Chương 843: Chapter 843: La La Land!
A Night in Los Angeles: The Premiere of "La La Land"
The stars were out in full force in Los Angeles as the city played host to the much-anticipated premiere of "La La Land." It was only fitting that this cinematic love letter to the city had its first screening at the iconic Los Angeles Music Center. The excitement in the air was palpable, not just because it was a new film from the acclaimed director Damien Chazelle, but because of a special highlight that had the town buzzing, Martin Davis singing on the big screen for the very first time.
There's something magical about a first time, and in Hollywood, where everything is about spectacle, Martin's singing debut was the perfect bait to lure in the crowds. As the day of the premiere arrived, the fans didn't disappoint. The sidewalks were packed, with devoted followers eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. The turnout rivaled any of Martin's previous film premieres, and it was clear that this was a night to remember.
Among the notable attendees was none other than Taylor Swift, who was in town and had accepted Martin's invitation to the event. As she gracefully walked down the long red carpet, her eyes scanned the enthusiastic crowd. Fans on either side wore bright red Coke T-shirts, adding a pop of color to the scene. Taylor could feel an electric energy in the air, a force she couldn't quite put her finger on. Was it the power of belief, of faith in the magic of Hollywood? She mused to herself as she approached the media area, her stunning legs and back catching the flashes of every camera.
In the media zone, Martin was already deep into an interview. The moment the host noticed Taylor, he eagerly waved her over, keen to get both stars on camera together.
"There are several scenes in this film where the male lead sings," the host began, turning to Taylor. "Given your friendship with Martin, did he ever come to you for advice?"
Martin, ever the serious artist, nodded solemnly. "Absolutely. During the film's preparation, I actually went to Nashville to consult Taylor on some singing techniques. She was instrumental in helping me overcome several hurdles. If it weren't for her guidance, I don't think I would have been able to perform at the level I did in the film."
The host's eyes gleamed as he turned back to Taylor. "And what do you think of Martin as a student?"
Taylor flashed a bright smile. "Martin's got a natural talent for singing. He picks up techniques so quickly, it's amazing. Honestly, I think he should consider branching out into music. Who knows, we might be looking at the next pop king."
But Taylor wasn't all about the flattery, she had something practical in mind too. "I'm actually thinking of inviting Martin to join me as a special guest on my next tour."
The host's jaw nearly dropped, and he quickly jumped on the opportunity. "Is that true?" he asked, clearly knowing this was headline material.
Taylor shot Martin a playful, enigmatic glance. It wasn't the first time Martin had graced her stage. In fact, earlier that year, he had made a surprise appearance at her New York concert, a performance that her fans still raved about as one of the most memorable moments of the night. The chemistry between them had been undeniable.
"Of course," Martin confirmed with a grin. "I've already accepted Taylor's invitation."
With that, the brief but exciting interview wrapped up, and the two stars made their way into the theater together. As they walked, Taylor leaned in closer to Martin, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "You know, it would be amazing if you could join me at every concert."
Martin chuckled and shrugged. "We're both so busy, Taylor. I'm sure we can manage one or two shows."
Taylor's eyes gleamed with a new idea as she whispered, "How about this, we take a week before my next tour and spend some time together."
Martin raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to her suggestion. "What are you planning, Taylor?"
Feigning innocence, she replied, "Nothing too crazy. I just want to keep my voice in top shape, and who better to help me than you?"
Taylor's tone turned playful as she laid out her plan. "We could make it a ritual. I'll save a bit of time during each concert for a quick vocal session."
Martin couldn't help but laugh, though he wondered if Taylor was serious. "You're not planning to turn into a machine, are you?"
Taylor, always one to enjoy a bit of banter, teased back, "It's the perfect solution! But if it's too much, maybe I'll just bring in some of my sisters to share the load. How about it?"
Martin shook his head, laughing. "You're going to kill me if we try that. Let's just stick to the occasional guest appearance."
Realizing that she might have pushed too far, Taylor relented, a hint of sincerity in her voice. "Alright, I'll make sure the most important concert has you there. It'll be something special."
As they reached the VIP area, the conversation shifted when Damien Chazelle, the director, approached Martin. "Martin, can we talk about the Whiplash project?"
Taylor, sensing this was her cue to step away, spotted a friend across the room and excused herself. As she walked off, Martin couldn't help but smile, knowing that this night was only just beginning and that with friends like Taylor, the surprises would never stop coming.
