Chapter 190: Experience The Life

In the Los Angeles branch of Weinstein Films, Harvey held a document in his hand, swiftly skimming through it. The document's cover featured photographs of Sophia Lee and Vincent Lee.

Two businessmen hailing from Atlanta had ventured into Hollywood to invest in a film project. Harvey didn't need to scrutinize the details to discern that something was amiss.

Even though he knew better than to act recklessly, there were certain industry taboos that couldn't be broken.

Besides, Weinstein Films had its own reputation to uphold.

His subordinate across from him reported, "These two individuals have recently invested in a project named 'Wanted.' It's backed by Pacific Pictures, with participation from Warner Bros., and stars Martin Davis and Angelina Jolie."

"Warner Bros. again?" Harvey grumbled, his frustration apparent. He might be willing to take shots at Warner on television, but confronting them head-on was another matter altogether.

You could criticize capitalists, but you couldn't jeopardize their interests.

Yet, Harvey pinpointed the critical detail. "They're from Atlanta, and they've invested in two consecutive projects of Martin Davis? I recall Martin Davis is also from Atlanta, right?"

The subordinate confirmed, "Martin Davis was indeed reported in the news. He's said to have emerged from the slums of Atlanta."

Harvey waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, you can leave."

As the subordinate exited, his assistant entered the room and announced, "Matt Damon is here."

Facing the notably affable Matt Damon, Harvey exchanged greetings and gestured for him to sit on the sofa.

Harvey inquired, "What brings you here today?"

"I came specifically to express my gratitude." Matt Damon's breakthrough film, "Good Will Hunting," had been produced by Harvey during his time at Miramax. He shared a close friendship with Ben Affleck and held Harvey in high regard. "And also to ask for a small favor."

Harvey asked, "Isn't it about 'The Departed' again?"

Damon nodded. "I approached Dyson Pictures, our investor, to recommend me. I also approached Warner Brothers. Initially, I thought I'd just wait for the final audition, but then something unexpected occurred." He explained, "Plan B, Leonardo, Pacific Pictures, and Daniel from Warner Bros. have all recommended Martin Davis for the second lead role."

Hearing the name that had recently caught his attention, Harvey silently cursed in his mind and remarked, "He's a fledgling star, at least three levels below your caliber."

Damon grasped the situation and sensed an impending challenge. "He represents a $20 million investment from Pacific Pictures. Pacific Pictures and Warner Bros. have a long history of collaboration. Louise Meyer intends to invest, and Warner Bros. won't reject that. Dyson Pictures' investment is only a little over $10 million. Even if Warner Bros. ties their investment to theirs, Martin still has Plan B and Leonardo for support."

He saw it clearly. "In Scorsese's projects, the audition room's influence is more significant than in regular ones, but external factors remain equally vital."

Harvey was straightforward. "How can I assist you?"

"Could you help me persuade him to withdraw?" Damon often sought Harvey's assistance like this when competing for roles in the past, and he and Ben had consistently supported Harvey.

Harvey replied, "I'll do my best."

Damon smiled appreciatively.

Before his smile could fully form, Harvey retrieved a business card and handed it to him. "Deal with this lady."

Damon understood the price of favors in the industry. He accepted the business card and glanced at it, comprehending his task. He and Ben had often been Harvey's go-to trouble-shooters.

Harvey reminded him, "Don't let your guard down there either."

Damon responded with an honest smile. "Scorsese refuses to meet with actors before auditions. My agent reached out to his assistant, mentioning that I hail from Cambridge."

Several minutes later, Damon exited Harvey's office, descended to the ground floor, and entered his car.

As he sat in the vehicle, he examined the actress's business card, retrieved his phone, and dialed his good friend's number. "Ben, there's something you need to take care of."

Over half an hour later, Ben Affleck appeared at a hotel and intercepted an actress as she descended the stairs.

"You've made it this far and worked diligently to create an opportunity. You wouldn't want it to all go to waste over something minor, would you?" Ben had employed this tactic countless times; it was highly effective. "You know who's on the other side, the person who can make or break your career. Think it over carefully and don't act impulsively. This kind of thing is commonplace in the industry. Is anyone paying attention?"

Confronted with Ben's pressure and scrutiny, the actress ultimately chose to yield.

...

Boston.

After two days of accompanying patrol officers on their rounds, Martin and Mene joined the Special Operations Group of the Detective Bureau to experience the daily routines of plainclothes detectives.

During this period, they visited crime scenes several times and gained firsthand knowledge of BPD's case-handling procedures Martin meticulously observed the actions of the plainclothes detectives. They were everyday people who likely experienced considerable work-related stress and had been exposed to the darker aspects of society. Many of them had a penchant for colorful language, with expressions like "Fake" and "Shet" being commonplace. Some exhibited a propensity for violence.

