America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

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Before leaving Los Angeles, Martin attended several promotional events for 'The Reader' and even appeared on a TV program with Kate Winslet.

Time was too tight for Kate to resort to a pregnancy strategy to sweep the awards.

There wasn't the case where a lioness bit a male lion, either.

Martin still clocked in at the psychological clinic punctually, which Ivan captured on film and published in the entertainment media.

Such news no longer caused much of a splash; from fans to public opinion to quite a few industry insiders, everyone was convinced that Martin had psychological issues.

In early November, 'The Reader' was released by Warner Bros. as scheduled.

Initially, the screening scope was limited to a single independent theater in Los Angeles.

According to the Academy's rules, a film must be publicly screened in Los Angeles continuously for a period of time before the new year to qualify for Oscar consideration.

For the first screening, the crew invited a large number of well-known figures from the Los Angeles film critic community.

Award season was exactly the time they needed those critics' vigorous promotion.

There was no red carpet at the screening; Martin got out of the car without paying attention to the clamor of reporters and entered the theater alone, heading directly to the upstairs hall.

Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes were already waiting there.

Martin asked, "Haven't our friends from the media arrived yet?"

Sam Mendes glanced at his watch, "They'll be here soon."

Kate said to Martin, "I heard you have a good reputation among the Los Angeles critics. I hope your good word of mouth can earn the film some positive reviews."

Martin had invested quite a bit in these people and was confident, "Definitely."

Louise, wearing black-rimmed glasses, came over from a distance and asked the trio, "What are you talking about? You all seem so happy."

Kate casually said, "We were talking about Martin's psychological issues."

Louise pushed her glasses up and said, "How is it going, attending the psychological clinic once or twice a week?"

Martin replied, "I shouldn't go mad."

By this time, many critics from Los Angeles had come upstairs.

Todd McCarthy from 'Hollywood Reporter' and Kenneth Turan from the 'Los Angeles Times' were in the lead.

This was the critics' favorite season, and they wished it could be award season all year round.

Martin specifically led Kate over to the circle of Los Angeles critics.

"I saw the extended trailer sent over by the crew, and you played the role well, both as a young man and in middle age," Kenneth Turan had more than once reminded Martin of this, and seeing that he had taken notice and made a breakthrough, he felt a hard-to-describe satisfaction, especially coming from such a big Hollywood star.

He nodded at Martin, "I was a bit worried about whether you could handle an older character, but after seeing the trailer, at least my heart is at ease."

Todd McCarthy interrupted with a smile, "Martin's artistic pursuit is worthy of his talent."

Martin turned to Kate, signaling her to come forward with his eyes, and said, "The main thing is that Kate has given me tremendous help. Many times she led me into the role, helping me to become fully immersed in the character."

That wasn't a lie; during the filming of scenes featuring older women with younger men, Kate had indeed led him into the role numerous times.

Kate modestly said, "Martin is the most outstanding young actor I've ever seen."

Kenneth Turan said, "Kate, you've made a breakthrough in your acting style this time; I hope the film does the same."

Kate replied, "I won't disappoint you."

Martin specifically said, "To achieve a new artistic breakthrough, Kate made great sacrifices during the filming this time, even gaining weight to better fit the character's traits."

Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy looked at Kate and were convinced that what Martin said was all true.

After all, it was visible to the naked eye.

Martin and Kate continued to greet others while Leonardo had Warren Beatty invite some old-timers.

The critics were their standard bearers, but the old-timers held the actual ballots.

These were the people with real power during the award season.

After these people entered the screening room, Leonardo quietly called Martin into a rest room.

Because the relationship had eased during the filming in Atlanta, Nicholson came to the premiere with Leonardo and his daughter Lorraine, but he didn't say a word to Martin in public.

Just like with Martin's psychological issues, it was all groundwork now, not yet time to exert force.

Nicholson directly said to Martin, "Kate Blanchett has no chance of an Oscar nomination this session."

Martin nodded slightly, and suddenly Lorraine popped out, "Next time there's such a good thing, remember to call me."

"There will be such money in the future," Nicholson pushed his daughter's head back out the door, "The condition is that you keep your mouth shut."

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Lorraine, not yet 21, had a trust fund established by her father that allowed her to withdraw only a small amount of money each week, and she hadn't achieved much as an actor. Even being Nicholson's daughter wouldn't make it easy to strive for success, let alone for someone who preferred to take it easy and enjoy life.

For her, earning 15,000 US Dollars in the short term was somewhat difficult.

Lorraine thought the Trio of Scoundrels was pretty good.

As she left, Bruce who was standing at the door, closed it again.

