June 15, 2005.
The Hollywood TCL Theatre was packed to the brim.
Helen Isabel squeezed into the press zone with her longtime photographer partner, George, watching the hordes of frenzied fans flanking the red carpet.
Over twenty security personnel had already been deployed, yet it still wasn't enough to contain the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowd.
Batman fans had always been a sizable group, but—
What was up with all these fans holding posters of "Neo," "Legolas," and "Captain Jack Sparrow"?
Wasn't this supposed to be the premiere of Batman?
Fortunately, there were still plenty of fans waving Batman posters in the crowd, or it would've been truly awkward.
Upstairs.
The owner of the Chinese Theatre glanced down at the surging sea of people and couldn't help but ask his assistant, "Did you call the police yet? When are they getting here?"
"They're on their way," said the glamorous assistant.
"Hurry them up. Martin's about to arrive. I don't want to see this situation spiral out of control."
"Got it, I'll call again."
At that moment, a massive cheer erupted from below—it was the arrival of the leading man and lady.
Anne Hathaway, holding Ben Affleck's arm, looked radiant, while Ben maintained a textbook one-fist distance from her, playing the role of a gentleman to perfection.
In reality, Ben Affleck was well-known in Hollywood as a notorious playboy—but it all depended on who he was dealing with.
Sure, he could mess around with small-time models and actresses, but Martin's woman? He wouldn't dare. That'd be asking for trouble.
He was walking the red carpet as carefully as if he were treading on glass, terrified that a misstep might anger the powerful patron he'd finally managed to cozy up to.
Helen Isabel tugged George forward, hoping to snag an interview with Ben Affleck and Anne Hathaway.
George cleared the way in front—photographers were all burly men—and shielded Helen behind him.
Around them, other reporters and cameramen were doing the exact same thing.
A journalist ahead snapped, "Quit pushing! There's no more room!"
Security near the front was on the verge of collapse.
Finally, the police arrived.
"Shoot! Shoot now! See if Ben Affleck's hand is on Anne Hathaway's ass!"
Helen Isabel shouted as she finally squeezed up front.
Ben Affleck's face darkened, nearly losing control of his expression.
Fuck—how long ago was that scandal? Back during the Shakespeare in Love premiere, when his hand had "accidentally" landed on Gwyneth Paltrow's—
Fuck, fuck, he already said it was an accident! Why do people keep bringing it up?
Still, he instinctively glanced down at his own hand.
Good. Perfectly positioned! Proper! Not wandering!!
Helen Isabel noticed too, and looked disappointed. This playboy had actually behaved himself—how boring.
After that, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and others walked the red carpet, but didn't stir much excitement.
It wasn't until Leonardo DiCaprio arrived with Bar Refaeli that the crowd exploded again. Leo's popularity spoke for itself.
Then came another wave of deafening cheers as Tobey Maguire appeared.
Thanks to Ready Player One, this guy had finally ascended to Hollywood's A-list and was enjoying the sweet taste of mega-stardom.
Next came someone no one had expected—
Tom Cruise.
The Hollywood superstar stepped onto the red carpet with his new girlfriend, Katie Holmes, drawing an even louder cheer than Leo's appearance.
Looks like the old-school "fresh milk" faction's grandmaster was still more popular than his supposed successor, even if neither of them would admit they belonged to that label.
At the interview zone—
Helen Isabel raised her uniquely sharp voice above the crowd and fired off a bold question to Tom Cruise:
"Tom, it's rumored that you and Martin don't get along. Why are you attending his movie premiere today? Are you here to finally bow your head to him?"
Once she spoke, the rest of the reporters fell silent, waiting for Tom's response—this question had bite.
Tom Cruise, however, didn't show any anger. Smiling at the press zone, he replied:
"Martin and I never had a conflict. That's just made-up nonsense from you reporters. Besides, Martin was only the screenwriter for this film. This is a Warner Brothers film, a Nolan film—not Martin's film."
Indeed, Tom had come at Warner's invitation. But he also harbored a lingering desire to ask Martin face-to-face why he'd been so dismissive of Kingdom of Heaven.
Even though Kingdom of Heaven had already wrapped and was set to release in late June, that comment from Martin still stuck in his craw—he just couldn't let it go.
Tom wanted to hear Martin's opinion in person, to refute it, to prove that box office success wasn't up to Martin's whims. It had become something of an obsession.
Unsatisfied with his response, Helen threw out another sharp jab:
"Tom, what's your take on your ex-wife Nicole Kidman confessing her feelings to Martin?"
The surrounding reporters looked at Helen Isabel with admiration—this woman was fearless. Nicely done!
Tom's face darkened, but he quickly composed himself and replied coolly:
"Ms. Kidman and I are divorced. I have no right to interfere in her choices. She can profess love to whomever she likes. And besides—"
He tightened his grip on Katie Holmes' slender waist, pulling her a little closer, and added, "I've found my true love too."
But Helen wasn't about to let up.
"Rumor has it that this Katie Holmes was chosen for you by the Church of Scientology. Is that true?"
Holy crap—this woman really didn't hold back!
Reporters around them were practically applauding Helen Isabel at this point.
Tom Cruise finally lost control of his expression.
He glared at her and snapped, "What the hell is wrong with you? What's your name? What outlet are you with? I refuse to answer any more of your questions."
Helen Isabel didn't flinch. Smiling, she said, "Does your refusal to answer mean you're tacitly admitting the rumor is true?"
"F**k!" Tom couldn't hold back anymore. He cursed loudly and stormed out of the interview zone with Katie Holmes in tow.
Helen quickly turned around. "George, did you get Tom Cruise swearing on camera just now?"
George gave a proud pat on his camera and said, "When do I ever let you down? Got it all."
"Brilliant work!"