Chapter 234: Enemies are everywhere

New York, renowned as the world's largest open-air studio, was about to be demolished Hollywood-style in a film production. The crew had opted for New York instead of Boston due to the promise of generous tax rebates, a compromise even for a director of Martin Scorsese's caliber.

The filming commenced at a studio located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens. In a meticulously crafted phone booth on the studio's exterior wall, Martin stood with a phone to his ear, delivering his lines with urgency. A sound engineer crouched outside, fine-tuning the recording microphone, keeping a low profile. Meanwhile, Director of Photography Michael operated the camera, gliding along the rails surrounding the phone booth to capture the scene.

"Cut!" Director Scorsese called out.

Martin gently placed the phone down and turned to face Scorsese, who approached with a wireless headset hanging around his neck. Scorsese offered constructive feedback, stating, "The tone isn't quite right, but the mood is there. I believe you can give it more."

It was Martin's first scene, and he hadn't fully settled into character yet. He inquired, "Should I try it again?"

Scorsese provided valuable insight, saying, "Pay attention to Colin and Frank's dynamic. Colin has been under Frank's influence since he was twelve; in a sense, Frank is like a father figure, and he's rather strict."

Martin listened attentively, demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

Scorsese continued, "During this period, Colin desires to break free from Frank's control, but he lacks the courage and action to do so."

Martin nodded, saying, "I understand."

With Scorsese's guidance, the scene was reset, and the filming resumed. Martin stepped back into the phone booth, picked up the receiver, and performed his one-man show. He portrayed the character with sincerity, yet his expression carried a hint of weariness and frustration, reflecting the constant pressure from the other side of the line.

"Cut! Well done!" Scorsese applauded Martin enthusiastically. "You managed to channel all the emotions and states. Let's do it once more!"

In his return to the gangster film genre, Martin found himself in the capable hands of a director who demanded excellence at every turn. Under Scorsese's encouraging praise, the scene was shot three more times, and Martin's performance improved with each take.

When Scorsese finally called a halt, Martin took a few deep breaths. Although he was familiar with the role of Two-Face, embodying it on camera was no easy feat.

Scorsese approached him and remarked, "When I worked with Robert De Niro for the first time on 'Mean Streets,' he wasn't as good as you." Whether it was encouragement or genuine assessment, Martin felt a surge of confidence. "Director, choosing me was undoubtedly one of the best decisions you've made for this film."

Scorsese nodded in agreement. "I look forward to seeing your performance." With a wave of his hand, he added, "Take a five-minute break before we shoot the next scene."

Instead of leaving the set, Martin moved to the next scene's set to familiarize himself with the choreography and lines. All of this diligence didn't escape Scorsese's keen eye, and while he didn't vocalize it, he knew he had made the right choice in casting Martin.

Meanwhile, not far from the set along the seaside, Warner Bros. project executive Daniel and crew producer Graham King relaxed under a sun umbrella, sipping coffee together.

Graham, adding sugar to his coffee, inquired, "I've heard the release date is set?"

Daniel responded, "It's premiering in North America during the Toronto Film Festival next September." He took a sip of his coffee and continued, "Given the substantial investment, there's significant pressure to recoup the expenses, so we need a solid promotional strategy."

Graham, however, had confidence in the appeal of Leonardo Gascorse. "Even if the box office doesn't fully cover the budget, the subsequent DVD and TV rights should yield a comfortable profit," he remarked.

Daniel concurred, acknowledging the star power of the cast. "No one doubts their appeal."

Graham added, "Jack Nicholson may be getting on in years, but he still commands a loyal following among older audiences, and Matt Damon is a strong asset."

Daniel offered a reminder, "And don't forget Martin Davis."

Graham admitted his near oversight. "Almost forgot about the newcomer. I recall he's been collaborating with Warner Bros. Can you share more details?"

Daniel summarized, "The results have been exceptional. Following the Burbank High School incident, the North American box office reached $115 million. While international screenings are concluding, the global box office stands at $207 million." Even a seasoned producer like Graham was impressed. "What a hit!"

Daniel couldn't help but smile. "DVD sales in North America alone have already reached $50 million, with Martin as the undisputed lead. His success and the film's popularity have extended to other countries. Consider 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,' for instance. Originally, Warner Bros. projected a North American box office of around $40 million, but we've already reached $72 million. Most of that extra success can be attributed to Martin."

Graham marveled, "He's turned out to be quite a find."

Daniel concluded, "Indeed he has." He shared some news about Martin's latest project, "Martin's new film, 'Wanted,' has just been roughly edited. Do you know our internal estimates?"

Graham was taken aback. "The rough cut has been screened already? Tell me more about the film's quality."

However, Daniel shook his head and remarked, "Unless the film's quality is exceptionally poor, given Martin's star power and Angelina Jolie's inclusion, surpassing $100 million in North America should not be a daunting task."

