Chapter 295: I Love Blanchett

Three days later, at the Davis Film and Television Studio in Burbank, Martin sealed the deal with Chad Starsky and Marcus Rutger on behalf of the company.

Marcus's remarkable experiences would first be crafted into a memoir and later explored for potential film adaptation.

Chad, having engaged in extensive discussions with Martin over the past few days, had refined his ideas. Over the next two years, he'd channel his creative energy into creating a new action series.

From the project's inception, the stylistic concept was unmistakably clear – a straightforward, gritty action movie.

Martin reached out to Thomas, providing him with the information about Marcus's time in Afghanistan. He tasked Thomas with connecting Marcus and Bruce to relevant service providers who could help track down the individuals who had saved Marcus.

Memoirs promised to be a significant aspect of the project's marketing strategy. The next step involved locating an adept writer to assist Marcus in penning his memoir.

In Hollywood, countless aspiring writers and screenwriters were vying for opportunities, much like aspiring actors. In the industry, the availability of opportunities often outweighed talent and ability. Ghostwriting memoirs was a common practice in the business.

The initial stages of the project demanded patience, and Martin had plenty of it. Securing funding wouldn't pose a challenge as long as production costs stayed below $50 million.

In his office, Thomas perused the information and told Martin, "We have several capable screenwriters who have been eagerly waiting for a chance to work with our company. I'll reach out to a suitable one. It's far more manageable than finding a star actor." He shifted his attention to another matter, saying, "Regarding the three individuals you asked me to monitor Christine Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Heath Ledger – there have been some recent developments."

Martin's greatest concern wasn't stirring up trouble but rather having nothing to do. He inquired, "Tell me, what are they up to these days?"

Thomas began with the individual involved in a direct conflict, stating, "Heath Ledger has been attending support meetings at the insistence of his fiancée, Michelle. He won't be taking on any new projects for the time being and is expected to grapple with depression for a while."

He proceeded to discuss the other two, saying, "Bale is preparing for 'The Prestige.' Unless something unforeseen occurs, his next project will be the sequel to the new Batman, with him continuing to portray Bruce Wayne." Martin issued a warning, "Keep a close eye on that project."

Thomas nodded and then added, "Blanchett returned to Australia after the Oscars, and after some inquiries, I learned that she's intrigued by the lead role in David Fincher's upcoming project."

Martin recollected the agent's meeting last year. "Zodiac?" he inquired.

Thomas confirmed, "That film's already been shot. David Fincher is planning to adapt Fitzgerald's novel 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' into a movie."

Martin had watched all of David Fincher's films and immediately recognized it as the one referred to as the movie in which Brad Pitt played a child . He recalled the female lead for this movie such be Cate Blanchett.

Thomas asked, "Have you considered trying to persuade her?"

Martin inquired, "Do you have a strategy?"

Thomas suggested, "The simplest approach is to disseminate relevant information to various companies. David Fincher's projects are highly sought after, and some actresses may wish to join in, pitting them against each other. Even if we lose, we won't be at a loss, but we can certainly enjoy the spectacle."

Martin casually agreed, saying, "Let's go with that."

After Thomas left, Bruce inquired, "How old is Blanchett?"

Martin, indifferent to the actress's age, replied, "She can't be much past forty, can she?"

Bruce didn't voice his thoughts but silently mused, "She's a bit younger, which complicates matters." He had noticed that as people aged, the response to them declined.

On another front, Thomas returned to the company, summoned his assistant Natasha, and gave her some instructions.

At lunch, a group of female assistants gathered and conversed. Natasha mentioned that David Fincher was gearing up for a new project, an adaptation of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

By the afternoon, news of this had spread through WMA and soon reached other companies. Although David Fincher's films, like those of Quentin and Scorsese, weren't always blockbusters, they were renowned for elevating the status of actors and actresses.

Numerous individuals expressed their interest in the project.

Actresses were more enthusiastic in competing for roles compared to their male counterparts.

That night, the Face Gang held their usual gathering at the nightclub. This time, in addition to the usual trio, Craven also joined.

After cleansing their faces as part of their regular ritual, the four felt rejuvenated, brimming with ideas and energy.

Craven sighed with relief, "It's been a while since I've been out. I've missed my get-togethers."

Martin glanced at Leonardo and inquired, "Leo is planning a massive party. Will you be attending?"

Clay's health had noticeably declined over the past two years, particularly when compared to his time working on "The Mountains Have Eyes." He shook his head, saying, "My health isn't as robust as it was a couple of years ago. The doctor advised me to take it easy, so I won't be going."

Nicholson, a veteran in the group, remarked, "What's there to fear? Wait until I'm on my deathbed, and then we'll throw an epic bash."

Leonardo retorted, "Why didn't you say that when you were in the hospital?"

Martin quipped, "Because he's afraid of death!"

