During the night, Peachtree Street was entirely closed off, with several custom Batmobiles making their way onto the street, including two rather unique-looking ones.
Nolan, a true enthusiast of real shooting, insisted that all the nighttime street scenes should be filmed at night.
Martin, after getting into his makeup, emerged from his trailer and strolled onto the set.
Nolan gathered Martin and Bale and issued a stern warning: "Today will involve a lot of action scenes. When it's time to use stand-ins for safety, don't resist. We can't afford any accidents." Safety was a top priority for Martin, and he swiftly agreed, "I'm okay with that."
Christian Bale added, "I'll follow the crew's guidance."
Nolan then turned his attention to Martin and inquired, "Are you proficient with various weapons?"
Martin looked at Christian Bale and replied, "I'm familiar with all types of firearms: pistols, rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, and sniper rifles. My marksmanship is quite good, and I even won a community shooting competition." He then added with a mischievous smile, "Including rocket launchers."
Upon hearing the mention of rocket launchers, Bale's eyes widened, and he stared intently at Martin.
Bale recalled that the British police had informed him about Nicholson and Streep igniting fireworks with homemade pyrotechnic rocket launchers at Pinewood Studios, crafted from welded steel pipes.
Christopher Nolan nodded and said, "The Joker will have a bazooka in the film."
"No problem," Martin grinned and playfully teased Christian Bale, "I even made a homemade bazooka and gave it to Nicholson."
Christian Bale, feeling deeply uncomfortable, almost choked. The tension he had been holding since the Pinewood Studios incident suddenly erupted, and he retorted, "You rascal, I ought to..."
Nolan's gaze shifted to Christian Bale, who had now turned into a stone statue, visibly tense.
Nolan furrowed his brow, wondering what was wrong with Christian Bale. He had expected the two main actors on the set to transition from role-based opposition to real-life rivalry for marketing purposes, but Martin wasn't cooperating, and now Christian Bale appeared to be losing control.
Christian Bale had strongly recommended Heath Ledger, which had left a bad impression on Nolan. For the first time, Nolan questioned his judgment of people and found Christian Bale to be unreliable.
In the background, the screenwriter furiously noted, "Martin, who portrays the Joker, remains affable and often engages in lighthearted discussions with the director and Bale. Director Nolan places significant trust in Martin. However, Bale has been irritable and frequently quarreled with Martin over trivial matters. Their relationship is deteriorating..."
Nolan departed to prepare for filming, leaving Martin and Bale facing each other.
Bale glared at Martin, who smiled back at him, much like the Joker facing Batman.
"Rascal, you've got some nerve!" Bale was still upset.
Martin shrugged innocently and said with a grin, "I don't know what you mean."
Others observed the exchange.
Compared to Martin, who was covered in clown makeup, Bale seemed eager to display his irritation. Without further words, he gave Martin a cold look and walked away.
Martin followed suit.
The screenwriter continued to write, "Martin often smiles at Christian Bale, but Bale's attitude toward Martin is steadily worsening."
Martin approached a vehicle and familiarized himself with it.
Bruce and the prop masters arrived with props and firearms, conducting tests with the actors.
Martin received a shotgun, an old but well-maintained firearm.
Bruce reassured him, saying, "I've thoroughly checked all the firearms, and they're in perfect condition."
Martin nodded in approval, remarking, "I'm at ease as long as you're around."
Bruce couldn't help but ask, "Were you provoking Bale just now? He seemed furious and ready to pounce on someone."
Martin grinned mischievously, "I merely nudged him a bit. People have to make choices. If you tempt them subtly, they might choose the right path."
Bruce advised, "Be careful not to anger him; after all, you're a human being."
Martin chuckled, "Can he defeat the Joker like Batman?"
Bruce felt he had grasped the essence of the matter, saying, "Isn't that what you're hoping for? You're quite the trickster, expecting others to beat you up."
Martin didn't respond, just maintained his cheerful smile.
Filming commenced, with engines roaring, vehicles chasing each other through the streets, gunshots punctuating the air, and fireworks occasionally lighting up the night sky.
Martin was frequently in and out of vehicles during the shooting.
Howard, the representative of the film completion guarantor, watched the proceedings closely, ensuring the main actors didn't take unnecessary risks. Given the substantial investment in the film, any delays would result in substantial claims against the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.
Martin certainly didn't want to end up on the blacklist of third-party guarantors, so he cooperated fully with the crew's safety protocols.
The filming continued until dawn, after which the main crew departed, leaving a professional cleaning company to swiftly clear the street of debris. As night turned to day, Peachtree Street returned to its regular state of traffic.
