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Post by Noah on Apr 14, 2005 11:25:13 GMT -5
Some artists and entertainers -- Michael Moore being the most conspicuous contemporary example -- make their political views the centerpiece of their work. Others, like Jane Fonda or Charlton Heston, have had political beliefs which are widely known, but their activism is not readily apparent based on the work for which they became famous.
To what extent do you consider an actor's politics (for instance) when deciding what movie to see? If you opposed Fonda's outspokenness against the Vietnam War, does that make it harder to enjoy Barbarella or They Shoot Horses, Don't They? If Heston's gun lust offends you, is it still possible to believe him as Moses, or as George Taylor in Planet of the Apes?
I've always been fascinated that so many people who consider John Lennon a major icon, and think "Imagine" is a beautiful song, can promote a political view which violates its every line. But obviously you don't have to agree with Lennon to be moved by his work, which probably says more about his talent than anything else.
Your thoughts?
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RevArt
New Member
Rev. Art
Posts: 3
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Post by RevArt on Apr 21, 2005 11:52:20 GMT -5
I find that while I'm biased toward folks who share my general outlook, I can appreciate the performance of an actor or entertainer who presents a counter view. For example, I still count as favorites some outstanding roles that are forever linked to Charlton Heston. While I'm a libertarian on 2nd Amendment issues, I'm not paranoid about some attempts on the part of the government to regulate the sale of firearms. Heston and the NRA have only helped to demonize gun ownership with their inflammatory rhetoric and name-calling, along with their targeting of politicians of conscience for defeat. Then they turn around and throw money behind shoot-from-the-hip nutballs and/or loose cannons. I have to admit that I find Mel Gibson barely palatable in films since he's revealed himself to be a religious zealot, an angry super-Catholic opposed to Vatican II, and exhibiting some earmarks of a misogynist jerk.  |
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Post by Darius on Apr 21, 2005 12:27:11 GMT -5
I try very hard not to consider an entertainer's politics. In the same way that I try very hard not to consider their personalities when deciding whether or not I like their art. But sometimes I fail. I certainly don't take sides in an issue based on which side has bigger celebrity names behind it and I cross my fingers that others are not swayed when I see celebs on podiums with politicians.
... though I must agree, I can't bring myself to watch Mel anymore, and I find that disappointing because I used to like him very much.
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Post by Noah on Apr 26, 2005 7:53:33 GMT -5
I know what you mean. If I were putting on a show, which was not a political piece, I would probably feel hurt if people chose not to see it just because they didn't like my politics. On the other hand, I watched Frasier for years, and really liked it, but when I learned that Kelsey Grammer was a huge supporter of some particularly heinous Republican politicians, I did find it somewhat harder to enjoy his work. And a significant contingent of the Vietnam protest generation can't stomach Bob Hope for similar reasons.
Partly it depends how political you are, I guess. I sometimes have to laugh at myself for getting in too deep. I should be able to listen to "Sweet Home Alabama" without saying, "Hey, why doesn't Watergate bother you?"
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Post by marie on Apr 29, 2005 12:34:26 GMT -5
They are entertainers therefor their politics are just that, entertainment. When they express their views the world is amused, when they don't then they are not as entertaining therefore not serving their purpose. Most won't admit it but celebrity politics makes the world of criminals and idiots much friendlier to observe.
I think their views only make anything they do that much more interesting.
Personally, when I go see a film I don't really give a shit what the celebrities think about Iraque or world hunger because most of them don't carry that kind of wieght to make me care in the first place. Its not that I don't care its just when I'm look at someone's ass plastered across a movie screen my mind tends to wonder off and return to reality when I step outside the theatre.
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Post by Noah on Apr 29, 2005 15:09:00 GMT -5
Marie, that's a very interesting point -- they are entertainers, so their political expression can be seen as just another part of their job to entertain us. After all, people eagerly lap up celebrities' opinions on everything from marriage to make-up. Nobody says, "Hey, how dare Nicole Kidman talk about lipstick!" But they're up in arms when Maggie Gyllenhaal talks about 9/11.
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Post by wowposter on Nov 8, 2008 6:46:45 GMT -5
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