Chapter 251: Preview

In the Burbank Theater, an audience of hundreds, including representatives from the media, theater managers, and ordinary movie fans, enjoyed a screening of "Wanted" on the big screen. This was a preview version, devoid of opening or ending credits.

Upstairs in a private room, Louise Meyer, back from her overseas vacation, felt a touch of nervousness. Pacific Pictures, like Gray Pictures, had invested all the profits from "The Hills Have Eyes" into this film. Louise couldn't bear another tragedy like "Alexander the Great."

Martin, seated on a sofa, watched her pacing back and forth and teasingly remarked, "Honey, you're making me dizzy."

Louise adjusted her women's suit and pushed up her black-rimmed glasses, responding, "If I mess this up, I'll invest in South Korea and Japan."

Martin nonchalantly quipped, "Isn't raising pigs just for eventually slaughtering them?"

Gunshots echoed in the theater as the scene froze on Martin, marking the end of the preview screening.

The back rows of the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause, with many shouting, "Cool!" The film's standout feature was undoubtedly its action scenes.

The theater managers also joined in the applause, recognizing the film's strong commercial appeal and audience-friendly nature. It was the type of movie that pleased the masses and ensured profitability.

However, the media reporters and film critics had a more subdued reaction.

Todd McCarthy of "The Hollywood Reporter" frowned, pondering, "Martin is undeniably talented, so why did he choose to star in another film that prioritizes being cool and handsome?" He added, "Nevertheless, he performed quite well."

Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times had a different perspective, noting, "The transformation of the male lead from a loser to an avenger was executed skillfully, earning a score of 65." Todd McCarthy nodded in agreement, "True."

Kenneth Turan continued, "Angelina Jolie's performance was far superior, though. Jolie... It's challenging to be an actor without peace of mind."

Recalling what Martin had shared about his next project, Kenneth remarked, "Actors must make a living, and business and art aren't always at odds. Martin's next film is Scorsese's 'The Departed,' and both Scorsese and Nicholson have high praise for him."

McCarthy concurred, "It suggests that he's a young actor with artistic aspirations."

After the preview, the general audience completed questionnaires and exited the theater first. Media reporters and critics then gathered in an adjacent lounge, where the crew presented them with gifts.

Martin joined the crew and creative team to bid farewell to the attendees.

Soon, they compiled various statistics and, half an hour later, convened in the theater's office. Louise, Daniel, Martin, and director Leterrier gathered for a post-screening discussion.

Louise prompted, "There are no outsiders here, so let's begin."

Daniel, representing the studio, shared the test audience statistics, stating, "The average audience score is an A."

Martin nodded in satisfaction, "A promising start."

Daniel continued, "The theater managers gave it an average score of A+!"

Louise couldn't hide her delight, exclaiming, "It seems our film scheduling won't be problematic. We can aim for 3,000 theaters, right?"

Daniel, brimming with confidence, responded, "Despite the R-rating, given today's theaters and the positive test screening reception among managers, we can confidently aim for 3,300 theaters."

Louise then inquired, "What about the film critics and media?"

Daniel glanced at the reviews and replied, "It's generally positive, with mostly favorable and a few mixed reviews."

With his executive producer title, Martin had a say in many matters. He asked, "Can we kickstart word-of-mouth marketing?"

Daniel agreed, "Absolutely. Let's start today."

A film's reputation hinged not only on its quality but also on effective marketing. Even a so-so movie could be touted as a masterpiece with clever promotion.

Louise breathed a sigh of relief and, as she was about to leave, approached Martin, asking, "Are you coming over to my place tonight?"

Martin had initially planned to take a break and give himself a night off, but it seemed he was headed for another car chase. With a sigh, he replied, "No need to wait. Let's go now."

Louise was decisive, saying, "Great, let's get in the car."

Martin glanced at Bruce, who was on a phone call and shook his head slightly. The two discreet bodyguards didn't notice the paparazzi tailing them, waiting for a scoop.

Martin took the wheel of Louise's Mercedes, and as they drove past the Olsen sisters' house with its closed door, he inquired, "Have they moved?"

Louise explained, "No, they're all on vacation in New York."

Upon arriving at Louise's mansion in the southern slopes of Sherman Oaks, Louise wasted no time in calling Kelly Gray.

Rotten Tomatoes promptly lifted the ban, awarding the film an impressive 84% freshness rating.