Inside, Nicholson said, "Martin, you absolutely can't leave me out of any fun in the future, otherwise... don't blame me if I turn against you."

Martin took it for granted, "You're the boss for Leo and me, of course we want you at the forefront of every fun event."

Leonardo, ever the opportunist, chimed in perfectly, "Martin and I will cover you from behind!"

Nicholson pointed his finger at his two underlings and left the resting room first, heading back to the screening room.

Martin and Leonardo waited a few minutes before returning.

'The Reader' had already started screening.

The film's plot was logical and well-paced; the gloomy visuals made it easy to sink into memories of the fifties and sixties.

It even incorporated topics like the Holocaust, which judges of that era liked.

A few more years and this theme would no longer be trendy.

It would stand no chance against LGBTQ.

The plot did not lack intense emotional conflicts, such as the struggle between dignity and suffering, and between law and sentiment.

These were not of concern to Martin; he only aimed to perform his role to the utmost based on the script.

Kenneth Turan, his eyes not leaving the big screen, expertly pulled out a pen and notebook, quickly jotting down his thoughts to avoid forgetting them over time.

"The casting chose the two most suitable actors, Kate was strong, direct, and stubborn, with a near-resolute determination in her eyes. Martin's portrayal of the young male lead allowed audiences to completely overlook the actor himself, with a clarity, delicacy, and sensitivity, as vulnerable as the grass that just sprouts in spring."

As for the steamy action scenes, they were nothing to Hollywood and the Oscars, and even less to critics.

Watching Kate dominate the screen, Kenneth Turan wrote again, "The intersection of spirit and flesh finds sublimation through 'The Reader' as a medium of intellectual exchange..."

As the story progressed, Martin on the screen matured, but he maintained control over the character, with any blemishes easily overlooked.

The female lead, Hannah, unsurprisingly committed suicide, leaving her inheritance, naturally, to the descendants of the Jewish people, the epitome of political correctness.

Seeing the movie come to a close, Todd McCarthy said, "My biggest worry had been the adult part of the male lead since Martin lacks the life experience, but he portrayed it so well."

Kenneth Turan pondered briefly and responded, "Did you notice that Mixia is a character who grows? By middle age, that distinct German solemnity and restraint were so vividly portrayed by him, even without many complicated or exaggerated changes. His actions were orderly and calm, filled with a sense of time's passage."

Todd McCarthy nodded in agreement, "Compared to his buddy Leonardo, Martin is clearly a cut above."

Kenneth Turan smiled, "Isn't that the recognized fact in the Los Angeles critics' circle?"

Leonardo, location unknown, was probably fainting in the restroom.

Applause sounded, particularly enthusiastic at the critics' section. The film was exactly to the taste of film reviewers: the right amount of skin shown, discussions had, and conflicts made, with logical plot progression and actor performances that were not only solid but also enhanced the film, topped off with political correctness at the end – if not a good film, then what?

The applause was equally fervent in the back rows where the average audience sat.

The girls were full of regret, "Martin didn't even show the key point, thumbs down!"

"Right, tell the director to release the director's cut soon; I want to see Martin."

"What do you know?" Rachel rushed to calm the fans, "If that part were shown, it'd be NC-17. Who would compensate Martin for the loss then?"

The crowd burst into fervent applause, offering the warmest ovation.

The filmmakers and main creative team came on stage to take a bow and then faced the media for interviews, sharing amusing stories from the shoot.

But compared to Director Nolan, the screenwriter responsible for the bloopers and extras was quite subpar.

As the movie let out, Martin lingered a little before taking his time to walk with Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy.

Before Martin could say anything, Kenneth Turan chimed in, "The role was even better than I imagined."

He extended his hand, firmly shaking Martin's, "Congratulations, you've surpassed your limits on the big screen." Discover more stories at empire

Martin quickly responded, "Your guidance has also played a key role. It clarified the path forward for me when I was lost."

Todd McCarthy looked solemn, "We in the commentary field don't wish to see Hollywood become too commercial. This is the critics' responsibility too!"

Kenneth Turan reminded him, "You'll still have to find your own way forward, balancing commerce with art."

"After 'Joker' in Batman, I'll be taking on the lead in David Fincher's new film 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'," Martin emphasized, "I'll portray the entire life of Benjamin, from shortly after birth to near death."

Hearing the director, the role, and the project, Todd McCarthy felt a sense of agreement, "That's right, challenging yourself time and time again, surpassing your limits over and over."

Martin looked forward eagerly, "I also hope that decades from now, when the media and the public talk about me, I'll be remembered as an artist like Nicholson."

At that moment, Kenneth Turan and Todd McCarthy had already determined the overall direction of the Los Angeles film criticism scene.