To blend in, Martin assumed the persona of a thirty-something police chief named Jack, engaging in lighthearted banter and ribald humor with the plainclothes detectives during downtime.

He and Mene also learned to operate various police equipment and familiarized themselves with departmental protocols.

Every night, Martin spared no expense in entertaining the relevant individuals, wining, dining, and enjoying social interactions.

This aspect of the industry was universal.

Martin was affable and generous with his resources. As long as the individuals connected to BPD adhered to their principles, they were more than willing to lend him a hand when needed.

Gunshots echoed through the shooting gallery.

Martin and Jack stood side by side, their guns held in identical positions, firing relentlessly at the stationary human target until their magazines were emptied.

Jack removed his earplugs, glanced at his electronic monitor, and then at Martin's. "Impressive marksmanship," he acknowledged.

When shooting at a stationary target, Martin's worst shot earned him nine rings.

Mene, on the other side, chimed in, "My boss is the most talented individual in Los Angeles!"

Martin holstered his gun and extended an invitation to Jack. "Let's grab a drink; my treat."

Having spent several days together, Jack had grown quite familiar with Martin and accepted the invitation. As they walked out, Jack remarked, "Your Boston accent is even better than mine, and I'm from Massachusetts."

Martin smiled and confessed, "I've been practicing for months. I'm auditioning for a role with the BPD, so I wanted to get it right."

Jack reassured him, "Actors don't usually do that, you know. It' not easy job."

Martin added, "At least there's no real danger. You guys keep Boston safe by carrying the heavy load and moving forward." His words resonated with Jack. "We also carry a heavy burden and move forward, don't we?" he responded, his voice filled with sincerity.

As they joined a few others for drinks and relaxation, Mene's phone received a text message.

He glanced at it, leaned over to speak quietly, "Ellen just sent a message. Scorsese will be at the detective bureau in about an hour."

Martin nodded subtly and asked Jack, "Are you returning to the detective bureau?"

Jack inquired, "Is the person you were waiting for here?"

Martin, who had treated Jack well during their time together, explained, "I need a favor from you."

Without hesitation, Jack grabbed his coat. "Not a problem."

As Jack walked out, Martin's phone rang. It was Sergeant John from the BPD Public Relations Office.

In brief words, he said, "I'll be at the detective station at three o'clock."

Martin expressed his gratitude and then followed Jack out of the shooting club.

Back at the police detective station, Jack's special operations team was busy arresting a group of street vendors.

Martin was well-acquainted with these individuals, and he and Mene quickly joined in the work.

While he couldn't perform official duties, Martin ran errands, fetched folders, assisted with phone calls, and more.

Thanks to his careful observation and prior study, Martin completed these tasks seamlessly. His dynamic performance made him appear like a genuine member of the action team.

Meanwhile, Chief John accompanied Martin Scorsese, William Mohanna, Ellen, and others into the police detective station.

The eminent director was welcomed with due respect, and the director himself greeted them briefly before departing quickly.

As their actual host, John led the group toward the special operations team.

The team was immersed in their work, and Jack, their leader, approached to greet the guests and explain the team's activities through a large glass window.

When Ellen's gaze landed on a particular figure, her eyes brightened. She retrieved her phone, entered a hotel room number, sent a message, and crafted another one: "I'll be waiting for you tonight."

The phone's screen lit up with a concise response: "OK!"

Thinking of Mene's exceptional skills, Allen quickly located Martin and inquired of John, "Chief, is that man Martin Davis? Or do you have another detective who resembles Martin Davis?"

Scorsese, who had been conversing with Jack, was alerted by these words and scanned the open office. There, he spotted a somewhat familiar face.

John explained with a smile, "Mr. Davis applied to experience life at the BPD last month, claiming it was in preparation for a role. He began by studying police regulations at the academy, then spent a few days on patrol with our officers before finally joining Detective Jack's special operations team."

Ellen noted, "This guy is intriguing. If he hadn't seemed familiar, I might not have recognized him."

Through the glass window, Scott Seth conducted a thorough observation and noticed that aside from being more handsome, Martin Davis blended seamlessly with the other police detectives.

Ellen commented from a professional perspective, "It seems he's fully immersed in his role of experiencing life."

Jack, curious, inquired, "What did you say?"

Ellen maintained her smile as she continued, "How is he?"

"He's an excellent learner, quick to grasp things, very serious, and speaks fluent Boston." Jack simply told the truth. "He's been out in the field with us, studied various regulations, learned about non-confidential anti-gang and anti-drug cases, and is proficient in various methods and rules governing police weaponry."

He shrugged, "You might not believe it, but his gun-handling stance is better than mine, and his marksmanship even surpasses mine."

Scorsese led the way. "Let's visit other areas." As they walked, he gestured to Ellen and whispered, "Find a way to contact him; I want to speak with him tonight."