It was a short film that first caught Martin's eye, setting the stage for Damien Chazelle to eventually become the director of "La La Land." Recognizing the raw talent behind the camera, Martin saw potential where others might have hesitated. Now, standing face-to-face with Damien, the promise of a new project was about to be fulfilled.
Martin, ever the man of his word, assured Damien, "I've already instructed the studio to get everything in place. The materials are being prepared, and the studio registration is in progress. You should start gathering your team. Once the promotion period for 'La La Land' wraps up, you can dive straight into 'Whiplash.'"
Damien, eager and ready to jump into the next venture, was already brimming with ideas. Martin, however, paused to ask, "Do you need a break before you get started?"
Damien shook his head, determination clear in his voice. "No need. I've been waiting for this too long already."
Aware of the challenges ahead, Martin offered a word of caution. "Remember, you only have a $10 million budget. You'll need to plan every detail carefully."
Damien nodded, taking in the advice before quickly excusing himself to attend to other matters. As he moved away, another familiar face appeared, director Denis Villeneuve, a new acquaintance of Martin's from earlier that year.
"How's it going?" Villeneuve asked, a knowing smile on his face.
Damien returned the smile, a mix of relief and excitement in his expression. "It's going very smoothly. Martin... how should I put it? He's a man of his word, very trustworthy."
Villeneuve nodded in agreement. "That's what I like about working with him. While he may have opinions on casting the lead actress or key supporting roles, he never interferes with the actual filmmaking process. His promises are solid. It's rare to find producers like that in Hollywood."
Damien, feeling a kinship with Villeneuve over their shared experiences, asked, "How's the filming for 'Sicario' going?"
Villeneuve sighed, rubbing his forehead as if recalling a particularly frustrating day on set. "We just started. The lead actress, Alexandra Daddario, is proving to be a bit of a challenge. Her acting isn't quite there yet, especially in the action scenes. Her movements are exaggerated, which could distract the audience from the story we're trying to tell."
Damien nodded sympathetically, having faced similar challenges in his career. "It's tough when the chemistry isn't right, but at least with Martin, he only insists on a few actresses. He doesn't meddle beyond that. It's a small price to pay for the freedom he allows us on set. Honestly, how many production environments in Hollywood can boast such creative freedom?"
Villeneuve chuckled, clearly appreciating the sentiment. He then leaned in closer, lowering his voice as he spoke of his next ambition. "I'm hoping to work with Martin again on my next project. In fact, it would be a dream if I could get him to play the male lead."
Their previous collaboration, "The Town," had been a huge success, pulling in $223 million at the North American box office and nearing $200 million overseas. With a global total of $411 million, the film's commercial triumph was undeniable.
As the conversation reached a natural pause, the buzz of the evening began to shift. It was almost time for the premiere to begin, and guests were starting to head into the theater. Martin and Damien led the way, the rest of the main creative team following close behind.
As they approached the entrance, Saoirse Ronan appeared, naturally falling into step beside Martin. "Teacher," she greeted him with a respectful nod.
Martin, ever the mentor, asked with genuine interest, "How did the audition for 'Beauty and the Beast' go?"
Saoirse smiled confidently. "Thanks to your recommendation, I was able to skip ahead to the third round of auditions. With Greta Gerwig as the screenwriter, Mandy Moore handling choreography, and you as one of the producers, I'm feeling pretty good about my chances."
Martin offered a reassuring smile. "I'll be there for the third round of auditions as well."
Saoirse laughed, her confidence bolstered by his support. "Then I know I'll win this one fair and square."
The group made their way into the screening hall, the buzz of the audience growing louder as they entered. The chatter subsided as they took their seats, applause rippling through the crowd in recognition of the creative talent now among them.
Saoirse settled into her seat on Martin's left, while Clara, another close colleague of Martin's, took the seat on his right. Though Clara was polite, she kept her conversation with Martin to a minimum, aware of the close bond he shared with Saoirse. However, as she sat down, Clara discreetly slipped a note into Martin's pocket, the address of her new home scribbled on it, a quiet invitation for him to visit anytime.
Martin felt the note but said nothing, tucking it away for later.
Clara had recently landed a role in "Avengers 2," thanks to Martin's recommendation to the producers. After a successful audition, she secured the part of a Korean female scientist, a role that had elevated her status back home, where she was now seen as an international star.
As the lights dimmed and the final stragglers took their seats, Karlie Kloss, a statuesque figure even among the Hollywood elite, arrived late, slipping into the seat next to Taylor Swift. Apologizing profusely for her tardiness, Karlie settled in, her height making her an unmistakable presence even in the dim light.
