Chapter 398: Strong Reviews

Before departing Los Angeles, Martin attended numerous promotional events for "The Reader" and even made an appearance on a TV show alongside Kate Winslet.

However, the time was too limited for Kate to implement the strategy of becoming pregnant to boost her chances of winning awards.

There had never been a case of a female lion biting a male lion, as they say.

Nonetheless, Martin continued with his regular visits to the psychological clinic, a fact captured by Ivan's camera and subsequently published in entertainment media.

News of this nature no longer created a significant buzz. Fans, public opinion, and a good number of people in the industry had come to believe that Martin was dealing with psychological issues.

In early November, Warner Bros. released "The Reader" as planned. The initial screenings were confined to an independent theater in Los Angeles.

According to the Academy's regulations, a film had to be continuously screened in Los Angeles for a certain duration before the New Year to be eligible for Oscar consideration.

For the inaugural screening, the production team invited numerous well-known celebrities from the Los Angeles film critic community. This was a time when they needed strong advocacy.

There was no red carpet at this screening. Martin arrived, ignoring the cacophony of reporters, and entered the theater alone. He made his way to the second-floor lobby.

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes were already waiting there.

Martin inquired, "Have our friends from the media arrived yet?"

Sam Mendes checked his watch and responded, "They'll be here soon."

Kate turned to Martin, saying, "I've heard that you have a solid reputation among Los Angeles film critics. I hope your reputation will help garner some favorable reviews for the film."

Martin had invested significantly in these individuals and was confident, "It will certainly happen."

Louise, sporting black-rimmed glasses, approached the three of them and inquired, "What's got you all so cheerful?"

Kate casually remarked, "We're discussing Martin's psychological issues."

Louise pushed up her glasses and asked, "Going to the psychological clinic once or twice a week. How's it working out?"

Martin quipped, "Can't let the crazy take over."

Several Los Angeles critics began to ascend to the second floor.

Leading the way were Todd McCarthy from The Hollywood Reporter and Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles Times.

This was the critics' favorite season, and they wished it were awards season all year round.

Martin purposefully guided Kate into the midst of the Los Angeles critics' circle.

"I watched the extended trailer sent by the production crew, and your performance, whether as a teenager or a middle-aged character, was outstanding," Kenneth Turan told Martin repeatedly. When he noticed Martin's attentiveness, it brought him an indescribable sense of psychological satisfaction, especially since Martin was a major Hollywood star.

He nodded to Martin and said, "I had some concerns initially about whether you could handle a role that's significantly older, but after watching the trailer, I can rest easy."

Todd McCarthy smiled and added, "Martin's dedication to his art is commendable."

Martin subtly gestured for Kate to step forward with his eyes and explained, "What's most important is the tremendous help Kate has given me. She often guides me into the scenes and helps me fully embody the character."

This wasn't an exaggeration. During the filming of the scenes between the middle-aged woman and the young man, Kate frequently led him into the heart of the performance.

Kate modestly remarked, "Martin is the best young actor I've ever seen."

Kenneth Turan remarked, "Kate, you've made a significant breakthrough in the acting industry this time. I hope the film mirrors that success."

Kate assured him, "I won't disappoint you."

Martin emphasized, "To achieve a new artistic breakthrough, Kate made many sacrifices during filming, even gaining weight to better fit the character's characteristics."

Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy turned their gaze to Kate and concluded that Martin's words were entirely truthful.

Several Los Angeles critics began to ascend to the second floor, led by Todd McCarthy from The Hollywood Reporter and Kenneth Turan from the Los Angeles Times.

This was the favorite season for movie critics, and they wished it could be awards season all year round.

Martin intentionally guided Kate into the midst of the Los Angeles critics' circle.

With a subtle eye gesture, Martin motioned for Kate to step forward and explained, "The most significant help has come from Kate. She often guides me into the scenes and assists me in fully embodying the character."

It was no exaggeration. During the filming of scenes between the middle-aged woman and the young man, Kate frequently led him into the heart of the performance.

Kate modestly remarked, "Martin is the finest young actor I've ever encountered."

Kenneth Turan noted, "Kate, you've achieved a substantial breakthrough in the acting industry this time. I hope the film reflects that success."

Kate assured him, "I won't disappoint you."

Martin underscored, "To achieve a new artistic breakthrough, Kate made numerous sacrifices during filming, including gaining weight to better suit the character's traits."

Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy turned their attention to Kate, convinced that Martin's words held nothing but truth.

Certainly, here's a rewritten version:

In the end, it's something easily noticeable.

Martin and Kate went to greet the others, while Leonardo brought in some esteemed figures through Warren Beatty.

Critics might carry the banner, but it's the seasoned veterans who hold the real sway during awards season.

