future projects, and Martin's gesture was a show of appreciation for their continued collaboration.
After sharing a drink with his colleagues, Martin headed towards his office with Chad following closely behind.
Chad inquired, "I've heard that the new project is taking shape. Is that true?"
Martin handed over the novel "Dark Areas" from his desk, saying, "Brandt is planning a script adaptation. According to my vision, it will include a significant number of action scenes. If you're interested, I'd like you to continue as the action director and assistant director."
Chad responded with a confident smile, "with this I'm not worried about finding new work."
He recognized the potential of working with a successful figure like Martin, as his previous project, "Hell Detective," was less successful, and Warner Bros. canceled the sequel project.
While they conversed, Martin's phone rang. Chad politely excused himself, leaving Martin to answer the call from Leonardo.
"Congratulations, buddy! Your new movie is a box office hit," Leonardo said, adding humorously, "It beat all my previous films in its first week numbers. Seems like your movies last longer than your relationships."
Leonardo playfully retorted, "I won't let you snatch away the spotlight that easily."
They made plans to celebrate their success by washing their faces again that night.
Just as their conversation ended, the office door opened, and Sophia walked in.
Without any delay, she declared, "I want to invest in your next project, whatever it may be. I'm committed to investing."
Being approached by an investor was an opportunity Martin couldn't refuse. He responded, "Absolutely, the script for the new project isn't finalized yet, but I'll contact you when it's ready."
Sofia nodded and added, "I'll head back to Atlanta today. Please call me directly when it's time."
Martin walked her out of the studio, appreciating the network of talented people he was surrounded by.
Spotting a parked battery car, Thomas emerged from it, carrying a heavy briefcase.
Curious, Martin asked, "What's in the briefcase?"
Thomas revealed, "Many agents in the company provided information on directors they represent, all hoping to join your new project."
He emphasized that the submissions included not only new directors but also experienced ones.
Martin walked back into the studio, waiting for Thomas to catch up. He asked, "Am I really this popular now?"
Thomas shifted to a more serious tone and said, "Your latest film grossed $68.55 million in its first weekend in North America. You may not realize how impressive that is. To put it in perspective, there are no more than 20 films with such results in Hollywood history, considering it even exceeds the opening weekend box office of the most successful films, excluding blockbuster sequels. Original movies achieving this level of success are rare."
Realizing the significance, Martin recalled that "Spider-Man" was the first North American film to open over $100 million in its first weekend, and that feat was primarily accomplished by adaptations or sequels. Thomas reminded him that such achievements were infrequent for original films in the industry.
Back in his office, Martin delved into the profiles of 14 directors, classifying them into two groups: experienced directors and newcomers. One name that stood out was Danny Boyle, a British director, who caught Martin's attention.
Curious, he asked Thomas to fetch two DVDs of Danny Boyle's work. He was familiar with Boyle's films "Trainspotting" and "28 Days Later," the former about youthful drug use and the latter being a zombie movie.
The fact that Leonardo had worked with Danny Boyle on the adventure film "The Beach" also piqued Martin's interest.
Thomas pointed out, "Danny Boyle has the most impressive track record among these directors. Additionally, he has access to second-tier talents."
Intrigued, Martin inquired if Thomas had ever reached out to Danny Boyle.
"No," Thomas explained matter-of-factly. "I accessed the company database, and it was Danny Boyle who initiated contact. He had read the novel 'Dark Fields' and expressed a strong interest in adapting it."
Martin responded, "You talk to him initially, and I'll find the right moment to have a conversation with him as well."
Meanwhile, over at Paramount Studios, the "Derailed" crew had just wrapped up their final promotional event before the film's release.
The lead actress, Jennifer Aniston, exited the studio. The intense heat from the spotlight had made her uncomfortable and breathless.
But the pressure on her went beyond just the heat; it was the success of "Wanted" the previous weekend that weighed heavily on her mind.
"Derailed" was set to release during the upcoming weekend, and it would directly compete with "Wanted" on its second weekend.
