Chapter 509: Dont Interfere with your Freedom

On the dynamic film set, where the giant centrifuge hummed and whirred, the crew prepared for a complex scene. The corridor, meticulously positioned within the centrifuge, rotated slowly, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Martin, seasoned and skilled, navigated this unique environment with ease, guiding Mene through the challenging choreography.

"Hurry up with your feet, and sync them with your hands. In the shoot, you need to be a step ahead of your opponent!" Martin instructed, his voice carrying over the sound of the machinery.

Mene, initially disoriented by the upside-down walking, gradually adapted as the corridor's rotation increased. Suspended by wires, he appeared weightless, a testament to the crew's technical prowess.

Martin, a martial artist with extensive experience in wirework, moved effortlessly in the rotating corridor, his feet constantly adjusting for balance. He approached Mene, noting his slight backward lean. "The wire's support point is at your waist, causing that lean. Remember to press down your upper body to achieve a graceful sideways posture," he advised.

Mene, following Martin's guidance, quickly adapted. The wirework in this scene was basic, focusing on floating and turning, but Martin's expertise was invaluable.

After a few minutes of practice, Martin noticed Mene's discomfort and signaled for a pause. The centrifuge gradually came to a stop, and they exited the rotating hallway. Mene, feeling nauseous, gestured for assistance. Giselle hurried over with a trash can, placing it in front of him just in time.

Martin kept a distance, understanding the disorienting effects of the centrifuge.

Professor Mordechai approached, curious about their experience. "How does the centrifuge feel?" he inquired.

Martin responded, "It's good. We'll need to adjust the speed and direction for the next take."

Director Nolan joined the conversation, adding, "The corridor's rotation will be irregular during shooting."

"I've programmed twelve irregular patterns," Mordechai explained, indicating they needed to give Mene time to acclimate.

Martin empathized, having gone through similar training. "It's manageable, just a bit of nausea."

Mene, recovering after a few moments, gratefully accepted water from Bruce.

The group moved to the rest area, taking a much-needed break. As they settled, Mene, looking at Giselle assisting Mordechai, pondered aloud, "Professor, have you ever encountered true love?"

Bruce, with a touch of humor, remarked, "Pretty girls often admire knowledgeable old professors. It's good for the gene pool, right?"

Martin, joining in the banter, asked Bruce, "What about our next generation?"

Bruce playfully retorted, "Planning to have kids, Martin?" Martin quickly dismissed the topic.

Mene, still musing, said, "There's something odd about old husbands with young wives."

Bruce quipped back, "That's because you find the reverse more normal."

Martin, ignoring their light-hearted debate, glanced at Giselle and Mordechai, then focused on jotting down the next training plan in his notebook. The set, buzzing with activity and camaraderie, reflected the unique challenges and bonds formed in the world of filmmaking.

In the state-of-the-art studio, the cast, including Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Ken Watanabe, gathered for an intense training session. Their focus was on mastering the wirework, essential for the film's complex action sequences. The wirework, known as 'Wia,' required them to maneuver while suspended, a challenge for those unaccustomed to it.

Post-lunch, the actors converged in the studio under Martin's tutelage to practice with the Wia. Many struggled with the disorienting sensation of hanging in the rotating corridor, leading to instances of nausea and discomfort.

Nolan, observing the rigorous training, called his assistant over. "Take note," he instructed, "Martin is not just acting; he's also part of the action direction. His training is so intense that it's got main actors like Mene and Ellen Page feeling queasy."

The assistant diligently recorded this, then remarked, "Director, we seem to have fewer behind-the-scenes stories for publicity this time."

Nolan, aware of the subdued atmosphere on set, reflected on the contrast with "The Dark Knight's" more tumultuous filming. He mused, "Why isn't Martin stirring things up? It's uncharacteristically calm."

The assistant didn't answer, but it was evident that Martin's dual role as a leading actor and production manager, coupled with his significant influence on set, contributed to the tranquility. Even the British actors, who weren't fond of Martin, refrained from conflict, mindful of the past issues between Bale and Martin.

Nolan found the calmness unsettling. As a director, he missed the dynamic tension that often fueled publicity and marketing.

Later that day, after wrapping up filming, Martin returned to his hotel to find Angelina Jolie awaiting him. Surprised and delighted, he greeted her warmly. "How did you end up in Morocco?" he exclaimed, embracing her.

Ignoring the curious glances from others, Martin escorted Jolie to his suite. As night fell, they enjoyed a private dinner in his room. Jolie, radiant and attentive, had opted for a vegan meal, a recent dietary change she discussed with Martin.

Martin, enjoying his seafood, playfully chided her, "You're going to lose collagen with that diet, age faster."

Jolie, relaxed and candid, replied, "I still eat eggs and milk. And I'm not so strict in private." She playfully grabbed a piece of his fried fish, then frowned at the strong seafood taste. "Maybe cut back on the fish and shrimp," she suggested.

Martin, always considerate, explained, "I heard about your diet change, so I've been eating more seafood to get enough protein."

Jolie, touched by his thoughtfulness, couldn't help but smile at his gesture. "You really are a good guy," she said, her affection for him evident in her words and demeanor. Their evening together was a blend of comfortable companionship and shared understanding, away from the bustle of the film set.

In the softly lit suite, the atmosphere was relaxed and intimate as Martin and Jolie enjoyed their dinner. Martin, always playful, quipped, "I've always seen myself that way."

Jolie, feigning indignation, playfully threatened to invite Aniston over, imagining a mischievous alliance against Martin. However, she quickly dismissed the idea, recalling past betrayals.

"I was on my way to Jerusalem," Jolie shared, "but when I heard you were filming in Morocco, I couldn't resist stopping by."

Martin, with a gesture of appreciation, delicately placed a piece of crab claw meat on Jolie's plate. "I'm grateful you did."

As they finished their meal, Martin expressed concern for her safety amidst the ongoing skirmishes in the region. Julie nodded, then mentioned the media buzz about Martin receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Martin confirmed, "I'll be heading to Washington soon for the ceremony."

Jolie, half-jokingly, expressed her desire for such recognition. "If I could get that medal, it would boost my career."

Martin revealed his ambivalence towards the award, "Honestly, I'd rather not have it."

Jolie, curious, looked at him for an explanation.

Martin, with a wry smile, said, "After what happened on the Santa Monica pier, I'm not keen on such publicity."

Jolie, understanding the depth of his sentiment, shared her own experiences in conflict zones.

Raising his glass, Martin toasted to her, "Here's to your future Nobel Peace Prize."

Jolie laughed, playfully responding, "If I ever win that, you can have your way with me."

She contemplated Martin's romantic history, feeling a pang of jealousy but also a sense of longing. "I could be your forever mistress, until you tire of me."

Martin, pouring her another glass of wine, humorously encouraged her, "May that dream come true."

After dinner, they encountered Marion Cotillard while taking a stroll. After a brief exchange, they parted ways.

Jolie teasingly suggested Martin should pursue Cotillard. Martin, feigning righteousness, replied, "She's married. I don't meddle in others' families."

Jolie, skeptical, laughed off his claim. As the evening grew late, they decided to return to their rooms.

Jolie, musing about her upcoming time in the Middle East, planned to maintain a vegetarian diet in public but acknowledged the importance of protein.

Martin, affirming his earlier advice, playfully suggested, "See, eating more seafood is the right choice."

After Jolie's departure, Martin prepared for his own journey. He would leave the film set by the end of June to attend the award ceremony in Washington, a poignant reminder of the complexities and commitments of his life.