"Martin, we’ve only got one shot at this scene. You must get into character quickly, or the whole explosion goes to waste. Do you need a few practice runs?"
"No need. Easy peasy."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Martin slipped into Joker mode—the shift in his demeanor was instant and dramatic.
He trusted Martin completely.
This guy could get into character faster than anyone on earth! ...Though, to be fair, he could drop out just as fast.
Martin glanced at the IMAX cameras set up on both sides of the street and asked in his signature Joker tone, "Hehehe... Nolan, these IMAX cameras any good?"
Nolan shuddered involuntarily before quickly nodding. "Very good—fantastic, actually. These IMAX cameras are perfect for capturing large-scale scenes."
Martin had been the one to introduce Nolan to these IMAX cameras, and Nolan had fallen in love with them almost instantly—especially since they were provided rent-free.
(Author’s note: In an effort to promote their IMAX projection system, Canada’s IMAX Corporation initially lent out their cameras to major directors free of charge.)
If they’re working well, then great, Martin thought. At least this helped pave the way for James Cameron.
"Alright, let’s get started," Nolan said.
He then added, "Be sure not to miss your marks. Follow the guide lines laid on the ground. Once you cross the safety line, you can press the detonator. The pyrotechnics team will trigger the explosions in sync with you."
Martin repeated the instructions with a grin, then added, "Actually, you could give me a real detonator. I could control the explosion myself."
Nolan flatly refused. If Martin accidentally pressed the button mid-walk, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Outside the hospital, Martin, dressed in a nurse’s outfit, waddled down the steps with exaggerated duck-like steps, swaying comically.
Halfway down, he casually plucked the white nurse’s cap from his head and tossed it aside. Then he pulled a remote from his pocket, licked his lips, and let out a "Hehehe..."
He could hardly contain his glee.
After crossing the safety line, he suddenly extended a finger and pressed it down gleefully on the detonator.
One corner of the hospital collapsed.
Martin’s face showed visible confusion. He turned to glance behind him, looked at the remote, then began hopping and smacking it in frustration.
A cascade of explosions erupted. The massive hospital building came crashing down in a thunderous collapse.
Martin leapt into the air as if genuinely startled.
Nolan nodded in satisfaction and said to Jonathan behind him, "Note this: remote malfunction caused a delay. Martin’s reaction wasn’t acting—it was real..."
Then, through a loudspeaker, Nolan announced the shot was a success.
Fast forward to August 7, 2005.
Martin arrived in Venice with the Brokeback Mountain crew to attend the Venice Film Festival.
Brokeback Mountain had its world premiere at the festival—and it caused a sensation.
The jury president, renowned producer Dante Ferretti, said after watching it, "To me, Brokeback Mountain is a phenomenon. It portrays a deeply sincere and taboo love between two men. The tragic conflict at its core reveals the societal constraints and oppression faced by those with different orientations and modes of expression—it profoundly reflects the tension between personal emotions and social expectations."
"Ennis and Jack are full of love for each other, yet they cannot be together freely and must bury their feelings deep within. The film’s tragic conflict forces viewers to reflect on societal repression."
One of the only two female jurors, Icelandic musician and actress Emilíana Torrini, offered a different perspective.
"What captivated me most wasn’t the passionate scenes between those two incredibly handsome men, but the music. That crystal-clear guitar, set against skies, grasslands, and snowy mountains—it truly cleanses the soul. Long after the credits rolled, that guitar still echoed in my heart. If both life and cinema are judged by their lingering resonance, then Brokeback Mountain is undoubtedly a masterpiece."
"Oh, and I heard the soundtrack was composed by Martin Meyers? A musical genius indeed!"
The Venice Film Critics Daily also gave a balanced review:"Brokeback Mountain explores the complexity of human nature by presenting the protagonists’ moral dilemmas and inner turmoil. Ennis and Jack, upon realizing their deep love, find themselves violating societal norms. They’re forced to teeter between repression and self-denial. This moral tension urges viewers to contemplate ethical choices and internal conflict. Their story reveals how homosexual individuals lose their true selves under societal pressure and denial, challenging audiences to reconsider morality and social norms..."
In short—Brokeback Mountain exploded in Europe. A massive hit!
Showings were completely sold out.
Fujoshis from all over Europe flocked to Venice, eager to witness "the breathtaking love story of two impossibly handsome men."
"Oh my God, I’m obsessed! I have to own the DVD for this movie."
"Martin Meyers and Leonardo DiCaprio—two flawless beauties. My dream came true."
"I paid five times face value for a scalped ticket—but it was worth every cent. I cried so hard."
"After seeing this film, I finally had the courage to come out to my family—I told them I’m gay. They were shocked, but my dad hugged me, and my mom was sad but said she’d try to understand."
[GodOfReader: Yup, fiction will remain fiction till the end.]
"To the commenter above—I’m gay too, but I don’t have the courage to come out. I admire you."
"This film is bold, tender, and pure. It tells us that—love knows no boundaries!"
"I cried too. Damn that director! Why couldn’t Ennis and Jack just be together?"
"It wasn’t that cruel, though. At least in the end, Jack’s mom accepted Ennis."
"But Jack still died!"
"No, it’s Ennis who suffers the most—he has to keep living!"
"Did anyone else notice? Leonardo has played two Jacks—Titanic and Brokeback Mountain—and they both died!"
"So what are you saying? Leonardo is cursed as Jack?"
"Hey, it’s just a fun coincidence. Don’t overthink it!"