Chapter 369: Elena's Homework

In Atlanta, at the Gray Film and Television Production Center, the crew prepared for the filming of "The Dark Knight." They rented seven studios, three of which were large, and the remaining four were small, to create the film's settings.

Most of the scenes depicting Gotham Street were shot on Highland and Peachtree Streets. Originally, director Nolan wanted to shoot in Chicago and London, but Warner and Legendary signed a long-term contract with the Gray Film and Television Center, leading to their choice of location.

In Studio 6, the crew had already begun filming. The scene featured Martin, who sat atop a mountain of banknotes, playfully tearing some into colorful shreds that fluttered down like petals.

Several crew members arrived and added prop gasoline to the mix. Martin, holding a lighter, ignited it, extinguished it, and then reopened it. With a grand gesture, he declared, "This city stinks, and I'll turn it into a place of joy."

Just then, the gang leader entered and demanded, "You promised to return my money!"

Martin reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll keep my word." He chuckled and opened his arms, saying, "Half of this is mine."

The gang leader moved towards the money, but Martin's swift hand turned the lighter into a gleaming silver pistol. He raised his finger on the other hand, playfully shaking it, and stated, "I'm known for keeping my word!"

The gang leader, driven by greed, gazed at the mountain of money.

Martin agilely leaped down and the banknotes scattered like quicksand.

The gang leader insisted, "I don't care about your half; you must give me mine."

Martin grinned madly, "Of course, I'll give it to you. I'll use it to cleanse your soul. You've been tainted by this city's stench, and my mind has gone astray."

The gang leader attempted to move, but Martin pointed his gun at him. In a flash, he struck the leader's head with the gun's butt, causing him to tumble into a pile of banknotes.

Before anyone could react, Martin swiftly shot the leader in both legs with his backhand, saying, "I keep my word; you'll be with your money forever."

The gun vanished from his hand, replaced by a lighter, as he declared, "The flames will bring freedom to the city, and fireworks will announce an improved taste throughout."

Director Nolan interrupted, shouting to reshoot the scene and asking Martin to do better.

Martin's lighter twirled in his fingers, and he cheerfully said, "No problem." His eerie laughter sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Martin stood still on the set, and everyone gave him a wide berth due to his unsettling demeanor.

Half an hour later, the set was ready again. Martin climbed the banknote mountain, and they resumed filming. After three consecutive shots, director Nolan approved the scene, which ended in a spectacular fire.

In the rest area, Martin took a sip from a kettle and commented, "Burning money is thrilling, but it's a shame it's fake." Bruce suggested, "You have millions; you could convert it to cash and have a bonfire in your yard."

Martin suggested humorously, "Let's burn down the Federal Reserve."

Bruce warned, "You might get away with blowing up the White House and taking out the commander-in-chief, but attacking the Federal Reserve is a one-way ticket to disaster."

An elderly man, accompanied by his step-granddaughter, greeted Martin. Martin grinned at Morgan Freeman. Adina was startled and hid behind Freeman.

Freeman reassured her and said, "Martin, you frightened her."

Martin responded, "My intention was to make people happy."

Freeman remarked, "Your approach to bringing happiness is quite unique."

Martin toned down his grin and said, "Sometimes it's better to enjoy life with a touch of sadness."

Freeman agreed and looked at his step-granddaughter, asking, "Could you teach me how to find joy?"

Martin smiled slightly, saying, "You're my teacher in that regard."

Freeman changed the subject and noted, "After several days of filming, I've realized the Joker has more scenes than Batman."

Martin explained, "We're both protagonists, but Batman stands for justice, and I represent chaos and evil."

Freeman corrected him, saying, "It's the Joker."

Martin acknowledged, "Yes, it's the Joker."

Freeman, who had been in the previous film, commented, "Not only are there more scenes, but Batman's power seems to have been reduced."

Martin casually explained, "To emphasize the Joker, they had to limit Batman. The Joker acts without restraints, knowing Batman won't kill him."

Freeman understood, "So, the director restricted Batman to highlight the Joker."

This was a collision between justice and evil. Soon, Martin was back on set, filming scenes where the Joker tangled with gangsters.

From the Joker's perspective, the Gotham gangsters involved in money-driven crimes displayed a lack of sophistication.

