America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 276 Exciting

In the temporary film review room at Warner Bros. Studios.

Action director Chad pressed the remote control, and the TV screen played his meticulously edited gunfight clips, which were mainly realistic.

The sound of a ping-pong starting gun rang out.

Martin, much like the male lead Eddie, carefully observes the way the protagonist uses a gun in the film.

In the final cut of "Limitless," these clips edited by Chad were also selected as examples for Eddie to learn from and imitate.

First up is Eastwood, reprising his classic scene from "Unforgiven" where the old cowboy uses a revolver in a duel.

When Martin isn't filming, he practices shooting at least twice a week, but he uses a revolver less often.

The screen flashed and switched to a movie clip that Martin had watched countless times.

Theft of Fire!

The entire movie is slow-paced, like Nicholson having sex with Streep in a trailer. People used to the fast pace of the new era will find it hard to be patient and wait for the duel between the two heroes.

Therefore, many people fast-forward through the entire video, starting with the bank robbery, ending with the gunfight, and then closing the window to see the ending.

"This gunfight is a classic among classics," Chad said. "This film was produced by Warner Bros., and we have obtained the license."

Martin nodded, watched as Al Pacino shot and killed the kidnapper of the little girl, then pressed the pause button and began to imagine the gunfight in his mind.

Chadli waited a moment, then said, "This part is very realistic and practical. It is said that the two robbers in the big heist in 98 referenced this film."

Martin then thought of Tom Cruise's "Collateral," as Michael Mann seems to have a knack for filming gunfights.

The TV screen switched again, and sure enough, it was a scene of someone using another person to do the dirty work.

Chad added, "I've been studying Michael Mann's gunfight designs lately and have gained some insights."

Martin nodded: "I remember his gunfight scenes; they were all in a realistic style."

Chad replayed the gunfight clips from the three movies. Once Martin had some memory of them, the two went to the nearby training ground to practice with prop guns.

Bruce also joined in, serving as Martin's training target.

The training efficiency is undeniable.

During his break, Martin received a call from Thomas. Martin called Bruce over and explained the situation to him. Bruce was to represent Martin in negotiating with the agency.

This is also part of a manager's job.

Bruce replied, "I'm going to WMA this afternoon."

The production team also made extensive use of WMA's clients. For example, the veteran actor who played the Wall Street tycoon was chosen to be Robert De Niro, a client of Ali Emmanuel.

In the afternoon, Aniston arrived at the film set's studio.

As the female lead, it's normal for her to rehearse with the male lead beforehand.

The two took their respective scripts and entered the same meeting room.

Aniston closed the door to avoid being disturbed by unrelated people and asked Martin, "Shall we begin?"

Martin had already composed himself and quickly got into the zone: "Let's begin."

Aniston first discussed the character with him: "Isn't Linda's character a bit too mercenary?"

"This shouldn't be called materialism, but rather something closer to real life, right?" Martin's perspective was completely different: "The protagonist, Eddie, is destitute, making a living through writing, yet he can't concentrate, can't even finish his most basic job, and can't pay his rent. Why would Linda accept his advances?"

Aniston said, "After the protagonist took a smart drug, his IQ and EQ skyrocketed, and he made money, Linda took the initiative to get close to him?"

The screenwriter, Bradley, is a man; the director is a man; and Martin, who led the project, is still a man. Therefore, the female lead was designed entirely from a male perspective, and Martin saw no problem with that.

He added, "A down-on-his-luck, greasy man and a refined, beautiful woman are a mismatch. This setup is meant to highlight the male protagonist's transformation."

Aniston realized that the female lead existed solely to highlight the male lead.

This is a sad reality in Hollywood: even stars of her caliber rarely get roles in films where the female lead is the sole protagonist, or where the entire plot and characters serve the female lead.

Martin added, "The female lead will stay with the male lead until the very end, and they will enter politics."

Aniston suddenly laughed: "The male lead has had his fill of playing around, he's tired of it all, and then the female lead takes over?"

Martin retorted, "They're truly in love!"

He emphasized, "One is exquisite and beautiful, the other is good-looking and rich—aren't they a match made in heaven?"

Upon hearing this, Aniston couldn't help but scrutinize Martin again. If Martin were a greasy, obese man, would she have adopted this strategy against Julie?

The answer is obvious.

She simply invited, "Are you free tonight? I said I'd treat you to dinner, but I haven't found a suitable time yet. How about today?"

Martin, of course, wouldn't refuse: "I'm sure I have time since Rachel invited me, but I have to treat you."

Aniston smiled, took out her phone, made a call, and booked a table at the Italian restaurant in the Marmont Hotel.

This hotel and restaurant are frequented by Hollywood stars; the chances of running into someone from the industry are 100% if you go there anytime.

