In the wake of Renée Nicole Good's murder, can we finally talk about why Hollywood, the Democratic Party, and other so-called liberal institutions refuse to take on fascism?
I grew up with a connection not to Macomb, MI, but to McComb, MS (Mississippi), which is half an hour from Brookhaven, where my parents and all of my extended family grew up . I'm a liberal who comes from a long line of evangelical conservatives. Blatant, outright, unapologetic racism was alive and well in Mississippi in the 70s, 80s...and now.
It is especially alive and well among evangelicals, including in my own family, who contort themselves and their self-proclaimed Christian faith into grotesque and nonsensical knots, proclaiming without irony that Trump is doing God's work. I think the only way they can perform those acts of blind submission and idolotry to Trump, in absolute betrayal of the teachings of Christ, is to harbor extraordinarily racist views, to believe deeply that their "way of life"--indeed their natural "supremacy," was under threat and is now being restored. My mother grew up very poor in Mississippi. What drove many white people at that time and in that place, I believe, was a desperate need to believe they were better than someone else. They chose color as the dividing line. What is happening in America breaks my heart, but it does not surprise me.
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
I understand! I really appreciated your post and couldn't help notice the auditory similarities between Macomb/McComb, which brought up a lot of memories for me.
I did notice that and enjoyed it! I'm just...depleted. I usually want to interact with readers about what I write, but this time, I'm finding I just don't have any mental energy left to get into it with them. Luckily, it looks like a lot of people are reading each other's comments and weighing in, which is encouraging. I love the community here.
I grew up in a "liberal" city in the San Francisco area. I have received one employment settlement for black racism, and four settlements for sex discrimination against men. In all cases, the employer/defendant made no effort to hide their discrimination.
My odds would have been better in McComb, Mississippi.
I have an essay in my substack drafts folder about how liberal hollywood culture has turned into what Camus warned us about in Create Dangerously. But you've made so many of the same points, I feel like I don't even need to publish my essay now! As someone who also traded Hollywood for London and believes that silence is the real abdication, I want to THANK YOU
You should absolutely publish that essay! I don't even know yet if this has any serious merit. I work that out in time. But even if I just wrote the definitive piece on this (I haven't), it wouldn't be read by nearly enough people and it will still also be the perspective of a white guy. The world needs more thoughtful pieces on this subject.
First, congrats on publishing it. Second, I seemed to have liked it without reading it. I've been in the middle of a move (we only just got into our new house yesterday). Third, I've got this open to read today. More soon!
Your critique is spot on. I’m not one to watch awards shows but saw in my newsfeed that some Hollywood attendees last night wore buttons commemorating Renee Good. While sporting luxury gowns and tuxes. That’s it in a nutshell. If they had any conviction, they would be rugged up and protesting in MN, which is now overrun by stormtrooper thugs. If the A listers were no-shows en masse, the money men behind these shows might take notice. But wearing pins? Oh so tasteful.
I want to know why we aren’t seeing former presidents and high profile officials who swore an oath to the Constitution using their influence and power to speak out forcefully and daily against this assault on the nation. Who cares about past norms? Certainly not the current regime. If they were loud enough and persistent enough in their opposition, it would have to be reported, especially if they represented both parties.
About colonising a new land: Haven’t read the books, just an observation. Everything depends on who the colonists are, since their DNA (and belief systems) will determine the future. Let in white supremacists, religious nationalists, misogynists, wealth aggrandisers, and we know how that works out.
In the case of COYOTE, the reason it's so brilliant is that the United Republic of America is white supremacist and removed all POC from significant positions of scientific excellence and intellectual influence. The "intellectual dissidents" who steal the ship are people living in terror for their lives, every color in the spectrum, and almost all from an education-first background. The reality of their new world forces them to align with a few former soldiers, white, but the ideological conflict ultimately rewrites how militarism works on this new world - even when they're finally invaded by other Earthlings looking to steal what they've built. It really is extraordinary. Very different story than America's founding when you get into the weeds, but in those differences is the commentary on why America floundered.
