It's June 20th. "Island" is finally coming to theaters.
On this day, the El Capitan Theater, located next to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is star-studded.
Inside the East India Auditorium, the most famous room in this magnificent building, built in 1926, the stunning gold-leaf ceiling glows under the lights, casting a golden brilliance that is particularly eye-catching.
But even more captivating than the decor are the famous stars in the auditorium.
Among them are Tom Cruise's friends, such as Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, and others. Strangely, a significant proportion of Cruise's Hollywood friends are black.
By the way, Jamie Foxx later became involved with Tom Cruise's ex-wife, Katie Holmes.
After Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes divorced in 2012, rumors quickly spread that Katie Holmes was having an affair with Tom's close friend Jamie Foxx the following year. Initially, Jamie Foxx vehemently denied the claims, calling them fake news. However, just days later, the media caught them kissing on a beach, leading to a public scandal.
At that time, Tom Cruise was shocked beyond belief, unable to fathom that his ex-wife was involved with his close friend. The betrayal stung deeply, as it came from two people he had once trusted.
Tom Cruise was conversing with a few friends when Jamie Foxx's gaze repeatedly landed on Nicole Kidman, almost as if he were eyeing Tom's wife.
Also present were the famed Australian group in Hollywood. These Australians, gathered around Nicole Kidman, included Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman (who started his career in opera before portraying Wolverine), Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, and others. This group is a significant force, and they will only grow stronger in the future.
There's also the Harvey family, which is already well-established, with Quentin Tarantino, Uma Thurman, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and others.
Martin's small circle is beginning to take shape as well. Directors such as M. Night Shyamalan, John Poulson, and Peter Jackson are part of it, while actors like Bruce Willis, Famke Janssen, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, and others are also involved.
Scarlett is busy filming American Rhapsody and could not attend, while Miranda is in France for a small catwalk show.
Martin was chatting with Jessica and Lindsay when a young beauty with a slender figure and delicate features approached them.
"Hello, Martin. I'm Charlize Theron, a fan of your films."
Martin raised his head, momentarily struck by her exquisite appearance. He then smiled politely. "Hello, Miss Theron. I'm a fan of your work as well."
Charlize smiled warmly and teased, "Really? I didn't think someone your age would be watching my movies."
The South African beauty had starred alongside Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino in the thriller The Devil's Advocate in 1997. Due to its numerous nude scenes, it was rated PG-17. Martin, only twelve years old at the time, obviously hadn't seen it.
Martin chuckled lightly, unbothered by the playful jab. "I was actually referring to Children of the Corn 3."
This film, Charlize Theron's debut, was a modest box office success with little lasting impact.
Charlize paused, surprised. She then laughed and said, "I didn't expect you to have seen that one."
She gently placed a hand on Martin's arm and added, "Martin, I'd like to talk to you about something in private. Can we?"
Martin glanced at Jessica and Lindsay before saying, "I'll be back in a moment."
He gestured to a nearby corner and said to Charlize, "It's an honor. Let's go over there."
Watching the two walk toward the corner, Jessica remarked, "I don't like her."
Lindsay, raising an eyebrow, asked, "Is it because she's so beautiful?"
Jessica shook her head. "No, it's because the way she looks at Martin... it's like she's eyeing her prey."
Lindsay chuckled. "If that's the case, I wouldn't worry. Dad Martin's is the best hunter. He's killed a cheetah!"
Jessica shot Lindsay a look. "You're such a child! How can you still be so innocent?"
Lindsay grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Jessica shook her head, exasperated, but didn't see the sly glint in Lindsay's eyes.
In the corner, Martin couldn't help but admire the "South African diamond" before him. His gaze was full of appreciation, and he didn't try to hide it. Charlize, noticing, seemed pleased by his attention.
"Miss Theron, what can I do for you?" he asked.
"Call me Charlize—or Sally," she replied.
"Okay, Charlize."
"Martin, I need your help with something. I have a movie that needs investment," Charlize said, revealing the purpose of her visit.
A movie? What films has Charlize Theron been involved with recently?
Martin thought back to the films she had starred in and his expression shifted. It had to be The Dive, the biographical film about a black man in the U.S. Navy. Released in 2000, it had a budget of over $30 million but failed at the box office and didn't earn any major awards. It was definitely a risky project.
The film's theme is high-minded—anti-racial discrimination. The story follows a black man who joins the Navy, fighting in a racially segregated army. Through hard work and exceptional achievements, he proves that success has nothing to do with skin color.
Even now, two decades later, it remains a tough sell, particularly as a biographical film with a black protagonist criticizing white society. It's hard to imagine such a film succeeding at the box office.
It was rumored that Will Smith and Denzel Washington had been invited to the film, but both wisely declined after reading the script.
Both Smith and Washington have successfully navigated Hollywood while maintaining their black identities. Still, they've often been seen as more aligned with white audiences, which led to their refusal to participate in a project focused on highlighting racial inequality.
In contrast, figures like Kobe Bryant and Grant Hill exemplify the phenomenon of "black skin, white heart." These athletes, although part of the black community, have often been criticized for their behavior, which some view as aligning more with white culture, leading to a rift with more militant black groups. On the other hand, figures like Allen Iverson, who have embraced their black identity more fully, enjoy strong support within the African American community.
Despite Iverson's popularity, his financial mismanagement has led to bankruptcy, while figures like Kobe and Grant have gone on to prosper. Kobe, had he not faced tragedy, would have become one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in Los Angeles. Grant Hill found success by becoming a general manager within the NBA, securing his place within the upper class.
As for Iverson, his lack of financial foresight led him to make careless decisions, such as buying a luxury car for a short trip and abandoning it after. Once his habits became known, second-hand car dealers would eagerly await his departure from away games to scoop up his discarded vehicles for profit.
Back to The Dive—as a biographical film about a black Navy man, the project had very little commercial appeal. Martin had no intention of investing.
He asked directly, "So, what do you want from me?"
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