Nicholson playfully extended his middle finger toward Martin, who returned the gesture, bantering, "Asshole, there are rumors in the industry that 'Brokeback Mountain' didn't win Best Picture?"

Nicholson nodded, "That's the buzz, but it's a shame it didn't have a more significant impact."

Martin briefly discussed his connection with Heath Ledger, saying, "He missed out on a Best Actor nomination, which might be my fault. As for Best Picture...losing to an authentic Los Angeles film? Seems reasonable."

He inquired about the source of the rumors, to which Craven, who was well-connected, replied, "It initially circulated in Australian circles."

Two names crossed Martin's mind, Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett. He playfully suggested to Leonardo, "Leo, how about I introduce you to a leggy blonde actress?"

Leonardo retorted, "You know her, but I don't?"

Martin wasn't concerned, then asked, "What about Blanchett? Have you seen the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy? Queen Galadriel is stunning."

Leonardo shook his head, "She's a bit too old, around 25 years older than me. That's quite the age difference." He teased Martin, "I don't have as wide an 'age gap' as you..."

Martin chuckled, "You don't get it."

Leonardo quipped, "I'm a one-woman man. Naturally, I don't get it."

Martin sighed, "I want you to help me teach that Australian woman a lesson."

Leonardo knew Martin's penchant for mischief, retorting, "I'd rather leave the 'teaching' to you."

Martin shrugged, "The problem is when I see that face with lines as hard as stone, I lose all interest in talking, let alone anything else."

Nicholson, eager for some action, offered, "Ah, Blanchett. I remember her. Her face is distinctive and memorable. Let me take care of this for you, you rascal."

Martin inquired, "Do you have a plan?"

Nicholson grinned, "For this kind of thing, you don't need a plan. You just go with the flow." He continued, "Don't doubt Old Jack's abilities. Old Jack's seen all kinds of people and things."

Leonardo playfully teased, "Yes, yes, you have extensive experience! I recall Naomi Campbell and you on that yacht..."

Nicholson pretended to clutch his chest dramatically, "No, I can't handle it anymore! Keep talking, and I'll have a heart attack."

Martin chimed in, "We all believe you can be that shameless, so no heart attacks."

Craven raised a hand, "Stop, stop! You three rascals are giving me a heart attack."

The four of them laughed and enjoyed some wine together. As the night wore on, the driver picked up Wes Craven, whose health had deteriorated significantly, limiting his social outings.

The trio of rascals continued their evening in the same car. Nicholson brought up the topic of Oscar nominations, saying, "I heard you two are going for Oscar nominations?"

Martin inquired, "With two Best Actor awards and one Best Supporting Actor, do you have any tips for winning awards?"

Nicholson offered a tongue-in-cheek response, "Lobby the female judges, make them happy, and they'll vote for you. Then, charm the girlfriends and wives of the male judges. If they're in high spirits, they'll influence the judges too. As for using guns or your feet, that depends on your luck."

Martin appeared despondent, remarking, "The awards season is a long ordeal, and there are nearly 6,000 Oscar voters. This task is daunting."

Leonardo chuckled, "With your stamina, you might not make it through."

Martin retorted, "It's better than running a hundred meters in eleven seconds."

Leonardo playfully lunged forward, grabbed Martin's neck, and shook him, exclaiming, "You rascal, I'll toss you into the sea for the fish!"

Nicholson, fed up with their antics, slapped the chair and declared loudly, "I have some connections with the old folks on the Nomination Committee. If you two want to butter me up, I'll put in a good word for you."

Martin swiftly changed his tone, adopting the role of a respectful younger brother, "You're our boss, and we count on you to look out for us. Jack, I'm handing Blanchett over to you."

Nicholson retorted, "There are prettier women in the world than me. Shameless guys?"

Martin nodded and pointed at Leonardo and Nicholson, joking, "These two!"

Leonardo quipped, "We have to get him drunk tonight!"

As the clock neared midnight, the trio emerged from Avalon. Martin held Leonardo with one arm and Nicholson with the other. Both of them were inebriated and incapable of a fight.

Martin instructed the driver, "They're drunk, don't pay any attention to their nonsense, just take them home."

Leonardo protested, "I'm not drunk! Bring me ten more bottles of whiskey; I want to show off with Martin..."

Martin gently pushed him into the car. With this level of inebriation, the candid Nicholson suddenly shouted to the paparazzi trailing them, "I love Cate Blanchett! I love Blanchett!"

Whether it was genuine or an act, Martin treated him the same way and guided him into the car.

Once the Lincoln had driven away, Martin got into his own car. As long as Blake was in Los Angeles, he made it a point to return home by midnight and avoid all-night affairs.

At the start of a new week, Martin hopped into a helicopter sent by the Coca-Cola Company and set off for the town of Park in Southern California, near the Mexican border. The advertising crew had been preparing there for nearly two weeks, awaiting his arrival to commence filming.