A couple of other bloggers have voiced their opinions on the Roman Polanski thing.First, and best, out of the box is Brian, who's mincing no words:
The crime in question involved drugging and raping a 13-year old girl. But really, the girl's age is really rather beside the point, isn't it? The point is that he raped her. It would be no less infuriating if she had been 23 or 33 at the time.
And yet...the reactions on the other side of the pond I keep hearing fall along the lines of "it's a shame they've arrested such a great artist," and "really, this isn't that big of a deal."
Read the rest.
With the exception of "Rosemary's Baby", I've never seen a Roman Polanski film. The thought of the guy kinda creeped me out early on, and I was on personal boycott. And as you who know me know by now: I enjoy European films, and have seen more than my fair share for blue-collar white guy.
Not even "Chinatown" guys. Sorry, but I'm glad you enjoyed it anyway.
Anyway, back to the point... I still remember back in the early 80's, when it was expected that Polanski might receive and Academy Award for "Tess" starring Natassja Kinski, whom he was also
Back then, it was said that maybe the Justice Department should give him a pass to receive his award. It was all in the past, after all. (Actually, it was less than 3yrs, but I guess Hollywood has different standards on some things when they pertain to certain people).
It looks like nothing has much changed. Hollywood values are still retarded, and Europeans still give a pass to child rapists if they are famous enough.
15 comments:
Some folks have no standards for morality other than their own feelings. And that just doesn't cut it. They are a menace to civilization.
I read a couple articles about this after reading your post.
I am exceptionally disturbed by Whoopie Goldberg's comments on The View -
"I know it wasn't 'rape' rape. I think it was something else, but I don't believe it was 'rape' rape,"
That statements kinda makes me want to punch her in the face... and then afterward I can tell her it wasn't a "punch" punch.
I can't actors are asking why the DA is still going after him.
Perhaps because he did something horribly wrong and illegal and did not pay for his crimes? Do they leave logic at the borders of Hollywood or something?
Polanski is so sick and wrong it blows my mind.
When I was in high school, the senior English classes were subjected to his MacBeth. I knew nothing about Polanski, but I knew his work oozed slime. Craftsmanship (which yes he has in spades!) does NOT equal art, neither justifies sickness or evil.
I wasn't surprised to hear the "rumors" about him. I was amazed the high school teachers fed the machine by choosing to play his stuff. "Artsy"? Sure yeah maybe. Disgusting? absolutely. He had already fled the country when I was being subjected to that ... what about "fled the country" isn't clear enough a statement that he was sure he was going down? Frankly, I think the English department was suffering the same sort of mirror-bubble pride as Hollywood (the art stands on its own).
Albeit with a much smaller mirror bubble ;P.
Re: Jade's comment: I have known girls who had "post-traumatic-rape-syndrome" from emotional abuse that merely had a sexual edge (because the energy world is so much more directly experienced by females). Not real rape indeed. I wonder what is her definition of "real" rape ... maybe when the female "really" said No. Grrrrr.
"Feminists" who defend users and abusers, are why that school of feminism is black-holing itself into irrelevance and oblivion. They exposed themselves as narcissistic frauds during the Clinton scandals. I don't know why they bother to expect the world to listen to them at all anymore. Yep, sister, you are ALL about women's rights--except when they inconvenience YOU. Sounds like a lot of male chauvenists out there ... and the European art-types railing against the 'injustice' visited upon Polanski.
He was charged with, tried, and convicted in a court of law. Period.
He should now have additional charges against him.
There isn't anything to left to debate, (except for the amount of sentence and additional charges) we are a country based on the rule of law.
kr - Real Feminists are not rape apologists.
I feel that art does stands on its own, however. At the same time, it's perfectly understandable that perception of the artist can render their work distasteful, or disgusting, subjectively. I believe Polanski should be extradicted and forced to serve his sentence, but for me that belief doesn't affect my experience in viewing any of his films.
Gino - All Europeans are not Rape Apologists. To a lesser degree (because this group is not as large or important) All Hollywood Types are not Rape Apologists either. There are many people from each of these groups rallying for Polanski, and they should be ashamed of themselves. But this isn't a "Hollywood Elitist" issue where one can equate this group with people who are politically Liberal overall. Real Liberals are not Rape Apologists.
Many defended and apologized for Bill Clinton and many are defending and apologizing for this child rapist. The fact is that Real Liberals are Rape Apologists.
Yes, Amanda, we are sure there are a few exceptions to the rule.
Amanda is of course correct that not all Europeans are rape apologists, a point not clearly disclaimed in my post. I didn't include that caveat mostly for the sake of brevity, and also that I didn't think I needed to make it for the benefit of the half-dozen people who read my blog. They know me better than that (I hope).
That said, I posted right after listening to a report on the BBC about the various reactions to Polanski's arrest, and the apologists were to a one either Swiss or French, whereas the Americans were taking the other side. Not exactly scientific, but perhaps a fair representation? I don't know. And to be fair to the "man on the street" interviewees themselves, I'd be willing to bet they hadn't read the transcripts from the trial where the victim describes what happened in rather revolting detail.
