It’s been reported that Mr. Mel Gibson was arrested early this morning. The reason was because he was suspected to be driving while intoxicated, or DUI. While I am a fan of Mr. Gibson and his many films (including the Mad Max series, Maverick, Tequila Sunrise and others) this is a separate matter. Drunk driving is no small matter. But of equal importance to me is the though of how this will be handled. Given the fact that Mr. Gibson is one of, if not the, most powerful individuals in movies at this time and how kid gloves are often applied to entertainers in such matters, I wonder what will happen.
Now as you may recall, I spoke about the treatment that Ms. Michelle Rodriguez received for her multiple infractions. The very short trip to jail was nowhere near the type of punishment I or others would receive. But it may have been a factor in the loss of her work on a television program. And she did spend time in jail. If Mr. Gibson is guilty, which is currently in question, then I would like to see him punished at least equally to lesser actors and actresses. Especially those that are African American or other minorities. And if he is innocent of the charges then the matter should be dropped without further comment. Never both, ie guilty and the matter brushed aside.
In a less important matter that caught my eye, poker has gone to a new extreme. To say this is eye raising is the least. Now I don’t mind losing my money in a poker game (doesn’t happen too often though) losing my shirt, in a group of strangers and possibly a crowd of onlookers is another thing. I’m referring to the up-coming World Strip Poker Championship. The 200 players will earn a place in the Guiness Book of Records, and possibly some money. I just can’t imagine the competition.
Then again I may not want to. It’s one thing to have a poker face, but a poker body? And there may be some distractions that can’t be disregarded. That could prove to be embarrassing. I wonder how many dates will be started because of this? And if you are a total ice player, does that improve or detract from the future dating potential.
And for those who are into voyeurism a minor victory. It seems that the Girls Gone Wild tapes confiscated in a search related to the taping of under-age girls have been released. Whatever the legalities of the case, I have a different thought. Why in the world would any woman do this? This isn’t a private video made by sober consenting adults for their pleasure. I mean what is the benefit? Yes there has always been porn. And no this isn’t hardcore, or at least it appears not from the commercials that are on every evening. Still it has no value, and provides nothing for the women in them. I just don’t get it.
Other minor news out is that MTV is reaching out to the internet to better compete and retain its viewers. I would suggest something to MTV that may seem obvious, play music videos. Perhaps I’m jaded as I recall when music videos first hit the airwaves. I recall the fledgling upstart Music Television. That was a time when music videos were innovative, trying various ideas and effects. Some things worked, many didn’t. But at any point you could turn on the cable channel and see a rotation of music videos. Of course at the start it was the same couple of hours of video, and all rock bands. But eventually they expanded the line up, and put more videos on - and then finally recognized rap as existing too.
Of course if you look at MTV now you’d wonder what made them pick their name. They have more crap shows (my opinion) than anything else. Road Rules, the Real Life (the first was cute, none are anything close to real) and all the rest. When do they actually play videos. The internet doesn’t help when you don’t follow your core business. At least that’s what I’ve learned.
And sadly Mr. Harold Scott passed recently. Mr. Scott was the first Black African American to head a major regional theatre, an Obie Award winning actor (for Deathwatch), the producer of The Mighty Gents (which Mr. Morgan Freeman won a Tony Award for), and directed Mr. Avery Brooks in Paul Robeson. Through the late 50's to the 90's Mr. Scott had a an influence on movies and plays. He passed at the age of 60. Far too young, and a loss that will be felt.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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