Chapter 409: Corrupted Witch

Just like in the previous films, the new project's studio is still Warner Studios, with Louise serving as the producer and overseeing the crew's affairs, especially negotiations with Warner Bros. for promotion and distribution.

Martin and Chad both take on the role of production managers, in addition to their current responsibilities.

Chen Hu and Marcus serve as action directors, handling melee combat and gunfights, respectively.

Buck and Lewis, who have often been Martin's stunt doubles, have also joined the action stunt team.

The use of computer special effects lenses during filming is minimal, with most action shots being done through real shooting.

Emily is bringing a team from Davis Studio to boost online buzz, especially focusing on topics that can generate significant interest.

As for the main actors, two have been confirmed: Martin and Mene. Martin is naturally the lead actor.

Their compensation is divided into three parts: a basic remuneration of US$5 million, discussions on a tiered box office share, and a DVD share.

Mene, who is over 30 and has gained some weight but has a certain charm, plays the role of the owner of the Continental Hotel in New York.

A prominent black main character is a requirement for diversity.

Other major roles are selected through auditions, with a preference for WMA's acting clients.

Many of the behind-the-scenes crew members are from the "Wanted" team. Martin's studio and Chad have kept in touch with them, and some with compatible schedules have joined the crew.

The location team will soon travel to New York to choose suitable street scenes for filming.

After the crew's project planning meeting, Louise personally flew to New York with her assistant to discuss various matters during filming, such as car chases, street brawls, and gunfights.

Apart from occasionally participating in media events and supporting the PR team, Martin's primary focus is on training. This includes physical fitness, combat skills, firearms, and driving, aiming to excel in every aspect.

He even practices unconventional skills like using a pencil as a weapon and crafting a makeshift bow and arrow from hardware store items.

Chen Hu, on the training ground, explains, "In theory, attacking with a sharpened pencil is feasible, but it's challenging, especially when a skilled assassin is your target."

Martin, holding a soft resin prop pencil, gestures to several vulnerable points, asking, "Neck and eyes are the primary targets?"

Chen Hu suggests, "Let's try it out and see which is more practical."

"Careful, here I come," Martin says, suddenly lunging forward, piercing Chen Hu's eye with the prop pencil.

Knowing Chen Hu's capabilities, Martin doesn't hold back. Chen Hu dodges, avoiding the attack without counterattacking.

Martin presses down on Chen Hu, using his height to his advantage. The pencil stabs Chen Hu again, this time lower, behind the ear.

Chen Hu steps back, breaking free from Martin's hold, and remarks, "Even caught off guard, it's tough to stab someone in the eye."

Martin agrees, "Near the neck, throat, or carotid artery is more practical."

Chen Hu emphasized, "Our style must not only look good but also maintain authenticity. In unarmed combat, even with exceptional skills, it's not easy to kill a trained adult barehanded. So, our focus in melee unarmed combat is not to kill the opponent directly but to control them, rendering them unable to act for a brief period."

He demonstrated techniques such as groin kicks, throat locks, heart extraction, and eye gouging, explaining, "These moves can buy you a precious second and allow you to retrieve a weapon, be it a gun or any other available tool."

Martin grasped the essence of Chen Hu's advice, saying, "Use a weapon if you can."

Standing nearby, Marcus added, "The first choice should always be a gun."

Later, Martin practiced action routines with Chen Hu and followed Marcus to refine his shooting skills, especially for shooting around corners.

Marcus, a former SEAL with experience in real urban street battles, had an expertise surpassing the typical Hollywood gunfight designers.

After some practice, the three left the set and headed to the Angel Shooting Club to train with real firearms.

Martin became consumed by his training, with dwindling public appearances. The only glimpses of him in the media were surreptitious photos of him arriving and leaving a psychological clinic.

Entertainment media began speculating that Martin's psychological issues were worsening.

Meanwhile, The Dark Knight crew's promotion gained momentum. In mid-January, a video of Bale's interview circulated from the UK. The British actor finally made a public appearance at the British Academy Film Awards after months of darkness, discussing The Dark Knight and Batman, mentioning his own psychological struggles with the character.

