Chapter 443: Breaking All Records

The night of The Dark Knight's premiere transformed the cinematic landscape in North America. The film debuted in a record-breaking 4,480 theaters, a testament to the unshakable confidence Warner Bros. and the market held in its potential.

The air was electric with anticipation. This wasn't just another movie release; it was a cultural phenomenon. The Dark Knight resonated with an audience more receptive and less jaded than they would be a decade later, an era overwhelmed by an incessant barrage of complex, often contradictory information.

As Thursday evening descended, a tide of eager moviegoers surged towards theaters. The atmosphere was palpable, a mix of excitement and a unique kind of reverence for what they were about to witness.

Savvy entrepreneurs, quick to recognize an emerging trend, seized the moment. In the bustling heart of North Hollywood, Lisa, a street artist known for her vibrant oil paintings, strategically positioned her stall near a theater. Her setup was meticulous, chosen for the perfect view of the Joker poster adorning the theater's entrance. As she arranged her display stand, detailing her services and prices, the energy of the night was infectious.

Before she could even finish setting up, two young men approached. The one with long hair, his eyes reflecting the vibrant lights of the district, pointed towards the theater and asked, "Can you turn me into a Joker like that?"

Lisa's response was immediate and enthusiastic. "Absolutely! Take a seat," she said, gesturing to a folding chair.

As she reached for her makeup pen, the other young man chimed in, "Me too!" The sound of two dollars clinking into her side box was like music to her ears.

Lisa worked quickly, her brush strokes confident and skilled. But before she could complete the first clown transformation, a couple joined the growing queue. The man, captivated by the emerging pale clown face with its striking long hair, declared, "I want in on this too."

Lisa, thriving in the bustling environment, assured him, "Just a moment, please."

He checked his phone and nodded. "We've got time before the midnight screening."

The night was young in this sleepless city, a place where Lisa wouldn't dare linger alone under normal circumstances. But tonight was different. In mere minutes, a line had formed, six or seven people eagerly waiting for their clown metamorphosis.

As showtime neared, the area around Lisa's booth became as crowded as the theater itself. Her cash box overflowed with an assortment of small bills, a testament to her booming business.

When the hour of The Dark Knight screening finally arrived, the crowd dissipated as swiftly as it had gathered, each person transformed, disappearing into the theater like a phantom parade of clowns.

Lisa hastily packed her tools and earnings into her car. Tonight had been a triumph, and she was already planning to return the next day. This trend, she thought, would surely last a few weeks.

Oil paint clown faces were easy to create, and the money was even easier to earn. She had hit a jackpot, riding the wave of the film's popularity. Reaching for her phone, she dialed a friend, eager to share her success. "I found a great gig..."

But before she could finish, her friend interjected excitedly, "Lisa, did you know? I made nearly $300 tonight in Burbank painting clowns!"

Lisa laughed, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and camaraderie. "Me too. Let's do this again tomorrow!"

That night, across the United States, hundreds, maybe thousands of clown-faced individuals roamed the streets, a testament to the film's impact and a boon for street artists.

Meanwhile, in an AMG theater in the San Francisco Bay Area, night shift manager Cook surveyed the aftermath of the evening's excitement. He approached the ticket seller, curiosity piqued. "Have we sold out all the tickets in the three theaters?"

"The largest one showing The Dark Knight is completely sold out," the seller replied promptly, "but only half the tickets for 'Mamma Mia' in theater three have been bought." Cook nodded, his mind already calculating the success of the weekend, dominated not just by The Dark Knight but also by Meryl Streep's 'Mamma Mia'.

As Cook made his way to the theaters to see for himself, the buzz of the night lingered in the air, a blend of cinematic magic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Cook meticulously inspected the security doors and passages of the two movie theaters, ensuring everything was in order. Satisfied, he meandered towards the front, peering into the dimly lit corridors of the movie hall. Against the cool, dark backdrop, a sea of heads, dense and eager, filled the space. The midnight screening of The Dark Knight had drawn an overwhelming crowd.

Amidst the throng, a sudden movement caught Cook's eye. A person in a nearby seat sprang up, perhaps for a quick restroom break, and in his haste nearly collided with Cook. The sight that greeted Cook was startling - a face ghostly pale with a vivid, blood-red mouth. He couldn't help but let out an involuntary sigh.

This small commotion turned heads, drawing the attention of many nearby. Cook's eyes widened as he realized that the sea of faces was dotted with numerous clown visages, all emulating the film's iconic character.

Overwhelmed by the fanatic energy of the crowd, Cook swiftly made his exit, leaving the enthusiasts to their revelry.

...

Meanwhile, at the Avalon Bar on Sunset Boulevard, director Christopher Nolan relaxed, loosening his tie and raising a glass of whiskey in celebration with Martin and Charles Rowan. "Cheers," Nolan initiated, the weight of the past two years' pressures seeming to lift with the gesture.

Martin, buoyed by the mood, clinked glasses with Charles. "Together," he echoed.