Graham inquired, "Does Warner Bros. have such confidence in him?"

Daniel pinpointed the crucial factor, saying, "It's not just about his exceptional acting skills; Martin always brings unexpected twists to publicity and marketing. For instance, the unconventional marketing strategies for 'House of Wax' and 'The Hills Have Eyes' were originally his ideas. 'Traveling Pants' directly benefited from the Burbank Middle School incident, which was yet another of his daring moves. I trust Martin's ability to stir things up. He's proven that three times in a row." He downed his cold coffee in one gulp and added, "In terms of promotion and marketing for this film, I have a feeling both Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson have been placed behind Leonardo, with Martin listed just behind him among the actors."

Graham considered, "Damon's appeal..."

Daniel interjected, "But he has too few roles."

Their casual conversation revealed a shared agreement on promotional and marketing strategies.

As the filming progressed until 11:30, the crew took a temporary break to grab lunch in the dining car.

Martin had his own rest trailer and enjoyed lunch there with Bruce.

Between bites, Bruce shared, "I found out that Matt Damon is coming to New York next week." He recalled another important detail, saying, "Mene will also arrive next week, and he's been trying hard with Allen. It's almost confirmed that Meryl Streep is the only one who's been with Jack Nicholson for decades."

Martin winced, his toothache bothering him. "Oscar-winning actress," he muttered.

Bruce held a different perspective, commenting on their channel, "I remember Meryl got married a long time ago and often boasts about being a devoted wife and mother. She seems to be leading a very fulfilling personal life. Now, I completely agree with your statement. Marriage is probably a nightmare for men in Hollywood."

Martin pondered for a moment and added, "From what I know, Meryl Streep and Harvey Weinstein share an unusual friendship."

Bruce stopped discussing irrelevant matters. "In that case, it's not surprising. With Harvey's resources, it wouldn't be difficult for him to uncover your connection to Sophia."

Martin further explained, "I turned down Weinstein's invitation; he wanted to use it to disrupt my audition for this film. It was probably meant for Damon."

Bruce offered a congratulatory remark, then quickly corrected himself. "Congratulations, no, it's congratulations to us." Bruce exhibited a high level of awareness. "Enemies are everywhere."

Martin didn't take it too seriously, using his two fingers to show a tiny gap, which he then reduced to just one centimeter. "Opportunities are scarce. If we don't fight for them, they won't come to us. Maybe I should return to Atlanta and work as a Striper."

Bruce offered practical advice, saying, "If you don't hold grudges, it's better to build relationships as quickly as possible."

Martin agreed, "Among the crew, the most significant roles belong to Leonardo, Old Jack, and... me." He grabbed an apple and spun it in his hand. "Leonardo will join the shoot this afternoon. I intend to ask him about the promised Victoria's Secret Angel."

Bruce was curious and wanted to be informed. "Have you decided on a party theme?"

Martin couldn't help but laugh. "I can come up with a hundred themes easily."

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Leonardo and Jack Nicholson arrived on the set one after the other.

The trio took turns filming their scenes.

Compared to Martin and the seasoned actor Nicholson, who had acclimated themselves well during the morning, Leonardo faced the most challenges with numerous NGs.

During a filming break, Nicholson sought out Scorsese and pointed at Martin, stating, "This guy is quite talented, just a step behind me."

Scorsese didn't mince words, saying, "At his age, he's a better actor than you were."

On the other side in the rest area, Martin approached Leonardo. "Leo, we've been in New York for two days. Where's the Victoria's Secret Angel you mentioned?"

Leonardo responded confidently, "It'll take a little time for word to spread about my arrival in New York. If everything goes smoothly, someone should contact us this afternoon." Then he asked Martin, "Have you finalized the theme?"

Martin nodded and inquired, "Yacht or villa?"

Leonardo favored the yacht option. "Let's go out to sea. It'll help us avoid those pesky paparazzi and entertainment reporters."

The two of them were engrossed in conversation when Jack Nicholson approached. "Have you forgotten something?"

Leonardo turned to Martin and asked for his opinion.

Martin quipped, "As long as there are enough beauties, I don't mind bringing this old rascal along." He acknowledged the elder actor's experience, stating, "Old Jack, you must follow my lead when it comes to deciding the party theme."

Nicholson grinned devilishly. "We've already exhausted all the tricks in our playbook back in the day. I'm curious to see what you've got. What new tricks have you come up with?"

At that moment, an assistant approached Leonardo and informed him, "Ms. Naomi called. She'd like to have dinner with you tonight."

Leonardo requested, "Ask her to invite a few more people to join us. Mention that I'd like to attend with the great American hero, Martin Davis."

Nicholson grew impatient and playfully nudged Leonardo's arm.

Leonardo added, "And a certain old rascal named Jack Nicholson."