Chapter 323: Pursuing Art

In Beverly Hills, at the Windsor Castle Restaurant, a waiter placed a selection of exquisite dishes in front of the two customers seated in a booth.

Kenneth Turan, the renowned Los Angeles critic, neatly fastened his napkin and gazed at Martin from across the table. "This place doesn't come cheap."

Martin, equally preparing his napkin, responded, "When old friends get together, it's only fitting to share a meal."

In truth, Kenneth Turan was quite pleased with Martin's choice of a restaurant where a single meal could cost nearly $1,000. It was a sign of respect, which he appreciated.

After all, for the top film critic in Los Angeles, what was the style of dining on the street?

Martin had specifically invited Kenneth to dinner with a clear purpose, and he had done his homework. "I'll never forget your guidance and support."

Kenneth waved his hand modestly, saying, "It's not really guidance; just a few movie reviews."

However, when Martin set his mind on something, he could be as shameless as they come, with a skin as thick as a rock mantle. "When I first arrived in Hollywood, I was like a lost soul. I had no standards for selecting roles. Fortunately, luck was on my side, and the success of both 'The Hills Have Eyes' films allowed me to gain a foothold in Hollywood. Even better, I had the privilege of meeting you."

Kenneth pondered, reminiscing as if he had discussed films with Martin after the premiere of "The Hills Have Eyes." He remembered Martin saying, "Your words helped me chart my course. While actors should have artistic aspirations, I had no foothold at the time, so I needed to secure my livelihood first."

Kenneth nodded in understanding, saying, "It's only logical. By prioritizing your basic needs and living without financial worries, you can concentrate more on your art."

Martin continued, "I've never forgotten the artistic pursuits of an actor. So, even when faced with numerous challenges, I continued to strive for the role in Martin Scorsese's 'The Departed.' I spent half a year perfecting my Boston accent, nearly a month experiencing life in the Boston Police Department, shadowing detectives to arrest gangsters and traffickers. In the end, I impressed Director Scorsese."

Kenneth acknowledged Martin's dedication. "That's the way an actor should be. You've done an excellent job. Your performance in the film shines because of your meticulous preparation."

Martin recounted, "Yes, it was an extraordinary experience. I've learned so much in the past two years. Working closely with Scorsese, Jack Nicholson, and other seasoned professionals has elevated my performance and improved my acting skills."

Kenneth, having seen the film, complimented him, "Your role in 'The Departed' surpasses any of your previous work. You've made remarkable progress, even outshining Leonardo."

Martin, in his pursuit of excellence, responded, "I sense the growth and upward trajectory, so I don't want to stop. I've taken on the lead role in a pure literary film directed by Sam Mendes, with Kate Winslet co-starring. It's 'The Reader.'"

Kenneth, who had kept an eye on relevant information, remarked, "Sam is one of the finest mainstream art directors. Since 'Titanic,' Kate has steered clear of commercial films and concentrated on art. With your dedication, recognition will come sooner or later."

Martin praised his co-stars, "They are exceptional artists. My role in 'The Reader' spans from age 16 to over 50, which is incredibly challenging. As I aged in the role, Sam and Kate helped me master this transformation."

Kenneth was somewhat surprised, "The character's age range is quite extensive?"

Martin affirmed, "Yes, it covers a wide range. Thanks to the guidance and assistance of two extraordinary artists, I could navigate this complex character."

Impressed, Kenneth added, "On set, working alongside Sam and Kate deepened my understanding of what it means to be an artist and what performance art entails. I learned the price that remarkable artists are willing to pay for the sake of film art."

Martin expressed his admiration, "I've come to understand what true artists are, what performance art is, and what extraordinary artists are willing to sacrifice for the sake of film art through my interactions with Sam and Kate."

Kenneth, acknowledging Martin's ambition and dedication, offered encouragement. "Martin, you're doing exceptionally well, and you'll catch up with them one day."

Martin, ever the realist, admitted, "Compared to Sam and Kate, I'm still far behind. I sometimes feel like I can never catch up."

However, Kenneth felt it was his duty to provide encouragement to this ambitious young man. "But you're working hard, and you're making progress!"

Martin nodded vigorously, but he refrained from promising that he would achieve what Sam and Kate had accomplished. Some things were beyond even his extraordinary dedication and zeal.

Artists, he understood, were a breed apart.

Throughout the meal, they enjoyed a pleasant conversation, chatting and laughing.

Once the bill was paid by Martin, he didn't accompany Kenneth Turan when he left. Kenneth was careful about his public appearances during the awards season and preferred not to be photographed dining with celebrities.

