Chapter 497: Preparing for trouble

The following morning, in sync with Melanie's quest for increased exposure, Martin strolled from the hotel after breakfast, heading along the promenade toward the Palais des Festivals.

The Cannes Film Festival's impending launch had adorned the vicinity around the Palais des Festivals with fresh decorations. Enthusiastic movie buffs, tourists, and media personnel congregated along the Croisette.

Camera flashes enveloped Martin as reporters sought photos. Occasional fans approached for autographs and pictures, all of which he obligingly fulfilled.

Thankfully, this was Europe, not the star-struck city of Los Angeles. Martin's influence here was less profound. The Esplanade bustled with numerous movie stars and directors.

Casting a casual glance around, Martin spotted Ang Lee, John Travolta, and Quentin.

Suddenly, the crowd and reporters surged towards a particular spot.

Mene ascended to a vantage point and later announced, "Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci just made an appearance together."

Martin had meticulously reviewed the festival's relevant events yesterday, notably the special screening unit featuring "Don't Look Back," starring Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci.

Mene proudly declared, "Sophie Marceau is also my literary goddess."

Bruce teased, "You have quite a few literary goddesses."

"European actresses over 40, tall, and beautiful," Menet justified, "They all fit my literary goddess criteria."

Martin advised, "Tomorrow afternoon at the festival's opening ceremony, linger on the red carpet. Sophie Marceau adores flaunting at Cannes."

Swiftly, Menet pulled out his phone, attempted a shot toward the sea, and complained, "It's not clear enough."

Bruce suggested, "Get a professional SLR."

"What a fantastic idea!" Menet laughed. "I'll strut the opening red carpet with my camera."

As they approached the beach, a reporter hailed Martin. He turned, smiled for the camera, and allowed the reporter to snap some pictures.

The camera quickly swiveled toward someone else, evidently a more captivating subject.

Martin redirected the attention, "Jennifer, this way."

Jennifer Lawrence noticed Martin, hastened over, and greeted, "I intended to visit your hotel yesterday, but your team was in a meeting, so I refrained."

Ever eager, having admired Nicholson since she was 16, she chimed in, "If there's anything I can do in Cannes, just say the word."

Not in need of her assistance, Martin casually responded, "Do your best. Stick to your role within the crew."

Approaching the crew's lead actress, Jennifer addressed her, "Didn't expect to run into you here."

Martin glanced at the towering Charlize Theron and jested, "Sally, wherever you stand becomes the center of the Earth, attracting all attention."

Charlize graciously remarked, "I pale in comparison. Last year, you were Hollywood's number one sexy male star."

Jennifer, feeling sidelined, hastily interjected, "Do you two know each other?"

Martin explained, "Sally and I are neighbors."

A reporter across the street called out, "Martin, Charlize, mind if I take a photo?"

Martin remained silent.

Charlize approached Martin with a question, "Can you?"

"It's my pleasure," Martin replied, flashing a smile.

A quick-witted reporter seized the moment, capturing photos of Martin and Charlize, perfectly framed eye-to-eye. A tantalizing teaser...

Turning away from the sea, Martin and Charlize posed for a group photo.

Jennifer Lawrence felt utterly ignored. Unwilling to be sidelined, she sidled up next to Martin.

Post-photoshoot, Charlize faced the sea and inquired, "Are you vying for the Best Actor award?"

Martin replied, "It's an aspiration, though the competition is fierce."

In a hushed tone, Charlize revealed, "I received a message from Kim Basinger, part of Quentin's 'Inglourious Basterds,' eyeing the Best Actor category."

Acknowledging the competition section's film list, Martin noted, "I did notice 'Inglourious Basterds.' Brad Pitt declined, and they've nominated Josh Brolin, the former famed Thanos."

Not being in direct contact with Harvey, Charlize was willing to strike a deal with Martin, a neighbor. "Their hopeful nominee is the German, Christoph Waltz," she divulged.

Instantly, Martin recalled the impressive performance of the German officer he had seen in "Inglourious Basterds."

Nodding, he remarked, "When you're back in Los Angeles, come over for a visit."

Charlize responded with a faint smile, "Certainly."

Meanwhile, Mene and Bruce were engaged in a whispered discussion.

"When do I meet my literary goddess?" Mene inquired.

Bruce had the answer, "Huppert will be at tomorrow's festival opening, and the crew invited her to the world premiere."

Last night, I watched 'The Piano Teacher' and 'Mother, The Limits of Love.' Rumor has it that an actor's character can be discerned from their roles. According to the settings, Huppert seems interested in younger people," Mene whispered.

