Chapter 191: Realistic Performance

Boston, Grand Hotel.

In a business reception room, Martin Scorsese met his namesake, the young actor.

The actor carried himself with a quiet and unremarkable demeanor, except for his slight handsomeness, much like the regular detectives Martin had observed at the detective bureau that afternoon.

The two had already exchanged pleasantries, and Scorsese cut straight to the chase, asking, "Why have you come to Boston?"

"I'm here to audition for the role of Colin Sullivan," Martin replied with a determined look. He hid nothing about his aspirations, saying, "I'm confident in my acting abilities. I hope to earn your approval during the audition. Even if there's just a 1% chance, I'll give it 100% of my effort." He selectively shared his true background, "I was born in the slums of Atlanta, where I saw more drug dealers and gangs than police officers. I lacked this knowledge, so I specifically had my agency arrange for me to contact the BPD and gain firsthand experience." Understanding gangs and immersing himself in the life of the BPD—what better preparation for the role of Colin Sullivan?

Scorsese had heard Martin's name multiple times during the crew meetings and was naturally impressed. As a seasoned director, he understood the significance of investors.

Not to mention the filmmaking process, investors were crucial for the project's financial stability.

Scorsese inquired further, "Are you not originally from Boston? What about your accent?"

Martin replied truthfully, "I've been practicing recently, and I've intensified my efforts since coming to Boston."

Scorsese nodded in approval, appreciating the actor's commitment.

At this moment, he was like an examiner probing further, "What are your thoughts?"

Martin recollected the films he had watched, saying, "It's vastly different from the media image, even more so from police and gangster movies. These people are ordinary, not particularly skilled, and they engage in profanity and off-color humor all day. Sometimes they don't strictly follow protocol when handling cases, and some struggle with psychological issues, requiring counseling..."

Scorsese nodded in agreement. The original Hong Kong film style wouldn't work for North American audiences—it was too romantic and poetic. What Scorsese aimed for was a realistic style, and Martin's description aligned perfectly with that vision.

"Have you read the script?" Seeing Martin's nod, Scorsese got to the point, saying, "I want you to perform a scene in which you must decide to abandon your undercover identity and choose to confront the villain. I'll play the role of Frank." Without much hesitation, Martin began his powerful performance.

When the performance concluded, Scorsese simply said, "Make sure to attend the makeup audition."

"Of course," Martin affirmed, aware that he had earned Scorsese's approval.

Scorsese extended his hand for a handshake. "That's all for today."

With their meeting concluded, Martin bid his farewell and exited the room.

Once Martin left, Scorsese leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

There was no denying that the young actor showed great enthusiasm and dedication to his craft, with commendable acting skills that exceeded the director's expectations. The only drawback was that he lacked the fame of a Matt Damon.

Ellen knocked on the door and entered, inquiring, "How did the meeting go?"

"It went better than I expected," Scorsese responded. "He comes from a disadvantaged background and has been immersing himself in the real-life experiences of the BPD. His acting skills are quite impressive, which is a plus."

Understanding Scorsese's dilemma, Allen probed, "But you're still hesitant."

Scorsese nodded, admitting, "He doesn't have the same level of fame as Matt Damon."

"Let me look into it," Ellen suggested. Seated on a nearby sofa, she continued, "That young actor is actively preparing for the role, but what about Matt Damon?"

Bosses appreciate proactive employees—the ones who take the initiative!

Scorsese, an old-school director, highly valued actors who dedicated themselves to preparing for their roles. After a brief reflection, he agreed, "Please inquire."

Allen took out her phone, made a few calls, and reported back, saying, "Damon is in Los Angeles, preparing for Harvey Weinstein's wife's fashion conference platform."

"Dyson Pictures supports Damon," Scorsese added with a hint of desire. He wanted everything.

Ellen continued, "Damon is almost 35 years old, which doesn't align with Colin's character age. He would be better suited for the role of Ding Gunan, Colin's counterpart."

Scorsese agreed, "That's a good idea."

With this problem solved, the investors were now on board.

Ellen quickly descended to her room and made a phone call. Within minutes, Mene entered her room.

Early the following morning, Ellen made Mene a solemn promise: as long as he remained available, she guaranteed him a significant supporting role.

For this particular role, Ellen, as the casting director, held full control.

Under Mene's relentless persuasion, she reiterated what she had said to Scorsese the previous night.

Despite receiving excellent feedback from the veteran director, Martin continued to experience life alongside the special operations team, just as he had in the past few days.

At noon that day, Mene rushed over to share some crucial information with Martin.

"Thank you for your hard work," Martin said, glancing at Mene's slightly swollen lips. "I feel fortunate to have you on my side this time."

Mene wiped his lips and replied, "No problem, boss. This is what I excel at. Licking boots in the past didn't get me anywhere. But this time, we even secured an important supporting role."

Martin nodded and said, "Let's continue working together."