The crew maintained a grueling schedule, often filming scenes that reversed day and night. The noise from Peachtree Street drew complaints and police calls, creating a challenging situation.
However, Atlanta and Georgia were supportive of the film industry's growth, and they couldn't have dreamed of a project of this magnitude.
Moreover, most of the extras came from Jerome's Marietta agency, while the key roles, including the PDs, were primarily filled by APDs.
During this period, the greatest pleasure for APDs was coming to the set after their day jobs to act as background extras.
In the midst of the class, several individuals paid a visit, with a notable presence being Martin, who boasted an extensive network of friends in Atlanta.
As the evening descended, Sophia, a financial supporter of the production through Pacific Pictures, graced Peachtree Street with her presence.
Armed with an investor certificate from Pacific Pictures, Sophia gained access to the set during a break.
She was garbed in shorts and a short-sleeved T-shirt, her well-defined muscles drawing the gaze of many on the set.
Standing at the outskirts of the shooting area, a woman, often humorously likened to the mythical King Kong, cast her eyes about like a radar, finally settling them upon Martin.
Martin's countenance was concealed beneath a layer of white paint, his wide smile adorning his large mouth. He was clad in a baggy suit that accentuated his unconventional appearance.
Originally, Martin's appearance did not align with Sofia's aesthetic preferences, but now her interest had entirely waned.
Sofia observed the individual acting alongside Martin, who seemed to possess an impressive physique, especially when clad in the distinctive bat suit.
Scott followed closely, delivering a pink water bottle to Sophia.
As the director in the distance called for a halt, Sophia sipped water through a straw and proposed, "Let's go meet Martin."
The duo made their way to the crew's resting area.
Martin spotted Sophia and greeted her with a warm, "Hi, Sophia, good evening."
In his wake, Bruce quietly retreated, momentarily struggling to find a suitable hiding place.
Sofia minced no words, offering a blunt remark about Martin's appearance before directing her attention to Bruce and the potential collision with the camera.
Martin chuckled, reminiscing about her kindness.
Sofia joined in the laughter, though her expression masked some frustration. She asserted, "Martin, just as I've been kind to Bruce, am I not good to you? If you'd like, tell me, and I'll be kind to you."
Martin's smile abruptly faded, his face, concealed by white paint, remained frozen.
In the presence of the formidable female King Kong, the distinction between jesters and others became insignificant.
Sofia redirected her inquiry, asking, "Was the actor opposite you earlier Christian Bale?"
Upon hearing the question, Martin swiftly deduced Sofia's interest in Bale.
In his customary helpful manner, Martin confirmed, "Yes, that's Bale," heaping praise upon Bale's dedication to his Batman role.
Sofia listened attentively, her eyes actively seeking out Bale.
Martin added, "Bale possesses an extraordinary ability. He can mold his physique as needed, gaining or losing weight to become a muscular man." Sofia's intrigue intensified as she nodded in response.
Martin's eccentric grin reemerged. He mused, "One person, multiple applications – it's rather intriguing."
Bruce found a metal chair and settled into it, contemplating Martin's peculiar nature.
Eager to move things along, Sophia urged, "Let's go introduce me to Bale."
Traditionally, someone would introduce Sophia to Bale, but their relationship with Martin wasn't a secret. Therefore, he took it upon himself to guide Sophia to where Bale was stationed.
Meanwhile, in the lounge, Bale engaged in a phone conversation with his wife, Sibi Blazik, who was scheduled to visit Atlanta the following week.
Upon concluding the call and stowing his phone, Bale observed a peculiar figure approaching, accompanied by a woman of remarkable muscularity.
The woman appeared to be a fitness enthusiast, her physique eclipsing Bell's.
Approaching with a wide grin and crimson mouth, Martin introduced the woman as a fan of Bale's.
Bale hesitated, remarking, "I think it's unnecessary."
The observant screenwriter noted the interaction: "When crew members, including Bale, bring fans for photos or autographs, Martin usually obliges. However, in this instance, Bale refused, increasing the tension between them."
Bale was indifferent to Sophia's identity and introduced herself directly, "Hello, Bale, I'm Sophia."
Bale nodded in response, "Hello."
Martin made a quiet exit, accustomed to assisting others and refraining from being a third wheel.
As he returned to the resting area and settled in, Sophia was already engaged in conversation with Bale.
Although Baleverbally declined, his body language indicated otherwise.
Perhaps there were shared qualities between bodybuilders and actors.
Martin observed the scene with curiosity, uncertain whether the seeds sown would eventually flourish.
Much like the blooming of flowers, the shedding of blood, and the intrigue of ancient paths, the outcome remained shrouded in uncertainty.