The Ghost Writer

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/5/10 at 9:39pm

I have thought very hard about this film and as big a fan as I am of Pierce Brosnan ,who is getting the best reviews of his LIFE, I have determined I will not see it. So I'm kinda wondering- do you persue the principle and not support the artistic work of a convicted rapist or do you separate the work from the creator and judge it on its own merits? It's not a new question ( see Jerome Robbins) but examining it in this context- what would/ will you do?

[romantico]

Posted: 3/5/10 at 10:11pm

I love Polanski's films and can not wait to see this film. He is by far one of my favorite directors.I have heard it is an incredible film and one of his best. The reviews are very good and I even heard someone say he could be nominated next year for this film.If the film is as good as people are saying and To not see the film is your loss. I know conservatives who won't see Sean Penn's films or listen to Streisand because of their personal issues with the artist. Politics or personable reasons should be separate.Did you start this thread to discuss the film or bash the director? Since you made it clear you have no plans on seeing the film,I think I know the answer.

OJ is a murderer but I still watch the Naked Gun films.Does that reflect poorly on me and my taste in films?I never could understand this mentality.If you don't like Polanski or have issues with him,don't see it but don't preach like you are better than anyone else because you refuse to see his film,as if that matters. Wonder what your opinion is if someone does see it and actually likes it. Will you judge them for liking a film by someone like Polanski? FYI,I love Rosemary's Baby,Chinatown,Repulsion,The Pianist,and many other of his films. Does that make me a bad person? I hope this does not turn into a thread where people just muddy it up with their opinion on the director. I was thinking about starting a thread about this film but was afraid it would turn into a discussion about Polanski and not the film itself.

Sorry,I just think it is a very arrogant and silly attitude.

http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/view.bg?articleid=1237021&srvc=home&position=also

http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/32254953/review/32254955/the_ghost_writer

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10012063-ghost_writer/

Updated On: 3/5/10 at 10:11 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/5/10 at 10:49pm

Well other than that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?
Seriously tho
I posed an open discussion question -you have chosen to interpret it as direct to YOU and presumed a judgement not neccessarily present and in turn have jumped to sit in judgement on me. Pot meet kettle.
I abhor Melvin Gibson- I do not watch films he appears in or produces. He will not get any of my money to support him. I do not see any Woody Allen films as I don't like his personal behavior either. So go judge me on that too. I can only wonder why you feel you must defend your opinion by castigating others?
Oh and by the by, since I don't perceive any loss- I ain't had one.

[romantico]

Posted: 3/5/10 at 10:59pm

LOL! I did not take it personal.If you feel like a better person because you won't give your money to an artist you feel is bad or wrong or just disagree with,that's up to you. I just find it odd you start a thread,assuming to discuss a film but make it clear you have no plans on seeing the film.You then went on about your reasons,which you are entitled to as I am as well.I just fear what you will say and how you will judge someone who does chime in and praises the film.You started this thread and asked a question and I gave you an answer.If you are gonna take an attitude because the answer is not one you like then think twice before asking. You can't debate the film because you refuse to see it so instead you will attack the film's director.IMO,that's just asinine. Why do you want to know if the film is good if you have no plans on seeing it? Why hear how good Pierce is if you refuse to watch the film because of the director? Can you clear that part up?Sounds like you have zero interest in the film but you are using this as an excuse to bash the director? I mean, that's what you really want isn't it?

Sounds like you are missing out on many good films. Woody Allen and Mel Gibson have done some great films,IMO. I'll agree with you there have been things in their personal lives I disapprove of but that has NOTHING to do with their art.I'm not judging anyone,you are.If I start a thread asking people if they saw Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and wanted to know what people think but then said I hate Mel Gibson and have no plans on seeing the film,I would be concerned people would think I am just as crazy as Mel.

I assume you also refuse to watch Charlie Chaplin films Elia Kazan films,and I could probably list many others as well.Where does it stop? When do you get off the high horse and just enjoy the work?There are composers,artists, and authors who I assume you also refuse to acknowledge.

Updated On: 3/5/10 at 10:59 PM

[StockardFan]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 1:40pm

I think Sabrelady was just starting a thread to open a dialogue, not preach or say she's better than anyone else?

[romantico]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 2:06pm

I agree. My point is why not just start a thread titled 'Reasons I Don't Like Roman Polanski?' or something like that? I saw the thread and thought it was going to be about a discussion of the film. The Shutter Island thread was NOT about Scorsese's life. The Alice in Wonderland thread was NOT about Tim Burton's personal life.I'm sure Sabrelady and I would agree on many things. I however am looking forward to seeing this film and would like to discuss the film and not the personal life it's director. Don't get me wrong, I am not defending Polanski or his actions.I however can separate the man and the artist. TO be honest, I am just sick of hearing everyone talk about his scandal. For someone to open a thread and a dialogue about a film and than admit they have zero intentions on seeing it baffles me.

Updated On: 3/6/10 at 02:06 PM

[StockardFan]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 2:15pm

Gotcha.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 4:35pm

I do not think there is really a name as big who did something as comparable as Polanski did. Kazan was a totally different case, he betrayed and unintentionally or not destroyed careers in Hollywood but even that cannot touch what Polanski did. That being said I do want to see The Ghost Writer because I loved The Pianist, Rosemary's Baby, and Repulsion.

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 5:30pm

SabreLady have you seen the documentary Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired? It provides some interesting food for thought about the Polanski case.

Although I do not condone Polanski's actions, I have to say, that somewhere deep inside me I think he was badly affected by the horrific murder of his wife, Sharon Tate, and went off the deep end.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/6/10 at 10:09pm

I've seen excerpts from it and you are right there are some interesting aspects raised.
If my choice of thread title confused some people that certainly was not my intent. I DO feel superior- but that has nothing to do with what films/products I will or won't purchase. (or talk about either) But never holier than thou!

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/7/10 at 1:52pm

It's your responsibility to separate the artist from the work. Period.