Chương 362: Chapter 362: Dedication
In the city of Sherman Oaks, within the Coty community, a peculiar series of events unfolded.
Leonardo and Bar Refaeli, two well-known figures, pedaled their bicycles up to Martin's house.
The paparazzi, who had been trailing them relentlessly, finally caught a breath of relief. Chasing cyclists on motorcycles had become a torturous endeavor.
Upon their arrival, Leonardo stepped out of his car and pressed the doorbell. It chimed persistently, but no one answered.
Leonardo's frustration grew, and he took more drastic measures, pounding on the iron door and shouting for Martin to open up. The paparazzi eagerly documented this unexpected development.
Tensions were escalating. What was happening between these three individuals? Was there a rift forming between Leonardo and Martin? The paparazzi sensed a sensational story brewing.
Leonardo continued to pound on the door and even attempted to call Martin, but his efforts went unanswered.
Bar Refaeli inquired, her voice rising, attracting the paparazzi's attention.
Leonardo, consumed by worry, shouted, "Where has Martin disappeared to? Why isn't he answering?"
Bar, perplexed by the situation, asked, "Did something unexpected happen?"
Leonardo, visibly anxious, declared, "We need to find him."
The paparazzi, sensing a major scoop, began to gather around. They chose a tall, blonde female paparazzo to ask the questions, hoping to get to the bottom of this mystery.
She asked loudly, "Leo, did you and Martin have a falling out? Is that why you're trying to break down the door?"
Leonardo paused, his anxiety evident, and confirmed, "Martin is gone."
"Gone?" The paparazzi smelled a story.
"Yes," Leonardo replied, "I can't reach him. I've been trying for nearly 20 days. Today, I came to his house, but it appears he's not home. I even contacted his agent, who's in the same boat, trying to reach him."
The female paparazzo questioned, "So, Martin Davis is missing?"
Leonardo nodded and implored, "You're well-connected. Please help me find out where Martin has gone."
The paparazzi wasted no time and made calls to their sources. Leonardo's concern was understandable – his best friend was missing, and it was cause for alarm.
Leonardo abandoned his bicycle and took a car to the WMA in Century City, seeking assistance in his search for Martin.
News of Martin's disappearance quickly spread through entertainment blogs and gossip websites, capturing the public's attention.
Reporters even asked Jolie and Aniston, who confirmed they hadn't heard from Martin in a while.
The following day, Leonardo took out ads in "Hollywood Reporter" and "Los Angeles Times," publishing a missing person notice: "Looking for Martin Davis!"
Media frenzy ensued, with paparazzi across Los Angeles mobilizing to find any trace of Martin.
This situation couldn't drag on for too long.
One morning, Martin posted a message on his blog, revealing that he was safe and secluded in the Four Seasons Hotel to prepare for an upcoming role, desiring privacy.
Amidst the scrutiny of countless reporters and paparazzi, Leonardo arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Bruce greeted him and led him upstairs.
Curiosity piqued, Leonardo inquired, "I heard a rumor about Martin and Heath Ledger's fiancée, Michelle Williams. Is that even possible?"
Bruce dismissed it, "It's probably just gossip."
Leonardo pressed on, "He does have a penchant for thirty-year-old women with significant others, doesn't he?"
Bruce reluctantly conceded that Leonardo had a point.
The two reached Martin's room.
Upon entering, Leonardo's initial shock gave way to discomfort. Martin's eerie grin sent a shiver down his spine.
"Haha, Leo, it's been a while," Martin said, tossing a card, "I've got a gift for you."
Leonardo caught the card, recognizing it as a Joker card, and replied, "I put up the missing person notice for you. You really enjoy these elaborate schemes."
Martin's voice remained calm, but the tone was chilling, "Isn't it fun to toy with them?"
Leonardo pocketed the card, saying, "It's fun for me. Dealing with you is just tiresome, not worth the reward."
Rich folks focused on different forms of entertainment.
Martin played another card, remarking, "Leo, you're quite the character. When this job is done, I'll invite you to cause some chaos in Washington. Jack would appreciate it."
Leonardo quipped, "I'm better suited for blowing up supermodels."
Martin nodded, acknowledging, "True, after all, you can launch every 11 seconds."
