Shattering The Illusion
by Schizoid Mann
With this year’s Academy Award season over and the next one already into act II, both winners and losers, or rather, award recipients and award non-recipients, have already begun taking stands on undiscovered political issues and digging their heels in deeper on those already known and talked about.
Does anyone benefit from this? Is there a payoff? Does the world become a better place? Or is it all about career, being in the limelight, and publicity?
Some say that actors, directors, musicians, really any entertainer at all who makes a political speech insults and loses half their audience the moment they speak about politics. I disagree with that statement. I think it’s worse than that. Here’s why.
Whatever your politics, it’s hard, really hard to detach the image of the political speech from the entertainer.
Let me repeat the important part: Whatever your politics.
I’ll bet you thought I was going to repeat detach, didn’t you? I was going to, but then common sense stepped in and I realized this problem involves more than even a fairly robust action verb can adequately handle. It involves everyone. That point often gets overlooked, hidden in the piano for safe-keeping and forgotten until someone wants to play some music.
Entertainers, once they voice personal opinions, and not just the opinion itself, but the way they voice it, often with anger and negativity, lose. No, I don’t mean they lose half their audience. They lose something bigger, much bigger than that. They lose the illusion.
Entertainers, particularly actors, thrive on the ability to deceive us, to transcend identity and become something else, a hero, a villain, a pirate, a tycoon, a stow-away, etc… When they voluntarily put themselves in the spotlight of contemporary politics they shatter that illusion, one they’ve worked so very hard to cultivate. Once it’s shattered, like Humpty Dumpty, 80s MTV and network news, you can’t put it back together again to the way it was, no matter how much you desire to.
Like I said, this is true of all entertainers, but of actors it’s especially profound. The big problem is not what politics they espouse, but that they do so publicly.
There used to be a time long ago and far away when who you voted for was secret. People were discreet about it. Others respected it. No one pushed the issue. I’m not sure where that philosophy and practice went. Probably to the same place good taste ended up and common sense is headed for. Whatever happened to it, it’s no longer the norm, that’s for sure.
These days everyone seems determined to not only state their politics on their sleeves, but to rub those sleeves in others’ noses. Its makes for some very emotional and fruitless exchanges, not to mention a lot of dirty sleeves. Why is there wisdom in the old adage, “Never talk politics or religion at a cocktail party?” Because It’s not that folks don’t have opinions, but rather that they do! — and discussions about those two topics can only lead to frustration over the fact that the other person just doesn’t get it, to borrow an awful cliche. It’s a no-win situation with a built-in guarantee.
And for big names, so-called A-list actors to do it on the world stage, is an even bigger ‘no-win.’ They lose half their audience, we lose the entire illusion. It’s like watching a ‘making-of’ documentary about your favorite movie. To this day, I regret viewing the ‘behind the scenes’ bonus feature on a Casablanca DVD. Though thoroughly engaging and fascinating, it shattered for me, an illusion of that last scene at the airport, forever after.
I can no longer watch that movie or that ending the same way, the way that I used to. I loved Casablanca. I still do, but that doesn’t change the fact – and it is a fact – that the illusion is gone.
So it is true with many of these actors whom we’ve come to know and love, not from their own, real lives, but from the work they’ve done in great performances. Regardless of your political stance, and theirs, once their ‘behind the scenes’ is shown to the public, once we see that, it’s a painful reality that we can no longer look at them the same way.
The ‘beautiful friendship’ we had with them is gone. And as we walk along the wet tarmac and into the fog, this time alone, we can’t help but feel regret and sorrow at what once was.
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82 Comments
So maybe if a particular actor or entertainer is willing to take a political stand and shatter The Illusion they really are Brave and Courageous after all.
When did Popeye come out of retirement to stump for Obama??
“Republican comes in the dictionary just after reptile and just above repugnant,” said Julia Roberts in 2000.
I haven't forgotten, or forgiven. A perfect example of what Glenn Reynolds likes to refer to as an unforced error.
Why is there wisdom in the old adage, “Never talk politics or religion at a cocktail party?” Because It’s not that folks don’t have opinions, but rather that they do! — and discussions about those two topics can only lead to frustration over the fact that the other person just doesn’t get it, to borrow an awful cliche. It’s a no-win situation with a built-in guarantee.