Taylor turned to her friend with a teasing smile. "Why so late?"
Karlie sighed, flashing an apologetic grin. "It's been one of those days, you know?"
The evening was just beginning, and as the first notes of the film's score filled the theater, the audience settled in for what would be a night to remember.
Karlie Kloss sighed, leaning back in her seat. "My agent called me at the last minute," she explained, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Apparently, I have to catch an early flight tomorrow for a show. Just when I was hoping to sleep in for once."
The theater lights dimmed, and the screen flickered to life. Taylor Swift, sensing the conversation might intrude on the film, nodded gently and whispered, "Let's just enjoy the movie."
As the opening scene unfolded with a vibrant song-and-dance number set amidst a chaotic Los Angeles traffic jam, the film's two protagonists crossed paths for the first time. The story was just beginning, but Karlie couldn't help herself and leaned in closer to Taylor. "Did you notice something about the heroine?" she whispered, a note of incredulity in her tone. "She's kind of a bitch, don't you think?"
Taylor, who had been called much worse, especially by her rival Katy Perry smirked knowingly. "She pretends she's chasing her dreams, but there's something off about her... I probably shouldn't say more."
Karlie, arms crossed, was already dissecting the character. "Look at how she treats her boyfriend. She hasn't even broken up with him properly, and here she is, running off to find her new love interest. I mean, we're both called bitches sometimes, but we'd never pull something like that."
As the film progressed to the point where the hero and heroine's relationship began to unravel, Taylor couldn't hold back her thoughts. "The heroine is such a spoiled brat," she whispered with a hint of disdain. "As soon as the hero starts finding some success, she throws a fit. Why? Because she can't stand that he's no longer the underdog. She thrived when he was down, but the moment he starts to rise, she can't handle it. It's like she needs him to fail just so she can feel superior."
Karlie, who had seen enough behind-the-scenes drama in her own career, nodded in agreement. "It's all cloaked under the guise of dreams and artistic integrity, but we know better."
When the heroine's solo performance failed miserably and she returned home, heartbroken, Taylor leaned in again, whispering, "This movie is kind of weird, isn't it?"
The story reached its climax with the hero helping the heroine return to her artistic dreams. As expected, she chose her career over love, eventually marrying a producer and leaving the hero behind. Karlie sighed, shaking her head. "This isn't the fairy tale ending I was hoping for. It's just too Hollywood."
Taylor, ever perceptive, responded, "Didn't you catch the real message? Between love and dreams, she chose dreams. The man who represented love didn't stand a chance."
Karlie's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "You're right. That's what women want to see, isn't it?"
Taylor chuckled softly. "It's not just women. I think male audiences will appreciate it too. After all, the heroine is a bit of a... well, you know. The hero's better off without her."
As the film drew to a close, Karlie turned to Taylor, curious for her expert opinion. "So, what did you think of the singing and dancing? You're the pro here."
Taylor nodded thoughtfully. "The choreography was impressive, and both leads did a great job. Martin's dancing, in particular, was really strongn better than his singing, if I'm being honest. He's got the moves, but his voice is just okay. The female lead, on the other hand, is the full package. If we set aside the star power, her singing and dancing were definitely stronger than Martin's."
Karlie, trusting Taylor's judgment, accepted her critique without question. As the film ended and the credits rolled, the audience erupted into applause, appreciative of the entertaining spectacle they had just witnessed.
After the obligatory curtain call, the premiere wrapped up. Martin lingered for a moment, letting the crowd disperse before he made his way out of Chandler Hall and straight into Taylor's waiting car.
As the car door closed, Martin found himself sitting next to Taylor, with Karlie in the back seat. Taylor started the engine and glanced over at Martin with a mischievous smile. "I called Blake Lively earlier. She's going to meet us at the Ritz-Carlton. You're not planning to go home tonight, are you?"
Martin stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh as he turned to Karlie, who was sitting beside him. "I wasn't sure if you were going to make it."
Karlie laughed, leaning into him. "I had to be here. How about we skip the hotel and head to your place instead?"
But Martin shook his head. "The Ritz-Carlton is better. I've had the top floor transformed into a sky garden. It's been ready for a while now."
Karlie's eyes lit up, immediately dropping her previous idea. "That sounds amazing. We can really let loose there!"
Taylor, grinning with excitement, shouted, "I'm going to scream so loud, the whole hotel will hear us!"