Aniston couldn't help but wonder how the media would react if her new film failed to surpass a movie in its second week of release. They would likely question whether Aniston could measure up to Jolie.
These concerns were fueling the gossip and media frenzy around her.
Clive Owen, a fellow actor, greeted her as he passed by. Aniston returned his smile and nod but couldn't help feeling somewhat disappointed by his limited box office appeal.
At the time of "Derailed's" filming, Clive Owen's movie "King Arthur" hadn't been released yet, and its reception in the market had been rather dismal.
Aniston sighed inwardly, realizing that Jolie had an exceptional ally in Martin Davis. His popularity, combined with that of the Coca-Cola brand, greatly exceeded Clive Owen's appeal.
Witnessing Martin and Jolie's success in turning their rumored romance into a public spectacle, Aniston couldn't help but think that they had turned scandal into a feast for their own enjoyment.
Then, unexpectedly, a familiar voice called her name.
Aniston turned to see her ex-husband, Pitt. She asked coldly, "What brings you here?"
Behind Pitt, Matt Damon, Harvey Weinstein, and several others followed. It dawned on Aniston why they were here.
Weinstein Films was one of the distributors for "Derailed."
Pitt gestured toward a nearby café and requested, "Can we talk for a moment, Jen? For old times' sake."
Not wanting to engage in an argument in such a public space, Aniston left the studio and crossed the road to enter the café. Peter followed suit, taking a seat opposite her.
Aniston regarded him with a sense of detachment, saying, "Say what you need to."
"Jen, give me a chance, please," Pitt implored earnestly, suspecting he had made a mistake by leaving Aniston for Jolie. Comparing the two women, he couldn't help but think of the past. "I left Jolie; let's get back to how things used to be."
Aniston felt a sense of irony welling up but refrained from laughter. "So, you're saying you broke up with her, and now you're returning to me? Do you think I'm easily fooled? Just because you persistently pester me doesn't mean I'm naive."
Pitt defended himself, "I've made mistakes just like any other man..."
But Aniston interrupted him, asking, "Why did she leave you? Didn't you love her deeply?"
Pitt replied, "Martin Davis! She's a woman of loose morals. Shortly after you left me, she got involved with Martin Davis. Maybe Martin Davis can love her more profoundly."
With sincerity, he added, "Jen, let's go back to how things were."
Aniston responded firmly, "It's impossible." She was resolute and wanted nothing more to do with Pitt. With that, she rose and left the café.
Pitt also stood but refrained from following her, aware of the surrounding onlookers.
As Aniston walked along the main studio road toward the main entrance parking lot, she contemplated the conversation with Pitt.
His words had stirred up her thoughts, forcing her to confront a harsh reality. Jolie had left Pitt for Martin, and Aniston was the one who had been wronged.
She realized that in this complicated triangle, she was the only one who had escaped without harm, so far.
Aniston felt a sense of calm while facing the media, as if she had fully let go of her past. But only another woman could truly understand the emotions that still burned within.
Passing by a newsstand, she purchased a copy of The Hollywood Reporter, which featured Martin and Jolie on the front page. The duo were the male and female leads in "Wanted," which had just achieved significant success.
Aniston wasn't interested in children, family, or any fairy tale endings. Her only desire was to make Jolie uncomfortable. The burning question was how to achieve it.
Opening her bag, she retrieved her phone, sifted through her address book, and found the contact number she had acquired at the Cotis community wine tasting event with Martin.
Her finger hovered over the dial button but hesitated to press it. After some contemplation, she scrolled back in her address book and dialed her agent Steve's number.
She instructed him, "Help me gather information about Martin Davis's current situation."
Steve didn't quite comprehend and asked, "Is this related to the competition between your movies over the weekend?"
Aniston clarified, "No, it's a personal matter. Find out about his recent news and report back to me as soon as possible."
He assured her, "Give me a few days."
As Aniston put away her phone, she noticed a battery car passing by. In it were Pitt, Damon, the Affleck brothers, and Harvey Weinstein, all sitting together.
It appeared they were having a gathering.
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