It's even older than cocktail parties. I understand it's a common rule of etiquette among the Masons to leave political and religious discussion outside the lodge.
I've long held the theory that Julia Roberts was Harvey Weinstein's hand puppet whenever she made political comments. Wonder where he had his hand?
I keep a mental notebook of who says what and about whom, when it comes to Hollywood types and my discretionary dollars. I realize I have zero, none, nada control of this situation save for my hard earned moolah. Penn, no moola, Roberts, no moola, George Clooney, no way, "Babs" Steisand, why does anybody pay for that, and I'm including James Brolin. I'm kind of sorry to have to add Jack Black to that list. I liked "School of Rock" but he's decided to go over to the dark side and get all militant. Don't need it, let some else pay for his private jets and women that would normally be WAY to hot for him.
I would take it as a given that someone fed her that line, so I would be prone to agree with you. I don't like to contemplate any of Harvey Weinstein's body parts, thanks very much. Blech.
Here's a perfect example: Robert Osbourne of TCM isn't an actor, but he is a celebrity of a sort. I like his sense of film and respect his opinions in that context. I know nothing whatsoever about his politics, because he doesn't force me to know by blaring them across the universe at high decibels on multiple channels.
His co-host this season is another story: Alex Baldwin. Movie star. Loudmouth leftie. President of F.A.G.
I don't know anything about his sense of film and completely disregard his opinions if I am unlucky enough to have them inflicted upon my sensorium.
Link: http://www.tcm.com/2009/essentials/index.jsp
VAH, me too. I bet she came up with that witty little quip all by her pretty little self. Not. The lights are on, but no ones home….
Nope! Peter Pan is a different figment of imagination entirely…
Oh. Peter Pan is usually a hot chick dang it! Adrogeny is sooo hard to understand! Stop confusing me!
Very good illustration of the effect of "forcible celebrity political identification". Don't forget Baldwins classic, yet tragic "you are just a LITTLE PIG, DO YOU HEAR ME!…"
This is only a rumor, but I've heard that if you beat your breast in front of a camera and openly claim to be a liberal democrat, you're immediately enlightened and it will all make sense to you.
Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and others like them have really turned me off. They used to be funny, but now they seem hateful…and desperate for attention.
A couple weeks ago, my wife and I sat down to watch "Fletch" (Chevy Chase, 80's). I about had to leave the room, because I have such vivid memories of what he has said about Pres. Bush, and all his followers. Disgusting.
I don't mind that a celebrity has an opinion, even a strong one. It's how the opinions are delivered. More often than not, they're expressed in a very public way that says theirs is the only opinion that matters and anyone who doesn't agree with them is an idiot. (Ex. Sean Penn's rant at the Oscars). Is there any wonder why so many people are turned off by Hollywood?
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
philosophical bravery, financial cowardice
as long as their viewpoint doesn't take their job away from them, it's not bravery. even if their name becomes box office poison like sean penn, they will always get paid an insane amount of money to play their game as long as they spout the "correct" leftist opinions
Good post- and another chapter in the sad but true sweepstakes. Very Orwellian- and what else would you expect from a 21st Century Schizoid Man… with apologies to Robert Fripp!
David Brooks refers to having a sense of "epistemological modesty." These stars don't have any and can't even bother to look it up to see what it means.
Dang it anyhow. I hadn't heard that before and NOW, well, there's Julia Roberts in my mind, being a boob.
I feel the same way about Fletch (the original movie). It used to be one of my favorites. Now it's difficult to watch.
Ah, but with all the incantations and strange rituals, politics would just get lost in the shuffle at your ordinary, everyday Masons meeting. You know, plotting a "New World Order", kowtowing to George H.W. Bush, burning incense, chanting….
See now, I don't need a mental note-book.
I actually spend most of my time trying to ignore and not notice rather than take notes and retribution.
I think that the author here is on the same page as me on this. I don't want the illusion destroyed. And when the illusion is destroyed, it's gone. I don't have to keep notes, keep track, because *poof* the illusion is just gone. It works that way for movies. It works that way for books.
