America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

In Warner's premier screening room, including Warner Bros. CEO Barry Meyer, Warner Bros. President Ellen Horn, DC's Chief Creative Officer Aulin, and many other high-ranking executives affiliated with Warner Bros., all watched without shifting their gaze from The Dark Knight, which was currently being projected.

Behind them were Martin and Nolan, along with the film's main creative team, and invited preview guests like Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

All of their attention was fully focused on the movie.

The Dark Knight's effect was too astonishing, vastly surpassing that of the average superhero movie.

Though dark, heavy, and oppressive, it was filled with allure.

Like an unrivaled beauty clad in black tight leather and holding a whip. Everyone could see she was dark inside out, yet they couldn't help but watch, and watch closely.

The one bringing this sensation wasn't Warner and DC's flagship character Batman, but the Joker!

Almost everyone watching the film had a similar thought; the film's premier protagonist was not Batman.

Bruce Wayne was just a tool, a tool for setting the stage for the Joker!

When the preview ended and the screen went dark, lights turned on, and warm applause filled the screening room.

Everyone turned to Nolan and Martin.

They were all certain that these two had genuinely infused the comic book movie with a soul.

The former with his camera, and the latter with his frantically brilliant performance. Continue your journey with empire

"Chris, this is a true masterpiece. I can be one hundred percent sure that it will take the comic book superhero movie to heights never before reached!"

Barry Meyer believed in his eyes and judgment, came over to shake hands with Nolan vigorously, then turned to Martin and said, "Your performance, I... I can't describe it. I can't find the right words. The English language lacks the praise to convey the impact your performance and character have had!"

Martin grinned and said, "I feel the same way."

The sudden appearance of that creepy, malicious smile made Barry Meyer unconsciously let go of Martin's hand and instinctively take a step back, saying, "You are a dedicated actor."

There were words he deemed inappropriate to say in public and planned to tell Charles Roven later, hinting that this mad actor should go see a therapist.

At this moment, Ellen Horn, having finished talking with Nolan, approached Martin and said, "It's a great regret of mine that we couldn't get you for 'Terminator 4.'

The two had had disagreements over this project, but in the end, they hadn't come to blows.

Martin had even considered, if Ellen Horn really went ahead with something, he'd take the path of Cody Horn and deal with it directly.

Now that Christian Bale had joined the 'Terminator 4' crew, the conflict between both sides had faded with time, and that bit of friction had not harmed their core interests.

Martin smiled and said, "There's still time, and there will always be opportunities for collaboration in the future."

Ellen Horn smiled as well, seeing Martin as the type of star who held value in his eyes.

Aulin, who had spent a long time on set, came over and bumped fists with Martin, saying, "Buddy, you've posed a dilemma for DC, what to do with the Joker character now?"

Martin, half-joking, replied, "If you have the right script, feel free to find me."

Aulin, the DC Director, thought further ahead, "You've created a maniacal, classic character; it will be tough to surpass in the future."

Martin shrugged, "Continue on the path of realism."

Aulin nodded slightly, "It's a shame Director Nolan won't consider Joker for his next film."

Outside the main creative team, Nicholson let out a sigh, "This guy is a jerk in what he does, but he indeed has a knack for performing."

Warren Beatty, knowing he was referring to Martin and the Joker, agreed, "If it wasn't a comic book superhero movie, this role would definitely deserve a Best Actor award."

Nicholson concurred, "Martin put a lot of effort into this role, and the results are plain to see." He then asked, "How about Best Supporting Actor? This rascal Martin already has one Best Supporting Actor nomination and a Best Actor nomination, which are some credentials. This movie's role is really outstanding."

Beatty said, "There's no issue with the performance or the character, even much better than many who have won the Oscar for Best Actor, but the genre of the film is the problem."

Nicholson nodded, "Let's see how it plays out later. After all, this is the Oscars."

"Right, after all, this is the Oscars." Being a member within the Academy himself and one of the core of the old guard, Beatty knew all too well about the various happenings at the Oscars in recent years, "Acting is only the most basic; the real key is campaigning."

Warner employees came by, handing out a survey to everyone. The survey only had two items: internal scoring for The Dark Knight and noting the most significant highlight in their eyes.

Without a moment's hesitation, Warren Beatty instantly graded it an A+. On the highlight of the film, after slight consideration, he only wrote down one word—Joker!

He turned to his old pal Nicholson, their answers were exactly the same.

All the surveys were collected back by the Warner employees and handed over to the film's producer, Charles Roven.

