America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 217 Russians

In the new week, Martin joined the film crew at a film forum in Los Angeles to continue promoting the film.

At the event, he met Kenneth Turan, a critic from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Los Angeles Times.

The two found a quiet place and talked alone for a while.

"I've seen your new film, and the character is too superficial." Kenneth Turan once had high hopes for Martin Scorsese, a newcomer actor, but his new film and role left him very disappointed. He pointed out directly, "This character is all about looking cool and stylish; he has no soul whatsoever."

This is one of the top critics in Los Angeles, so Martin was very humble and seemed eager to learn: "I know, I was aware of these issues during filming."

Kenneth Turan was quite pleased to see that he was listening and reminded him, "Your performance in your last role was explosive yet controlled, which is very rare."

As a critic, he felt it necessary to remind a highly talented actor to stay on the right path: "Young actors should focus on honing their skills in roles and films with depth..."

Martin said with utmost seriousness, "That's what I was thinking too, so I did everything I could to get the second male lead in Scorsese's new film. It's a very complex role, a two-faced man."

Kenneth Turan recalled the related news he had read and nodded in agreement.

Martin also wanted to gain support from critics, explaining, "I come from a slum and my economic situation is very bad. The little money I earned at Madame Tussauds went entirely into training to improve myself. I took accent lessons at Paramount Pictures, and the price was so high that it made me want to vomit blood."

He said helplessly, "In order to have better development, I have to keep investing in myself. During that period, even rent became a problem. I could only solve the economic crisis first. If I didn't even have a place to stand, I couldn't concentrate on my performance."

Kenneth Turan understands that artists also need to make a living, and he quite agrees with Martin's words: "It is indeed difficult for young people to start their careers, I can understand that."

Martin automatically switched to his specially trained accent: "To prepare for the role directed by Scorsese, I specifically practiced the Boston accent and spent more than 20 days experiencing life in the Boston District..."

Kenneth Turan could tell that Martin was speaking with a standard Boston accent, and couldn't help but encourage him, saying, "I really look forward to seeing you take your character to the next level."

Martin said, "I will put in 200 percent effort."

Once he left, Martin breathed a slight sigh of relief; playing such a character with lofty artistic aspirations was somewhat tiring.

Unlike the emergence of perverts, two-faced individuals, and despicable people, which can be produced effortlessly.

Bruce, who was following behind, came over and whispered, "Your acting skills have improved."

Martin said, "I'm still not high enough. I need some critics to cheer me on." He glanced at Kenneth Turan, who was walking away, and said, "Go and find out the interests of some of the most famous critics in Los Angeles, Kenneth Turan, Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter, and Courtney Howard of Variety."

Bruce had spent a year and a half with Martin in Hollywood, gaining a thorough understanding of how the industry worked and realizing Martin's intention: "To prepare for a role in Scorsese's film?"

Martin has enough audacity: "If the critics don't sing my praises, how can others understand my hard work and excellence?"

After the event ended, the two walked outside.

Bruce asked deliberately, "What if they like men?"

Martin slapped him hard on the shoulder: "I have a fierce general like Bruce, who dares to fight me?"

Bruce said, "You've completely lost your humanity."

Once in the car, Martin glanced at the time: "Let's find somewhere to have lunch. I have an important appointment this afternoon."

He picked up a newspaper, saw the entertainment section, and exclaimed, "Ah, it's starting."

This week, multiple media outlets simultaneously reported that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were experiencing a relationship crisis, with Pitt reportedly moving out of their Beverly Hills home.

The contradiction lies in Aniston's miscarriage last year.

It's basically about how Pitt values ​​family and loves children, while Aniston insists on having an abortion despite Pitt's objections.

All the blame was pinned on Aniston.

Bruce couldn't stand it anymore: "You're bullying honest people."

Martin candidly stated, "If I could get a role purely through acting skills, or succeed solely through the quality of the film, I would never do anything shady. I also want to be a good person, but the environment in Hollywood doesn't allow it."

"You're absolutely right!" Bruce, having heard his old buddy's shameless remarks enough, simply joined in: "So, it's not us who's rotten, it's the world."

Martin snapped his fingers: "Old Brooks, your ideological awareness has finally improved."

In the afternoon, Martin met with McLean, who was in charge of public relations at LAPD, at a coffee shop near LAPD headquarters.

The latter shook hands with him and first offered his congratulations: "Congratulations on another blockbuster film of yours."

