Miami, at a seaside hotel restaurant.
David Fincher glanced at the report's long list of numbers, lifting a cold beer in a toast to Martin, Charlize, and Mene. "Guys, it's time to celebrate. This film's first-day box office shattered my previous record for single-day directorial achievement."
Martin clinked glasses with him, saying, "Congratulations, David."
Charlize beamed with equal joy, joining in the toast. "Congratulations to all of us!"
Mene chuckled in agreement. "This is our moment of glory."
Martin raised his glass. "Cheers!"
David Fincher echoed, "Cheers!"
The cold beer brought a refreshing sense of relief.
When in high spirits, even a simple drink tastes exceptional.
David Fincher reflected on his past successes. "My last record was with 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'." He turned to Martin. "And with you as my lucky charm, I'm keen on working together again for our next film!"
Martin quipped, "As long as it's not your lucky lady."
David Fincher poured wine for Charlize, teasing, "My Lady Luck is right here."
Charlize clinked glasses with him, adding, "David, we're in the same boat. Martin is my lucky charm too."
As the first-day box office numbers rolled in and positive word-of-mouth spread, the film's success for the opening weekend seemed inevitable. Charlize's eyes sparkled as she looked at Martin. "Martin has lifted the Oscar-winning actress curse that haunted me for years."
Intrigued by the mention of voodoo, Mene couldn't resist asking, "Charlize, can you share what ritual Martin used to lift the curse?"
Charlize flashed a mysterious smile. "It was a very special ceremony, indeed."
Mene turned to Martin with earnestness. "Boss, could you teach me this curse-removal ritual? In my community, many believe it can prevent dying in a hospital bed after being cursed."
Bruce, nearby, snapped a photo, offering a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Use your talents to help lift those curses."
Mene paused, then realized his expertise and replied with a laugh, "Absolutely impossible. I'd rather curse them to see God than attempt that."
Laughter filled the air.
After another round of drinks, David Fincher suggested, "Let's call it a night. We've got an early start for New York tomorrow."
As the wine party concluded, Martin and David Fincher walked ahead.
David Fincher shared, "I've had discussions with Graham King. Once the Oscar nominations are announced, we'll begin prepping for 'Argo'."
"We'll aim for filming in the second half of next year and a release the year after," Martin added. "Just in time for the 85th Oscars."
Following closely behind, Charlize inquired, "Are you discussing a new project?"
Martin explained, "It's a political thriller, a purely male-centric drama. No room for a female lead."
Charlize nodded, understanding.
As they reached the upstairs landing, Martin headed to his room, with Charlize naturally following.
Turning to close the door behind her, Charlize turned to Martin. "Please check how much of the curse remains and continue to lift it. I feel it's not entirely gone."
Martin swept Charlize off her feet and replied, "I'd be delighted to include you."
The next morning, the crew boarded a chartered flight from Miami bound for New York, where a promotional event awaited them.
After Martin stepped off stage and returned backstage, he was surprised to find Georgina Chapman approaching him.
"Why are you here?" Martin asked, taken aback.
Georgina flashed a smile. "Haven't you heard? I'm newly divorced and enjoying my newfound wealth and leisure."
Martin scanned her with a playful grin. "If this were five years ago, you'd have me hooked."
Georgina chuckled. "Is it that I'm older now? Or perhaps the rumors are true?"
Martin's eyebrows furrowed. "Who's been spreading those lies?" he demanded.
Ignoring his question, Georgina continued, "The Harvey Weinstein case is coming up next month. Since I'm involved in the divorce proceedings, I can't testify, but I'll be attending. Will you join me?"
Martin nodded. "I'll be there."
"I'm here to extend the invitation," Georgina said, handing him a room key. "Come tonight for a surprise."
Taking the key, Martin realized it was for the top suite at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "You're certainly living the high life," he remarked.
Georgina added, "And it's not just me. The supermodel group is hosting a screening for Natalia tonight."
Martin inquired, "Who's attending?"
"AA, KK, and the rest of the gang," Georgina replied, naming supermodels Martin had close ties with. "Candice, Kerr, and Isabel will be there too."
With eight attendees, Martin anticipated an eventful evening.
He waved off Georgina. "I'll see you tonight. I need some rest."
As Georgina left, Charlize entered the lounge and remarked, "I think I saw Georgina Chapman, Harvey Weinstein's ex-wife."
Martin nodded. "You saw right."
Charlize pressed further, "Were you involved with her before Harvey's troubles?"
Martin denied any involvement, saying, "Just acquaintances."
Skeptical, Charlize continued, "Are you sure?"
"I'm not that kind of person," Martin replied firmly.
Charlize referenced the rumors she'd heard. "Do you have a thing for someone else's wife or fiancée?" she asked, using herself as an example.
Martin resolved to deal with the instigators upon his return to Los Angeles. "Those rumors are baseless slander," he asserted.
Curious, Charlize inquired, "What does Georgina want from you?"
Martin explained truthfully, "There's a supermodel gathering tonight. They've invited me to evaluate a potential new member."
Excited, Charlize exclaimed, "A supermodel group?"
Martin confirmed, "Yes, that's the one."
Charlize, eager to reconnect with her modeling roots, pleaded, "Please take me along. I've been part of the fashion world for years and would love to join the supermodel group."
Martin preemptively declared, "You should know the nature of this event."
Charlize stepped closer, affirming, "I wouldn't attend if it weren't."
"Wait a moment," Martin said, pulling out his phone to dial Angela Lindewald's number. "Let me confirm something. Yes, Angela? I have Charlize Theron here who wishes to attend tonight's event. Any issues? Alright, perfect."
He ended the call and turned to Charlize. "You're welcome to join. They just require your latest medical report."
Charlize questioned, "Haven't you done similar events before? Do you have a recommended doctor or hospital? My part in the activity is done. Let's go."
Martin found a business card, made a call, and then handed it to Charlize.
They left immediately.
After the event, as Martin returned to the hotel, Charlize awaited him in the lobby.
They ascended to their rooms to change and retrieved a different car from the underground parking lot before heading to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan.
On the top floor, Martin swiped his card to open the door, and Charlize followed him in, greeted by eight statuesque figures clad in black stockings.
Even Charlize, as a woman, was profoundly moved, alongside Martin.
Angela Lindewald, in stilettos, stepped forward, announcing, "Tonight, Natalia Vodianova and Charlize Theron will join the fashion supermodels, becoming our sisters."
She extended her hand, and Charlize and Natalia approached, standing on either side.
Angela continued, "The test officially begins. Let's invite Martin Davis, the sole evaluator of the fashion supermodel team, to begin!"
The other six—AA, KK, Kerr, Candice, Isabella, and Georgina—gathered around Martin as the real trial commenced. To join the fashion supermodel group, one must assimilate with the existing members.
Though Charlize had spent considerable time with Natalia, the experience of sharing a room with her was entirely different.
The next day, Martin didn't wake until nearly noon but managed to catch the crew's flight on time.
During the flight, he caught up on sleep while the crew buzzed with excitement. "Gone Girl" had raked in another $22.48 million in the North American market, maintaining its lead.
The film's acclaim soared, from David Fincher's direction to Martin and Charlize Theron's performances, earning unanimous praise.
"The Hollywood Reporter" even lauded, "Charlize Theron's portrayal of Amy is undoubtedly Oscar-worthy."
With this film, Charlize finally turned the tide, and as its release continued, it continually broke David Fincher's personal box office records.
After its first weekend in North America, "Gone Girl" surpassed "Benjamin Button," grossing an impressive $58.75 million!