Posted by
Bob Siegel on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:25:55 PM
I will keep my comments about Roman Polanski brief, because far too much time has been spent on this story by our media. I do agree that Polanski should be put in jail, but aside from that obvious truth, there is no new development in the saga and meanwhile, there other small stories (such as Iran's nuclear bomb) that may actually be a tad bit more important.
I am going to take a slightly different angle. I am going to question Hollywood directors getting together on behalf of a fellow director and signing a petition for Polanski's amnesty. I find this disgusting and not because I am down on the arts. I am an artist myself. I hold a degree in Theater from San Jose State University. I have also written and directed many plays.
My problem is this: When Polanski is defended as a director, by directors I get the impression that he would not be defended if he were just some average Joe. Would Hollywood have any other valid reason to protect a man who drugged and raped a 13 year old? The message between the lines seems to be, "OK, so he had a moment of weakness, but he's also an incredible director. How can you think the man is all that bad? Haven't you seen his beautiful movies?"
What is beautiful to me is justice. And justice does not work when a director gets a free pass for something a school teacher or janitor would go to jail for.
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9-27-09