Ten minutes after Kenneth had departed, Martin accessed the mall through another entrance to the restaurant and made his way down to the underground parking lot. There, Bruce, with Thomas, was waiting, having arrived precisely on time.

Upon getting into the car, Martin asked, "Have you eaten?"

Thomas inquired with concern, "You've already finished your meal. How did the conversation go?"

Martin directly shared the outcome, "I'm an actor with artistic aspirations, and Kenneth Turan appreciates that very much."

Thomas let out a relieved sigh and expressed, "Among all the Film Critics Association Awards, the ones that truly matter are the two major film critics in Los Angeles and New York. Over 70% of Oscar judges reside in these two cities, and their attention is primarily focused on news from here in Los Angeles. We might not have control in New York, but we need to take the initiative here."

Martin chimed in, "The Hollywood Reporter's film critic, Todd McCarthy, has already covered it. At least my reputation in mainstream Los Angeles media won't be negatively affected."

Bruce, participating in the awards competition for the first time, couldn't help but sigh, "This is much more complex than I thought. Before coming to Los Angeles, I assumed the Oscars were all about voting for roles and movie quality, but it's completely different."

Thomas explained, "Nearly everyone vying for heavyweight Oscar awards or even nominations is heavily invested in public relations and marketing. If we don't do the same, we won't even be considered for a nomination."

Martin simplified it, saying, "Think of it like a Hollywood-style political campaign in Washington."

Bruce nodded in agreement, "Thankfully, we've already done our groundwork."

Thomas lowered his voice and revealed, "In the past two years, we've been actively engaging with them, expressing our thoughts many times. Now, with exceptional works and characters, the credibility of critics holds more weight than the stars."

Meanwhile, Kenneth Turan attended the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

As a columnist for Los Angeles' largest newspaper, and with good relationships with senior film critics like Todd McCarthy, he held significant influence in the association.

The awards season had begun, offering critics like them a chance to shine.

Six prominent film critics from various Los Angeles media outlets gathered to discuss next month's Film Critics Association Awards.

One suggested, "Little Miss Sunshine is a great movie..."

Todd McCarthy countered, "But such a film can't secure the Best Picture award after all it's a comedy."

Others nodded in agreement, acknowledging Little Miss Sunshine's quality but not its suitability for awards. Critics seemed to be puzzled.

Another person added, "Both The Departed and Queen Elizabeth are excellent, with the former being better. Scorsese hasn't delivered such a masterpiece since 'Goodfellas.' Both Martin and Jack Nicholson shine in it. The latter opted out of the awards season competition, while the former, being relatively new, chose to compete for Best Supporting Actor."

A young film critic named Justin remarked, "That's a wise choice. Technically, he's only been in the industry for three years. A fellow actor who arrived in Los Angeles around the same time was still an extra. He lacks the support of a well-established family or godfather and isn't Jewish."

Kenneth Turan cleared his throat, signaling that some things shouldn't be discussed in person.

Justin quickly corrected himself, "He's incredibly fortunate to be here today. He's clear-headed and knows how to make strategic decisions."

Kenneth Turan added, "From what I know, Martin Davis replaced Sam Gate and starred in an art film called 'The Reader,' where he portrayed a character aging from 16 to over 50. It's an incredible time span. I spoke to Sam today, and he was thoroughly impressed with Martin's performance!"

Todd McCarthy responded, "Sam is a director with artistic inclinations. He's won an Oscar for Best Director and has worked with many talented actors. His judgment holds weight. Martin Davis must have delivered another compelling performance."

Another seasoned film critic noted, "Commercial films have often lured talents away from artistic pursuits. Martin Davis has successfully balanced both, which is quite commendable for a young actor."

Kenneth Turan concluded, "Encouraging young talents to pursue artistic endeavors is a positive thing. We've been trying to prevent over-commercialization in Hollywood. Such individuals with a passion should be supported."

Todd McCarthy agreed, "I concur."

The two influential critics had spoken, leaving the others with little to add.

The Film Critics Association Awards set themselves apart by having less public exposure. The results were determined through internal voting and later announced.

Kenneth Turan emphasized, "The ballots have been distributed to all association members. Make sure to communicate effectively and strive to reveal the results next week. We've always been ahead of other film critics associations, and we can't afford to lag behind New York."

In the United States, there are three major Film Critics Association Awards, and only the third one is officially decided. The first and second positions are yet to be determined.

In late November, after the Gotham Independent Awards were handed out, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association announced the Association Awards results in the Los Angeles Times.

"The Departed" secured two awards, with Scorsese taking the Best Director title and Martin winning Best Supporting Actor.