Leonardo responded with a casual middle finger, declaring, "I'm out of here."
Martin waved him off, saying, "No need to see you off."
Leonardo left, offering Bruce some sympathy for having to deal with Martin.
Bruce sighed, "Life is tough, especially when you have to protect someone like Martin."
Leonardo empathized, "One day, you become a spy, and we'll handle him together."
Bruce remained silent as Leonardo descended the stairs, making sure to be seen by reporters and paparazzi at the hotel's entrance.
A swarm of reporters and paparazzi closed in on him, bombarding him with questions.
"Is Martin in the hotel?"
"Has he been threatened or coerced?"
"Do you know what happened to him?"
Leonardo raised his hands, gesturing for silence. He calmly addressed the eager crowd, "Martin is perfectly fine and hasn't encountered any issues. You can all rest assured."
He continued, "The reason I couldn't reach him is because Martin is deeply engrossed in preparing for a new film role. He's focused on understanding the character, delving into its psychology, and wishes not to be disturbed."
One reporter inquired, "What kind of character is this?"
Leonardo replied, "It's a highly complex character, but I'm not privy to the specifics. Martin has been holed up in the hotel for nearly 20 days, and it might continue for another two weeks. I kindly request that no one bothers him. He's fully immersed in this role, and I had only a brief conversation with him before leaving."
Despite more questions from the reporters and paparazzi, Leonardo had said his piece. His driver had pulled up in the car. He waved them off, entered the vehicle, and drove away.
The crowd of reporters and paparazzi, unable to enter the hotel, disbanded, eager to break the news about Martin and Leonardo.
The unfolding drama between Martin and Leonardo promised to be a headline-grabber.
Back at the hotel, Bruce saw Leonardo off, returned to their suite, and informed Martin, "Leo faced the reporters downstairs."
Martin nodded, asking, "What about news on our competitors?"
Bruce replied, "Ivan caught shots of Adri. Ann Brody, Josh Brolin, and Robin Williams. Those stories have already sold."
Martin commented, "Let's see if we can top that."
The next morning, news of Martin's long, dedicated stay in the hotel, meticulously studying and researching his role, dominated the entertainment pages of various newspapers and magazines.
---
Over at Warner Studios, specifically Dark Knight Studios, the busy producer, Charles Rowan, took a moment to unwind. His secretary had handed him a stack of newspapers, and it had become a post-work ritual.
Charles leafed through the "Hollywood Report" and stumbled upon an entertainment news item. The headline read, "Martin Davis found, Leonardo cancels missing person notice."
As he read the interview where Leonardo spoke about Martin's situation, Charles couldn't help but admire the actor's dedication. "He hid in a hotel, studying a character for so long," he mused, nodding. "The industry rumors about Martin Davis being dedicated and hardworking are well-founded."
Warner Bros. had worked with Martin many times, and Charles knew of his dedication. This particular project had a whopping $180 million budget, and Charles, as the highest authority on the production, expected the lead actor to give it his all.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Orlin, the director of DC Comics, entered and took a seat.
Noticing the newspaper in front of Charles, Orlin commented, "I heard Nicholson and Scorsese mention that, while preparing for 'The Departed' audition, Martin Davis lived the life of a police officer in Boston for almost a month."
Charles Rowan nodded, appreciating Martin's dedication. "Indeed, he's a hardworking actor with excellent habits."
Orlin added, "Others fall a bit short in comparison."
Charles had frequent exchanges with the Nolan brothers, who were behind the project. The Joker was an incredibly complex character, and the more preparation an actor put into it, the better.
Orlin emphasized, "Compared to Martin, other actors treat our projects and roles like ordinary movie roles." He directed Charles's attention to TMZ. Upon visiting the website, Charles noticed a segment involving Adri. Ann Brody in a weekly street-style column about Hollywood stars. Celebrities were seen shopping, vacationing, and enjoying leisurely activities.
Charles discovered that while many stars were featured, three actors were associated with the show. It was natural for celebrities to enjoy ordinary life, but compared to Martin, Charles sensed a difference in their dedication to the role of the Joker.
He couldn't help but admire Martin's unparalleled commitment, a quality that set him apart from the others.
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