章節 377: Chapter 377: The instigator
"I specifically asked someone to find out, what do the crew say?" Nicholson, with a peculiar expression, remarked to Leonardo in the car on their way to the Gray Film and Television Center, "Stir up some trouble. Keep things exciting!"
Leonardo, well aware of the situation, responded, "How can Martin's crew ever stay quiet? But, let's be honest, only chaos can generate headlines."
Nicholson pondered, "I wonder who Martin and Bale really are. Stirring things up first."
Leonardo disagreed, "Do you really think that guy will cause a scene?"
The car reached the main entrance of the Gray Film and Television Production Center. Nolan and Emma Thomas had already announced Nicholson's visit to the crew. According to the news, not only local Atlanta media reporters but also journalists from numerous U.S. entertainment outlets were present.
As soon as Nicholson stepped out of the car, reporters swarmed around him.
"Jack, are you here to visit Martin?"
"Have you patched things up with Martin?"
"Or are you looking to settle your differences with Martin in person?"
Nicholson, sporting sunglasses and hands in his pockets, exuded an air of authority. He retorted, "I came upon the invitation of Warner and DC. They had concerns about the new Joker, and they asked for my input."
A reporter from "Vanity Fair" wasted no time and asked, "Do you still doubt Martin Davis's ability to handle this role?"
Nicholson merely snorted, refusing to dignify such a foolish question with a response.
On-set security intervened, separating the reporters from Nicholson and Leonardo, allowing them to enter through the doors.
At the entrance, they were greeted and guided to the studio where the Dark Knight crew was stationed.
The crew had just completed filming a scene involving Batman and butler Alfred, and Martin's Joker was nowhere to be seen.
Taking advantage of the break in filming, DC director Orlin led Nicholson and Leonardo to director Nolan.
Nolan shook hands with the two men and addressed Leonardo, saying, "I considered inviting you to portray Two-Face, but I received no response."
Leonardo, nonchalant about the British director's thoughts, replied, "Superhero movies aren't on my radar."
Nolan, undeterred, smiled and commented, "I may have been presumptuous."
Nicholson, looking around, inquired, "Where's Martin?"
"Martin is deeply involved in the performance. After the morning shoot, he went back to rest." While Nolan's words were truthful, revealing the truth could serve a hidden purpose. "His performance is outstanding. I've always felt the Joker lives within this crew."
Nicholson furrowed his brow, "That good, huh?"
Nolan continued to provoke, "Martin is the Joker I've been searching for."
Nicholson raised the corners of his mouth, appearing skeptical.
Nolan remained casual, "You'll see for yourself when you watch Martin's performance."
Nicholson nodded, "I look forward to it."
Leonardo stood nearby, observing the two like a spectator in a crowd, taking in their conversation.
In this crew, Martin wasn't the only intriguing figure.
No wonder, when he spoke with Martin on the phone, he mentioned that the crew was having a blast, and the director was having so much fun—how could it not be enjoyable?
Nolan had work to attend to, so after some small talk, he returned to the director's monitor.
Nicholson noticed someone jotting things down nearby and inquired, "What are you doing?"
The screenwriter quickly replied, "I'm a screenwriter, responsible for documenting the real behind-the-scenes moments and occurrences during filming."
Orlin took over, explaining, "This is a new on-set working method implemented by Director Nolan. It allows the screenwriter to faithfully record the interesting incidents on set and during filming, which will be beneficial for future promotions."
Nicholson, acquainted with people from DC, asked without reservation, "May I take a look?"
Nolan had deliberately left the script here. Even if Nicholson hadn't asked, Orlin would have permitted him to peruse the authentic record of Martin's behind-the-scenes moments. "Certainly."
Nicholson took the script from the screenwriter and carefully read it. The most recent entry detailed how Martin had saved the crew during a large-scale explosion scene with a brilliant improvisation.
Further up, it chronicled Martin's performance being so lifelike that it led to tensions between characters, affecting the real-life relationship between the two lead actors.
Martin's wild performance on set had unnerved Maggie Gyllenhaal, his first-time co-star, to the point where she dared not speak or even look at him. Even the seasoned British actor Michael Caine had been startled to the point of forgetting his lines.
Many actors commented that when Martin was on set, laughing maniacally, his wild and unrestrained aura made it feel as though a genuine clown was right there with them.
Nicholson, still expressionless, returned the script to the screenwriter. He remained in the studio, watching a scene between Bale and Michael Caine, and then quietly left the set.
In a more private location, Leonardo couldn't contain his laughter any longer. "This crew is a lot of fun!"
Nicholson nodded in agreement, "Indeed, wherever Martin is, fun follows. You can accomplish quite a bit."
Leonardo cautioned, "The director may appear to praise Martin, but he might be trying to create a rift between you and Martin."