"If the A listers were no-shows en masse ..." – ah, but that's why Louis B Mayer created the Oscars, to distract his employees from what's really important
I’ve been wondering the same thing. Where are the former presidents and well-known states-people? Why did Barack and Hillary go off the grid? Then again, when I recall reportage on them attending a billionaire wedding in the Hamptons last year, I’m reminded they don’t actually have much at stake here. We’re on our own, apparently. So much for “Yes, we can.”
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
When I saw your note from a few days ago about having concerns about publishing a potentially controversial essay that may ruffle a few feathers, immediately I admit that my interest was piqued. Absolutely I agree with your eloquent, intelligent assessment of the many underlying problems with liberals, or as you quoted King, the white moderates. I fear that as the right descends more and more into full blown fascism, the liberal politicians are doing very little to meet the moment. Instead, I feel as though many of the elected liberal democrats are mostly twiddling their thumbs, shrugging their shoulders, and doling out the same tired, empty platitudes about “trusting our institutions.” These supposedly trustworthy institutions were deeply flawed at heart, founded on hypocrisy, slavery, shameful inequality, and state sanctioned racism. I find it interesting to hear the perspective of a writer like you who has experienced what’s behind the curtain in Hollywood, who chose wisely to exit this country in 2017 to protect their safety, and who has the invaluable view of a former insider who can assess and critique the current disastrous situation in the US from the outside after moving abroad. Likewise, I worry that the liberals are not doing enough to fight the good fight against fascism. I think writing about this horror show in the US openly, truthfully, and without self-censoring is a crucial step in the right direction. I like the way you’ve seamlessly woven together and integrated multiple timelines and important historical turning points as a way to vividly demonstrate the frightening situation here in the US. Thank you for speaking out and saying the quiet part out loud. The world is in trouble, and it needs more thoughtful, brave, and empathetic writers like you who are doing their best to sound the alarm.
Thank you for your note, Jessica. This essay kicked my ass to write, so I think I have to limit my role in the comments for my own protection right now.
Unfortunately it's not going to move the needle in any way whatsoever.
The minorities of America are going to be taken aback by what's going to happen to them in the near future.
I watched as a kid growing up in Canada, the abuse that black people suffered in their fight for equality. I couldn't understand why white people were so afraid. Still don't.
It's obviously a xenophobia that cannot be overcome by a vast majority of whites, some sort of survival instinct perhaps, ingrained in our DNA.
The rich white men are about to turn back the clock and I think that the only way to stop it now, would be a revolution of some sort, before it becomes too late.
People of color ( and I mean all colors! ) and the youth movement are all that stand between the total takeover of the USA.
Sounds radical, but these are radical times
Glad you got out while you could.
I'm sure some sort of travel ban is in the works as well.
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
I appreciate that. I certainly wouldn't say no if THE ATLANTIC came calling. In the meantime, I hope this piece keeps getting around. I'm very proud of it.
I honestly don't know why everything isn't already on fire. What everyone is waiting on -- I can't say. I don't understand it, but I also do completely understand it. As I continue to repeat everywhere, "What you tolerate will continue," and it looks like most Americans will tolerate every atrocity imaginable.
