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Input From The Man
Frank Pierson, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, responds to my diatribe.
The review in question can be found HERE
MY LETTER TO THE ACADEMY:
March 26, 2002
Frank Pierson, President
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Dear Frank:
Enclosed, please find copy of an article I wrote on the movie Hedwig And The Angry Inch. As you may be aware, this wasn’t even nominated for Best Picture, let alone Best Actor or any of the other awards it deserved. Such is Life.
Still, the Academy should give up its snobby attitude and get back to the basics. Film is the most powerful form of Art in existence, one that combines all others and transforms Expression into Experience. Considering you head this Academy, I’m sure you realize this, for there’s no way someone would take on your responsibility simply because of prestige.
By praising only those movies produced by the Mainstream, you’re implying that such is the best of the crop. How many times have you heard “movies aren’t as good as they used to be” come from someone who remembers when the Great films were honored at your annual show?
You need to keep in mind that MOST people don’t look around for creative films, they just go by what they read in Rolling Stone or who gets an Oscar.
I honestly hope this finds you well, and ready to turn things around for the 75th Academy Awards. I look forward to seeing new faces at the Ceremony, not just pretty ones. I look forward to being introduced to something truly remarkable, some amazing movie that the Academy genuinely feels deserves recognition.
Sincerely Yours,
Jake McGee
MR. PIERSON'S RESPONSE:
April 2, 2002
Mr. Jake McGee
Kent, Ohio
Dear Mr. McGee:
I was pleased that you took the time to write us and set down your objections to our most recent show, although I have to confess that when I then read your review, and found out that you regarded me as both an ignorant swine and a complacent elitist, I was a shade less grateful for your efforts.
Before you bury me in a mass grave with all my fellow Academy members I would remind you that we have never thought of ourselves as perfect or the final judge of what is lasting art. Look at the year of 1939 for a demonstration of how human we are.
I happened to like HEDWIG, but then my judgment is clouded by having been one of Mitchell’s mentors at the Sundance Institute where (as I hope you know) he went to work through how to translate his staged musical into a movie. I personally would have liked to see John go up against Baz Luhrmann because I think John is better, deeper and funnier. And both explored fresh ways to approach musical film. Sadly, my fellow members didn’t see it that way. But I won’t sit by to see them insulted.
If you can bring yourself to watch our “foul ceremony” again next year, when you may not have quite so intense a rooting interest in one of the contenders, maybe you’ll have a more enjoyable experience.
I sure hope so.
Your concerned correspondent,
Frank Pierson
President
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There are so many dominoes in this Thing, it's hard to point blame at one. However, movies are not inexpensive, and maybe it's those who fund and distribute them that are at the beginning of this atrocity.
Then again, is it us, those who review, that are at fault? I think that's where any Revolution can begin- at the root. If we see a movie we love, we should tell as many people as possible. Then, production companies will be more likely to fund, since they merely try to make money, and do so by giving the Masses what they apparently like.
On the other hand, could you make a better movie than this? Could you deliver a message as dynamic as "Hedwig"? Could you put together a story as remarkable as this? If so, then you have the right to say the film sucked.
Fantastic man! You and Bobby Freville are both the next Hunter Thompson's. You should write an essay that says what he has meant to you - and how you can't keep his style from overwhelming your work - and tell everyone how many of his quotes and phrases you have to finally force yourself to edit out of your final copy.
You overestimate your cleverness, and do a poor job of covering up your worship.
the "BLOG" generation is the only hope for hacks like you.
Shlomo should fire you; but wait, you're not a real columnist.
SELAH
WHAT A HACK!
-an angry rotarian
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