After concluding a day of filming, Martin beckoned to the screenwriter who trailed him and extended his hand, saying, "Hand over the notebook, let me take a look." The screenwriter promptly placed the notebook in Martin's hand.

As Martin perused it, he added, "In addition, while deeply immersed in the clown role, I suddenly found that Christian Bale, dressed formally like a justice angel, felt out of place. It's as if he carried the character's grievances into reality." The screenwriter swiftly jotted this down.

However, when Martin glanced back, he had already distanced himself. It was puzzling; Martin was evidently not trapped in his role and remained clear-headed. There appeared to be a clear distinction between the character and the person.

After removing his makeup and preparing to get into his car, Martin spotted Christian Bale. Being "good friends" on the crew, Martin took the initiative to invite, "If you're free tonight, I'll take you to a nightclub in Atlanta."

Among the bustling crew members, Christian Bale appeared amiable and inquired, "Any good spots?"

Martin beamed, "Let's go to a club."

Hart, Carrington, and other crew members who had become famous and seldom appeared on stage anymore, were now involved in teaching students. During a recent dinner, it had been revealed that there were homosexual students among them.

Bale decided to avoid any potential risks, considering this was where Martin had built his fortune. He responded, "Let's do it another day. I've scheduled a meeting with Michael Caine to discuss roles and scenes." Martin didn't insist, stating, "You can join anytime you have the time." They bid farewell, and Christian Bale headed into the studio.

Martin left the studio and made his way to the Northville community. Cadillac had generously provided the crew's vehicles. A black Escalade was parked in front of Carter's house. Martin hesitated at the door, taking a closer look at the ordinary yard with green grass, seemingly nothing out of the ordinary.

He boisterously called out, "Hall, come on out!" The door squeaked open, and Hall, almost as tall as Harris, stepped out, inviting them in to enjoy the meal Elena had prepared.

As Martin gestured ahead, he playfully challenged Hall about the lack of creativity in the yard. Hall responded, "I'm not that bored anymore."

Martin mischievously hinted at the potential consequences, causing Hall to quickly retreat, given his upbringing under strict discipline.

Entering the house without incident, Martin playfully teased, "I never expected an 'idiot' like you to have a brain!" Placing the gift he had brought on the table, he inquired about Elena's whereabouts.

Elena emerged from the kitchen with authority, directing, "Dinner will be ready shortly. Now, you two 'idiots' go wash your hands and faces."

Just as Martin was about to depart, Elena added, "Your smile is rather unsightly, put it away, or I might be provoked to act and break your teeth and cause you smile to disappear."

Hall humorously muttered, "He smiles like a pervert."

After washing up, Martin returned to find a dinner predominantly consisting of meat, accompanied by vegetables and fruits. Hall commented, "You haven't cooked for a while. Martin's presence makes a difference."

Elena, sticking to her usual style, instructed Hall to quiet down. Hall proceeded to eat and mumbled, "It's better to be Lily; she's free in Los Angeles."

Upon hearing Lily's name, Elena looked at Martin and asked, "That 'idiot' didn't even call. How is she doing?"

Martin assured her, "She's doing very well. No one dares to bully her."

Elena remarked, "I've never worried about her getting bullied."

Hall chimed in, "She's only kind if she refrains from bullying others."

Martin continued nodding and stated, "Lily found a job as an engraver on the crew. She's earning quite a bit. I guess you won't need to worry about tuition for the upcoming school year." Elena suggested, "Have her return during the summer break. If she doesn't, you can escort her to the airport." Martin casually agreed.

Given the sisters' tough-love dynamic, Martin preferred not to get involved in their interactions. Elena went to the refrigerator, retrieved a cocktail, and placed it in front of Martin, saying, "I've made a new cocktail. You can give it a try."

Martin took a sip and commented, "The taste is quite popular." Elena explained, "One of Coca-Cola's manufacturers is gearing up to launch a new bottled cocktail, and only popular flavors will sell."

Upon finishing his drink, Martin acknowledged Elena's expertise in the subject. Following dinner, Martin sent Hall to his room on the first floor to complete his homework.

He then took Elena's hand and proceeded to the second floor. The leader of the Cola Cult was to review Saint's homework.