America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

"Martin Davis portrayed an extremely complex character in 'Infernal Affairs,' brilliantly embodying an undercover whose inner and outer worlds are completely different. His acting skills have made him a standout among Hollywood actors born in the 1980s."

At London Pine Studio, the crew of 'The Prestige,' Emma Thomas seriously read the newspaper, "Within just three years in the industry, Martin Davis has already had three films consecutively cross the hundred million mark at the North American box office.

Although he can't compare with Elijah Wood and Hayden Christensen, who have been boosted by 'The Lord of the Rings' and the Star Wars Prequels, Martin's track record is more convincing..."

Having finished work for the day, Nolan came over and stood behind Emma, looking on for a while, he said, "What are you reading?"

Emma handed the newspaper to her husband, "Infernal Affairs' North American box office has crossed a hundred million, nearly two hundred million worldwide."

Nolan sat down and carefully read the newspaper, while saying, "It's heading toward Scorsese's best box office record."

"It should be." Emma highlighted the key point of the newspaper article, "Martin Davis's three consecutive films breaking through one hundred million US dollars at the North American box office, it feels like he's among the few male actors born in the 1980s with the strongest commercial appeal."

Nolan had already noticed the comparison section, "Elijah Wood and Hayden indeed have the support of two major projects, but Martin does too. He's a very smart actor, with targeted project selections."

He listed off, "'The Hills Have Eyes,' with Wes Craven as producer and writer, who is a godfather of Hollywood horror movies, has a very strong pull in the horror-thriller genre. Martin starring in this movie was practically a guarantee of success." Read exclusive adventures at empire

"'Wanted,' he worked with Jolie, whose love triangle with Pitt and Aniston exploded in public interest, clearly a planned publicity campaign. Although it's uncertain whether Martin was involved, Jolie's influence on the success of 'Wanted' cannot be overlooked."

And there's no need to mention 'Infernal Affairs,' Scorsese's gangster movies always have an audience, plus Leonardo and Nicholson."

Hearing her husband's words, Emma Thomas said, "But across all of Hollywood, among the actors born in the 1980s who are outstanding in looks, acting, and commercial appeal, no one dares to say they are stronger than him."

Nolan, from his objective perspective, said, "Martin Davis still lacks a work that can solely carry the box office."

"As of now, Martin is already quite extraordinary." Having often met Mene at the club, Emma was somewhat influenced, "I'm now a bit regretful, I should have insisted on letting Martin audition for the cast of 'The Prestige'."

Nolan said, "Hugh Jackman isn't bad either."

Emma shook her head, "Without Wolverine, what is his appeal? After the failure of 'Van Helsing,' it has declined further. Without Wolverine, he's at best a very average second-tier actor."

"The movie is at this stage; there's no need to discuss these things," Nolan knew his wife always considered things comprehensively, "Bale strongly recommended Hugh, and I have to take that into account..."

Emma rarely interrupted her husband, "Bale is getting too close to the Australian Gang. I know you like to use British actors, and I do too, but between Australian actors and American actors, you still have to think it over carefully. The most significant force in Hollywood is still America's homegrown force."

Nolan nodded, "I understand."

......

Los Angeles, Angel's Club.

Mene left the crowd and found Bruce in a corner, taking over the coke he handed her, and flexed her muscles, "See, I've trained back."

Bruce popped open a can and asked, "Because Emma Thomas has been in London for the past two months, you don't have to drag you out for sweets?"

Mene sat next to Bruce and said, "Yeah, she loves sweets too much, she doesn't care about keeping in shape."

Bruce asked, "Have you contacted her recently?"

"Called her a couple of days ago." Mene said plainly, "I discussed 'Infernal Affairs' storyline with her, she has seen the film."

Bruce clinked his coke can against hers, "That's good she's seen it."

Mene took a sip of coke, "She's very impressed with Martin."

Bruce said, "If you need any help, come to me or Thomas."

Mene laughed, "The only problem is, she's a bit young. If she were ten years older, I could easily win her over, unlike now when she keeps pulling away from me."

Bruce knew Mene's capabilities well, "For now, it's not bad to have a first-hand source of information."

Up ahead, there suddenly came a burst of cheering, it was Chad Stahelski on the training field performing simulated combat shooting, achieving impressive results.

Chad faced the dummy target and used a shooting style that is quite rare in Hollywood movies.

He ejected the magazine, cleared the chamber, and left the shooting range.

Martin approached and bumped fists with Chad, "Buddy, your training results lately are extraordinary."

