Chapter 316: Story Of The Cow

Movie enthusiasts were left in awe as media reporters frantically snapped photos.

At the front of the red carpet, Martin, Leonardo, and Nicholson led a docile elderly cow toward the theater.

With a wide grin, sunglasses donned, Nicholson strolled the red carpet, presenting a cow to his director's old friend. It was the first time he had such a fun experience.

Leonardo observed Martin and concluded that only a true rascal could pull off such a bizarre act.

Martin took the lead, guiding the cow down the middle of the red carpet, waving to the excited onlookers.

The surrounding fans erupted in ear-piercing cheers.

Reporters lining both sides of the red carpet seemed almost manic, capturing the spectacle.

Leonardo commented, "We're going to dominate the headlines in North American entertainment."

Nicholson, always up for a bit of fun, added, "I agree! Martin, you've had enough of the limelight; it's my turn."

He seized the reins from Martin and proclaimed, "It's time for me!"

As Nicholson took over the reins, Martin approached the gathering of the Coke Cult members. He took a can of Coke from Bruce, who had been following him, opened it, and raised it high.

Nearby, hundreds of people raised their Cokes and chanted in unison, "Coke God Cult, Forever!"

Another voice joined in, "The leader is mighty!" and hundreds of voices echoed, "The leader is mighty!"

At the entrance of the Yasun Theater, Warner's Daniel turned to producer Graham and remarked, "Did you see that? This is the Coca-Cola Cult's leader."

Graham nodded, acknowledging, "There's quite a following."

Daniel added, "Indeed. For this film, we conducted market research and estimated that Martin alone can boost the film's opening-week box office by over $5 million."

Graham had reviewed relevant reports and offered his perspective, "In my view, among male stars in the post-80s generation, Martin possesses one of the strongest commercial appeals, if not the strongest."

Daniel stressed, "Martin's value isn't only seen in his commercial appeal."

When Graham noticed the reporters going wild, he commented, "The news angle has presented itself."

Daniel flashed a happy smile.

The three mischievous actors, escorting a cow, continued their triumphant march through the city, approaching the media area and a specially arranged platform in front of the theater.

Al Pacino, rubbing his chin, remarked, "This doesn't seem like Leonardo and Nicholson's style."

Robert De Niro concurred, "It must be Martin." He looked at Scorsese and quipped, "Get ready, your guys are bringing you a cow."

Scorsese straightened his tie and replied, "Why a cow."

On the other side, Nicholson increased his pace and led the cow to Scorsese. An assemblage of reporters gathered around.

Nicholson spoke loudly, "A few days ago, you mentioned enjoying coaching cows for performances. The three of us procured the most obedient cow overnight. Now, on behalf of the trio, I officially present you with a cow. You can co-star with it."

Scorsese accepted the gift with a chuckle, took the reins, hugged his old buddy Nicholson, and summoned Martin and Leonardo, saying, "Come over, let's take a photo together."

Martin and Leonardo joined Scorsese, and the four of them stood in front of the sponsor's backdrop, posing with the cow.

Scorsese later granted an interview, joking, "This gift is truly precious. I'll bring it back to the United States, direct its acting, and show these three jokers what it means to be an actor who listens to the director's instructions."

The three Martins chuckled merrily.

Meanwhile, inside the theater, Matt Damon observed this scene through the glass window. Since the New York filming, he had been excluded from the core of the crew.

The concept of the Bastard Trio was initiated by Martin Davis.

Matt Damon couldn't penetrate that circle, but he had formed his own.

"Let's go," he said to the manager at his side. "Let's enter the theater and await the screening."

The manager added, "I've just communicated with Graham, and the crew requested you for 'The Bourne Supremacy' shoot. Missing most of the publicity isn't a major issue."

Matt Damon replied, "I'm not a central figure." He turned and inquired, "Has the crew and Warner Bros. decided to submit Martin Davis for Best Supporting Actor nomination?"

"Yes, it's confirmed," the manager replied, sharing the information he had gathered. "It's said that in order to ensure his nomination, Leonardo relinquished his role in this film to vie for Best Actor with another movie, 'Blood Diamond.'"

Matt Damon nodded in understanding.

In the media area, reporters had surrounded the three Martins.

Martin, taking his turn for an interview, delivered the scripted lines, showing no concern about clashing with others, "I've experienced life on the streets of the Boston Police Department, which has been invaluable. I genuinely love this character. Before filming, Director Scorsese told me that as long as I read the lines from the script, I could interpret the role however I pleased."

