Posted on 10/14/2017 7:40:11 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
THR's awards columnist Scott Feinberg assesses the landscape of a post-Harvey Academy.
In the wake of a slew of allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape that have emerged over the last 10 days, Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that hosts and votes for the Oscars, with which he was virtually synonymous throughout his four decades in the business. Since its founding in 1927, the Academy has only previously expelled one other member: Carmine Caridi, an actor who violated policy against loaning out screeners.
Following complaints against Weinstein by dozens of women, calls for his expulsion by many Academy members (including Weinstein's own brother and business partner) and petitions signed by thousands from the general public, today's verdict seemed all but inevitable. Nobody, with the possible exceptions of Lindsay Lohan (who voiced some sympathy for the mogul) and Weinstein himself, is shedding any tears over this latest twist in a saga that has rocked Hollywood, along with the rest of the country.
Now, though, the Academy will face more difficult decisions: how to deal with the not inconsiderable number of others among its membership of 8,427 who have checkered pasts of their own and who now are being targeted by those who want to purge the industry of sexual predators.
(Excerpt) Read more at hollywoodreporter.com ...
It’s not merely his “personal” life, it pervades every aspect of his professional life and film work!!
But there are certainly some large issues that need a lot more attention, such as how and when to consider such allegations, who investigates, who decides, how to assess evidence and make judgments, what types of actions should be disqualifying for membership and/or for consideration for awards, etc.
I certainly agree that they should not change history by removing “credits” for work already performed, i.e., someone’s name on a film for whatever purpose should not be stripped away later, as they are reportedly doing with Harvey Weinstein. Leave the records of work already performed alone.
But it is worth considering whether “moral turpitude” however defined should disqualify someone from the HONOR of being a member of the academy.
The problem, of course, is that they are now onto a very slippery slope and may have a lot of trouble distinguishing between cases.... whose behavior is bad enough to get them the boot? There may be a lot of candidates for expulsion!
Fourteen or Fight
Let the name of Weinstein be stricken from every book and tablet, stricken from all pylons and obelisks, stricken from every monument of Hollywood. Let the name of Weinstein be unheard and unspoken, erased from the memory of men for all time.
I would like to know the history of the Academy tossing members, and on what grounds. Because if they aren’t careful, they’ll have to turn over the whole roster...
I think you are 100% correct, Grania (She-King of the Irish Seas). Purging is a Soviet thing.
The Academy could wind up with just a few members...
At the time, Streep claimed that Hoffman “introduced” himself by belching in her face, and then squeezing her breast.
As I recall, Hoffman has defended himself on the basis of being a “method” actor, and because he felt that all great directors must provoke deep emotions in actors.
In any event, I am not aware that Hoffman or Streep have discussed that issue in public for many decades.
Also, I have not seen the media mention that event since the Harvey Weinstein firestorm started.
That attitude is part of the problem. You don’t want to hold the guy responsible for his actions? I find it ridiculous that no one spoke out on this for years and years....even though they all knew it was going on. Despicable.
Ya, you're wrong about a lot of stuff. If you can't see this you're too far gone to even talk to.
[snip] Since its founding in 1927, the Academy has only previously expelled one other member: Carmine Caridi, an actor who violated policy against loaning out screeners. [/snip]
Basically, the Academy threw him out for loaning videos of movies under consideration for Oscars. Yeah, that’s just as bad as what Harv’ did. The Academy has one punishment for all violations, and that’s execution.
I want him investigated and prosecuted according to laws already on the books, and that includes statutes of limitation restrictions on that. I want any mention of his "accomplishments" to include mention of researched and verified bad behavior. And I'd like Hollywood to do soul-searching about how bad behavior and value systems has been destroying US and global cultural values for decades.
But a purge and letting him disappear fro history? No. Who will they be purging next? If the power structure in the entertainment doesn't change, what will replace what they purge? Hint....look at comtemporary music if you want to see where the thought masters are going.
So let it be written,so let it be done-and now back to Ann Baxter!
This is the time for Corey Felman to name names. If he takes a pass, then his accusations will carry less weight in the future.
It’s time for the FBI to get serious about nailing these people.
I wonder what Wienstein did that made him expendable?
Stopped making movies that made money.
Wild in the Streets was a pretty bad movie, but if redone correctly I think the underlying thesis would be awesome.
I believe youth culture in most of its forms should be stamped out and made extinct.
There is nothing society needs from young people. They are not learned or wise.
And yet, the Elites use youth culture to undermine our society.
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