As these influential figures entered the cinema, Leonardo discreetly beckoned Martin into a private lounge.

After their relationships had warmed during filming in Atlanta, Nicholson accompanied Leonardo and his daughter Lorraine to the premiere, although he didn't openly acknowledge Martin.

Just like Martin's psychological issue, it's all foreboding at this point, and the right time to exploit it hasn't arrived yet.

Nicholson addressed Martin directly, saying, "Cate Blanchett won't secure any Oscar nominations this time."

Martin nodded in agreement, and out of the blue, Lorraine chimed in, "Remember to call me next time something exciting like this happens."

Nicholson playfully pushed his daughter's head and said, "There'll be more opportunities like this in the future. The condition is to keep quiet about it."

Lorraine, being under 21, received a modest allowance from the foundation her father established, and she hadn't achieved recognition as an actress. Earning $15,000 in a short time was a challenge, even for Nicholson's daughter, who preferred a laid-back lifestyle.

Lorraine found the trio of misfits rather intriguing.

She left, and Bruce, who had been guarding the door, closed it once more.

Inside the room, Nicholson stated, "Martin, in the future, if you have any exciting endeavors, don't leave me behind, or... don't blame me if we fall out."

Martin responded matter-of-factly, "You and Leo are my bosses. If there's something fun, I want you leading the charge."

The usually reserved Leonardo chimed in, "Martin and I will have your back."

Nicholson pointed at the two younger brothers before departing for the screening room.

Martin and Leonardo waited a few minutes before returning.

Screenings of "The Reader" had begun.

The film's plot flowed logically, with well-paced editing that immersed viewers in the 1950s and 1960s. It touched on themes favored by judges during that era, such as the crisp massacre.

In a few years, such themes would lose popularity, especially compared to LGBTQ issues.

The film was rich in emotional conflicts, including matters of dignity, suffering, law, and emotion.

However, Martin's focus was entirely on bringing his character script to life.

Kenneth Turan never took his eyes off the big screen, jotting down notes to avoid forgetting his thoughts. He noted, "The crew selected the two most fitting actors. Kate is strong, direct, and determined, with a decisive resolve in her eyes. Martin's portrayal of the young male protagonist makes you forget the actor entirely. He is clear, delicate, and sensitive, as innocent and fragile as newly sprung spring grass."

Fiery action scenes weren't a big deal for Hollywood or the Oscars, and critics seldom paid them much attention. Kenneth Turan observed Kate, who was dominating the screen, and wrote, "The intersection of soul and body is elevated through the spiritual connection of reading..."

As the story unfolded, Martin's character matured, yet he consistently controlled the role, even with a few imperfections.

The film concluded with the expected suicide of the character Hannah, and her inheritance was rightfully bequeathed to the descendants of the Jews, demonstrating political correctness.

After the film ended, Todd McCarthy noted, "I was most concerned about the middle-aged part of the male protagonist. After all, Martin lacks the relevant life experience, but he performed exceptionally well."

Kenneth Turan chimed in, "Have you noticed that Misha is a character who undergoes significant growth? In his middle age, he convincingly portrayed the dullness and introversion typical of German middle-aged individuals. He didn't overdo it or make exaggerated changes. His actions were orderly and calm, exuding a profound sense of life's ups and downs."

Todd McCarthy nodded in agreement, "Compared to his best friend Leonardo, Martin is clearly superior."

Kenneth Turan chuckled, "Isn't this a fact acknowledged by Los Angeles film critics?"

Leonardo, who was somewhere else, was likely in the restroom, overcome with emotion.

Applause erupted, especially among the critics. The film was thought-provoking, generating discussion and conflicting opinions. The plot was logical and well-structured, and the actors' performances didn't just meet expectations but added an extra layer of depth. The film also concluded with a touch of political correctness, making it a clear favorite among critics.

Audience members in the back row expressed their disappointment, saying, "Martin didn't reveal the key element; it's a bad review!"

Another responded, "Yes, let the director release the extended version soon, I want to see more of Martin."

Rachel reassured them, "Don't you see? It's been rated as NC-17. Who's going to compensate for Martin's losses?"

People in the audience continued to applaud, offering their enthusiastic support.

The film's creative team took the stage for a curtain call and was interviewed by media reporters, sharing interesting anecdotes from the film's production.

However, the screenwriter responsible for writing the extra features didn't quite measure up to the level of director Nolan.

After the screening, Martin waited for a while before departing, walking exclusively with Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy.

Before Martin could say a word, Kenneth Turan remarked, "Your performance exceeded my expectations."

He extended his hand to shake Martin's, saying, "Congratulations, you've broken through your limits on the big screen