America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 818 What's the Price?

In April, Justin Bieber became the hottest news figure in the United States, making headlines in countless media outlets.

Although there were many who supported him, in mainstream public opinion, the singer became the target of criticism, which even sparked protests and marches across the United States.

Numerous Black, gay, and transgender groups have publicly criticized Justin Bieber and called on everyone to boycott his work.

Ordinary fans and the general public may not care about these things, but in the mainstream media's discourse, Justin is already considered utterly wicked.

Numerous celebrities have come forward to issue stern criticisms.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Justin Timberlake doesn't know what respect is; Magic Johnson's son believes Justin needs to apologize to the world; Ellen DeGeneres invited Justin to a talk show to debate him on the spot...

These factors are all influencing public opinion.

The entertainment industry, which has become increasingly left-leaning in recent years, has also taken a series of actions against Justin Bieber to prove itself right.

Apple has publicly announced that all of Justin Timberlake's songs will be removed from iTunes.

YouTube also blocked Justin's paid songs.

Many online channels have suspended their partnerships with Justin.

In just one week, Justin Bieber went from a promising young man to a notorious figure.

Although Justin Bieber publicly apologized under pressure from his management and record label, it did little to change the situation and instead drew even more criticism.

Furthermore, the Shapeshifter group, relying on their buffs, continues to dox Justin's address, maintaining 24/7 protests, harassment, and stalking.

Even during one of Justin's drug purchase transactions, he called the police, resulting in both the buyer and seller being caught red-handed.

Without years of public relations and hard work, it would be impossible for Justin Bieber to become a normal pop star.

This incident also led to another outcome: the LGBT community has grown rapidly thanks to this wave of controversy. Although the QIA has not yet had much influence, the four emerging groups have stirred up wave after wave of activity.

…………

"I have a feeling, Martin."

In the VIP lounge near the airport's private tarmac, Nicholson sat on the sofa and said very seriously, "It's like the three of us opened Pandora's box and pushed society into an unknown abyss."

Martin disagreed: "You overestimate the abilities of the three of us. Even without us and without Justin Bieber, we couldn't stop this trend. At most, it would just be delayed by a year or two."

Leonardo had been in a particularly good mood this week, with a smile always on his face. He chimed in, "Jack, have you forgotten Martin's drunken ideals? Perhaps it won't be long before we see Martin lead his army of shapeshifting beauties into Washington, storm the White House, and sit in the Oval Office."

"Have you seen Gisele Bündchen recently?" Martin, that cruel guy, couldn't stand seeing Leonardo happy.

Leonardo's good mood vanished instantly; his round face fell, and he gritted his teeth, "You're a real bastard, Martin!"

Nicholson asked him, "Do you want me to stand by your side from now on?"

Leonardo knew this bastard: "What's the price, Jack?"

Nicholson's condition was very simple: "Marry Lorraine."

Martin patted Leonard on the shoulder: "So, man, we're on the same side."

Leonardo said, "We're definitely on the same side when it comes to Lorraine."

Bruce then came over and said, "The plane is ready."

Martin glanced at his watch: "You guys get on the plane. I have to go back to Brooklyn Studios this afternoon."

Nicholson picked up his bag and said, "Let's go back to Los Angeles and continue watching the drama unfold."

Martin saw him and Leonard out: "Just watch, but don't get involved, especially Leonard. Don't even think about making an LGBT film and winning an award; it's not fair."

Nicholson, having heard the two mention the Oscars, said, "If it's a fair competition, Leo, you have no chance of winning. Although you've been aiming for the Oscars for over a decade, your public relations and publicity skills are practically inhuman."

"So, my condition is that Martin Scorsese wins Best Director, and I win Best Actor," Leonardo DiCaprio declared confidently. "That's fair."

Nicholson scoffed, "With Martin's lousy skills winning Best Director, I'd probably be meeting God by now."

Martin couldn't help but sneer, "God won't see you."

Nicholson laughed heartily: "Indeed, I don't want to meet God either. Hollywood and American society have become more and more interesting in recent years. There are so many juicy stories to tell and so much excitement to watch. I could live another fifteen years without any problem."

Leonardo DiCaprio said, "Given the current trajectory, the future will only get more exciting."

Martin saw the two men off onto his Global 6000 private jet, and only left the airport after the plane took off, heading to Brooklyn Studios to continue filming "John Wick 3".

For the previous ten days or so, the crew had been traveling around Manhattan, shooting more than 30 outdoor scenes.

Apart from a few scenes that were filmed in Morocco, there were only two large-scale action scenes left.

The fight takes place inside a glass building, with Martin and Blake Lively fighting side-by-side.

