I know I usually talk about something movie related. It’s my job. I’m the movie writer. However, I have to vent a little about what’s happened to the world and how it’s affected the movies I love so dearly.
I don’t want to hear anymore about America’s war on terrorism. I’m trying really hard not to think about plane crashes, bus crashes or chemical warfare. But the news keeps right on shoving it in my face, hammering away at me.
I’m tired of hearing about charity benefits with this celebrity or that celebrity. The first few events meant something, but now it seems like everyone just wants to jump on the bandwagon. Giving money is great, but do you have to be entertained to do it? I appreciate what Arnold Schwarzenegger did: Schwarzenegger just donated a million dollars to the cause without organizing some event around it.
And I wish the studios would quit delaying movie releases. I understand the sensitivity of moving movies, such as Collateral Damage, which deal with terrorist attacks, but why delay Sidewalks of New York, the romantic comedy from director/actor Ed Burns? Or why delay Windtalkers, a film about WWII code breakers? I was also really looking forward to The Time Machine, an update on the H.G. Wells classic with Guy Pearce, which was supposed to come out the end of December. Now it’s not being released until sometime next year.
I know this kind of thing is done all the time. Studios are forever changing their schedules due to marketing concerns; it’s always about the best way to make the most money, blah, blah, blah. But lately it’s getting out of hand and well, frankly, it’s getting darned annoying.
I also think the Emmy Awards should go ahead and be the big celebratory gala it’s suppose to be–honoring the best in television.
Why not? That’s what the award shows are for, isn’t it? There should be a red carpet and Joan Rivers should be there, adding a little levity to the situation by saying something completely asinine about some actress’ dress. The actors, directors, writers, designers and whoever else, deserve it.
But instead, the show is going to be a low-key event. Host Ellen DeGeneres is not going to be cracking jokes of any kind. The winners will no doubt give speeches about how winning the award is great but uniting as a nation is more important–or something along those lines. I don’t think I’ll even watch it.
I just want things to get back to normal.
What happened Sept. 11 deeply affected me, as it did everyone else. I had family in one of those towers who miraculously got out. I’m scared, but I feel confident things will be rectified somehow. And seeing how my country has become a pillar of strength and a beacon of unity through this adversity is heartening.
Maybe I’m being naïve about it all. I certainly understand the world will never be the way it was, but the constant reminders make it hard for me to shake that awful feeling. And I want to shake it. Right now. I actually envy those who live in their own little worlds, oblivious to everything. It might feel good to just hide away and shut it out.
Of course, this won’t happen; I’m not crazy. But I am going to try hard not to waste my time worrying about things beyond my control, and I’m going to turn to my beloved movies and television to help me out and provide the escapism from the “real” world, as they always have in the past.
So, listen up, Hollywood… get back to work and help everyone move on.
