Chapter 533: Masked Party

After a brief hiatus of a week, the bustling energy of the film set returned as the crew officially resumed filming. The morning sun bathed the set in a golden hue, casting long shadows of the equipment. Martin, a pivotal actor in the production, was a whirlwind of efficiency, completing his remaining scenes in just one brisk morning.

The atmosphere on set was one of cautious normality. Crew members moved with a renewed sense of purpose, yet an undercurrent of tension lingered.

Bruce, the assistant director, had been conducting discreet inquiries. He'd spoken to each prop master in hushed tones, his brow furrowed in concern. Despite his efforts, like the LAPD, he found no significant leads. The consensus among the crew was that nothing out of the ordinary had occurred on the day in question.

To ensure safety, the LAPD assigned an officer to shadow the production, a silent guardian against any further mishaps.

As the day progressed, Martin emerged from his trailer, his makeup removed, revealing the exhaustion beneath. Ellen Page, vibrant and eager, was waiting for him outside. Her eyes sparkled as she greeted him, "Martin, I've just heard something you've got to know."

Martin, raising an eyebrow, replied with a hint of a smile, "Sounds like it's going to be good news."

Ellen's enthusiasm was palpable. "You won't believe it. The production team just got word—the firefighter's insurance company has pulled their services from Tom Hardy, at least until the LAPD wraps up their investigation."

In the world of A-listers like Tom Cruise or Leonardo DiCaprio, the lack of insurance coverage might not deter a production. They were big enough names to override such concerns. Martin, reflecting on his own rising trajectory in the industry, considered the possibilities for negotiation.

But for someone like Tom Hardy, not yet a household name, being blacklisted by an insurance company could be a devastating blow to his career.

Martin, with a playful wink, cautioned, "Let's not get too excited. We're above such pettiness, remember?"

Ellen nodded, a mischievous grin on her face. "Of course, you're right," she said, her hand covering a chuckle. "But I can't help but feel a little giddy."

Later, during lunch, Martin found himself sharing a table with Nolan, the film's director. They discussed the upcoming Canadian shoot, a mere five-day schedule dedicated to capturing the perfect snow scenes.

Nolan, leaning in close, shared, "Canada's our last destination with Tom Hardy. The LAPD's keeping him in Los Angeles for now. Emma and I had to vouch for him to make the Canada shoot possible."

Martin, sipping his coffee, nodded. "There's something odd about this whole situation."

Nolan glanced around cautiously before whispering, "I have a hunch it's linked to the incident in Morocco."

Martin, understanding the gravity, added, "Ari, from WMA, hinted at a possible connection with Jewish forces behind the kidnapping."

Nolan's expression grew serious. "It's more than a possibility. I've been facing immense pressure from those quarters. They want the kidnappers back for trial."

Martin, with a gesture of helplessness, asked, "But will they actually face trial?"

Nolan shook his head, frustration evident in his tone. "No one believes that. These people are vengeful. I interfered with their plans, and now they're making me pay."

He sighed, a look of resignation on his face. "Even my agency, CAA, is pressuring me. They're all part of the same circle."

Seizing the moment, Martin mentioned, "Ari wants to have a word with you. Whenever you're free, he's waiting."

Their conversation, a blend of industry gossip and veiled concerns, continued as they delved into the intricacies of Hollywood's power dynamics, unaware of the twists the future held for them.

Nolan's laughter resonated through the bustling set, tinged with a hint of incredulity. "Change jobs, you say?" he quipped, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Martin, leaning against a stack of equipment, casually responded, "Just giving you a heads-up. The rest isn't my business."

Nolan, intrigued, requested Ari Emmanuel's contact details. Though not intent on switching agencies, he saw the merit in meeting Ari. He reflected on how today's CAA mirrored the old ways of the William Morris family, sometimes lacking in respect towards their clients.

Nolan recalled the early days of Michael Ovitz and Ron Meyer, who went to great lengths to please their clients, even resorting to clownish antics at gatherings.

The conversation shifted to Nolan's upcoming project as they walked towards a quieter part of the set. "We're nearing the end of 'Inception.' Jonathan's working on the script for the final part of the Batman trilogy—'The Dark Knight Rises.' But I'm torn about bringing the Joker back," Nolan confided.

Martin pondered for a moment. "If he's not the primary antagonist, maybe there's no need for a return."

Nolan nodded, appreciating Martin's insight. "Bane's the main villain. The Joker's role would be minor, almost unnecessary. Plus, I worry your portrayal of the Joker might overshadow our new villain."