The former can be described as an unconventional story about glass.

Martin and the stunt performers repeatedly smashed through specially made glass during the action scenes.

The scene, which cost nearly $400 million to build, was ultimately destined to be destroyed.

Even if it's not smashed during filming, a specialized company will be hired to dispose of it afterwards.

After filming a scene, Martin stepped on the shards of glass, sat on the glass steps leading to the next level, and slowly drank water.

Two slender stunt performers, led by Chen Hu, entered the film set.

Next, we'll be filming a hand-to-hand combat scene between Martin and two others.

Martin got up and handed the water bottle to Bruce. Under Chen Hu's guidance, he and the other two actors familiarized themselves with their positions.

Chen Hu reminded them of the key points of the movement: "Bart and Phil, your advantage lies in speed and agility. You are faster than the tall and strong Martin."

These two stunt performers were more than half a head shorter than Martin, and they were also much thinner.

Chen Hu then looked at Martin: "Compared to these two typical fast-moving opponents, Martin, your advantage lies in your physique and strength. Just like a heavyweight boxer and a featherweight boxer, you are stronger and more resistant to blows."

Martin nodded. "I understand."

To enhance the effect of the scene, Chen Hu used a comparison: "Martin, you are like a lion, while Bart and Phil are like two honey badgers. The latter can use their agility to cause a lot of trouble for the lion, but the lion only needs to hit once in its counterattack."

"We understand," the two stunt performers said.

"Get ready." Chen Hu walked back to the director's monitor and said, "It's ready."

Chad nodded and said, "All departments, prepare."

The script supervisor came in front of the camera and clapped the clapperboard; filming began.

This is an action scene that lasts for almost half a minute. Martin is suddenly attacked by two people who work together seamlessly, and his body smashes through glass after glass.

The shot was completed in one take.

After Chad called for a halt, Martin lifted his suit jacket and shirt, and several shards of glass clattered down.

Chen Hu came over and asked, "Are you alright?"

Martin shook his head: "It's nothing, it just fell in through my collar."

Chen Hu then questioned the two stunt performers to make sure they were alright, and said, "We're getting ready for the next round. Martin, you need to launch your counterattack."

He first had the three of them familiarize themselves with the action sequences, hoping to get these scenes right in one take, otherwise changing the glass would be quite troublesome.

Filming proceeded intermittently, and the action troupe in the glass building took three days to complete.

Later, Martin got a new partner, Blake Lively, who joined the filming with two German Shepherds.

It was still a tragedy caused by a dog.

Martin and Black's scenes are mainly divided into two parts: action scenes in the studio and a small number of horseback riding scenes filmed in the Moroccan desert.

Blake practiced for nearly six months to prepare for this action scene.

Of course, no one expected her to reach Martin's level.

Many of her scenes consist of short shots and continuous action sequences, requiring editing and post-production to achieve the desired effect.

The first two days of filming went relatively smoothly.

However, on the afternoon of the third day, when the action scenes were nearing completion, the plan to film in Morocco had to be changed.

During the filming of a very simple action scene, Blake Lively stepped back a little too far and bumped into the edge of a wooden table. She was in so much pain that she couldn't stand up.

Martin immediately had an ambulance called.

Blake was taken to the hospital, where an examination revealed that three of his ribs had fractures of varying degrees, one of which was broken.

The doctor advised bed rest and avoiding any strenuous activity.

Fortunately, Blake's action scenes were in their final stages of filming. Although Blake insisted on finishing the shoot, Martin refused, demanding that a stunt double be used for the remaining shots.

The film crew's shooting plans in Morocco were forced to be changed. They planned to wait until Blake Lively's injury was no longer serious before setting up a green screen in the Burbank Disney Studios studio to shoot the scenes involving Morocco and the desert.

These scenes aren't many; the background can be changed during post-production.

Before leaving New York after finishing his scenes, Martin visited Blake Lively in the hospital.

"Much better. If I lie still, I can barely feel any pain." Blake, lying in the hospital bed, asked Martin, "Are you getting ready to leave?"

Martin nodded slightly: "The Town is about to be released, and I have a lot of promotional appearances to attend, so I can't stay here with you."

Blake knew perfectly well that having Martin stay with him at the hospital was wishful thinking, saying, "I'm injured, and it might take about two months to fully recover, so my swimming and surfing lessons will have to be postponed again."

Martin waved his hand: "It's alright, there's still time."

Blake was worried about missing out on the project and the role, and pleaded pitifully, "Could you wait a while, considering my injury?"

Martin reassured him, "You'll be the leading lady in this project."

(End of this chapter)