Chapter 665: Special Photo!.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the lunch break, a moment of tension unfolded when Johnny Depp requested a bottle of wine. Jerry, a renowned producer with a reputation for his fiery temper, couldn't contain his frustration, hurling the bottle to the ground in a display of raw emotion. This surprising act seemed to momentarily quell the storm brewing within Depp, who, despite his superstar status and a penchant for eccentric behavior, refrained from further disturbances through makeup and lunch.

Meanwhile, Megan Ellison sought a breath of fresh air and the company of Martin for an enjoyable midday stroll. However, fate had other plans, leaving her wandering alone, her hopes unmet. She returned to the studio, her spirits dampened, just in time to witness the afternoon's filming. But frustration mounted as she observed, feeling an intense, almost visceral reaction to the unfolding scenes, her patience wearing thin.

Despite a lingering air of inebriation, Depp's portrayal on set was nothing short of spectacular, embodying his character's eccentricities with an authenticity that mirrored his own. Yet, the magic of his performance dissipated the moment he was required to deliver his lines. Stuttering at his pivotal line, "I am Donto," the seamless flow of his acting came to an abrupt halt, prompting director Verbinski to halt the scene and implore Depp for a retake.

Repeated struggles with his lines led to a crescendo of frustration from Verbinski, who confronted Depp's lack of preparation with a mix of disbelief and anger. Depp's cavalier response only fueled the fire, leading to an explosive exchange between the actor and director, punctuated by Verbinski's ultimatum for Depp to memorize his lines within ten minutes.

Depp, however, found himself at odds with his own mind, the words on the page becoming increasingly repulsive to his alcohol-clouded brain. Despite the urgency, his attempts at memorization were futile. As Verbinski rallied the crew for another take, Depp's performance once again faltered, each botched line symbolizing a fortune dissipating before their eyes.

Megan, witnessing the financial hemorrhage, was poised to intervene before Jerry Bruckheimer's timely arrival. Despite her exasperation, which she voiced with a biting critique of Depp's professionalism compared to even the most lackluster of her employees at Annapurna Pictures, Jerry interceded with a reminder of Depp's undeniable star power and appeal. Emphasizing Depp's unique ability to captivate audiences worldwide, Jerry reassured Megan of the actor's invaluable contribution to the film's potential success.

Convinced, albeit reluctantly, Megan stepped back, entrusting Jerry with the delicate task of mediating the heated standoff between Verbinski and Depp. With a blend of persuasion and diplomacy, Jerry worked to soothe the frayed nerves on set, endeavoring to restore harmony and focus to the production, all the while holding onto the belief that the tumultuous waters of creativity and conflict could, once navigated, lead to cinematic gold.

After relentless efforts, Jerry managed to instill a semblance of sobriety in Johnny Depp. However, Depp's long-term indulgence in alcohol and drugs had taken a toll on his memory, making the memorization of lines a formidable task. In a stroke of ingenuity, Jerry devised a solution to alter Depp's character design, allowing his hair to obscure his ears, behind which Depp could wear embedded wireless headphones. This innovative setup enabled someone off-camera to feed him his lines, transforming Depp into a proficient, albeit unconventional, performer.

Megan Ellison continued her visits to Disney Studios, keeping a close eye on not just "The Lone Ranger" but also the production of "The Seventh Son." Perhaps Jerry's stern warning resonated with Depp, for his tardiness on set saw a marked improvement, though punctuality remained a challenge. Depp's penchant for alcohol seemed beyond divine intervention, yet Megan bore it, recognizing his unparalleled box office draw.

Determined to safeguard her investment, Megan took a proactive step. On a night when "The Lone Ranger" crew was filming late, she arranged to meet with Amber Heard, Depp's girlfriend, at a café outside the set. The conversation quickly turned to Depp's lifestyle, with Megan enlisting Amber's help to mitigate his vices and ensure his timely presence on set. Amber, acknowledging the challenge, committed to exerting her influence, though she expressed doubts about a complete transformation.

Megan, understanding the limitations, pressed on, offering Amber a financial incentive for her cooperation. Amber, buoyed by the promise of a reward, accepted the task with the knowledge that her sway over Depp could yield significant improvements in his on-set behavior.

Leaving the café, Amber ventured into the studio complex, her mind preoccupied not just with her conversation with Megan but also with the discomfort of having consumed cold coffee on an empty stomach. Ignoring the more conventional choice of seeking out a restroom, Amber felt an impulsive urge to relieve herself then and there, drawn to the shadows of the studio lot for a moment of relief. This decision, driven by a blend of urgency and a desire for privacy, marked a bizarre twist in her evening's unfolding events.

After a long day of shooting "The Martian," Martin, freshly unburdened of his makeup, emerged to join Nicholson and Leonardo, who had been eagerly waiting. They planned to cap the night off with a midnight snack, a tradition they had come to enjoy. Nicholson, ever the charismatic figure, arrived with his daughter Lorraine in tow, a camera slung around her neck. She lamented her failed attempt to capture behind-the-scenes shots for some extra pocket money, thwarted by Director Ridley Scott's refusal.

Martin, with a hint of amusement in his voice, reassured her, "There'll be a time for publicity shots, and I'll make sure you're the first I call." Leonardo, teasingly, inquired if Lorraine was considering a career shift from acting to the thrilling world of paparazzi, to which she replied, blending seriousness with a dash of humor, "Acting is my profession, paparazzi is just a fun hobby. Besides, my trust fund does the heavy lifting; this is just for some extra spending money."

Nicholson, ever the instigator, suggested mischievously that she could earn a fortune with clandestine photos of Leonardo, igniting a playful banter. Martin, joining the jest, warned about the potential impact on her image in Leonardo's eyes, humorously alluding to a future where she'd aim to marry into his wealth.

As they proceeded to the studio's exit in a battery car driven by Bruce, the atmosphere was light, filled with their laughter and teasing. Lorraine, seizing the moment, began capturing the night's beauty with her camera, her skills shining even in the low light.

It was then that Nicholson spotted something peculiar in the distance—a figure that seemed out of place under the streetlight. Martin and Leonardo, curious, strained to see. While Leonardo's vision blurred the details, Martin discerned a blonde woman in a compromising situation, igniting a flurry of surprise and disbelief among them.

Lorraine, with her photographer's reflexes, captured the scene with precision, her lens seizing the unexpected moment under the glow of the streetlamp. The revelation sparked a mix of shock and humor, especially when Nicholson questioned the reality of the scene they'd just witnessed.

Lorraine proudly showcased her photographic evidence, her skills rendering the nocturnal mischief in striking clarity. The photo, capturing both the act and the woman's identity, led to a rapid recognition—Amber Heard, known for her connection to Depp and the gossip surrounding their relationship.

The revelation transformed the moment into an opportunity for Lorraine, who envisioned the photograph as a lucrative exclusive. Amid the banter and jests about types and slander, they couldn't help but marvel at the serendipity and absurdity of Hollywood nights, where even the most unexpected moments could weave into their tapestry of memories.