StudentDriver said:
I'd like to think I can remain objective about a film despite the personal failings of the principals involved, but I've never watched a Gerard Depardieu film since the story came out years ago that he'd raped several women as a youth... (I keep seeing now that this was not true, and was due to a mistaken translation on the part of an article writer-- anyone know if this is true?)
From what I've managed to gather, this was a case of manipulated translation. He apparently stated that he witnessed a rape as a child, which prompted him to leave his hometown. The interview and translation was later edited at the height of Depardieu's success, resulting in the version that was published in Time Magazine.
I believe the phrase that was mistranslated was "j'ai assiste a", which translates, literally, to "I assisted with" but would be interpreted by a french speaker as "I witnessed". Kind of like if a boxer told a reporter he "really slaughtered that guy" in the ring and it got translated that he murdered someone.
feyd said:
"However, I'll never look at Mad Max the same way again. I'll never look at The Road Warrior the same again. I'll never look at Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome the same again. I'll never look at The Bounty the same again."
Then, I am sorry, despite your credentials, you are an idiot.
First, I'm not sure exactly what drove you to throw out an insult.
Second, it's important to note that my story is about how the very public transgressions of actors affects MY OWN PERSONAL VIEW of certain films, especially ones I enjoy. I never implied that the films were not brilliant. I can only ever speak to my own opinion based on my experiences.
Third, it is important to note that while others in the past have had troubled personal lives, I was trying to keep the conversation to film and actors, actors whose very art -- their instrument, so to speak -- is their likeness. So, when we witness a video of a beloved character/actor like Cosmo Kramer/Michael Richards from Seinfeld throwing out racially charged language at a comedy club, well, those powerful images and sounds stick with you. It's very different than merely reading about it.
And finally, just as a reminder -- MY opinion DOES NOT invalidate YOURS. Since I'm an idiot, I wanted to add this in ALL CAPS to be sure that anyone with intelligence at the lower level such as mine could comprehend my words since I thought it was clear in the original piece by the way I worded it, but I must be wrong. And an idiot to boot.
Personally, I enjoy diversity of opinions. If the public antics of actors does not affect your opinion of a film, then that's okay. For me, it has and I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way.
If you feel differently, that's cool.
Throwing out insults, not cool.
MyLostUlalume said:
Womanizing is one thing. Racism is entirely different. Having an affair with an underage woman you adopted with your current lover is also different. And so is murder.
I assume you're talking about Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn.
Previn was adopted by Mia Farrow and André Previn, never by Woody Allen. And when their affair came to light she was 22 years old, which is hardly "underage".
Chris, I used to save my hard earned bucks to buy your magazine, the only really radical film magazine on the newstand. You generally seemed to like a lot of the weird sometimes sick movies i liked too. you are getting a bit conservative in your old age aren't you? forget about your apaprent enjoyment of lethal weapon sequels, the bounty and man without a face. laurence tierny was a pretty offensive, nasty and racist guy, so I've read. He still had some great performances, right?
cowboybert said:
Chris, I used to save my hard earned bucks to buy your magazine, the only really radical film magazine on the newstand. You generally seemed to like a lot of the weird sometimes sick movies i liked too. you are getting a bit conservative in your old age aren't you? forget about your apaprent enjoyment of lethal weapon sequels, the bounty and man without a face. laurence tierny was a pretty offensive, nasty and racist guy, so I've read. He still had some great performances, right?
Yeah, me, a conservative... right. I'm not sure how my negative feelings about those who made racist remarks makes me "conservative." Aren't conservatives generally considered to be less tolerant when it comes to those not of the caucasian persuasion?
When I mentioned those Mel Gibson movies, I guess I should have pointed out more clearly that SARCASM was intended. It was a joke.
As for Tierney, I knew him personally, he slept on the floor of the Film Threat offices on Hollywood Boulevard. He was certainly a tough guy, but not a racist. Not that I ever saw.
And enjoying underground films really has nothing to do with this conversation. I was exploring the idea that the perception of a celebrity involved in behavior like Michael Richards or Mel Gibson might impact the films they've appeared in. I can't watch Road Warrior the same way that I used to. I'm not sure why this is not sinking in.
Consider thinking through your comments before posting?
MyLostUlalume said:
Womanizing is one thing. Racism is entirely different. Having an affair with an underage woman you adopted with your current lover is also different. And so is murder.
I assume you're talking about Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn.
Previn was adopted by Mia Farrow and André Previn, never by Woody Allen. And when their affair came to light she was 22 years old, which is hardly "underage".
MyLostUlalume said:
Womanizing is one thing. Racism is entirely different. Having an affair with an underage woman you adopted with your current lover is also different. And so is murder.
I assume you're talking about Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn.
Previn was adopted by Mia Farrow and André Previn, never by Woody Allen. And when their affair came to light she was 22 years old, which is hardly "underage".
Yeah, but it was still creepy.
No argument there. I was just trying to set the facts straight.
Cigarette
Cleveland, OH
April 2004
MAY 19, 2007 11:37 AM