Chad said, "My stamina can only get me through one round; a second wave of shots and I estimate half of my bullets would miss."

Marcus, who came along with Chad, said, "Although it can't compare with Martin's, your gun sense is indeed not bad." He emphasized, "It's closer to actual combat."

Martin asked, "When you encounter enemies and shoot, is speed what you aim for?"

"Yes, drawing the gun and firing, both need to be fast!" Marcus, who had only truly left Afghanistan this year, said, "In close encounters with the enemy, you have to ensure the first shot is fast and accurate, so the target should be the enemy's chest or other such large areas, rather than the relatively small head."

Martin nodded slightly.

Marcus continued, "But the battlefield conditions are complicated, and hitting an enemy in the chest or abdomen with a handgun won't necessarily be lethal, so it's necessary to follow up with additional shots."

Chad added, "Only a dead enemy is a good enemy."

Martin illustrated with a hand gesture of firing a gun, "Striking the enemy first will incapacitate them to some extent, then you follow up with additional shots to keep the target still for a longer time or permanently, so they no longer pose a threat."

Chad said, "This is the shooting technique I plan to use in the new project after consulting various sources, combining excellent marksmanship with your agile moves—using a gun from afar and engaging in close combat, where even a pencil can be a weapon to kill the target."

Martin had confidence in this, even though the project was still at an early creative stage and actual filming was a long way off. With his age, he was still at the peak of his physical condition and wouldn't encounter a situation where he couldn't fight.

This was a very real issue because everyone ages eventually.

Bruce and Mene came over at this point.

The former interjected, "By then, Marcus and I could also double as firearms experts and action consultants, and we could even play some of the tough villain bosses."

Chad couldn't help but laugh, "Good idea, I'll design some action routines and scenes just for you, to create distinctive shots."

Marcus, a film enthusiast, was also happy about the possibility of appearing on camera.

"What about me?" Mene joked, "Don't I get special treatment?"

Chad glanced at Mene's face and complexion, then said, "I'll give it some thought, how to craft a role for you."

Martin asked, "What about the plot?"

"I've been thinking mainly about the action scenes and the choreography," replied Chad, who came from a background as a stunt performer and action director, so his first considerations were naturally what he excels at.

He continued, "The plot and characters all serve to logically link the action scenes together."

Martin completely agreed, "What stands out in these kinds of films is the thrill, both the progression of leveling up and defeating monsters, and the exhilaration of beating the boss."

Chad scratched his head, embarrassed to say, "I've thought of that, but the plot is only a simple thread." He looked at Marcus, "It's borrowing from Marcus's real-life experience about avenging his dog."

Martin said, "Don't rush the plot; take your time to refine it, and let me know if you need a professional screenwriter."

Chad replied, "Not for now, but I'll call you if I do."

Martin then asked Marcus, "How's the progress on your memoir?"

"It's going well." Marcus smiled, "Robinson is amazing. He can organize the scattered stories I tell into coherent text that's exactly like my memories."

Since both sides had already signed a contract, Martin added, "Contact me or Chad if you run into any issues."

He and Mene walked ahead and then he gave Bruce a look.

Bruce deliberately lagged behind, slowing Marcus's pace, and quietly asked, "Is everything with Daisy and John sorted out?"

Marcus looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then lowered his voice, "Those four disgusting black guys will never be able to function as normal men again."

Bruce said softly, "Daisy and John can rest in peace now."

Marcus made the sign of the cross over his chest, "May God bless them."

Chad consoled, "Let's leave it at that, getting yourself into trouble over those disgusting jerks isn't worth it."

Bruce wholeheartedly agreed, "Indeed."

Marcus said, "I've put that behind me now, I'll focus my energy on work, being busy helps me forget past pain."

As November began, the North American awards season became even more bustling, with many contenders releasing their films.

For instance, "Tower of Babel," starring Brad Pitt and Kate Blanchett, previewed on the first weekend of November and received quite positive reviews and feedback.

Of course, the box office for these kinds of films isn't going to be great. The focus of commercial marketing is on the Oscars—only by getting Oscar nominations and awards can they hope for a decent commercial return.

Other films like "The Queen" and "The Last Dictator" also started with limited screenings, accumulating and managing reviews, hoping to score during the awards season.

On Martin's side, marketing efforts were also ramping up, especially at the various preliminary awards, where winning could significantly increase visibility.

After the Gotham Independent Film Awards announced their winners, it was time for vote at various film critics associations, which is the peak season for film critics to assert their presence and influence.

Of course, Martin wouldn't neglect this—he had always had a good relationship with the Los Angeles critics' circle.