NEWS: Kiddy Fiddling Casting Couch?

CULTURE: Kiddy Fiddling Casting Couch?

I hadn't heard of Hollywood producer Chris Hanley before, but he's got my attention now after making some rather disturbing claims, according to the New York Post. (registration required, or use NYPost1@mailinator.com : public)

Maybe not such shocking news, but let's think about what movies launched those careers...

Kirsten Dunst: Interview With a Vampire, 1994 - aged 12
Scarlett Johansson: The Horse Whisperer, 1998 - aged 14
Brooke Shields: The Blue Lagoon, 1980 - aged 15
Christina Ricci: Mermaids, 1990 - aged 10

Well, at least Kathleen Turner was legal in Body Heat...

Other notable leading ladies in his movies include Reese Witherspoon, Mena Suvari, Chloe Sevigny, Julia Stiles, Kate Beckinsale, Rosario Dawson, Mila Kunis and Natasha Lyonne. All of whom must be thrilled by his comments.

Scarlett Johansen at age 14? are handjobs legal?

ya its sickening...

I smell some guy in Hollywood saying whatever it takes to cause a sensation.

And they're all lesbians, too!

I think it's fairly obvious that this guy doesn't deal well with rejection.

I thought I detected that scent as well.

Just because someone is in a film does not make it the film the launched their career.

Smells like......victory.

-TM

I call bullshit, and only because I know how hellish stage moms/ child actress moms are. They wouldn't leave the room for a second, and it would be pretty sick to think they'd all sit around and watch. Once they're about 16 or 17, able to drive and go to auditions alone? Now we're talking.

i got a Natalie Woodie.

KY is for housewives.

Is it not surprising that nobody's heard of Chris Hanley? Give me a break...everythings not about sex and scandal (if he even said this). I love Buffalo 66 and I woulnd't have been able to tell you who Chris Hanley was. The title of producer does not mean he has any knowledge of what goes on on set, near a set, or even what a couch is. Don't believe everything you read.

yeah, seriously. the article suggests that fucking children is common practice in the film industry, i just don't buy it. this much wouldn't have gone on this long with out some kind of shit happening. (roman polansky is a whole different story)

if this were about those spank soft core movies they show on cinemax, well, i think that's pretty obvious.

Incidentally, the movie (and the play it is based on) is called Edmond, not Edmund. Silly NYP. Also, I don't find the play all that shocking. But then my sensibilities aren't exactly Victorian.

This story still reeks of bullshit, though. He probably just wants to get some publicity for himself, and who doesn't love slander?!

That is pretty dame crazy.

Where's this pretty (yet crazy) dame? Is she at least 18?

I wonder how many guys he's 'produced'

I don't believe this at all. I know that a casting couch exists, as I am a director myself. However, I have never had sex with ANY of my actors. I did want to, though! I don't believe that anyone could get away with something like that - not in the celebrity gossip world we live in.

Anyway, I can't believe they're making Edmond into a film!! It seems a little dated. It's sort of like Taxi Driver meets Eyes Wide Shut, but it starts William H. Macy, and many of the other Mamet regulars. Can't fucking wait!

[Edited on Jun 11, 2005 11:52PM]

I too call shananigans on this one.

Not for any of the many very good, rational, and obvious reasons, but just cause if what he says is true than there is something else very wrong . . . that any given director will sleep with an underage girl, strike that, a remarkably underage girl (17, and 16 in some cases is a whole nother story).

Rejection smells like astroglide?! You know...that would explain a few things...

You and I both, bubba.

Wow, a revelation...

Seriously, he isn't talking about child porn or the very first roles these people ever got; he's referring to the career-making parts that came along that were highly sought after. These stories are numerous and abound in the business and of course I'm not in a position to confirm or deny anything, being a relative peon, but I've known or worked with enough people both on their way up and down the ladder and have heard enough to verify that, in general, this DOES happen sometimes.

Is it a rule more often than not? Some say yes, though that seems unlikely. But is it uncommon? Not on your life.

(And do I think it's a good thing? Not at all - just to be clear.

[Edited on Jun 12, 2005 1:22AM]

in addition to sensationalism at its finest
a guy who is sick in the head
most certainly bragging because he cant get any

he is probably referring to the films HE was responsible for as being the sole launching factor of their careers. keep in mind kirsten dunst was ... well I dont remember how old. But hell she wasnt 12 thats for DAMN sure. *shrug*

I think hes basically an egotistical slob. Or a sensationalistic nutjob. Or both. Or neither. Or sick. Or all of the above. Who the hell knows this is Hollywood here folks....

By the way. Im much dame crazier. But I'd like to keep from using advantages that are unfair and stick to the laws. I have at least a modest amount of spine after all.

Rhetorical question:

Why is it that depictions of healthy sexuality in media (or in sex ed programs) are considered morally repugnant and are vigorously attacked by authorities while depictions of deviant sexuality (as in the above topic or the trial of Michael Whatsizname) are all over the tube, the papers, etc.?

FWIW, I think that ANY use of the "casting couch" is pretty damn odious, no matter what the age of the people in question.

[Edited on Jun 12, 2005 11:13AM]