A word of advice...

[NYadgal]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 8:02pm

to Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto on possible Oscar acceptance speeches.

Amended to say that I agree that it was a missed opportunity.
But, there are aspects of this I've reconsidered.

Thoughts?


A Word of Advice

Updated On: 1/16/14 at 08:02 PM

[artscallion]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 8:26pm

I'm actually going to disagree on this one, Addy.

They made the movie, which does a tremendous amount to shed light on the subject. They took on tough, risky roles that will ultimately do an enormous amount to raise awareness and change minds. They've been talking about the issues constantly in interviews, before and since the awards. This, however, was an awards night, doling out awards to actors for their work. I have no problem with them having this moment be about them...because it is!

I think there's a trend recently for the press to pounce on good people over a slight misstep. I think this is dangerous in that it makes people afraid to put themselves out there for issues they don't need to worry about for themselves. They do it because they care. But they might stop if we keep slapping them down for not doing it in exactly the correct way.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 1/15/14 at 8:30pm

Hmmm. Really interesting food for thought, artscallion.
You've given me alot to think about.

Great point about the press pouncing. On that, I agree completely.
I didn't think about the link in that way, but I can see your point very clearly.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 12:00am

artscallion - I agree completely. Salon, Slate and HuffPo seem to be the worst offenders lately.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 12:05am

Scallion, I also agree with you. They are actors playing parts and doing it well. They had to have plenty of feeling for the subject matter and their characters in order to do such convincing and compelling jobs.

I don't judge the speeches. I'm just happy if my favorites win.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 12:07am

I'm afraid I have to agree with the article. The attitude that a straight actor has done something "risky" or "brave" by playing LGBT is completely antiquated at this point, but keeps getting perpetuated for some reason. These are roles that any actor would eat laundry to play.

That said, I'm glad the movie is out there, for sure.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 7:04am

Dallas Buyers Club was an underdog...you said it yourself, Matthew. It took over 20 years to make, and was passed on 86 times before you got the right team together to breathe life into the script. But the story itself is an underdog too. Give it the voice it deserves.

Oy! This writer! Matthew has publicized this movie and pushed it above and beyond and got it made so he already gave it the voice it deserved by doing so. He can say whatever he chooses to in his acceptance speech. Same goes for Jared Leto.

The movie is now the voice and it speaks for itself.

Updated On: 1/16/14 at 07:04 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 7:27am

I agree, Carlos. I have a lot more advice on "proper form" and perspective for that editorial than I do for the actors who made the film.

EDIT: And honestly, as long as they don't stand at the podium and pull either a Jacqueline Bisset or launch into some grandstanding, overemphatic political diatribe, I'll be fine with whatever they say.

... assuming of course that they both win (which seems quite possible).

Updated On: 1/16/14 at 07:27 AM

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 1/16/14 at 7:42am

I agree. This is in the way of advice and how their acceptance could show greater meaningfulness and humility. Hard to argue against that. What I vehemently don't agree with is Salon's argument that Leto's speech was in any way homophobic (I also disagree with Salon's objections to Douglas's speech as homophobic - although I def. found his Emmy award speech offensive and homophobic).