I'm not sure I can let Polanski's colleagues in Hollywood off that easily, but it is a big town.
Equating "liberalism" with rape apologism is ridiculous. And the most important feminist in my life is certainly no apologist for Polanski, either.
brian: without totally throwing blankets, there is something to be said about what a group feels free to openly express within their comfort zone.
what is said, though maybe not agreed with by all, or even most, is clearly accepted rational among them if there is no 'shout down'.
by their acceptance of this view of polanski, and their willingness to respect those who hold this twisted view, pretty much indicts them all in a collective sense.
Amanda--yes, I agree, that's why I said "that school of" ... don't worry, I haven't been speaking up much recently, but I am a feminist thorn in Gino's side ;).
I also agree with Gino, though ... there should be someone from those groups standing up and calling a WTF ... I am sure there is a lot of 'nobody will listen to her' and 'well someone else will do it' and etc ... but the fact remains that for the Hollywood types at least (unlike perhaps random citizens of foreign nations), media attention is simple, and infighting is publicity ... radio silence is pretty damning.
I have never bothered to watch another film from this man. The evil seeping from the first one (again, before I knew the whole real-life story) was plenty to tell me I wanted nothing of his to touch my mind again, ever. If I happened to watch the most raw film first, at least I saved myself the bother of having to sort more subtle nastiness out of my mind from his other films.
I am all about craft. I appreciate craft. I have talked up books that I hated the content of, for their craft. I can separate the actions of the artist from the art, particularly if the artist was acting within the cultural assumptions of their time and place (Polanski wasn't). But that MacBeth, although very finely crafted, wasn't art.
Art is about truth and or beauty--it is aimed a healing (self or society or both). Truly narcissistic work, or work that is actually promoting evil and destruction (and this film was both), is not art, no matter how 'pretty' or well crafted. And yes, I do feel absolutely comfortable defining art that way, and requiring the world to get on MY bandwagon on this one. The sooner people stop kowtowing to every person with a skillset but inadequate morals and ethics (in every field of endeavor, not just the arts), the sooner only work towards the good is praised (and monetarily rewarded), the better off everyone, including the sick ones (who need healing, not enablement), will be.
I think I sounded a little more "ranty" than I'd intended - the flaw in commenting as if I were writing a terse work email. (Not that I would talk about this particular thing at work.)
That is to say - kr - I agree with you. I have a lot of respect for Feminist thorns in anyone's sides. :) I think people want to ignore the vile thing that Polanksi did, so they can feel justified in appreciating his films - I don't think they have to, but - it's subjective. Your feelings about art, and his art, are perfectly understandable.
And I do wish that someone representative of these groups would stand up and call apologists out.
Brian - I think somewhere toward the end of the post, I forgot that you wrote the original post - so I went back and read it today. And I have nothing to argue with at all. I think you make a good point.
I just got uncomfortable with the idea of lumping Liberals/Europeans/Hollywood types together - and you didn't do that at all in your post.
Gino - I'm glad you have a comfort zone (this blog) for openly expressing your opinions, and I applaud the way you stand your ground. Thanks for the thought-provoking post!
K-Rod - I think your comments are funny. And I continue to completely disagree with everything you say.
"K-Rod - I think your comments are funny."
You are welcome; laughter is the best medicine.
"And I continue to completely disagree with everything you say."
Really? Then I will repeat it so we are all clear where YOU stand:
Polanski is one sick S.O.B.
He was charged with, tried, and convicted in a court of law. Period.
He should now have additional charges against him.
There isn't anything to debate, (except for the amount of sentence and additional charges); we are a country based on the rule of law.
Amanda, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. Thanks for letting us know where you stand on the issue.
lets be fair: if i read correctly, amanda is just saying that she can separate the sicko from the comercial product he produces.
not at all unreasonable, and may be a more logical approach than allowing emotion to run all of our thoughts.
does pete rose being an asshole detract from his stats as the greatest ballplayer of his time?
no. you can admire his skill, or be disgusted by his person, and you can be both at the same time.
ya gotta give amanda some credit. she doesnt shoot from hip, nor does she allow nuances to cloud her view of the important stuff.
and she knows art when its in front of her.
It might not detract from his stats but it does detract from being The greatest of all time.
There are several "artists" that I disagree with politically but that wouldn't stop me from enjoying their "art". The real difference is law-abiding and/or doing the crime and serving the time.
BTW, I don't think Amanda was telling the truth when she said, "...continue to completely disagree with everything you say." ;^)
kr comment October 1, 2009 3:35 AM
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I loved your last paragraph on the nature of art. Excellent!
WBP--despite the tortured grammar ;)?
Thanks, though--I liked it too. Tortured grammar or not. I have (hem hem) *rarely* been so succinct ;).
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