Karlie grabbed Martin's hand, pulling it close. "We're definitely going to make headlines tomorrow."
Taylor, ever carefree, just laughed. "Let them wonder who made all that noise. They'll never know for sure!"
Upon arriving at the Ritz-Carlton, Martin leaned forward from the back seat and asked Taylor to drive directly into the underground parking lot. The car smoothly descended into the dimly lit space, and the trio made their way to the elevator reserved exclusively for the top-floor suite. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a mixture of excitement and the allure of what awaited them above.
As the elevator ascended, the soft chime of Blake Lively's call interrupted the silence. "I'm already here," her voice came through, tinged with a playful eagerness.
Moments later, the elevator doors slid open, and Martin was the first to step into the lavish sky garden connected to the suite. The space was a breathtaking oasis, with lush greenery and twinkling lights casting a soft glow over the scene. He turned on the lights, which illuminated the expansive garden, and settled into a plush sofa chair, waiting with a calm patience that belied the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.
It wasn't long before the night took a turn for the extraordinary. Blake, Taylor, and Karlie emerged, each one a vision of elegance and confidence, their long legs and model figures draped in the finest Victoria's Secret attire that Karlie had brought along. What followed was an impromptu, scaled-down version of the famed Angel show, a private spectacle that turned the sky garden into a runway under the stars.
The evening, however, wasn't without its own kind of chaos. Downstairs, the front desk of the Ritz-Carlton found itself inundated with complaints. Guests were puzzled by the mysterious sounds of exuberant female voices filtering through their open windows, their sleep disturbed by what could only be described as joyous shouts. The source? The trio above, who, between their laughter and playful antics, were also perfecting their singing and dancing, promoting their own brand of Hollywood glamor under the vast, starry sky.
While they reveled in their own celebration, the world outside was buzzing with a different kind of excitement. "La La Land" had captivated audiences from the moment it hit the screens, and by that evening, the online world was alight with praise. The Hollywood Reporter couldn't help but gush, stating, "The film may not be perfect, but it's a visual and emotional feast, intoxicating in its style and personality."
The Los Angeles Times was equally enamored, highlighting the performances of Martin and Saoirse Ronan: "Their crooning is simply enchanting, their on-screen chemistry close to perfection!"
As the positive reviews poured in, so did the ratings. Rotten Tomatoes announced its first rating for the film, a dazzling 97%, while IMDB users gave it an impressive average score of 8.6. With such strong word of mouth, "La La Land" opened to great success across North America, pulling in a remarkable $22.75 million on its first day alone.
But while the box office numbers climbed, the film sparked an intense debate on social media, particularly around the character of the heroine. Twitter and Instagram were ablaze with contrasting opinions, many centering on the morality and motivations of the female lead.
Some viewers were quick to voice their disdain: "La La Land tells the story of a good man and a manipulative woman."
"In the hero's dreams, he includes the heroine, but in her dreams, there's only herself."
"The heroine's true dream isn't art, but becoming rich and famous."
"Throughout the movie, her boyfriends are nothing more than stepping stones for her ambition."
But for every critic, there was an equally passionate defender. Many, especially feminists and those with left-leaning views, rallied around the heroine, seeing her as a symbol of modern independence.
One user passionately argued, "The heroine's pure dream should put everything else to shame."
Another chimed in, "This isn't just a love story, it's a story about the realistic pursuit of dreams. In today's world, does anyone still believe that love is the most important thing? I'd argue that realizing a woman's personal value is far more crucial."
Some took a more philosophical approach, pondering, "People might say love is above all, but what happens when you sacrifice your dreams for someone else? The consequences can be devastating."
The debate grew so intense that it transcended the film itself, sparking widespread discussions on the personal value and independence of women in modern society. As the conversations raged on, it became clear that the heroine of "La La Land" was winning over more supporters, who admired her for choosing to fulfill her own life's ambitions.
As any seasoned filmmaker knows, there's nothing more valuable than a movie that gets people talking. Controversy, discussion, and divided opinions are the lifeblood of cinema. And in this case, the swirling public discourse only fueled more curiosity, driving even more people to the theaters to see what all the fuss was about.
By Saturday, the film's momentum had only increased, with attendance surging and the single-day box office climbing to an impressive $25.41 million.
By the end of its first week in nearly 4,000 theaters across North America, "La La Land" had grossed a staggering $67.21 million, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon. As the sun set on that whirlwind week, it was clear that "La La Land" was more than just a film, it was a conversation, a statement, and a reflection of the dreams and realities that drive us all.
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