Chapter 627: Lifting the Curse!

"Marriage is akin to life—a battlefield, not a comfort zone!"

During the promotional frenzy for "Gone Girl," Charlize Theron poured her heart out, drawing on personal experiences to captivate attention. "I've seen it firsthand," she revealed, her voice laced with raw emotion. "My parents' tumultuous arguments, my father's transgressions against me, and the sacrifices my mother made to protect me."

The media latched onto the South African beauty's childhood struggles, especially after her stellar performance in "The Devil Wears Prada," turning her story into sensational headlines.

And indeed, Charlize was no stranger to the trials of marriage.

At just 15, she bore witness to her mother's harrowing act of self-defense, shooting and killing her abusive father. Since then, Charlize had become a staunch advocate against marriage.

That night, a newly installed telescopic bridge connected Charlize's house to Martin's, one end firmly planted on her side, the other extending into Martin's domain.

As Martin ascended the bridge, he couldn't shake the feeling of being a character straight out of a neighborhood drama. Thankfully, the saga involving Stuart Townsend had reached its resolution, leaving Martin and Charlize to navigate their own narrative.

Descending from the bridge, Martin found Charlize waiting below. "Drinking alone isn't my idea of fun. Care to join me?"

Martin followed her into the villa, where two bottles of wine and glasses awaited them. Pouring a glass of tequila, Martin remarked, "With the novel dominating the bestseller list for 12 weeks straight, and with your, mine, and Fincher's star power, traditional promotion seems unnecessary."

"Thanks for your concern," Charlize replied, downing half her glass in one gulp. "But my urgency to succeed outweighs yours."

Martin took a sip. "You're an Oscar-winning actress, the face of Dior, a diamond in the rough from South Africa."

Charlize shook her head ruefully. "Since winning the Oscar, it's been one curse after another. Regardless of the films' reputations, except for 'Hancock,' my career's been in shambles. Without Dior, I'd be worse off than Nicole Kidman."

She sighed. "Did you know? Offers for supporting roles are flooding in."

Martin caught on. "Like 'Snow White and the Huntsman'?"

Charlize nodded. "Exactly. Me as the queen, and your neighbor Kristen Stewart as Snow White."

"Sounds absurd," Martin remarked. "Like a magic mirror spouting lies."

Charlize grinned. "No need for flattery. I'm all about practicality."

"What's practical?" Martin inquired.

Charlize's foot slid beneath the wine table, landing on Martin's leg. "I'm cursed by the Oscar. Only you can break it."

"Consider it done!" Martin seized the wine bottle and glasses, clearing the table in one swift motion.

As he took decisive action, inspiration struck. "Charlize, if I break your Oscar curse, you'll spread the word."

Charlize caught on. "You want other cursed Oscar winners knocking on your door for help?"

Martin nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Why not turn a curse into a blessing?"

Martin chuckled, admiration twinkling in his eyes. "You're one sharp cookie, you know that?"

The Oscar curse loomed over countless actresses, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their careers. Charlize, too, felt its weight bearing down on her.

But Martin was determined to wield the mightiest sword to sever this insidious curse once and for all.

With each swing of the sword, the curse's grip weakened until finally, Charlize let out a triumphant scream, her body relaxing as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

After a refreshing shower, they returned to continue their conversation over drinks.

Raising her glass, Charlize toasted, "Here's to hoping that working with you will turn my luck around."

Martin boasted, "I have a knack for turning bad luck into good."

Charlize, still savoring the moment, remarked, "Your ability to turn things around is truly remarkable."

Martin assured her, "Once this film becomes a blockbuster, your luck will undoubtedly improve."

Charlize wasted no time in discussing her next career moves. "Aside from 'Snow White and the Huntsman,' I have two other projects on the table, both with Warner Pictures."

Martin gestured for her to continue.

Charlize explained, "One is 'Dark Places,' a film adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel, and the other is the fourth installment of the Mad Max series, directed by George Miller, but only as a supporting role."

After weighing her options, Martin offered his suggestion. "I'd recommend the Mad Max series."

Surprised, Charlize questioned, "Aren't you optimistic about Gillian's new work? Didn't Warner Pictures snatch the novel from you? Did you intentionally give up?"

