Chương 449: Chapter 449: Acting School
In the grand No. 1 banquet hall of the Burbank Hotel, a spectacular event unfolded under the shimmering chandeliers. The evening was alive with the glitz and glamour typical of a Hollywood gathering.
Warner Bros. executives, distinguished guests, and renowned partners mingled under the star-studded Los Angeles sky, their laughter and conversation adding a vibrant energy to the air.
The creative team behind "The Dark Knight," including the esteemed Nolan, Martin, and Charles Rowan, stood at the center of the hall. A magnificent cake, adorned with intricate designs reflecting the movie's theme, awaited their ceremonial cutting.
Cameras flashed as they sliced through the cake, symbolizing their collective success. The moment was made even more celebratory as Nolan initiated the pouring of champagne into a towering glass pyramid, causing a cascade of bubbles.
The attendees raised their glasses in unison, echoing Nolan's triumphant declaration, "Let's raise a glass and celebrate the success of 'The Dark Knight' together!"
Martin, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, leaned into the microphone, his voice booming, "Cheers!" The crowd erupted in agreement, their cheers reverberating through the hall. Cameramen weaved through the crowd, capturing the euphoria of the celebration, an ideal promotional material.
Amidst the festivities, a hint of regret lingered in the air; the absence of Christian Bale, who was unable to attend due to filming commitments he had for "Terminator 4."
Emma Thomas, gracefully sipping her champagne, leaned in towards DC director Orlin, her voice a blend of concern and insight. "I think Christian Bale's absence isn't just due to his schedule. There's a sense that he's dissatisfied, feeling overshadowed by the Joker's prominence in the film."
Orlin, thoughtful, nodded in agreement. "I'll have a word with him when I return. It's crucial, especially as we're planning the Batman trilogy."
The conversation paused as Emma spotted a familiar face across the room. "Excuse me, Orlin. I see an old friend. Let's catch up later."
Meanwhile, Martin, having just finished a conversation, found himself gently pulled aside by Louise. Her presence was a blend of elegance and intellect, her black-rimmed glasses framing her insightful eyes. With a warm embrace, Martin complimented, "You're looking more beautiful every time I see you."
Louise, playful yet serious, adjusted her glasses and inquired, "Will you join me tonight?"
Martin, unable to resist her charm, replied, "Of course. I'll meet you in the underground parking lot when we're done here."
Their conversation took a more somber turn as Louise voiced her concerns about the recent uptick in crimes mimicking the Joker.
Martin, however, saw it from a different angle, suggesting it might increase interest in the film, boosting ticket and merchandise sales. He whispered conspiratorially about Warner Bros. and DC Comics' leniency towards street artists using the Joker's image, highlighting a potential marketing strategy.
Louise laughed, acknowledging Martin's expertise in film marketing, to which he replied, "It's okay. We complement each other perfectly."
Their banter continued, playful yet filled with mutual respect. Martin, however, steered the conversation away from the darker implications of film-inspired crimes, reminding Louise of Hollywood's history with such events. He mentioned the North Hollywood bank robbery, drawing parallels with "The Line of Fire" and how it actually boosted the film's popularity.
Louise nodded, hopeful that this wave of crime might inadvertently boost their film's success. The topic shifted to their personal celebration plans, with Martin suggesting a more intimate gathering with Kelly via video call or in person, revealing his multifaceted talents as a director, screenwriter, actor, and photographer.
Throughout the hall, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement, the successes and challenges of Hollywood storytelling weaving through every conversation, every toast, every shared laugh under the glowing lights of the Burbank Hotel.
Louise's voice was calm, yet firm as she spoke, her gaze steady on Kelly. "As long as Kelly is on board, I have no objections."
The trio was immersed in their game, their laughter and energy filling the room, rendering everything else insignificant.
"Martin! Martin! Over here!" Nolan called out, his voice cutting through the chatter. He was waving enthusiastically from a short distance away. As Martin approached, Nolan turned to the person beside him, his expression serious. "The script must be crafted with Martin in mind. The lead role should be a perfect fit for him."
Martin extended his hand to Jonathan Nolan, a playful smirk on his face. "Just make sure you don't turn me into a hideous beast."
Jonathan's response came with a warm smile. "Absolutely not. Your character will be more charismatic than any clown."
The room buzzed with excitement as key figures, including Louise, Barry Meyer, Alan Horn, and several other investors, converged. Nolan seized the moment to pitch his new film. "Ladies and gentlemen, you may have heard about my latest venture, an original sci-fi movie. I believe it will rival the success of 'The Dark Knight'!"
He slung an arm around Martin's shoulder, his enthusiasm palpable. "I'm teaming up with Martin again. Come what may, nothing can tear us apart!"
The project, with a budget exceeding 150 million dollars and an original theme, had Nolan confident in attracting more investment. Without hesitation, Louise, Alan Horn, and Legendary Pictures expressed their eagerness to invest.
Given Martin and Nolan's recent triumph with 'The Dark Knight', soaring past a billion dollars at the global box office, the likelihood of another hit was sky-high.