The internal screening came to an end today.

Having other matters, Warren Beatty was the first to leave the Warner Building.

Nicholson and Martin entered a reception room and had a brief chat.

"You've really done great, at your age I couldn't do what you have." Nicholson said, "Martin, you rascal, you've actually left me at a loss for words."

Martin said, "You can't find the right adjective? I believe the talented Jack will definitely come up with the best phrases."

Nicholson pushed his tea-colored sunglasses up and said, "How on earth did I believe your nonsense last year and played this damned game with you?"

"Because it's fun," Martin asserted confidently: "You needed entertainment, and I provided it for you."

"Well, toying with public opinion and the masses is indeed a bit interesting, certainly more amusing than Leo staying in a mental health center," Nicholson replied.

Martin couldn't help but feel sorry: "The guy didn't even go insane."

"I think you're about to lose it," Nicholson pat Martin's shoulder: "If you can't hold on, go see a psychologist, don't tough it out."

Martin felt helpless and spread his hands, saying, "Am I that fragile?"

Nicholson laughed heartily: "I think you'll end up in a mental health center before Leo." He returned to the main topic: "Get Warner and the crew to arrange an exclusive interview show quickly."

"It's already taken care of," said Martin.

Nicholson didn't mince words with Martin: "Although it's fun, I want something even more entertaining."

The old bastard had nothing to say to his best pal; Martin also agreed without hesitation: "Let me think about it and see where I can find something more fun."

As Nicholson prepared to leave, he sighed, "Without Meryl, a lot of the fun is gone."

Martin reminded him: "You still have Naomi Campbell."

Nicholson flipped him off, saying, "You can have her for free."

After seeing him out, Martin went back and found Nolan and Emma Thomas, both of whom seemed in a good mood.

Charles Roven was also there, holding a questionnaire from the internal screening.

Martin asked, "It looks like our internal screening was quite successful?"

Nolan seemed somewhat relieved: "All the guests at the internal screening gave it an overall rating of A+!"

"Out of the 23 attendees, 17 nominated Joker as the highlight of the screening," added Charles.

Martin took a deep breath: "Our hard work has received preliminary recognition, our toilsome efforts have been rewarded."

Nolan nodded repeatedly: "I can feel it; we are getting closer and closer to success."

The previous film, "The Prestige," did not do well commercially, even a bit poorly. If this one wasn't successful, then it would really be the end.

Charles Roven asked, "Have you talked things over with Jack?"

"No problem," Martin said. "Jack finds it amusing, but he's asking for something even more entertaining as payment, which is driving me crazy."

After thinking for a bit, Charles Roven said, "When necessary, Warner Bros. can also provide you with some assistance. That much I can still manage."

Martin smiled: "I won't be polite about it when the time comes."

Charles Roven added, "The internal screening got an excellent response, and we must release this news as soon as possible. The following promotion will be divided into two parts: conventional and unconventional."

"Martin and I have already discussed everything," said Nolan.

Martin also made an OK gesture with his hand.

"The screening's reviews will be officially shared with the media tomorrow, and at the same time, a new movie trailer will be released at the San Diego Comic-Con, still focusing on the showdown between Batman and Joker. Additionally, we have a virus marketing gift that will be sent to major entertainment media," Charles Roven explained.

Martin added, "Nicholson is going to be on Warner Television Network's The Helen Show this week to entirely change the perception of my version of Joker."

"Your meeting with Bale is scheduled before The Helen Show, followed immediately by the San Diego Comic-Con, where both of you must attend. This will be your first meeting after the shooting of The Dark Knight, where Batman and Joker will engage in a face-off," Nolan said.

Martin was mentally prepared and responded, "I don't have a problem on my end."

Nolan nodded: "I've already had a talk with Bale."

After discussing for a while, the group left the office together.

As they went out, Nolan and Charles Roven walked ahead.

Emma Thomas purposely lagged behind by a step and whispered to Martin, "Where's your friend Mene? He's not been picking up my calls lately. Do you know where he went?"

Martin certainly knew, but could only vaguely respond: "After we parted in New York, I haven't been in touch with him. I don't know where he went."

Emma Thomas complained, "That guy..."

After leaving the Warner Building, Martin had Bruce contact Ivan, and then he headed to the psychological clinic on time, continuing to play up the story that his role had caused psychological issues.

For the next half-year, Martin would exhibit Joker Syndrome.

With the powerful media of Warner Bros. behind him, it was easy to create a stir. Even Heath Ledger, after completing another film, was still able to manufacture a similar situation.