For example… I don't have to try to avoid Law & Order. It's just that one day the scales tipped and now the illusion is gone. It stopped being a detective and court drama and started being something else. It's not even that I expect the next episode to be something I'm not going to enjoy, it's that there is a barrier to entering that other reality and simply enjoying the show.
And that's for actors, too, of course.
And it doesn't have to be politics. I also have a hard time watching Tom Cruise. I hope that Christian Bale is still going to work for me. I suppose I won't know about that until I see the Terminator movie. (One of my daughter's friends got to be torn into pieces by the machines. How cool is that?)
I am able to "suspend reality" for the sake of enjoying a movie, especially a classic. For instance, I still enjoy What's Up Doc even though Ryan O'Neill and Barabara Streisand are boobs. And I can still enjoy watching great actors, even though I totally disagree with their politics. For instance, Jack Lemmon. He was a lefty, but how can anybody not love him?
Whether or not an actor can retain his audience depends greatly on their actual talent and likeability factor. I won't watch Julia Roberts because I don't like her. Her politics only makes her that much more obnoxious.
I watched the entire Oscar show and the only three recipients or presenters that voiced a political opinion and social condemnation were the two for "Milk" (Sean Penn and the screen play author) and Bill Maher, who needs to read the book, "Elementary Statistics for Dummies" or just exactly what does "normal" mean? Whatever the merits of the film might be, their spew turned it into a propaganda piece to upend Proposition 8. I will never go see another Sean Penn movie or watch an old one, even though he has had some excellent roles.
Funny but when it comes to actors, the ones that try to be politically polarizing, (Penn, Sarandon, Robbins, etc.) are the ones I completely turn off. When it comes to musicians, they can pretty much say whatever they want as long as the music is good. I don't mind limiting my movie intake, but music is completely different. If I only listened to musicians that had the same politics as myself, I'd probably listen to Ted Nugent all day long. Stranglehold gets a little old after a while.
Heh, heh. You said "Julia Roberts" and "boob." Heh, heh.
Maybe, if I beat my chest and claim to be a liberal democrat, vegetarian, global warming, tree hugging enlightened person, at my next audition I might get work.
His hand was no where fun! Wow! That was tacky!
While I agree with your premise, let me suggest that these actors do not see it as missing anything. Indeed, actors seem to come in two flavors — those that disappear into a role and those that play themselves. Take Tom Crusie for example, the classic example of a guy who plays himself. In fact, most people would probably be hard pressed to name a character he's played, they just say, "Tom Cruise in that movie."
For a guy like him, there is no risk of hurting the illusion. The only risk to him is turning off the audience politically. And since we're so used to Hollywood being leftos and we're generally much more tolerant of dissenting views than liberals are, there isn't that big of a risk in making leftist statements. There's a bigger risk in making right-wing statements.
John Q: (This is coming from an actor now) The very reason most people get into entertainment is they want attention. There is nothing worse than being in a room with actors all striving to get the attention of the director–especially at first read-through. I've directed before and–really–it gets annoying. I try to remember this now that I am back in the actor side of things. I try to keep my annoying plea for attention to a minimum.. But sometimes…:)
hahahaha!! I think I'd have to shoot you if we were watching Casablanca together. You are too funny!
I"ve seriously considered throwing out Caddyshack because of his appearance in there. Instead, I plug my ears and sing "LALLALLALLAAALLLLA" while he's on screen.
I just find it tiresome when actors look down their finely crafted, perfectly made-up noses at the "masses" and tell them what to think and how they should feel and intimate that they are stupid if they don't happen to agree with them. And it's scary when they turn to those in their own ranks and demand they fall in line with their way of thinking.
I really try my best to switch the channel when an actor/singer/entertainer I like isn't acting/singing/entertaining. Sometimes I have to stick my fingers in my ears and yell "lalalalalala" to prevent the knowledge that they are likely to be political dunderheads. That's also the reason I refuse to watch the awards shows and the entertainment shows. Well, with the exception of The Soup, cause Joel McHale is funny as heck. If my self imposed ignorance is breached, then the actor/singer/entertainer is embraced or banished from my collection/viewing habits. I love Heroes, but everytime I see Nathan Petrelli I can't forget that the actor is married to that horrid woman from that chick group. lalalalala!
