While Brad Pitt, under the alias "Charming Man," furiously battled online fans with his lightning-fast typing, Meyers Entertainment's troll army was caught off guard.
Ivanka stared at the screen, watching this lone warrior hold his own against hordes of netizens. "Who is this guy? One of ours?" she asked.
"No, we hadn't even started our negative comment campaign yet, and this guy's posts are already blowing up across forums," a troll team leader said awkwardly.
Indeed, Meyers Entertainment had planned to spark controversy online to keep The Joker trending—a standard marketing tactic. They hadn't expected someone to beat them to it.
"This guy must really hate the movie," another team leader noted. "His typing speed's insane, but so many typos."
Ivanka nodded. "Keep going. Escalate the debate. Split into two groups: one pro, one against. Use provocative keywords to rile up The Joker's fans."
Pitt, tiring from his solo crusade, suddenly noticed allies joining the fray.
"Charming Man is right—this movie looks pointless."
"The trailer's tone is too oppressive, the story dark. It's niche at best."
"Who likes crime films like The Joker? Actual criminals?"
"Only messed-up people would watch this. Not me."
Reinvigorated, Pitt thought, So many Americans hate Martin's movies! I'm not alone!
The online debate exploded across the U.S., then went global—Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia. Netizens worldwide learned of Martin's new film and its polarizing buzz. The trailer hit these markets, igniting interest, especially in Europe and Japan, where arthouse fans were particularly hyped.
Countless moviegoers and critics awaited The Joker's June 2009 release, poised to dominate the summer box office. But first, the Oscars arrived.
On February 22, 2009, the 81st Academy Awards took place at 8:30 PM at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Meyers Entertainment's Slumdog Millionaire was the night's big winner, snagging Best Picture and Best Director. Kate Winslet won Best Actress for The Reader. Meanwhile, District 9, shut out at the Golden Globes, triumphed over Sean Penn's Milk for Best Actor, with Robert Downey Jr. taking the prize.
Downey, ecstatic, hugged Martin and the team before jogging to the stage, stumbling on the steps. "You're laughing? Why? Because I tripped? No, no, I was bowing to this award—you got it wrong! Stop laughing!"
The crowd roared louder.
"Fine, laugh all you want—I can't stop you. I need to thank some people…" After his list, he added, "Finally, a big thank you to the one who pulled me from the mud, gave me a new life, and got me here to face you all. You think I mean Martin? Nope, it's my wife, Susan."
Laughter erupted again.
"You're right to laugh this time. Kidding—I do mean Martin Meyers. If he were a woman, I wouldn't have divorced my wife. What are you all thinking?"
The audience howled. The camera panned to Martin, who grinned, shook his head, and clapped.
Downey grew serious. "Honestly, I owe him. Everyone calls him a genius, but his real gift is his humanity—and his humor. You won't find a better jokester. That's why he made District 9."
"Don't laugh—I'm serious. True humor often cuts deep. The best joke he told me? 'Robert, believe this: the clouds will part, the sky will clear, but only if you nail this damn performance.'"
"Look, I did it, and he was right!"
The crowd roared again. Downey raised his Oscar and left the stage.
Later, District 9 won Best Original Screenplay. Martin took the stage.
"Robert told a joke, and you all laughed—I did too. But he's the real comedian. His jokes hurt me," Martin said, sparking chuckles.
"Susan, I swear, man or woman, I'm not stealing Robert. He's just full of himself."
The camera caught Susan Downey playfully shaking her fist at Martin, drawing more laughs.
Backstage data showed the night's viewership peaked during their speeches.
"Nice, Susan got my sincerity. Thanks for those fists—they made Robert a new man," Martin quipped, earning another wave of laughter.
"Now, I want to thank some people…" After his list, he added, "Finally, thanks to the Academy for this award. Honestly, I need a bigger cabinet—these things are piling up!"
The laughter hit its peak. The 2009 Oscars closed in a wave of joy, with the highest ratings during Downey and Martin's speeches.
That's the power of humor.
[TL/N: Corny-ass humor.]