Chapter 785: Fincher's Blessing or Curse

Time is often the best healer of wounds. Over a month has passed since the tragic shooting at the movie premiere, and the incident has slowly faded from the public consciousness. The media has moved on, and Hollywood has relegated it to the past.

Meanwhile, "The Dark Knight Rises," propelled by Vin Diesel's star power, has smashed the North American box office, raking in over $450 million. However, it's no longer the hottest ticket in town. That title now belongs to "Argo," a film that kicks off with an attention-grabbing patch advertisement.

With its North American release just a month away, "Argo" is in the midst of an intense promotional campaign. Though its marketing budget isn't as colossal as Batman's, Disney Pictures has still poured significant resources into its publicity efforts. The film's leading man, Martin, who plays Tony Mendes, is a ubiquitous presence across North America's five major TV networks, the four biggest newspapers, and the three dominant social media platforms.

The trailer for "Argo" is omnipresent, aired incessantly on television and splashed across the internet on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. The film's focus on personal heroism is front and center, with Martin's solo poster prominently displayed in commercial districts and across various media outlets.

"Argo's" taglines are designed to grab attention:

"Based on a real CIA case!"

"The most bizarre rescue operation in CIA history!"

"Six hostages trapped in Tehran, a CIA agent orchestrates a stunning ruse to save them."

Beside the main movie poster featuring Tony Mendes, played by Martin, is the compelling slogan - "Rescue is imperative!"

Since the start of filming last year, the real-life rescue operation that inspired the film has been widely covered in the media, sparking immense curiosity. The daring tale of a Hollywood crew concocting a fake film to rescue hostages has captivated the public's imagination, with Tony Mendes becoming a media sensation. This retired legendary agent is relishing his newfound celebrity, and the CIA is thrilled to have such a charismatic spokesperson.

Martin, along with director David Fincher and the real Tony Mendes, recently appeared on "The Helen Show" to discuss the incredible true story and its cinematic adaptation. The trio exchanged praises, lauding each other's contributions to their respective fields. This is David Fincher's final push for an Oscar for Best Director, and he's fully engaged in the film's promotion, unlike his usual reserved self. Over the years, Fincher has built a loyal fanbase that appreciates his dark cinematic style.

After the show, Helen took a moment to speak with Martin alone.

"I wanted you on the show last time, but you turned me down," Helen said, curious. "Was there something going on?"

Martin shook his head, his expression somber. "Nothing specific. So many lives were lost. I was in a bad place emotionally. Anything I said at that time could have been misinterpreted by the media. Sometimes, silence is the best choice."

"That's right," Helen said with a knowing smile. "Not every media outlet can boast the reliability of my talk show."

Among the media figures Martin trusted, Jody and Helen stood out. They had built a reputation for reporting the truth, rarely straying into sensationalism or falsehoods. Occasionally, they would stir the pot with some genuine news, but it was always grounded in reality.

After wrapping up their appearance on Warner TV, Martin, David Fincher, and Tony Mendes stepped out of the studio. They first dropped Tony Mendes off at his hotel before heading to Disney Studios. In the car, it was just Martin, David, and Bruce.

"Has Disney Pictures communicated with you?" David Fincher asked, breaking the silence.

Martin nodded. "Yes, they have. The main goals for this film are Best Director and Best Picture."

He leaned in, adding a touch of intrigue. "I've also been in touch with the White House. Obama has agreed to watch the film. This politically charged narrative aligns perfectly with his interests."

David Fincher raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You've really become the industry's go-to guy for awards strategies."

Martin chuckled, shaking his head. "I wouldn't say that. I'm just determined." He knew all too well the perilous path of chasing Oscars. Industry figures like Harvey Weinstein had faced dire consequences. Even Megan Ellison, in a previous life, had gone bankrupt in her quest for awards.

David Fincher nodded thoughtfully. Obama's endorsement carried significant weight. The Oscars were never just about the quality of a film; myriad factors, including politics, played crucial roles. Most of Hollywood leaned towards the Democrats Party, which Obama represented.

That afternoon, Martin and David attended a preview screening of "Argo." The room buzzed with anticipation, filled with media, critics, and theater managers. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with the film receiving an average score of "A" from theater managers. Disney Pictures' recent strategic integrations had paid off, producing films that resonated well with audiences and critics alike.

Post-preview, Disney's distribution department sprang into action. The good news came swiftly: "Argo," set for an October release, would premiere in 3,850 theaters across North America.

The publicity machine roared to life. Martin embraced a new promotional tactic, participating in an online video interview on Twitter. From Los Angeles to New York, he and David Fincher embarked on a whirlwind tour, shuttling between airports, hotels, and press events.

Meanwhile, Disney Pictures, David Fincher, and Martin sent out numerous invitations to key figures. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson were confirmed to attend on Martin's behalf. Even Elon Musk called, requesting three invitations, adding to the growing anticipation and buzz surrounding "Argo."

The air was thick with excitement, as everyone geared up for the film's release, ready to see if it would indeed become the next big award-winning sensation.