Well, at least he plays a bad guy this season, so you can hate him and his character. But that chick that plays Claire is a crazy save the whales lefty. I find myself rooting for the nihilist, Sylar.
Ha! "What's Up Doc" is my all time favorite comedy and it comes to mind everytime I ponder this subject. Babs, you were brilliant. Too bad you couldn't just shut up and sing.
I wonder if there is a difference due to the visual element. You don't *look* at the person singing.
Oh I forgot mention. One of the side benefits of chest beating is that you will understand the justification for gay marriage, unfortunately it comes to you in Esperanto, and darn it the rest of the unenlightened masses just don't understand it.
How about vapid and egocentric? Or selfish and foolish at best.
For similar reasons, Billy Joel has gone the way of brown suede shoes for me. I loved him. I have many albums. My wife and I went on our first date to a concert in his "The Bridge" tour. But, right before the McCain-Obama election, he found himself in front of some microphones. Not sure the event… but, boy he sure sounded like some self-absorbed, self-righteous prig… "I don't usually speak out publicly about politics. But, as the saying goes, 'The only thing necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.' "
Grrr… Yeah, that's right, Billy. John McCain, Sarah Palin, and their peeps, including me, are evil. Go jump off a Bridge, my man.
So sad.
I've always found Billy Joel to be an overrated hack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack…
He should have quit after he peaked, which is when he did the Bosom Buddies theme song.
An Esperanto joke…love it!
Respectfully, I can understand not liking an actor but letting the actor's spouse affect your enjoyment? Is there a statute of limitations or something?
And re: Hayden Panettiere (the future ex-Mrs. ScottDS
), is it that she's a "save the whales" person or is it the manner in which she expresses her thoughts on that subject?
I only ask these questions because, hypothetically, let's say I'm in a movie one day in a supporting role. I keep my political views to myself most of the time and I'm pretty middle of the road anyway. I would hate to think someone refuses to see a movie I'm in because the lead actor is an uncouth idiot who talks politics at every turn.
That or get naked, I have a smoking hot actress (she prefers actor!) friend in Austin and she says that always works for her. There are some heteros in the movie business!
That is great. I've always said that being a character actor has to be the best job on earth! You can work, make good coin, walk down the street without getting savaged and do the best job in the world, pretend to be someone else! I'll see Terminator, Bale or no Bale, it's an institution. "YOUR IN MY LINE OF SIGHT….!!!!!" priceless prima donna rant!
Hey, Christie Brinkley. He retires a life time acheivement award for that miracle. What in the hell was she thinking, no let me guess…Um, er (blink, blink) ah, well ok if you say so…you scruffy little mutt, come here!
Nice thought provoking piece. If you go to Universal Studios and "take the tour" you'll also have shattered illusions. I think Sean Penn is a brilliant actor but he has so alienated me with his "in your face" politics that I refuse to see one of his movies.
I think I would say it isn't so much the "political stances" but the way they present them. Everyone knows Gregory Peck was on the left but he really didn't rub everyone's nose in it. Does anyone think less of him for his views?
Still, spouting off any political views will erode the "illusion"; specifically, what every image each fan has
Popeye had a bizarre attraction to Olive Oil, so that must have made him a hetero, but I don't think he ever considered going naked on the big screen Of course he was in the Navy so hmmm……
That Popeye, hard to figure. O.O. must have skills!
Hence, remember when Cruise came out and supported the Iraq War for a short period, than immediately recanted with a "I haven't made my mind up yet" to eventually making Lions for Lambs. I think Spielberg did something similar.
Just like Miley Cyrus getting bubbley over getting a Prius for her birthday, when a couple months prior she was hoping for something "big" to haul her friends around and to protect herself. If you want the original thought, go to the first.
I thought Popeye was that schiziod Robin Williams?
I'm glad I watched the DVD bonus features on Casablanca. Now when I watch it with someone else I always say, "See those guys working on the plane? They're midgets."
I think it's starting to get on my wife's nerves, though.
Do you suppose it's anything like being type-cast?