Reporters also inquired about Martin. Christian Bale acknowledged, "His problem may be more severe than mine because on set, he's darker than the most malevolent clown in the comics!" Despite reporters' persistence, Christian Bale offered no further comments.

This promotional event was a well-planned move by The Dark Knight cast, choosing the BAFTA Awards as a high-profile platform. The movie's release was still months away, but the promotion began early.

Nolan personally contacted Martin, asking, "Are you ready? Do you want me to send a professional photographer?"

Martin declined, saying, "No need. I have it here."

He hung up and instructed Bruce, "Let Ivan go out."

Bruce asked, "Where?"

Martin replied, "Just to the community park square."

Bruce went to summon Ivan. This time, they needed candid photos, and the crew's photographers couldn't match Ivan's skills.

Martin ventured alone, strolling down the community road to the park square. He sat on a bench, gazing at the western sunset, nearly motionless.

Before long, his pocketed phone buzzed multiple times. Martin knew Ivan was arriving.

He slowly turned his head, a peculiar smile gracing his previously somber face. Ivan captured several candid shots, hitting the shutter button at just the right moments.

That night, the photo made its way to the front page of TMZ.

Judy, a professional who uses real photos as models, added slightly exaggerated captions like, "Our city heroes are being eroded by the devil in their souls!"

The photo captured Martin sitting alone with a handsome yet somber expression and a strange smile.

Judy placed Bale's interview video alongside Martin's picture.

That night, the news garnered over 10,000 comments. People wondered, "Why does it seem scarier than Jack Nicholson's smile in The Shining?" and noted that it wasn't an act but had actually happened to Martin.

Curiosity grew about the Batman movie that had pushed its leading actors to such extreme psychological states.

Christian Bale required months of treatment before he could reappear, and Martin had weekly psychiatric sessions. People questioned the intensity of their roles and the plot.

Interest and discussions surrounding The Dark Knight surged.

After the news circulated for a few days and was picked up by more media outlets, Thomas issued a public statement on Martin's behalf, apologizing to the Golden Globes organizing committee. The excuse cited "physical reasons."

This further fueled the intrigue generated by earlier reports.

Thomas later granted an interview, assuring that Martin was aware of the problem, working diligently to overcome it, and would soon return to normal work.

The Dark Knight crew unveiled the official main promotional poster for the film.

It featured not one, but dual protagonists. Batman stood in Gotham City, his head obscured by ominous black clouds. The clown, painted white with a blood-red smile, stood beneath the sun, radiating a chilling, malevolent aura.

Even without a video, veteran film fans could discern the movie's style from the poster: dark, suffocating, and insane.

After the initial wave of publicity stirred excitement, the crew shifted its focus to online public opinion, going dormant for the time being.

Nolan, a master of film production and marketing, visited Martin in the guise of a casual visit, engaging in a lengthy discussion about the current situation and future plans.

Two adept promoters collided passionately.

After Nolan's departure, Elizabeth, who had just returned from filming a commercial abroad, rushed to see Martin.

"Are you really okay?" Elizabeth embraced Martin tightly, her warm embrace comforting him.

Martin was evasive, saying, "For now, there's no major issue."

Elizabeth gently stroked Martin's cheek and remarked, "You skipped the Golden Globe Awards. That doesn't seem fine to me."

Martin wasn't devoid of feelings and sensed Elizabeth's genuine concern. "I didn't want to attend the Golden Globe Awards. It was mainly because I had a plan," he said, playfully nudging her, "I'm waiting for you to come back, so I can take you to the Oscar red carpet and let everyone know about you!"

Elizabeth interpreted his intentions differently, hugging him tighter. "Let everyone know that I'm your girlfriend?"

Martin struggled to respond.

Elizabeth continued, "Martin, I understand what you mean, and I promise you, no matter what, I promise you everything."

Martin gently withdrew from her embrace, wiping away her teary eyes. He said, "your makeup is ruined. No you look like a witch."

Elizabeth wiped her tears and quipped, "Don't you like me as a witch, you bad boy?"