Chapter 483: Collaboration With Fincher

The courtyard next door shimmered with lights, casting a warm glow across the evening. Carrying a stack of gifts, Martin hurried over right on time, eager to greet his new neighbor, Stewart. He stepped up to Stewart's door, sending his congratulations and gifts to the new residents.

As John and Judith graciously accepted the offerings, Kristen, catching sight of Martin's arrival, rushed over with a welcoming smile. "Martin, over here! Our film industry folks have gathered in the small banquet hall."

Curious, Martin followed her prompt. "Everyone's here? Who's joining us?"

Turning around, Kristen beamed, "Primarily my friends." Her curiosity piqued, she inquired, "Where's your girlfriend? Why didn't you both come together?"

"Off to Europe for an advertising event," Martin replied succinctly. "She'll be back in a few days." Lily, on her spring break, had accompanied him.

Entering the small banquet hall, a cluster of girls flocked around him.

"Martin!"

"Kristen, you're amazing! You even brought Martin!"

"Where's the camera? Find it, I need a picture with Martin!"

Martin glanced over the enthusiastic group, noting the eldest girl around Kristen's age and the youngest no more than thirteen or fourteen.

Their chatter pressed against his ears, a headache brewing.

"Quiet! Quiet!" Kristen's loud voice pierced through the commotion. As the hall settled a bit, she introduced Martin, "This is Dakota Fanning, this is Ashley Greene, this is Sofia Stallone..."

Martin courteously greeted each of them.

With an air of pride, Kristen, only eighteen, boasted, "Ladies, I brought Martin here. You all owe me a favor!"

Ashley Greene, the eldest, exclaimed, "Let's take a group photo, hurry up!"

Kristen, hosting the event, politely requested, "Would you mind taking a photo with us and signing an autograph?"

Who could refuse such a fervent bunch? Martin grinned, "Of course."

"Hey, Dana, come take our pictures!" Kristen called out.

A burly boy rushed in, wielding a camera.

Seven or eight girls surrounded Martin, Kristen securing the seat on his left. Dakota Fanning and Sofia Stallone vied for the spot on his right.

Seeing a potential squabble, Martin, fatigued by the clamor, intervened, "I'll take individual photos with each of you later."

"Alright! Alright!" Applause echoed.

The small banquet hall teetered on the brink of resembling a fan meeting.

Dakota Johnson whispered, "Martin, could I have two photos? My sister Ellie admires you immensely."

Martin nodded knowingly, "I remember Ellie; we were in a movie together last year."

Eager not to be outdone, Sofia Stallone chimed in, "Can I have three? I've got two sisters, Sistine and Scarlett, who are also your fans."

Aware of the famous Stallone trio, Martin chuckled, "Sure, come on."

With the girls finally settling down, they gathered around Martin for a group photo.

Later, everyone took individual photos with Martin.

Kristen had the foresight to set up a computer and printer in the hall. Connecting the digital camera, she swiftly printed two copies of each photo.

In the bustling swirl of the banquet hall, the exchange of signed photographs began. One set was graced with Martin's signature, while the other batch was offered to Martin as keepsakes by the gathering.

Dakota Fanning, once a child star, exhibited a thoughtful gesture. She discreetly inscribed her personal mobile number on the back of the photos when a few others presented them to Martin.

As Martin glanced back, he noticed Sofia engaged in a similar act. He couldn't help but think, "Expected from the Stallone family's go-getter, initiating at such a tender age!"

Juggling a stack of photos, Martin was contemplating a quick getaway when a familiar voice echoed from the hall's entrance. "Martin."

Spotting the arrival, Christine greeted, "David."

Turning, Martin caught sight of David Fincher, a touch surprised. "Hey David, what brings you here?"

David replied, "I'm friends with Mr. Stewart and have collaborated with Kristen on 'Panic Room.' Kristen's quite the soulful actor."

Recalling the film starring Jodie Foster, Martin nodded in recognition.

Pulling Martin aside, David suggested, "Let's chat here. Kristen's side is swarmed with youngsters; we can't converse."

As Martin was about to excuse himself, he said, "Let's catch up another day."

Dakota Fanning raised her left hand, extending her pinky and thumb, playfully gesturing at Martin.

Kristen quipped, "You always go for the extra play." Dakota responded, "Martin is the first actor born in the '80s!"

Sofia chimed in, "His new movie, 'John Wick,' a take on the Santa Monica Pier Incident from 'John Wick,' is releasing soon. Shall we watch it together?"