MTC also revealed the film's comprehensive media score of 75 points. This marked a substantial positive media reception, particularly for an R-rated action movie.

In fact, even before the screening, the media's reputation often served as a preliminary gauge for a film's quality. Movies that release various ratings and reviews early after test screenings tend to fare well.

On the flip side, films that wait until Rotten Tomatoes and MTC release their ratings after the film's US release run a higher risk of being perceived as subpar. Hollywood excels at manipulating reviews to its advantage.

As a result, "Wanted" received an influx of positive comments in traditional print media and across the internet. Entertainment Weekly published a glowing article with a bold headline: "Wanted Is Undoubtedly One of the Best Action Films This Year!" Similar articles appeared online, proclaiming "Wanted" as Martin Davis' finest action flick.

Kenneth Turan, in the Los Angeles Times, praised the film: "I believe 'Wanted' has set a new standard for visceral aesthetics. Martin Davis's performance has consistently been outstanding, masterfully depicting the character's transformation from vulnerability to explosiveness."

Even Jolie featured the "Wanted" poster during her appearance on Oprah's talk show, where two enthusiastic women embraced in the background.

In anticipation of the film's release, Martin and the crew embarked on a series of road shows, visiting universities, including the University of California and the University of Chicago, as well as Las Vegas. He often brought Blake along for public outings and displays of affection, garnering attention for the movie.

Every bit of exposure the lead actors received and every ounce of attention generated could potentially translate into box office success after the film's release. The hero-and-virgin pairing held considerable appeal, especially in North America.

At the end of October, the North American Theater Alliance announced that "Wanted" would open in a whopping 3,350 theaters. The theaters showed unwavering optimism about the film's box office prospects.

On Martin's blog, fan groups led by Jessica and Emily rallied supporters, encouraging them to head to theaters as soon as the film was released. Jolie had also won over a significant following over the past six months, further boosting the film's potential at the box office. Even Morgan Freeman's presence held appeal, especially among middle-aged and older audiences.

Hollywood's well-established operating model allowed for a film's success or failure to be largely determined before its release. "Wanted" had received nothing but positive signals from the market.

...

Grapevine Manor Bar was sparsely populated as the evening had yet to fully descend.

Upon entering, Brad Pitt spotted Matt Damon, his co-star from the Ocean's movie series, seated at the bar with a drink in hand.

Pitt strode over, pulled up a high stool, and asked, "Why are you here alone?"

Damon turned to him and replied, "I just felt like having a drink, so I came. What about you?"

Pitt ordered a drink from the bartender and raised his glass to Damon, saying, "I'm a content bachelor now."

Curious, Damon inquired, "Did Jolie really break up with you?"

Pitt pointed to the TV screen, which was airing an interview with Angelina Jolie discussing refugees, children, and war with deep empathy, like a living embodiment of the Virgin Mary.

Damon watched for a moment and then said, "I've heard some unsettling rumors."

Perplexed, Pitt asked, "Rumors?"

"About Jolie and Martin Davis," Damon succinctly explained. "They worked together on 'Wanted,' and many people say that during filming, something happened between Jolie and Martin..."

He shrugged, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Pitt understood what Damon meant and admitted, "There have been rumors in the gossip media." Reflecting on Jolie's transformation and assertiveness, he added, "It's more than just rumors; it seems."

Damon offered some consolation, saying, "Well, we're not short on options in the dating department. The next one will be better."

Pitt glanced up at the TV screen, where the "Wanted" poster featuring Martin and Jolie was prominently displayed, and commented, "Quite the pair!" Comparatively more conservative in matters of romance, Damon couldn't resist teasing, "Are you talking about yourself?"

Pitt mused softly, "I became a stepping stone for Jolie's publicity stunt, helping her rebound from a losing streak."

Damon pointed at the TV series, remarking, "Now, it looks like they're succeeding again."

Pitt secretly hoped that "Wanted" would flop at the box office, but given the current situation, it appeared unlikely.

At this moment, Damon said, "I don't particularly like Martin Davis; I hope their film tanks."

The film was distributed by Warner Bros., and Pitt's major partner was Warner. All he could do was raise his glass and clink it with Damon, saying, "I wish them the best!"

Damon mentioned a forthcoming party, hosted by Harvey Weinstein and attended by Ben Affleck and himself, along with Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. He extended an invitation to Pitt, saying, "If you're interested, you can join us."

Upon hearing Quentin's name, Pitt's interest was piqued, and he agreed, "I'll be there."