The Los Angeles Times: "Our new President Barack Obama attended the 43rd Super Bowl, cheering for his favored Pittsburgh Steelers. Perhaps his luck contributed to their victory…"
The Hollywood Reporter: "During yesterday's Super Bowl halftime ad break, The Joker's trailer stole the show, outshining even pop sensation Britney Spears…"
The Washington Post: "Back in Washington, Obama referenced The Joker, vowing not to let America become a chaotic Gotham. He promised to address unemployment, hinting at a plan to create jobs in large numbers…"
The New York Times: "David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager, signed a book deal with Viking Press to chronicle the historic election. Titled Audacious Victory: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama's Historic Win, the book is slated for release by next fall, per the Associated Press…"
[TL/N: Tite.]
…
The Joker's 30-second Super Bowl trailer was a masterstroke, akin to a novel's gripping opening chapters, hooking moviegoers instantly.
At Universal's boardroom, a tense meeting unfolded.
"You've all seen Martin's The Joker trailer. Thoughts?" asked Maria, the nearly 60-year-old executive, her heavy makeup failing to hide her wrinkles.
Quentin Tarantino glanced at her, then at Brad Pitt across the table, marveling at Pitt's willingness to cozy up to her.
A Universal exec, Maria's ally, spoke up. "The trailer's got intense emotional pull. Thirty seconds left us hooked—imagine 90 or 100 minutes. We need to take this seriously, boost Inglourious Basterds' marketing budget, and ramp up promotion now."
Tarantino perked up, shooting Pitt an impressed look. Nice work, buddy. Maria had clearly prepped her subordinate to push this, all for her "puppy."
Maria nodded approvingly, her gaze lingering on Pitt. Not quite a puppy, but his mature charm still worked on her. Pitt caught her look and flashed a flirtatious smile. Power's intoxicating, and I love it.
Maria smiled back.
The room moved to discuss marketing details, but Maria grew impatient. "Work it out and send me a proposal. Meeting adjourned."
Tarantino filed out, spotting Pitt hurrying toward the CEO's private elevator. Go get 'em, brother, he thought. Keep her happy, secure that budget. Our film's fate's on you.
…
Martin's trailer, aired during the Super Bowl, hit TV screens nationwide, its unique vibe captivating critics. In just 30 seconds, some saw a raw exposé of society's dark underbelly, others praised Martin's bold use of color, and many lauded his gripping performance.
Is this really a DC adaptation?! Critics were stunned, itching to buy tickets to this singular film.
Kevin Thomas, Martin's old friend, leapt off his couch and called James Blen. "Dude, you see Martin's trailer? It's so fucking good. I've got a feeling he made something extraordinary—unlike his previous movies."
"Totally agree," Blen replied. "He might've invented a new genre: anti-hero cinema."
"We gotta hit the premiere," Kevin said.
"Martin's premieres are tough to get into, but I'll try for us," Blen promised, knowing his connection to Martin.
Kevin grinned, proud he'd backed Martin when critics tore him apart.
…
The Joker trailer's impact exploded online, spreading like a virus.
"Just a trailer, and I'm obsessed with the Joker. Can't wait for June!"
"He's a villain, but why did his gunshot feel so satisfying?"
"Same here. That's Martin's genius—showing the Joker's allure."
"I'm seeing this movie, no question."
Brad Pitt, meanwhile, lurked online. On the surface, he couldn't touch Martin, now linked to his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, but the internet was his playground—a place for "masked vigilantes." Fueled by rage at the trailer's praise, he unleashed venomous posts under The Joker-related threads:
"A good trailer doesn't mean a good movie. Trailers cherry-pick the best bits."
"The higher the hype, the bigger the letdown. Everyone's hyped for The Joker, but if the plot disappoints even slightly, expect a backlash."
"The colors are too dark and oppressive. The only vibrancy comes from the villain himself. What's Martin saying—glorifying crime? Or is he just a sociopath?"