Nicholson recognized this tactic, having engaged in a verbal spat with Martin during the first stage. He speculated, "Perhaps he wants Martin and me to continue this verbal feud, creating more buzz and hype for the film."
Leonardo praised, "This director has a knack for it, and he pairs perfectly with Martin."
Nicholson, who had spent his entire career in Hollywood, was eager to discuss the intricacies of the industry. "The screenwriter and script seem tailor-made for me. Even three Marlon Brandos combined can't compare."
He hit the nail on the head, "The script is full of praises for Martin's exceptional acting skills, his deep immersion in the role, and his terrifying portrayal. I suspect the core of this cast's publicity will be Martin."
Leonardo agreed, "Martin is so capable. Anything he does becomes news."
In the distance, the door of a makeup trailer swung open, revealing an actor with white face paint and a blood-red, exaggerated smile. He swayed as he walked, and several young actresses approached cautiously, their laughter silenced as they encountered this peculiar figure.
The members of the Bastard Trio couldn't mistake one of their own, even with such a drastic transformation. Leonardo recognized Martin despite the stark difference from his clown persona and remarked, "He looks completely different from your Joker."
Nicholson gazed in that direction and quipped, "If he acts in my style, I'd spray him until he questions his life."
As they watched Martin enter the studio from afar, Nicholson predicted, "I have a feeling there's a performance coming up. Let's go take a look."
The open studio door indicated that the crew was not currently filming. Leonardo and Nicholson entered together, finding a discreet spot to observe the filming.
The scene featured a direct confrontation between the Joker and Batman. Bell, who had been a child star and a leading actor since 1987, found himself overshadowed by Martin throughout the process.
It wasn't just insiders like Nicholson and Leonardo; even the extras could see that Martin's Joker outshone Batman.
The clown character was evil, cunning, arrogant, and bordering on insanity. His actions were baffling but immensely terrifying.
On the other hand, Batman on the opposite side displayed only anger and violence.
Two characters, two actors, one clear verdict.
Nicholson, often considered the pinnacle of Hollywood actors, had no trouble passing judgment. It was evident that the character of the Joker, as written in the script, had a stronger design and positioning than Batman.
Martin's acting skills in the role of a bastard couldn't be ignored either.
When the director called for a break, Leonardo whispered, "Martin started as a bastard and a pervert, and now he's performing in his true element."
"He's a true pervert!" Nicholson asserted, "And not just any pervert can kick the butt of a nearly 70-year-old."
As filming resumed, both of them fell silent.
In preparation for his role as the Joker, Nicholson had delved into a vast collection of DC comics. He couldn't help but compare the character Martin had brought to life with the Joker in any comic, realizing that Martin's portrayal exceeded even the most vivid depictions.
As the day's shooting concluded, Martin showed no haste in removing his makeup. Spotting Nicholson and Leonardo during the break, he made his way toward them.
He embraced Leonardo, jesting, "You should have come earlier or later; there's a great spectacle to witness."
Leonardo quipped, "Seeing how you, a true pervert, can stir things up on set?"
Martin playfully punched him, "Earlier. Join us to set off fireworks." He turned to Nicholson, inquiring, "What's your take on this clown character? Will you continue the verbal duel, or perhaps mend the relationship a bit?"
Nicholson glanced in the direction of Nolan, remarking, "The production director wants to goad me into an ongoing verbal feud with you. Why should I dance to his tune? I'm not a marionette in his hands."
Martin comprehended the sentiment, "So, shall we mend the relationship a bit?"
Nicholson agreed, "I won't be as sharp as we were before. Let's save our true reconciliation for next year."
Leonardo shook his head, jesting, "It sounds like you two are having an affair."
Meanwhile, not far away, Nolan, packing up his belongings, observed the trio discussing matters in the corner, with a particular focus on Martin and Nicholson.
The screenwriter, whose awareness had grown sharper and whose intuition had heightened, stood ready nearby, clutching a notebook and pen, prepared for the director's call.
Nolan was surprised by the absence of a quarrel between Martin and Nicholson. This was not in his original plan.
Could it be that their dispute had merely been a result of their roles, with no significant personal issue between them?
Nicholson's visit to the set today, observing Martin's performance and character filming, had he come to approve of the Joker's role?
While unexpected, this minor deviation didn't trouble director Nolan, skilled at creating realistic highlights.
With a wave, the screenwriter hurried over, asking, "Director?"
Nolan's inspiration flowed, and he instructed, "Write it down for now, keep it as a draft. Jack Nicholson accepted Warner and DC's invitation to visit the crew and witness Martin's performance firsthand. After seeing Martin embody the character, he was deeply impressed by his remarkable performance and found the role to be truly captivating. As a result, the tension between them also eased."
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