Bruce praised him, "You're astute, Mene."

Proudly, Mene proclaimed, "Old Bruce, you underestimate Uncle Mene! Do you think I'll just approach and fawn over them? I meticulously study and then cautiously engage, ensuring a chance to make an impression."

"I get it!" Bruce lauded, "With your eloquence, once they're 'licked' by you, they won't forget."

Mene had his strategy set, "Tomorrow, I'll make a strong first impression, then strike again at the premiere!"

Encouragingly, Bruce patted his shoulder, "You're on your way to becoming the next Morgan Freeman."

Meanwhile, after a brief chat, Martin gestured to move along, prompting Mene and Bruce to follow.

Observing Martin's departure, Charlize turned to Lawrence, "Are you friends with Martin? I've never heard you mention him before."

Lawrence sensed a shift in Charlize's attitude towards her post-meeting Martin. She cautiously replied, "My boyfriend and Martin have a strong bond."

Curiously, Charlize asked, "Leonardo?"

After a brief pause, Lawrence leaned in and whispered, "Jack."

Perhaps this shared secret drew them closer. Charlize offered advice, "Seize good opportunities; they'll save you many detours."

Quick on her feet, Lawrence moved closer, "I have a slew of unanswered questions and seek your guidance."

Charlize, understanding Lawrence's path, didn't judge. She herself had taken a similarly arduous journey.

A South African ballet-dancer-turned-actress without a modeling career due to injury, she entered Hollywood without connections. What was Lawrence's winning card amidst the Hollywood bigwigs?

The current Hollywood landscape was far more welcoming than Charlize's initial entry into the acting world.

Amidst the buzzing activity, Jennifer Lawrence encountered Harvey Weinstein, a figure she wasn't particularly fond of due to Nicholson's associations with the Asshole Trio. Much like Charlize, Jennifer steered clear of him.

From a distance, Harvey spotted the throng of reporters trailing Martin and hastened his steps, a recognized figure in France, effortlessly clearing a path among the journalists.

"Hi, Martin," Harvey greeted, his approach proactive.

Turning, Martin extended a handshake, the warmth between them palpable as if they were longtime confidants. "Harvey, I was planning to visit you this afternoon, but here we are."

Harvey lauded, "After watching Benjamin's trailer, your transformation from a child to an old man is commendable."

With an intentional volume rise, Harvey declared, "Martin, you're the prime contender for the Best Actor Award at Cannes this time!"

Reporters swarmed, cameras flashing, recording Harvey's words and snapping pictures of Martin.

Modestly, Martin replied, "Being part of the Cannes Film Festival is already an immense honor."

Martin extended an invitation, "I'll make it a point to attend the premiere of 'Inglourious Basterds' when I'm free."

Harvey accepted graciously.

Harvey then took leave to rendezvous with Quentin at the beach, inquiring of his assistant, "Any word from Huppert?"

The deputy replied, "Message delivered, awaiting a response."

Unlike other crews, Harvey exuded confidence, not relying on external hires but overseeing everything himself, relishing control.

"Nobody offers a definitive response to such matters. Invite her to the premiere. Her archrival is Adjani. Prepare some words for me," Harvey directed.

Similar to David Fincher, Quentin observed from the sidelines, leaving the mess for Harvey to handle.

Meanwhile, Martin received a call from a production assistant, heading to the Festival Palace and securing a table.

With "Inglourious Basterds" eyeing the Best Actor award, considering Huppert's strong ties with Michael Haneke, vying for the Palme d'Or seemed challenging.

Reflecting on new information, Martin turned to Bruce, asking, "Which hotel is Harvey lodged at?"

"Grand Hotel Provence," Bruce replied.

Continuing, Martin queried, "Between Wuyang and Provence, which is the better hotel?"

"Wuyang is five-star, and Provence is four-star," Bruce explained, sensing potential trouble and added, "The rest are three-star establishments, not frequented by high-status stars and crews due to their bookings at the former two."

Contemplating, Martin mused, "Melanie caught wind of Adjani's festival attendance, leading the committee to spontaneously enlist her to present the Palme d'Or."

Bruce chimed in, "The French have a flair for drama! Might the two Isabelles spar at the closing ceremony?"

Martin, gauging the situation, remarked, "Perhaps that's what the festival desires; it'll certainly add intrigue."

Shifting focus, he instructed, "Secure bookings for any unreserved rooms at Wuyang and Provence swiftly. Keep tabs on Adjani; she likely didn't book her room after the impromptu invite by the committee."