In addition to the film's star-studded guest list, many influential figures, including Tom Sherak, chairman of the Academy, received special invitations issued by Martin, David Fincher, and Alan Horn, president of Disney Pictures. Hollywood had been evolving, but the sway of the older generation, especially the powerful white men, remained strong. They still played a pivotal role in shaping the industry's landscape.

Monsters and demons had yet to claim the Oscars' favor, but the tide was slowly shifting.

In October, Disney Studios orchestrated a grand premiere for "Argo" at the prestigious Chandler Hall of the Los Angeles Music Center. The premiere followed the classic Hollywood routine, red carpets, interviews, and glamorous entrances, but this event had an added layer of meticulous planning. For maximum publicity, the crew not only invited Tony Mendes but also tracked down the hostages he had rescued and their descendants.

When Tony Mendes and the former hostages led the procession down the red carpet, they captivated the media. The story of a Hollywood crew executing a fraudulent yet heroic rescue had become legendary. Through Disney Studios' vigorous promotion, the incident was celebrated as a model of international rescue, elevating Tony Mendes to hero status, jointly crafted by Disney and the CIA.

As the group gathered in front of Chandler Hall for a photo op, security personnel were on high alert. The red carpet was flanked by hundreds of clowns with pale, oil-painted faces and bloody mouths, a haunting nod to the eerie atmosphere often seen in Hollywood thrillers. The Los Angeles Police Department had bolstered their presence, ensuring tighter security than at the "The Dark Knight Rises" premiere.

The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as one high-profile guest after another walked the red carpet. When Elon Musk appeared, accompanied by his girlfriend Amber Heard and ex-wife Talulah Riley, the buzz reached its peak. The presence of Musk, whose fame had skyrocketed, shocked fans and media alike.

A "People" magazine reporter muttered, "Rich people sure know how to make an entrance."

Next to him, a TMZ reporter quipped, "Word is, Musk and Martin are tight. Seems like all of Martin's friends are all playboys."

On the other side, a "Vanity Fair" reporter added, "Maybe having five or six beautiful lovers is the ticket into Martin's inner circle."

The surrounding reporters nodded in agreement. The extravagance and opulence of the rich and famous were both enviable and infuriating to ordinary onlookers. The wealth and resources these elites enjoyed seemed unattainable to the average person, who could only watch from the sidelines, envious and resentful.

A sleek black Escalade rolled to a stop in front of the bustling red carpet. Bruce stepped out first, his eyes scanning the crowd with a vigilant gaze. Satisfied with his quick assessment, he opened the back door with a nod.

Martin emerged, slipping his phone into his pocket. He'd just received a message from Robert confirming that the ceremony was complete. With a confident smile, he stepped into the sea of flashing cameras and strode forward.

The red carpet was flanked by a throng of clowns, their faces painted in eerie, exaggerated grins. They shouted in unison, their eyes lighting up as they caught sight of Martin, as if witnessing a deity. Martin waved at them briefly before moving into the area where the cult-like Coke enthusiasts gathered. He signed autographs, clinked Coke bottles, and shared a few laughs, relishing the momentary camaraderie.

Cheers erupted as Martin moved into the media zone in front of Chandler Hall. He gave a quick, engaging interview with the on-site host, then joined his fellow cast and crew members at the sponsor billboard for a group photo. The energy was electric, the anticipation palpable.

David Fincher approached the entrance of the hall, his eyes darting to the edges of the red carpet. "Fortunately, nothing happened," he remarked, relief evident in his voice.

Martin chuckled. "We can't always expect to run into lunatics and perverts."

Fincher cast a sidelong glance at him, a smirk playing on his lips. "Don't start associating me with those people," Martin protested.

"But they are indeed learning from you," Fincher quipped. "I worked with Jodie Foster, and she once mentioned Hinckley. Be careful, you might encounter a female Hinckley one day."

Martin laughed heartily. "David, is that a blessing or a curse?"

"Can that ever be a blessing?" Fincher asked with a wry smile.

Martin shrugged nonchalantly. "What if the female Hinckley is prettier than Nicole Kidman?"

Inside Chandler Hall, Alan Horn greeted them warmly and led them to the VIP room. The lounge was abuzz with early arrivals, all eagerly awaiting the premiere.

Martin made his way to Tony Mendes, shaking hands with the former hostages and their descendants, exchanging polite words. He had a knack for making these public moments feel personal and genuine.

After making the rounds, Martin spotted Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson deep in conversation with Elon Musk. The two Hollywood legends were engrossed in whatever Musk, the tech mogul, was saying. Musk's two female companions had drifted off to socialize elsewhere.

"They're still trying to make it in Hollywood," Musk said with a wry grin. "Building relationships, not as pure as me."

Martin laughed, shaking his head. "Pure, huh? Walking the carpet with two women at a time?"

Musk laughed heartily. "Jealous, are we? Think about my suggestion."

The camaraderie among them was clear, each jesting and ribbing the other, adding to the vibrant, expectant atmosphere of the premiere. The night was young, and the promise of "Argo" hung thick in the air, a testament to the collaboration and star power gathered within Chandler Hall.