Please note: I reply to all comments here at 5AM StoryTalk, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
Ok this essay blew my mind, contextualizing behaviors and attitudes behind closed Hollywood doors and the outspoken attitudes of diversifying story telling roles and then comparing all that to current TV and movie statistics all with the backdrop of the rise of MAGAcsim here in America was eye opening in a brilliantly crafted piece. I find comments about how this essay won’t move the needle frustrating because it negates any kind of speaking out AT ALL. The “America is doomed” talk really hits where it hurts WHEN YOU’RE LIVING HERE. Am trying not to react to commenters online these days but things here in America are genuinely (more) tense and violent (than usual) so it’s activating to hear: yeah, nothing can turn the tide y’all are just effed. Anyway, terrific essay and yeah our elected dems are NOT meeting the moment one iota and neither are studio executives and a bunch of producers in Hollywood nor any attitude of hanging back while they disappear people. The fascist colonization is hell bent on taking all of the institutions. Feels helpless and trying to look toward smart people to know how the hell to navigate this shit sandwich. This piece is an excellent quilt square in the keeping our mindset properly contextualized and fortified for the challenges we face ahead blanket we are communally piecing together to throw over the fascist flames to put out the fire. (Ok I’m not a poet by any means ok, but just trying to express appreciation for the perspective in your essay) Thank you for publishing it.
Honestly, I loved everything about this comment - especially the quilt reference. As for the "when you're living here" part, it's increasingly hard not to live in terror of the US wherever you live. If the global economy crashes, people here in Australia lose their houses. If America invades another country, Australia will be drawn into it, I expect. In the past year, we've had endless white supremacy marches (by a relatively tiny minority) inspired by Trump and US white supremacists; they're largely stifled right now, but it's a real risk. Many countries in the world have to deal with refugees, which will multiple if more wars break out; this is something that would force me and many Aussies into the streets if we, as expected, said some version of "Fuck you" about. In many ways, I would describe life here as the deep breath before the plunge. Most Aussies would be Pollyanna about it, if you ask them, but it very much feels like every day here is an attempt to get ahead of what's coming. So, while I hate with every cell in my being that you're living in it, I see a world about to be in it, too, and I don't know what to do except scream about it. I write a piece like this about every two to three months because, physically, they deplete me. I didn't sleep for a week writing this. My wife thought I'd turned into an asshole. Will it make a difference to anyone? I don't know. I hope so? I remember back in 2013 or so, when I lived in LA, I noticed how I couldn't get any of my friends to go to protests with me. Climate change? I'd email 70 people. Zero to one would join me. Gun control? Same thing. Nothing seemed to get people to give up three hours of their day. I have a much bigger email list than 70 friends now and people repost, so hopefully the piece causes at least a handful of people to ask what they can do and drag some of their own friends with them. Or it just makes someone in Hollywood reflect on how easily they go along with the narrative there about how things work...which was written by white dudes 50 years ago and has barely been revised since.
I’ll have more to say. As this was deep as fuck and pretty fucking accurate for now put All Gods Children (Fox Butterfield) on your reading list. Trust.
to those who think essays like this won't change anyone's mind – you're probably right
but for those who are already feeling isolated and borderline insane for thinking the same as Cole, this essay (and others like them) offers reassurance that while the world is going crazy, there are still people who are sane and compassionate
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
This is going to take several more reads for me to appropriately react but it has all the reasons I left Hollywood and all the reasons I left the US for the UK and all the anger I feel about the people - including in the WGA but in Hollywood in general - who have real power to DO something carrying on as if we hadn't moved way past five alarm fire territory long ago. Thank you for writing it.
I headed to the UK first before I ended up in Australia. How long have you been there, Alexandra? I feel like we've discussed this at some point, but my brain is mush lately.
I appreciate your having the bravery to be honest. This probably won’t change hearts and minds, but it should spark a long-overdue conversation in Hollywood, an institution in desperate need of change.
So few people want to see this, take it in and accept it. I'm making a documentary on activists as voices of empathy. I'm struggling with the blatant racism that has resurfaced and the march to fascism but I feel the need to keep my film focused otherwise the issues at hand become overwhelming and I don't think I know how to make a film about that.
I write a lot of fairly epic essays here, Tom, like the one you just read. Keeping them focused is one of the most challenging aspects of them, especially given my non-linear approach. I can very quickly find myself spiraling out of control. This essay, in particular, is missing about 15% of its first few drafts for that reason. Best of luck channelling the attention of a heatseeking missile.