"The rating's R," Kristen cautioned due to a neighborly concern, "You can't attend."

Sofia concocted a clever plan, "I'm tall enough. With some added padding and mature makeup, I can sneak in."

Dakota gestured with both hands, mimicking height, "Let's test how old it needs to be!"

The gathering of girls stirred up a commotion.

Outside, Martin and David found a secluded spot, settling at a small round table.

David inquired, "The subsequent production of 'Benjamin' is wrapped up. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Gone Girl's' manuscript; it aligns with my style. What about the latter part of the novel?"

"Tomorrow, I'll have someone send it your way. Gillian's done with the initial draft and is tweaking it," Martin replied, probing, "David, are you certain about directing this project?"

David confirmed, "Let your studio discuss terms with my agent."

Emphasizing, "You must be the lead," David reiterated.

Martin expressed, "David, I've always aspired to work with you on an authentic Fincher film."

"Actually, 'Benjamin' isn't the typical Fincher style," Martin added.

David mentioned, "Life is akin to drama. Sometimes reality surpasses the tales we weave on screen."

Moved, Martin reflected, "Movie plots demand logic, but life never adheres to such rules."

Wholeheartedly concurring, David nodded, "Exactly!" He solemnly suggested, "The Santa Monica Pier incident is ripe for adaptation."

Inquisitive, Martin asked, "Do you have an idea?"

"Find a thread linking the Burbank High School incident, the Washington spy saga, and your experience at Santa Monica Pier," David advised, capitalizing on Hollywood's creativity. "Villains, Russians, fabricating a reason. No matter how far-fetched, American audiences will embrace it."

While the Burbank incident seemed innocuous, Martin, privy to the latter two events' ambiguity, mused, "These incidents involve LAPD and FBI. If we pursue this movie, their backing is crucial."

Agreeing, David nodded, "Your point is valid. If the time is right, let's seek their insight."

In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, adaptation often thrives without Martin's nod, much like his past-life experience with "The Social Network" film.

"Let's gather their thoughts," Martin pondered for a moment.

David Fincher harbored a relentless quest for an Oscar, altering his style in pursuit of the coveted Best Director accolade. Yet, quality filmmaking and various factors influence award triumphs.

Martin's own Best Supporting Actor win sparked a revelation for David Fincher.

The three incidents bore immense social and political weight. Two unfolded in Los Angeles, granting the protagonist honorary citizenship and a yearly commemorative day. A suitable adaptation could vie for prestigious awards, currying favor with discerning judges.

David harbored grand aspirations, securing Best Director and Best Picture wins!

Post "Gone Girl," their reunion, backed by Martin's staunch support, would pave the way for this adaptation.

As the two conversed about films, the party swelled with an influx of guests.

Among the Stewarts, one was a screenwriter-producer while the other dabbled in television production, boasting extensive networks.

Their invitations spanned across the community, drawing diverse attendees.

Among the throng, Martin caught sight of another neighbor, Stuart Townsend.

"Long time, no see," Martin greeted warmly.

Stewart reciprocated with a bright smile, shaking Martin's hand. "Indeed, long time no see, Martin."

Casually, Martin inquired, "Haven't seen Charlize?"

Maintaining his smile, Stewart inwardly simmered, "Sally's away filming; won't be back for a while."

"Ah, understood," Martin surmised Stewart's displeasure, gesturing ahead, "I spotted a friend. I'll catch up."

"Your call," Stewart acquiesced.

As Martin departed, Stewart rubbed his hands on his clothes, almost as though shaking hands with Martin had sullied them.

Recollecting an old acquaintance, Stewart sought out John Stewart, cautioning discreetly, "John, keep an eye on our neighbor, Martin. He's a troublemaker, harboring animosity toward the Russians. We can't afford the fallout."

John nodded courteously, "I'll heed that."

Stewart continued, voice lowered, "We must watch other aspects too. He's adept at unsettling families. Recall his antics with Jolie and Anne? It's crucial to fortify our case." As a testimonial, he shared, "Charlize and I attended Martin's party. He attempted to woo Charlize surreptitiously. Unfortunately for him, Charlize saw through his façade and vehemently declined!"

John's demeanor grew earnest, "Thank you for the heads-up."

Staying until around nine, Martin bid adieu to the party. He readied himself for his impending "John Wick" commitment the following day—a killing spree beckoned.