Martin maintained his composure. "Not at all. I was waiting for Gillian to finish the book, but Warner Pictures beat me to it." He crafted a plausible explanation, "I suggest 'Mad Max' because I believe Alan Horn's vision surpasses Jon Berg's."

Charlize nodded thoughtfully. "I may not trust Alan Horn's vision, but if your vision can reverse my downward spiral, Martin, I'll reward you handsomely."

Martin, ever cautious, teased, "You're not proposing marriage, are you?"

Charlize playfully kicked him under the table. "Marriage has brought me enough pain. I'll never marry!"

Reflecting on her tumultuous past, she added, "Things are actually quite good as they are now."

Martin squeezed her hand affectionately. "You're a diamond in the rough, shining amidst adversity."

Charlize smiled. "Our relationship is good for now. But when it runs its course, it's over."

Locking eyes with Martin, she added, "You're relentless in pursuing your goals, never stopping for anyone."

Martin raised his glass in agreement. "Here's to our future happiness."

Charlize quipped, "That depends on your determination and skill."

Martin replied confidently, "I never disappoint."

After finishing the bottle of wine, they retired to the bedroom upstairs.

The next morning, as Martin departed via the retractable bridge, Charlize wasted no time in making her career decisions. She instructed her agent, "Turn down the role in 'Dark Places.' I'm not interested. And send a reply to George Miller—I'm eager to audition for Furiosa in 'Mad Max.'"

The agent's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Sally, are you absolutely sure about this? 'Darkland' offers you the lead role, the chance to carry the entire film. With your recent collaboration with Gillian Flynn on 'The Disappearance of My Lover,' if you audition, you're practically guaranteed the part."

He continued to plead, "On the other hand, 'Mad Max' is just a B-level movie, and Furiosa is still a supporting role. Think about it..."

But Charlize cut him off. "My mind is made up. You don't need to say anything more."

At her level of stardom, it was rare for her manager to sway any decision she'd firmly made.

Undeterred, the agent persisted. "Sally, you're wasting your time and talent."

Charlize's tone brooked no argument. "Just do as I say."

"Fine, I'll let them know," the agent conceded. "But even if you pass the audition, negotiations will have to wait until after 'Gone Girl' is released. The film's poised for success, which could leverage better terms for you."

Charlize nodded in agreement. "Understood."

As the North American premiere of "Gone Girl" loomed closer, promotional efforts kicked into high gear. Both the producer and distributor poured considerable resources into marketing, with advertisements saturating television, the internet, newspapers, magazines, and outdoor displays.

The soaring popularity of Gillian Flynn's original novel, topping bestseller lists for over ten weeks, cultivated a substantial audience eagerly anticipating the film adaptation.

The news of David Fincher and Martin's collaboration on the movie only fueled the novel's popularity further. Warner Bros. deftly capitalized on this synergy, employing tactics reminiscent of their success with the Harry Potter franchise.

Meanwhile, Martin, David Fincher, Charlize, Léa Seydoux, Mene, and Gillian Flynn methodically carried out promotional activities. Charlize's personal revelations garnered attention, while rumors of a love triangle involving Mene, Isabelle Huppert, and Sophie Marceau stirred up some intrigue.

According to Mene, tensions flared between Isabelle Huppert and Sophie Marceau, with a public altercation erupting over their rivalry for his affection.

Despite his admiration for Mene, Martin couldn't help but chuckle. "You don't think we should intervene?"

Mene shook his head. "It's best not to meddle. Women's quarrels can be more ferocious than men's."

Bruce chimed in, teasing, "Come on, can't you smooth things over? You're quite the ladies' man, after all."

"I'm considering a definitive solution," Mene retorted indignantly. "I refuse to choose between them. Instead, I've set my sights on Celine Dion."

Understanding Mene's logic, Martin nodded in approval. "A wise decision!"

Bruce scratched his head, puzzled. "But why?"

Mene grinned. "Because I adore Celine! And word on the street is that René Angélil's throat cancer has returned."

Bruce couldn't help but admire. "Uncle Mene, you're truly living your best life!"