Yep. 35 years ago I wrote a script. I plucked two short films from its story universe. They had their own modest successes. The feature was never made. Yet. Maybe it’s budget related or maybe it’s that it’s political without trying to be. One of its inspirations is Triumph of the Will. But it’s set smack on political lines. There is no left or right in my story. It can go either way. But of course the Producer who funds this will have a side. I post one of the shorts every election year. My point is humans are strange animals with minds of their own. And that can be destructive.
I grew up with a connection not to Macomb, MI, but to McComb, MS (Mississippi), which is half an hour from Brookhaven, where my parents and all of my extended family grew up . I'm a liberal who comes from a long line of evangelical conservatives. Blatant, outright, unapologetic racism was alive and well in Mississippi in the 70s, 80s...and now.
It is especially alive and well among evangelicals, including in my own family, who contort themselves and their self-proclaimed Christian faith into grotesque and nonsensical knots, proclaiming without irony that Trump is doing God's work. I think the only way they can perform those acts of blind submission and idolotry to Trump, in absolute betrayal of the teachings of Christ, is to harbor extraordinarily racist views, to believe deeply that their "way of life"--indeed their natural "supremacy," was under threat and is now being restored. My mother grew up very poor in Mississippi. What drove many white people at that time and in that place, I believe, was a desperate need to believe they were better than someone else. They chose color as the dividing line. What is happening in America breaks my heart, but it does not surprise me.
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
I understand! I really appreciated your post and couldn't help notice the auditory similarities between Macomb/McComb, which brought up a lot of memories for me.
I did notice that and enjoyed it! I'm just...depleted. I usually want to interact with readers about what I write, but this time, I'm finding I just don't have any mental energy left to get into it with them. Luckily, it looks like a lot of people are reading each other's comments and weighing in, which is encouraging. I love the community here.
I grew up in a "liberal" city in the San Francisco area. I have received one employment settlement for black racism, and four settlements for sex discrimination against men. In all cases, the employer/defendant made no effort to hide their discrimination.
My odds would have been better in McComb, Mississippi.
None of this happened, Frank. This newsletter isn't for you.
I have an essay in my substack drafts folder about how liberal hollywood culture has turned into what Camus warned us about in Create Dangerously. But you've made so many of the same points, I feel like I don't even need to publish my essay now! As someone who also traded Hollywood for London and believes that silence is the real abdication, I want to THANK YOU
You should absolutely publish that essay! I don't even know yet if this has any serious merit. I work that out in time. But even if I just wrote the definitive piece on this (I haven't), it wouldn't be read by nearly enough people and it will still also be the perspective of a white guy. The world needs more thoughtful pieces on this subject.
https://open.substack.com/pub/queenkwong/p/careful-is-the-new-cowardly?r=24tn99&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay
First, congrats on publishing it. Second, I seemed to have liked it without reading it. I've been in the middle of a move (we only just got into our new house yesterday). Third, I've got this open to read today. More soon!
agree with Cole – publish your essay
Update. I wrote it: https://open.substack.com/pub/queenkwong/p/careful-is-the-new-cowardly?r=24tn99&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay
Your critique is spot on. I’m not one to watch awards shows but saw in my newsfeed that some Hollywood attendees last night wore buttons commemorating Renee Good. While sporting luxury gowns and tuxes. That’s it in a nutshell. If they had any conviction, they would be rugged up and protesting in MN, which is now overrun by stormtrooper thugs. If the A listers were no-shows en masse, the money men behind these shows might take notice. But wearing pins? Oh so tasteful.
I want to know why we aren’t seeing former presidents and high profile officials who swore an oath to the Constitution using their influence and power to speak out forcefully and daily against this assault on the nation. Who cares about past norms? Certainly not the current regime. If they were loud enough and persistent enough in their opposition, it would have to be reported, especially if they represented both parties.