Ten minutes later, with the assistance of the crew's public relations team, the creative staff made their way through the media swarm toward the entrance of the Ryerson Theater.

"Moo..."

A distant cow's lament echoed through the air.

Martin swiveled around, and there, amidst the crowd, stood the placid old cow, unmistakably conspicuous. The creature gazed longingly at the retreating figures, its mournful moo almost questioning why it had been abandoned.

Someone would soon come to claim the cattle and have them shipped to the United States. Scorsese had a ranch where it'd be easy to accommodate the cow.

The red carpet segment of the premiere concluded at this point. Many online media reporters swiftly exited the scene, locating a makeshift office nearby. Armed with laptops and wireless network cards, they hastened to upload news and photos from the premiere to the internet.

The moment this news hit the web, it garnered widespread attention.

Inside the theater hall, the crew and creative staff arrived at the front row amidst applause. The auditorium, capable of accommodating thousands, was now fully occupied.

Guests, reporters, critics, columnists, and international buyers had congregated, occupying the first ten rows, which constituted nearly half of the seats. The remaining half was occupied by ordinary movie fans.

Before taking their seats, Scorsese glanced over his shoulder. His long directing career had made it hard for him to feel nervous, but he still harbored hopes for the film, especially at the Oscars.

Scorsese had grand ambitions, shifting from biopics made for awards to return to the gangster films he excelled at. Many people may claim they don't care about the Oscars, but in this industry and environment, very few truly felt indifferent.

As Leonardo put it, after acquiring wealth, beauty, and material comfort, one would inevitably seek other pursuits.

Martin sat between Nicholson and Leonardo, fidgeting slightly. He took out his cell phone, and a glance revealed an unread text message from Robert: "The ceremony has concluded; don't worry."

Martin muted the sound and vibrations of his phone before slipping it back into his pocket. The ritual of seeking luck had been upheld for several years. Each time it was performed, Martin found smooth sailing when securing roles and film screenings, and he had no intention of giving it up.

Leonardo suddenly whispered, "According to Warner Bros.' estimates, this film might become one of my highest-grossing films, apart from 'Titanic.'"

Martin responded, "I remember you're one of the investors. If it generates significant profits, you're treating me to a three-day, three-night escapade."

Leonardo inquired, "You also invested in the project, and it seems the capital came from Asia. Why didn't we see that investor today?"

Martin understood and replied, "Wu Maoting can enter the United States, but Canada denied his entry. Pacific Pictures and my studio will receive him in Los Angeles."

Nicholson then interrupted their conversation, donning the demeanor of a boss, "The show's about to begin. Let's talk less and maintain silence. In my day, you'd have been bashed by your brothers for chattering."

Martin couldn't be bothered with a reply and shifted his gaze to the big screen.

This was a gritty gangster film steeped in American street culture. Perhaps due to preconceptions, even though he was involved in the production, Martin still believed the Hong Kong version was superior.

It might be that the refreshing Hong Kong rendition evoked a clean, stylish, even philosophical, romantic, and poetic ambiance, rich with oriental nuances.

In contrast, the film crafted by Scorsese was distinctly American street-oriented, characterized by vulgarity, directness, and a stark realism. From police officers to gangsters, the characters casually wielded expletives.

These two films vastly diverged in their techniques and genres. The Hong Kong version was an elite police drama, while "The Departed" catered to a more street-level gangster film.

The film's standout character was Frank, portrayed by Nicholson. This seasoned actor was a true genius. Even though the man was aged and well-decorated with Oscars, he remained unfazed.

Had the crew nominated him for Best Supporting Actor, solely based on performance and role, Martin would've had to step aside. Even so, Martin outshone Leonardo in the opposite role.

"To put it bluntly, Martin outperformed Leo, and Leo paled in comparison," Robert De Niro murmured to Al Pacino. "Leo has failed to overcome his old issues all these years."

Al Pacino nodded, "Martin has remarkable talent and polished acting skills. Although he's not a prodigious actor like Nicholson, if he continues to evolve, he might rival you and me."

Robert De Niro reflected, "This film was an enjoyable experience. Among Scorsese's works, it's the most entertaining."

Al Pacino concurred, "It's a pleasure to watch. It may set a new personal box office record for him."

In the aftermath, with loud applause, the two lead characters ventured onto an irrevocable path. The entire film concluded as Costigan eliminated Colin Sullivan with a single shot. The audience responded with an enthusiastic ovation.