The three men downed their whiskey, a momentary respite in the whirlwind of their success.

Nolan, feeling liberated, refilled their glasses. "To our success," he toasted, a rare smile crossing his face. Charles, equally elated, raised his glass. "To a monumental success!"

Martin, caught up in the euphoria, couldn't contain his excitement. "We're breaking records this weekend!"

The feedback they had received was unanimously positive, warranting this celebratory escape as they awaited even more good news.

Nolan, his spirits high from the wine, mused aloud, "When I next encounter those who doubted me, I'll ask if they know The Dark Knight's opening week box office. Regardless of their answer, I'll tell them the astonishing figure myself."

Martin, in a gesture of camaraderie, slung an arm around Nolan. "See, Chris, I told you. When we -" He paused, noticing Charles, and corrected himself, "When the three of us collaborate, we can create something that shakes the world!"

Charles banged the table for emphasis. "Exactly! The Dark Knight is just the beginning for us!"

Their phones rang in unison, each displaying a staggering figure: $19.93 million! The room filled with their unbridled laughter and cheers. Nolan, overwhelmed by the moment, accidentally knocked over the whiskey bottle, uncaring as it spilled across the table.

Only those who had shouldered the immense pressure of a $300 million investment could truly comprehend the relief flooding through Nolan.

It was the record-breaking midnight box office of The Dark Knight.

Martin, too, was unable to hide his joy, knowing his unique pay arrangement promised even greater rewards.

"What was the previous midnight record?" Nolan asked, already knowing but needing confirmation.

Martin checked his phone. "Star Wars Episode III at $16.9 million. We've outdone them by $3 million!"

Nolan's fist hit the table. "We're surpassing Star Wars!"

"We're setting new records!" Charles declared.

Martin, energized, exclaimed, "Tomorrow, we take down 'Spider-Man 3'!"

"The single-day record in North America is Peter Parker's, for now," Charles added.

"Not just tomorrow," Martin said, standing up and pulling Nolan and Charles to their feet, "We're going to surpass Spider-Man over the weekend!"

"Where to next?" Nolan asked, intrigued.

Martin led the way. "You'll need to refresh after all this excitement. Let me take you to clear your heads."

Charles, having heard rumors, asked, "Night Club?"

The trio exited discreetly through the back, sliding into Charles's car, heading straight for the night club.

In these times, with figures like Wes Kress less active and directors like Ajia and Zomi temporarily away from Hollywood, it was Nolan, Martin, and Charles – the so-called 'Bastard Trio' – who were the reigning mavericks of the Hollywood scene.

The success of "The Dark Knight" had the team already considering the future, recognizing the need to bring fresh talent on board. They aspired to find someone of the caliber of Nicholson or Leonardo, someone who could mutually bolster careers.

In the midst of the celebration, Martin, buoyed by the wine and the exhilarating news, called Jack Nicholson. "Jack, time to freshen up," he said, his voice echoing the excitement of the night.

The unmistakable voice of Meryl Streep answered from the other end, "Who's calling at this hour? Is there no decency left?"

Martin, undeterred, replied with a laugh, "Jack, didn't you say MET Gala with Meryl was the last time?"

Nicholson's response was quick and lighthearted. "That was just the last time for that month. I'll be there soon. Time for a wake-up call." Soon enough, they were all at the nightclub, indulging in the club's famed facial cleanser service.

Nolan and Charles found themselves quickly enamored with the experience, promising to return with Martin and Nicholson whenever they could.

Following its record-breaking midnight debut, "The Dark Knight" opened in 4,480 theaters across North America on Friday. Lines snaked around theaters in commercial districts, everyone eager for tickets. This was shaping up to be the hottest summer in the North American film market. Pre-screening hype had built a strong foundation, and post-screening buzz was skyrocketing.

Critical acclaim poured in. Rotten Tomatoes showcased nearly 100 reviews, almost unanimously favorable. A staggering 98% freshness rating on opening day, a 92 score from MTC media, and an impressive temporary 9.6 on IMDB. It was the perfect storm for box office success.

By the end of its premiere day, "The Dark Knight" had grossed an astonishing $72.87 million, shattering the $5,984 single-day record held by "Spider-Man 3". The film's momentum seemed unstoppable.

Across North America, the streets were awash with individuals donning clown makeup, a vivid symbol of the film's impact. Batman, the iconic hero, had unwittingly become a tool in the clowns' spectacle.

Online, praise for Martin was abundant and effusive:

"Martin has given us the first villain of cinematic history!"

"Hats off to Martin for bringing a classic character to life!"

But such acclaim would be hollow without corresponding box office success. And success was exactly what "The Dark Knight" achieved. Over the weekend, it not only eclipsed "Mamma Mia" but also set a record-breaking opening of $172 million, surpassing "Spider-Man 3"'s $151 million to claim the top spot in North American box office history.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of North American cinema, "The Dark Knight" emerged as the undisputed champion, surpassing giants like Star Wars, Spider-Man, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The film wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon, rewriting the rules of blockbuster success.