Aniston deliberately chose that location to spread the news within the industry and let certain people know that she and Martin were dating.

Martin, always dedicated to his work, held up the script and waved it around: "Let's rehearse."

Aniston composed herself, temporarily setting aside those chaotic thoughts, and rehearsed her scene with Martin.

Director Danny Boyle has led part of the crew to New York to prepare for filming.

…………

At the entrance of Warner Bros. Studios, Bruce returned from the Century City WMA area, parked his car in the parking lot, and walked into the studio area. As he was about to get his electric scooter, someone nearby called out to him.

"Old Brooks, Old Brooks!" Julie, sitting at a wooden table, waved over. "Come over and chat for a bit."

Bruce glanced at the time, went over and sat down opposite Julie, and greeted her, "Good afternoon."

Julie asked, "Did Aniston go to Martin's film set today?"

Bruce, who knew all about the mess surrounding Martin, nodded and said, "She's the lead actress; she'll be rehearsing and acting opposite Martin."

Julie paused for a moment, then asked, "Just rehearsing?"

"What else could it be?" Bruce wasn't exactly a saint either, deliberately saying, "The film crew's studio is small and there are so many people, what can just two people do?"

Julie laughed.

Bruce asked, "You have plenty of time?"

Julie casually replied, "I haven't been filming lately, and I don't have much work." She then asked very seriously, "Bruce, is there a suitable female role for me in the Neverending series? The size of the role doesn't matter, and the salary doesn't matter either; I just want to be a part of it."

Bruce Wayne is considering things from a manager's perspective. With Martin Scorsese, Julie Aniston, and Jennifer Aniston, the film's marketing and promotion are bound to be a hit.

He replied, "You ask me, and my answer is I don't know."

Julie understood and stopped mentioning it, instead asking, "Does Martin have time tonight?"

Bruce took out his phone and texted Martin, mentioning his encounter with Julie. A few minutes later, he replied, saying, "Aniston has invited Martin to dinner at the Italian restaurant in the Marmont Hotel."

Julie nodded. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Bruce said, getting up to leave when she said nothing more.

Julie glanced at Bruce but said nothing more.

Bruce got on the electric scooter and drove to the studio.

Midway through, he made another phone call to Martin.

Julie turned and went into a nearby ice cream shop, finding a seat near the glass window, where anyone leaving the studio complex had to pass through.

After thinking for a while, she made a special phone call to reserve a table at the restaurant of the Marmont Hotel.

But something is still missing.

Suddenly, my phone beeped with a text message. The message contained only one word: Pete!

Julie immediately understood: a key person was missing!

Without Pete, wouldn't this game be missing half the excitement?

"Just thinking about it is exciting!" Julie licked her thick lips, took out her phone and called her assistant: "Find a way to inform Pete that Martin has made plans with Aniston at the Marmont Hotel tonight."

She hung up the phone, a smile playing on her lips, and muttered to herself, "Tonight is so exciting! Am I a little perverted? No, I'm just enjoying it all!"

Julie's legs trembled with excitement, and her hand holding the cold drink couldn't quite grasp the cup for a long time.

Afterwards, she kept looking at her watch, and for the first time felt that time was passing so slowly.

…………

Century City, Death Star Building.

Famous entertainment agent Brian Lord is receiving Brad Pitt in his office.

The former, smelling the strong odor of alcohol, asked, "Did you drink a lot at noon?"

Pete waved his hand: "I only had a few drinks."

Lord didn't dwell on it. Hollywood stars are known for their alcoholism. He said, "I had someone talk to Martin Davis. Let bygones be bygones. Don't act impulsively if you run into him again."

Pete was disgusted just hearing the name. He said, "I never intended to provoke him, but what he did disgusted me. He stole Jolie from me when I was dating her, and when I wanted to get back together with Aniston, he went and stole Aniston too. How could I tolerate that? What man could stand for that?"

Lord cautioned, "This is a personal matter; the company won't stand up for you! Don't forget, Aniston is also one of the company's most important clients!"

There was something he didn't say aloud to avoid hurting Pitt's pride: in terms of CAA's revenue and importance alone, Aniston completely outclassed Pitt.

"I know." Pete shook his head. "I'll try my best to win Jane back."

Although he's been drinking a lot lately, Pete isn't completely out of his mind. Without a high-profile female companion, he simply can't maintain his current status and influence.

Without Jolie, Aniston is the best choice. Who else?

Pete can't think of a suitable candidate at the moment.

"Don't mess with Martin Davis." Lord knew his words were harsh, but he didn't want to see Pete used as a stepping stone again: "You're no match for him."

Pitt nodded, got up, and left the office.

Before even leaving the Death Star Building, he received a call from his manager, and his expression suddenly tightened.

(End of this chapter)