Chapter 766: Twenty-Four Personalities!

In the morning light filtering into the studio, Martin sat in the rest area, sharing a quiet moment with Graham, both engrossed in watching the filming unfold.

Martin skillfully disassembled a firearm on the iron table, meticulously maintaining it with the scent of gun oil filling the air. As he loaded magazines with precision, Director Villeneuve's voice cut through the scene, signaling approval.

With a sigh of relief, Martin set down the firearm, his mind shifting from the intense role. Villeneuve approached, handing Martin a bag containing a familiar skull mask, a memento from the bank robbery scene.

As the male protagonist's scenes wrapped up, Martin announced plans to gather at the hotel cafeteria later, inviting anyone free to join. Villeneuve assured that the directorial team would attend.

As filming concluded for the day, Martin removed his costume, accepting wipes from Lao Bu to clean the remnants of gun oil. Amidst the bustle of scene changes, Graham called out to Martin, drawing his attention to Nate Shyamalan, a dark-complexioned Asian man with an unmistakable aura.

As introductions were made, Nate expressed admiration for Martin's work, while Martin reciprocated praise for Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense." The trio settled into conversation, Nate's demeanor betraying a sense of unease stemming from the production troubles of "Back to Earth."

Nate harbored concerns over Will Smith's heavy-handed involvement, fearing it could jeopardize the film's integrity in his pursuit to elevate his son's career.

Over the years, Night Shyamalan had shuffled partners, and the stakes were high with "Back to Earth." Nate knew that if the project went south, his future collaborations with Will Smith and Sony Columbia were on the line.

Feeling the weight of uncertainty, Nate's gaze flickered towards Martin, who offered a reassuring smile.

Seizing the opportunity with Graham present, Nate swiftly pitched his new project to Martin: "I just wrapped up 'Return to Earth' with Will Smith and his son, and I'm diving into a fresh endeavor. Martin, care to join forces again?"

Martin grinned, acknowledging, "Fresh out of one film, I'm in dire need of a breather."

The mention of Shyamalan's recent collaboration with Will Smith's family immediately jogged Martin's memory. Shyamalan's reputation for inconsistency was well-known, contrasting with Ridley Scott's reliability outside the epic genre.

In Martin's recollection, Shyamalan's knack for hoodwinking Hollywood's biggest production houses was legendary, a testament to his persuasive prowess.

As Shyamalan excused himself to the bathroom, Graham offered a word of caution: "If the partnership doesn't sit right with you, don't force it."

The intricacies of Hollywood partnerships ran deep, with GK Films and David Film and Television Studio's ties more tangled than they seemed.

Martin probed further, "How have his recent films fared?"

Graham's response was blunt: "Since 'The Sixth Sense,' it's been downhill. Despite lackluster box office performances, a few DVDs managed to keep him afloat."

Martin sought clarity on Shyamalan's extensive collaborations, to which Graham explained the rarity of shifting alliances in Hollywood.

Observing Shyamalan's strategic approach, Graham revealed, "His aim this time is to court GK Pictures for investment."

Understanding the game at play, Martin nodded in comprehension.

Graham concluded, "Personal ties aside, business is business. Losing millions isn't an option."

Martin pondered, "How does he keep drawing investments despite the setbacks?"

Ridley Scott's strategy is to balance his portfolio, mixing epic endeavors with science fiction ventures to maintain financial stability.

Nate Shyamalan's reputation for leaving major Hollywood players in the lurch was well-known, especially to Graham, who shared his insights: "Remember 'The Sixth Sense'? It was a smash hit, turning a $40 million investment into nearly $300 million in North America alone, and nearly $700 million worldwide. Disney raked in massive profits. Who wouldn't be impressed?"

Graham's tone shifted, emphasizing Shyamalan's genius: "He's a visionary who captivates producers with his boundless imagination and clever scripts. Large production companies eagerly invest, hoping to replicate the commercial success of 'The Sixth Sense.' But it's a high-stakes game; while success brings enormous profits, failure hits other investors the hardest."

Martin reflected on Warner Pictures' recent struggles, noting their precarious financial position compared to Megan Ellison, whose personal investments were dwindling.

Graham continued, shedding light on Shyamalan's Achilles' heel: "His downfall lies in execution. He crafts brilliant concepts but stumbles in delivery, often resorting to contrived endings that betray the potential of his narratives."

Martin's mind flashed to a movie he'd seen, brimming with promise but fizzling out in disappointment, yet still garnering a sequel. The fingerprints of Shyamalan's direction were unmistakable.

Recalling recent films since his arrival in North America, Martin noted familiar faces transitioning to other projects, like the lead actress starring in a Netflix series on chess, a captivating tale rooted in reality.

As Shyamalan returned from the bathroom, Graham, tied up in his current project, regretfully declined further involvement. He encouraged Shyamalan to share any upcoming scripts and plans for consideration.

"Absolutely, count me in," Nate Shyamalan assured Martin, recognizing the potential of their collaboration as a chance for redemption. "I'm developing a project right now. The lead role would suit you perfectly."

Curiosity piqued, Martin inquired about the character: "What's the role like? Nothing akin to 'The Sixth Sense,' I hope? I'm not keen on playing another troubled soul like Bruce Willis."

Shyamalan clarified, "No, not at all. I tried that in 2000, and it was a disaster. This project is a science fiction venture, still in its early stages."

Martin nodded, agreeing to review the script and character details once they were ready: "Send it over to Davis Studio when you're ready, and I'll give it a thorough read."

With plans in motion, Shyamalan promised prompt delivery of the script. The trio exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways, the studio buzzing with activity as filming resumed.

Later, as Martin rode back to the hotel, thoughts swirled in his mind. Shyamalan's optimism about future projects echoed his own hopes for a cinematic comeback, reminiscent of the success of "The Sixth Sense."

Meanwhile, Shyamalan's nonchalant attitude towards failure struck Martin. After all, it was other investors' money at stake.

Back at the hotel, Martin retreated to his room, shedding his on-set persona. In the quietude, he delved into his memories, recalling a movie featuring a protagonist with multiple personalities, a narrative claiming authenticity.

Turning to Bruce, Martin inquired about real-life cases of schizophrenics with multiple personas, prompting a search for relevant information.

After a brief wait, Thomas reached out with a lead, recounting the case of Billy Milligan, a notorious figure whose life story had been immortalized in a documentary titled "24 Billys," shedding light on the chilling reality of multiple personality disorder.