Confidently, Mene replied, "I don't aspire to be the lead. A stable income is enough for me. I can be content with a career like Morgan Freeman's when I'm in my fifties or sixties."

Martin mentioned, "Look back, and you might just spot Morgan Freeman on the set of 'Wanted'."

As a respected supporting actor in Hollywood, the seasoned actor had a particular appeal to middle-aged and elderly audiences, and his salary demands were not high. Before Martin's arrival in Boston, Louise had already sent an invitation to Morgan Freeman.

Martin Scorsese and the others spent a week in Boston before returning to Los Angeles to continue refining the characters and the script.

During this period, Martin had several discussions with Scorsese, who was determined to make this film a strong contender for the next Oscars. The actual filming wouldn't commence until the summer, giving Martin ample time to shoot "Wanted" first.

After twenty days of experiencing life with the BPD, it was time for Martin to bid farewell and depart. The Public Relations Office organized a farewell reception in his honor, as Martin had invited them so many times, they believed it was their turn to host. After all, it was a public expense.

At the cocktail party, Martin clinked glasses and chatted with Jack, John, and others, happily indulging in drinks. Everyone at the reception eagerly posed for photos with Martin, knowing that if he became a big star, they'd have some bragging rights to hold over their colleagues.

Towards the end of the reception, Bruce took the stage and presented a souvenir on behalf of Martin.

Martin began by handing a crocodile tooth pendant, nestled within a gift box, to the director of the Detective Bureau, saying, "This is a token of our friendship, a simple handmade pendant crafted from the teeth of a legally hunted large crocodile in Australia. It's my way of commemorating our bond with the BPD."

The director accepted it with gratitude, and Martin distributed dozens more of these crocodile tooth pendants.

After the reception, while on their way back to the hotel, Martin had a word with Bruce, saying, "Bruce, please send a message to Australia and request another batch of these pendants. We've made so many friends, and we don't have enough to give away."

Martin then gave the few remaining pendants to Mene, instructing him, "Take these back and share them with your family and friends."

Back at the hotel, having consumed quite a bit of alcohol during the socializing, Martin decided to turn in early.

Bruce and Mene opted to visit the hotel bar.

Sitting at the bar, Bruce and Mene each ordered a beer and engaged in conversation.

Bruce commended Mene, saying, "Man, you really did a great job this time."

Mene expressed his thoughts with emotion, "Before I met you and the boss, I had to resort to a lot of bootlicking just to make ends meet. But after meeting you two, everything changed. Now I have a reputation and a bit of money."

Bruce raised his glass in agreement, saying, "It turns out that having skills can lead to a better life."

Mene wholeheartedly concurred, "I can vouch for that. I can't even count how many old women I've had to sweet-talk before acquiring my current skills."

Bruce then took out a bottle of menthol essence oil that Martin had given him and handed it to Mene, saying, "Use this magic elixir when you encounter someone who pushes you too far or crosses the line."

Mene opened the bottle, sniffed it, and was about to take a swig.

Bruce swiftly stopped him, cautioning, "Let's save it for crucial moments."

"Alright," Mene agreed, sealing the bottle and stowing it away. He quipped, "Paris Hilton has been making advances since her last premiere. Besides the publicity, she might be missing my persuasive tongue."

In the past, Bruce would have considered Mene's remark mere boasting. However, with Kim Kardashian's sister, Kourtney Kardashian, telling him about Paris's unconventional nature, it didn't seem far-fetched.

Mene added, "If Paris tries to push me without offering proper compensation, I'll unleash the magic elixir you've given me."

These words brought to mind Kourtney Kardashian's sultry appeal.

Bruce promptly shook his head, quelling any stray thoughts, and inwardly cursed Martin for everything!

The next morning, the three Martins departed Boston, taking a flight back to Los Angeles.

Upon arrival at their apartment, they didn't encounter the portly landlord.

After inquiring with the tenants, they learned that Antonio had gone to a club party.

Access to this particular club had required a million-dollar net worth a decade ago.

On the second floor of their apartment building, the door diagonally across from theirs swung open. Jessica stepped out and greeted them, saying, "Martin, Thomas left a message for me early this morning. He wanted me to inform you that you should call him when you return."

Martin acknowledged her and pulled out his phone, waiting for Bruce to open the door so they could enter their apartment.

The apartment was immaculate, having been thoroughly cleaned by Jessica and Emily the previous night.

Thomas answered the call and immediately relayed, "Martin, I have some good news. 'The Departed' crew officially contacted me today, and I'm scheduled for a makeup audition on March 22 at your studio!"

Martin sighed in relief and asked, "Where are the other contenders?"

Thomas succinctly replied, "I spoke to Louise directly. She'll serve as an executive producer on the crew, and your biggest competition is Matt Damon. However, Scorsese is leaning towards having him play another significant role—the character who kills Colin."