He paused, looking thoughtful. "I planned to cast Tom Hardy as Bane, but given the current uncertainties, it's a risk."

Martin, recalling the original film, inquired, "Will it be a clash between two heroes?"

Nolan's eyes lit up with passion. "It's different this time. Bane will physically overpower Batman, much like in the comics."

Martin, engaging in the creative brainstorm, suggested, "If Bale continues as Batman, maybe consider a more physically imposing actor for Bane."

Nolan's slight nod showed his agreement.

After lunch, Martin excused himself from the set. In the car, Bruce, his manager, reflected on the recent events. "Good thing we stayed out of it, or you'd be facing the same pressures."

Martin sighed, gazing out at the Los Angeles skyline. "This industry is heavily influenced by certain powers. It's just how it is."

A few days later, the Los Angeles filming wrapped up without further incidents. The team, including Martin, headed to Calgary, Canada, to film the dream fortress scenes in the snow.

In Calgary, the crew had constructed a life-size wooden fortress at a ski resort, bustling with activity. Nolan opted for stunt doubles for the challenging ski fight scenes, a strategy that allowed for more complex action sequences.

Martin, familiar with the stuntmen Lewis and Buck, trusted them for the high-risk scenes. Despite the cold and exhaustion, Martin maintained a rigorous schedule between the set and the hotel.

Nolan, still wary of potential threats, had hired a security team for the crew's protection, his concerns about external forces never far from his mind.

After Canada, the cast and crew moved to Paris. The Parisian scenes, featuring Martin, Mene, and Ellen Page, were set in an outdoor cafe. The crew prepared for a complex sequence involving air cannons, designed to simulate the dream world's collapse around the actors.

Bruce, hands in pockets, observed the preparations with a vigilant eye, his presence a reassuring reminder of safety on set.

Martin emerged from his trailer, stepping into the meticulously crafted Parisian scene, and took his place at the cafe table, ready to bring the dream to life.

As the Parisian set buzzed with activity, Ellen Page approached and took a seat next to Martin. Her expression carried a hint of apprehension, a result of the recent on-set shooting incident.

"Is this scene going to involve explosions around us?" Ellen asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Martin, noticing her concern, reassured her with a smile. "Relax, the stunt team has done extensive tests. Emma Thomas and the team actually sat in our places last night to conduct explosion trials."

Ellen's tension visibly eased upon hearing this.

As the set came to life, Nolan approached, signaling the start of the shoot. The clapperboard snapped, and Martin and Ellen delved into a deep discussion about dreams, their chemistry making the scene flow effortlessly.

In the climactic moment, as their dream world began to collapse, air cannons hidden along the street erupted. Countless pieces of paper soared into the sky, creating a whirlwind of chaos. The nearest explosion was just half a meter behind them, adding a thrilling edge to the scene.

As the paper rained down, Nolan called "Cut!" His voice was filled with satisfaction. "Perfect take!"

Martin, catching a fluttering piece of paper, playfully borrowed a line from his character Cobb, "I never know when a dream starts, but every dream, every nightmare feels so real. So real that it blurs the line between what's happened and what's about to."

Ellen, slightly amused by his sudden philosophical turn, asked, "What brought that on?"

Martin grinned, "Well, there's a carnival party this weekend. Lots of actresses from the French film industry will be there."

Ellen's interest piqued. "Are you attending?"

"Isabelle Huppert invited me. I couldn't possibly miss it," Martin replied.

He shared that Mene had contacted Isabelle Huppert upon arriving in Paris. Huppert, disinterested in hosting a social event with the predominantly British crew, instead organized a special gathering for non-British actors like Martin and Mene.

Ellen, already familiar with Martin, inquired directly, "Can I join you?"

Martin, slightly surprised, replied, "You want to come?"

Ellen confessed, "I'm quite fond of French actresses."

"You're welcome to join," Martin said with a smile, adding playfully, "But don't steal anyone's attention from me."

"No worries," Ellen assured him, laughing.

The pair then moved to another set in a nearby block to continue filming. During a break, Menet approached with an update. "It's confirmed for Saturday night at Huppert's villa in the 16th arrondissement. It's a masked party. We're not the only guests; there will be French and Italian male stars and models too."

Martin, more interested in the guest list, asked, "Who's coming from France?"

"Isabelle has invited Eva Green, though she hasn't confirmed yet. And each guest needs to provide a recent health report," Mene informed him.

Martin nodded, accustomed to such precautions. "Sounds good. It's a sensible rule."

The atmosphere on set was a blend of professional focus and anticipatory excitement for the upcoming social event, creating a unique and dynamic environment.