Type Castijng, to me, is a completely neutral state. For better or worse, an actor stays with a series long enough and that is what he "does". Type casting doesn't alienate anyone – Pernell Roberts in Bonanza, David Ducovney (sp) in The X Files….whenever you see David, for example. most people think of him in the X Files.
When I saw Sean Penn last Sunday berating everyone not adhering to his views. he was alienating much of his potential audience.
Sorry, no relation in name or meaning to King Crimson. At the risk of splitting hairs, their song was released in 1969, many years after the 'moment' where mine originates from. Besides, I spell my name 'Mann'. But thanks just the same for the compliments on the post. Much appreciated.
Thank you. I'll try that. I need some enlightenment. At least thats what the fellers in 4-H say. Bubba and the "roping club"…Dang Neanderthals…drive pick ups and eat meat….HEY! What happened to MEAT IS MURDER? Did the glitterati move on to "global warming"? Is that a more appealing myth than being a vegitarian, like Hitler was?
Agreed. That's why I feel it's particularly connected to acting. Plus, music calms the savage beast.
No one appreciates a scold. Scolding persuades no one. And it does leave a very strong impression that is sure to intrude on the illusion.
Yes, naturally they do not see it as missing anything. If they did, they wouldn't do it. Just like drug users don't see anything wrong with taking drugs. They know the stats, the evidence that states it's harmful to their health, yet they do it. They rationalize it. They find reasons, past the pleasure principle, that make them ignore the science and evidence.
All actors, regardless of ability, want to be taken seriously at least when they offer their work to be judged. Celebrities who spout politics, the smart ones, or ones with experience, know they are damaging their careers somewhat. They know this. So, why do they do it if they know it? Because for an actor, there is one thing worse than to have a damaged career. And that is, to have no career. To not get roles. To not be taken seriously. To not be called. So, they risk it. They say what they want to say, ignoring the evidence, the science that says, 'shut up'. And the really foolish ones, without any experience, probably think being serious in public political discourse will translate into getting better roles. Big mistake.
Didn't Hayden Pantierre have a ridiculous rant back last year where she expoused lefty group think, and exposed herself as an ignorant actress?
Watching your moment in the sun fade away will do that to a person. It won't be long before they go all "Ashley Judd" on someone to get their name back in the headlines again.
Ever since he went uptown, he went downhill.
But isn't it a hoot when liberals learn that quote is from Edmund Burke, the founder of British conservatism. Simply hilarious. Ranks right up there with the 'liberal use' of Ike's "military industrial complex" quote. If all wars are unjust, as we are so often told by our more radical friends on the left, then why quote a war criminal and use his argument as your main pillar? It boggles the mind.
Much obliged Dwight Schultz for giving us the whole version right here at Big Hollywood recently.
That's possible. But in general, I'm more of a music person. Actors to me are just like pop stars; they are hired voices that recite other people's words. When they actually do get a writing credit on a song, they rarely do anything to earn it. I know people that have had to give a writing credit to get a singer to do their song. But real musicians actually create something of their own, and to me that takes a lot more talent, preparation and creativity than standing wherever the director tells you to and recite your rehearsed lines. So when a musician uses their art form to express an opinion, I feel that they have at least earned my attention, even if I don't agree with them, which I rarely do.
Although, my favorite actor is Gene Hackman, and he's a Democrat.
I just said that the actions of the Dixie Chick chick come to mind, I still watch Heroes. I was also saying that the reason I try my best to have no knowledge of the political stylings of entertainers is so that they can entertain me with out distraction, as in I'm too distracted by Sean Penn's actions as Sean Penn that I can no longer sit through a movie with him in it.
To my new friend David….Xanax, david, xanax. Works miracles! Anyway David, be partners, be happy, dang it, BE HAPPY! It's America David! Dance on the dining room table, park your Miata in the den, nail your patio furniture to the ceiling, be HAPPY! Fill your swimming pool with lemon flavored jello, trim your hedges like Sesame Street characters, hang Sarah Palin in effigy, WAIT! Don't do that, it was done in West Hollywood and to imitate would be just plain tacky.Drive to the corner store in reverse, do your hair up like the guy in "Flock of Seagulls", paint the house chartruese, get up at a Babs Steisand concert and JOIN IN! Stage a performance of the "King and I" in the side yard, you can be the tutor. Dye the lawn blue. dye your hair pink, get ridiculously long fingernails extensions and point at everybody! Be FREE! go to a ball game, whistle at the third baseman, check out Liberace's biography at the public library. Try out for the Rockettes, take the red eye to Key West, have a ball! Nobody wishes you harm, we want you happy! Come on moderator, there is nothing wrong with this, you know that.