Martin said with a smile, "Without your help in getting the Golden Key, I wouldn't have achieved such good results. I will never forget the help LAPD has given me."

"If you have any trouble in Los Angeles, feel free to call me anytime," McLean said with a smile.

"I won't stand on ceremony with you." Martin knew very well that such favors shouldn't be used casually; they should be used only at crucial moments.

McClain got down to business: "There are a few things I need to tell you about the meeting I had with you today, since they involve you."

Martin asked, "Is it related to Burbank High School?"

"Yes, there is a direct connection." McLean explained the details: "Of the two gunmen captured, one was too badly injured and died after several days of treatment. The news will be published after the next LAPD press conference."

Martin didn't feel much psychological burden, nor was he so self-pitying as to blame himself. In that situation, he would have been the one to collapse without a fight. He asked, "Will I be in trouble?"

McLean said, "There won't be any legal issues, but you should watch out for the Russians. While you were in Atlanta, the LAPD launched a special operation targeting the Russians, which essentially wiped out their influence."

He smiled and said, "Russian gangs will have a hard time surviving in Los Angeles for the next few years. They don't have the guts to retaliate against you. All of those three men's immediate family members have been arrested and will likely be out for at least fifteen years."

Martin gleaned the key from his words: "The problem lies outside of Los Angeles?"

"Those Russians living in America aren't stupid; they probably won't do anything reckless. You're not an ordinary person; they can't afford the consequences. They also have family and friends, and the authorities won't allow them to act recklessly."

McLean emphasized a point: "The recently deceased gunman, Andrei, who was shot in the head with a Coke, had a grandfather who was also involved in illegal and criminal organizations in Russia. The LAPD was powerless to help him, and the situation there is not normal either. It is impossible to force them to cooperate and hand him over by pressuring them."

Martin understood: "So, the Russians from overseas might be a threat to me?"

"It's just a possibility that powerful America will keep them out of customs," McLean said.

Martin listened to these words but said, "I will pay more attention."

McLean then specifically advised, "For the foreseeable future, you'd better not go to Russia, or even Eastern Europe."

Martin nodded. "I wouldn't risk my safety." He specifically thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Mike."

"You are a hero in Los Angeles, and we will not allow anyone to do anything to you," McLean said.

If a Russian were to act against Martin on LAPD territory, what difference would that make from directly slapping the LAPD in the face? He added, "The LAPD only has jurisdiction over the Los Angeles area, and we have also notified the FBI of the relevant situation."

Martin took it seriously and asked, "I'd like to get a concealed carry permit. Is that easy to obtain?"

McLean said, "Given your situation, getting approved shouldn't be a problem. I'll send you a form later; fill it out and give it back to me."

Martin replied, "No problem."

McKinney then added, "On my end, I'm planning to shoot an official promotional video for the LAPD, but it's not finalized yet..."

Martin was very understanding: "Just give me a call if you need anything."

The meeting was more amicable this time, and both sides parted ways.

Once in the car, Bruce warned Martin, "There are a lot of lunatics in the Russian mafia, so be careful."

Martin said directly, "You should tell Thomas to cancel any future trips to Eastern Europe and Russia."

He sought Bruce's opinion: "Should we hire a few bodyguards?"

Bruce considered for a moment and said, "Two people will do. On the one hand, the cost is higher, and on the other hand, if a real situation arises, they won't rush over to shield you from bullets; they can only stay around as a warning."

Martin understood: "Being a bodyguard is a job; you have to be alive to live."

Movies aren't reality. How could someone earning a few thousand dollars a month risk their life?

Bruce contacted WMA, saying that there are security companies in Hollywood that specialize in providing services for celebrities. They might be a little lacking in other aspects, but because their clients are all celebrities, they are particularly good at spotting stalkers.

Before leaving get off work that day, WMA forwarded a message that the Washington Civil Service Award Committee had formally submitted a nomination for the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the White House and received approval from incumbent President George W. Bush.

Martin's name was among them.

The award ceremony will be held at the White House on Independence Day.

In addition, the agency asked Martin whether he would attend this year's Saturn Awards ceremony.

Martin was nominated for Best Actor.

It's impossible to win this award because other nominees include Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, and Johnny Depp, among others.

Martin is self-aware; after receiving the nomination, he didn't do anything to promote it. When he went out to wash his face with Wes Craven last time, he didn't even mention it.

Martin will not attend the awards ceremony due to a scheduling conflict with his filming in Atlanta.

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(End of this chapter)