Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm-Chapter 464 - 465: Follow Me and Prosper, Oppose Me and Perish

Martin patted Keira Knightley's thigh and whispered with a smile, "No need to worry."

Then, he leaned back into his chair, adopting a relaxed, casual posture, forming a stark contrast to the stern-looking, stocky man below him.

Even though Martin hadn't spoken yet, David Denby suddenly felt like he was already losing ground.

What the hell?!

He shook his head slightly, locked eyes with Martin on stage, and pressed, "Please answer my question, Mr. Meyers."

Martin crossed his hands on the table and gave a faint smile, thinking to himself, Why do people keep lining up to get slapped? This isn't some online novel—why are there always fools begging to be humiliated?

Then, he spoke.

"You say I've changed, but in reality, it's you who have changed.

From 1910 to 1930, cinema experienced an explosion of culture. The biggest movie stars became global ambassadors of entertainment.

Film criticism emerged in this period as well.

At first, film critics were simply passionate moviegoers who shared their thoughts. Some had a way with words and got hired by media outlets to publish reviews."

"In those days, film critics were sincere. They wrote what they truly felt about a film—a genuine analysis."

"But over time, some clever critics realized something—

Their words had the power to influence box office numbers."

"And that's when things changed."

"These critics started using their media influence to serve their own interests.

Their reviews were no longer honest reflections of a film... but strategic opinions designed to maximize their personal gains."

"They started accepting 'public relations fees' from studios, using their platforms to subtly push certain films while undermining others."

"What they didn't realize was that they were eroding public trust—destroying their own credibility."

"Now, critics like you—yes, you, David Denby—can you honestly place your hand over your heart and say,

'My film reviews are my most sincere words, and they will be preserved for future generations as a true record of cinema'?"

"No, you can't."

"The truth is, film critics have never been the most important part of cinema.

You were simply debate partners—someone to spark discussion among audiences."

"But now, even that role is fading away."

"You have an easy job, little risk, yet hold immense power.

Filmmakers must offer up their work, exposing it to your judgment."

"But here's what you refuse to admit—

From a value perspective, your reviews are often less meaningful than the very movies you criticize."

"When your praise and criticism are no longer genuine but calculated for profit,

you're not a film critic anymore—

you're a businessman."

"And when the public sees through that, when they realize you are no longer fair,

your credibility collapses.

And now, with the rise of the internet, the audience has their own platforms.

They no longer need you—

because each one of them is their own critic."

"Wake up and smell the coffee! The times have changed!

You're not as important as you think. Face reality."

"The reality is—

While you keep trashing my movies,

audiences vote for them with their feet."

"And when you no longer represent the majority—

it means your time is over."

"This isn't fearmongering.

History has proven time and again—

those who fail to keep up with change are doomed to be left behind."

—

Thunderous applause.

As soon as Martin finished speaking, the entire film crew burst into applause.

Many journalists in the audience joined in.

Martin's words had just flipped the critics' table—

but so what?

What the hell can they do about it?

—

"Relax, I know what I'm doing," Martin told Drew Barrymore in his office at Meyers Pictures.

"The power of traditional film critics is fading. The internet has taken over.

Audiences can now share their thoughts instantly, exchange opinions freely.

What's the point of critics anymore?"

Drew Barrymore laughed.

"You're ruthless, Martin. That speech of yours completely dug up the roots of film criticism.

I heard those old farts at the Critics' Association were furious."

Martin waved dismissively.

"Let them rage all they want!

At the end of the day, they're nothing but parasites clinging to filmmakers and audiences.

Without us, they are nothing."

He wasn't worried.

This was just critics making their final struggle.

When Bruce Almighty and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King dropped,

both films would shatter their credibility again.

And most importantly...

Martin had a major stake in multiple internet media companies—Twitter, Blogspot, and more.

If critics wanted to transition online to stay relevant, they'd have to rely on him.

Heh.

When that time comes...

It's simple.

"Follow me and prosper. Oppose me and perish."

—

Martin's fiery takedown of film critics at the Pirates of the Caribbean press conferences went viral.

He gained massive support from netizens.

"Film critics? What do they know? All they do is praise obscure indie films to act superior."

"David Denby and Roger Ebert are dinosaurs. The only critic I trust these days is Kevin Thomas."

"Who are these critics to judge Martin? His achievements dwarf theirs by a thousand times."

"Face it—Martin is right, and even if he weren't... he'd still be right, because he's Martin!"

"Damn, Martin's movies are coming out one after another, and somehow I don't feel tired of them.

Critics say he's 'lost his spark'?

Look at his recent films—

Neo in The Matrix Reloaded,Tyler in Step Up,Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Each one has distinctive traits!

So many iconic roles packed together, and yet he never feels out of place.

Martin's acting is easily Oscar-worthy!"

"I'm obsessed with Tyler. Too damn sexy!"

"Nah, Jack Sparrow is the real deal! How the hell is Martin not even seventeen yet, but playing this eccentric old pirate so perfectly?"

"Damn, you're right! Watching Pirates of the Caribbean, I completely forgot Martin is still a teenager!"

"Now that is real talent!

Those critics saying Martin has no acting skills?

Let's see them try it!"

This chapter is updated by freēwēbnovel.com.