However, it was a place for setting intentions rather than delving into specifics. Gradually, the crowd thinned, each person drifting away to other conversations and activities.
To add to the festivities, Warner had arranged performances, featuring a lineup of renowned singers. Among them was Taylor Swift, strumming her guitar on stage. She caught Martin's eye and waved, receiving a warm, acknowledging nod in return.
Martin had drawn attention throughout the evening. Noticing an opportune moment as the crowd around him dispersed, a familiar face approached him.
"Hi, Martin. I've been hoping to meet you but never found the right moment." James Franco's eyes were fixed on Martin, admiration clear in his voice. "Your performance in 'The Dark Knight' was mesmerizing. I've played a villain too, but nothing as memorable as yours."
Martin, recalling Franco's portrayal of the Little Green Goblin and his turbulent career, responded thoughtfully. "I enjoyed your performance as Harry. In fact, it influenced my preparation for the Joker."
Franco looked genuinely surprised. "Really? That's an honor! May I share that with others?"
Martin, observing Franco's slightly exaggerated expression, replied nonchalantly, "Feel free."
Franco, seizing the moment, continued, "Among our peers, no one matches your talent, Martin. Have you ever considered mentoring? Many actors struggle at the bottom, just as I did. I've found some success and now want to help others rise."
The words struck a chord with Martin, who had himself climbed from obscurity. But he was not one to make promises lightly and remained silent.
Sensing the need to persuade further, Franco elaborated, "My influence alone is limited. That's why I founded an acting school, aiming to equip more actors with the essential skills to seize opportunities."
Martin offered a polite compliment, "James, your efforts are commendable."
Franco, aware of his limitations in fame and influence but still hopeful, made an offer. "Martin, would you be interested in joining my acting school? Together, we could make a significant impact."
Martin listened but remained noncommittal.
Franco, undeterred, added, "I'll offer you 30% ownership. Just two or three classes a month."
He envisioned leveraging Martin's fame to attract students, especially from the devoted fan base of 'The Dark Knight'.
Martin, however, gently declined, "I'm sorry. I'm not in the right frame of mind for such a commitment."
As Franco prepared to respond, Martin gestured towards the banquet hall entrance. "Excuse me, my friends have just arrived."
Leonardo and Nicholson entered, fashionably late. Martin walked towards them, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Should I greet you two latecomers with cake in each hand?"
Leonardo, with his characteristic clarity, exclaimed, "It's all Jack's fault. Can you believe our limo broke down? I nearly hailed a cab to your party!"
Nicholson cast a teasing glance at Leonardo's slightly rounder midsection. "Looks like you've been enjoying your meals a bit too much lately, Leo. Your added weight must've crushed my car. I expect compensation!"
Martin rolled his eyes at their banter. "Enough, you two. Each of you down ten glasses of wine, and we'll call it even."
Nicholson shot a playful look at Leonardo. "Watch him, he'll start waxing poetic about his beloved Giselle..."
Leonardo retorted with a grin, "And you? Mourning Marlon Brando, lamenting, 'Why did you leave so soon?' Let's just drop it."
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, having finished her song on stage, was escorted by her manager through the crowd. She greeted a few guests, then made her way towards Martin.
Leonardo turned to notice Taylor, but she smoothly linked her arm with Martin's. Taylor was young, but she understood the intricacies of celebrity relationships sudden changes could be more problematic than beneficial.
Martin, playing the gracious host, introduced Taylor to the others.
With a warm smile, Taylor extended her greetings to Nicholson and Leonardo.
The trio, notorious for their ever-changing companions, understood the situation without a word. Nicholson, with a knowing look, steered Leonardo away, giving Martin and Taylor some privacy.
"You haven't visited me lately," Taylor said, a hint of complaint in her voice. "I've been waiting for that spark of inspiration."
Martin, who had been preoccupied with Elizabeth recently, explained, "I've been caught up in a whirlwind of work. We'll get together soon, I promise."
Taylor nodded, seemingly reassured. "This time it's a deal!"
Martin chuckled. "I'm still waiting for that song you promised to write for me."
As the party continued around them, Martin excused himself from Taylor, eager to catch up with Leonardo and Nicholson.
Reuniting with them, he found Leonardo in a light-hearted mood. "I've been under a lot of pressure lately, guys. We need to let loose, or I'm going to lose it."
Nicholson, with a mischievous glint in his eye, turned to Martin. "You always talk about having fun, but what's happened? Just a bunch of nonsense."
Martin pondered for a moment before changing the subject. "Have you guys been keeping tabs on Ben Affleck?"
Nicholson's memory clicked. "Ah, yes, I heard he was introduced by Judy Dench to an acting school as a part-time teacher."
Martin's interest peaked. "Which acting school is that?"
Nicholson took a moment to recall. "It's the Adler Acting School. Founded by one of my mentors, Stacey Adler."
Martin's thoughts immediately went to Elizabeth Olson, who had attended classes there. The conversation had taken an intriguing turn, weaving their personal and professional lives together in unexpected ways.
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