I actually don't hate the guy from Heroes, I was just playing along with VL. Hayden P just comes off as a young clueless actress that picked up the first cause that came to mind.
Like I said earlier, Gene Hackman, a Democrat, is my favorite actor. I had no idea he was until I actually went looking. If only the rest of Hollywood was so discreet.
Yes. Funny, the Oscars are usually the point that most conservatives expect and sometimes fear will result in liberal speeches going wildly political. But, in fact, that rarely happens, due mainly to time constraints, and the overriding fact that most – 90% or greater I'd wager – of the viewers at home not related to the speech maker are waiting for the show to "get on with it" possibly dreaming of the old 'hook' from appearing out of stage right, appropriately, and snagging said award recipient.
But in fact, the Oscars are more the Fail Safe point of liberal celebrity soap boxing. They, the liberals, are mostly harmless prior to that. Once they past that point, though, in other words win that award, they can command far more scripts, far more money, and consequently far more press, doing far more damage than ever before. That's when conservatives should fear the liberal celebrity speechmaker. because that is when they have the farthest reach and can sway the most minds.
-smann
It was totally meant as a compliment…
yeah well- one can find "Liberal" between Lamebrain and Lizard. Was there a point?
Hahahaha! (I think something funny deserves the real thing, not computer speak1)
I'm a character actress and you can take that however you wanna take it. (I'm not ugly though!!!)
Cool Drie. I'm admirer of they who trod the planks of stages, be they musicans, actors, poets, mimes, NOOO!, not mimes…not really mimes too. I'm joking about my friend, she is beautiful but very pricipaled and very talented. Her name is Crystal Calderoni, she does alot of print work and some tv ads and the like. She has done some film, something is always shooting in Austin. She's a classy lady, and you are too.
Dude! I'm probably old enough to be your mother!! But thanks for the class part. I appreciate that. OBTW: I went to a mime workshop in LA with a student of Marcel Marceau's. Very different from acting, but it was fun. And give Crystal hug next time you see her for me. Nice to know there's others with principals in the biz. BTW: What ads? Local or national?
Oh, and ya, gotta goof on mime, but it looks like it takes a lot of skill and disipline. I have neither, therefore I goof!
I'm 4 years older….rehabbing an achilles tendon injury for the past year so I am no longer the buff runner I was but that's okay getting back in the swing slowly. But I have the advantage: I'm a character actress. I don't necessarily have to be drop dead gorgeous to get work–at least in theatre. I just have to able to die on cue within the first 5 minutes of a project, be skilled at doing dialects, have an ablity to make fun of myself, and find a hiding place for a quick change!!
It's okay to goof on mime. Doesn't hurt my feelings in the least. Stillacoom is nice! I don't putter around there nearly as much as I should.
Very cool Drie. I've said here that character actors have the best job on earth. I was a little kid in Stillacoom, used to look out the bay window and watch the ships and boats. Gotta run, see you here in the future?
Absolutely.. This site is a breath of fresh air for me seeing as how I'm surrounded by left thinking thugs most of the time. So have an incredible evening.
I was astounded that this string went this long. I'll have to look for you guys in pending Big Hollywood productions.
I'll google you! (then I'll OOGLE YOU!) hee hee BTW, love Seattle. Grew up in Stillacoom, for a while, beautiful…
I'm forty nine years young yo! She did a Miller Light billboard that was around a while, lots of magazine stuff, she's the lady in the San Antonio Visitors ad having dinner on the riverwalk, an indie movie with Sean Young, a bodybuilder movie stright to video/Europe thing, lots of stuff like that. She's in incredible shape for her late thirties, and keeps up with the youngin's pretty well!
Oh, believe me, I appreciate it. But their song, at least according to online trivia sources, was written about Spiro Agnew. Ouch!
i luv miley she
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