About colonising a new land: Haven’t read the books, just an observation. Everything depends on who the colonists are, since their DNA (and belief systems) will determine the future. Let in white supremacists, religious nationalists, misogynists, wealth aggrandisers, and we know how that works out.
In the case of COYOTE, the reason it's so brilliant is that the United Republic of America is white supremacist and removed all POC from significant positions of scientific excellence and intellectual influence. The "intellectual dissidents" who steal the ship are people living in terror for their lives, every color in the spectrum, and almost all from an education-first background. The reality of their new world forces them to align with a few former soldiers, white, but the ideological conflict ultimately rewrites how militarism works on this new world - even when they're finally invaded by other Earthlings looking to steal what they've built. It really is extraordinary. Very different story than America's founding when you get into the weeds, but in those differences is the commentary on why America floundered.
"If the A listers were no-shows en masse ..." – ah, but that's why Louis B Mayer created the Oscars, to distract his employees from what's really important
I’ve been wondering the same thing. Where are the former presidents and well-known states-people? Why did Barack and Hillary go off the grid? Then again, when I recall reportage on them attending a billionaire wedding in the Hamptons last year, I’m reminded they don’t actually have much at stake here. We’re on our own, apparently. So much for “Yes, we can.”
The trick Americans fell for is that their politicians are in power rather than them.
I think the trick we fall for is that the politicians are in power when it’s actually the corporations.
I'm pretty sure both Phil Ochs and Tom Lehrer addressed this in at least one song by each.
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
When I saw your note from a few days ago about having concerns about publishing a potentially controversial essay that may ruffle a few feathers, immediately I admit that my interest was piqued. Absolutely I agree with your eloquent, intelligent assessment of the many underlying problems with liberals, or as you quoted King, the white moderates. I fear that as the right descends more and more into full blown fascism, the liberal politicians are doing very little to meet the moment. Instead, I feel as though many of the elected liberal democrats are mostly twiddling their thumbs, shrugging their shoulders, and doling out the same tired, empty platitudes about “trusting our institutions.” These supposedly trustworthy institutions were deeply flawed at heart, founded on hypocrisy, slavery, shameful inequality, and state sanctioned racism. I find it interesting to hear the perspective of a writer like you who has experienced what’s behind the curtain in Hollywood, who chose wisely to exit this country in 2017 to protect their safety, and who has the invaluable view of a former insider who can assess and critique the current disastrous situation in the US from the outside after moving abroad. Likewise, I worry that the liberals are not doing enough to fight the good fight against fascism. I think writing about this horror show in the US openly, truthfully, and without self-censoring is a crucial step in the right direction. I like the way you’ve seamlessly woven together and integrated multiple timelines and important historical turning points as a way to vividly demonstrate the frightening situation here in the US. Thank you for speaking out and saying the quiet part out loud. The world is in trouble, and it needs more thoughtful, brave, and empathetic writers like you who are doing their best to sound the alarm.
Thank you for your note, Jessica. This essay kicked my ass to write, so I think I have to limit my role in the comments for my own protection right now.
Great article.
Unfortunately it's not going to move the needle in any way whatsoever.
The minorities of America are going to be taken aback by what's going to happen to them in the near future.
I watched as a kid growing up in Canada, the abuse that black people suffered in their fight for equality. I couldn't understand why white people were so afraid. Still don't.
It's obviously a xenophobia that cannot be overcome by a vast majority of whites, some sort of survival instinct perhaps, ingrained in our DNA.
The rich white men are about to turn back the clock and I think that the only way to stop it now, would be a revolution of some sort, before it becomes too late.
People of color ( and I mean all colors! ) and the youth movement are all that stand between the total takeover of the USA.
Sounds radical, but these are radical times
Glad you got out while you could.
I'm sure some sort of travel ban is in the works as well.
Total subjugation of the masses.
Can't wait for the movie!
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
Do you know this song? The lyrics are still applicable now, I think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cdqQ2BdgOA
This is amazing, David. I didn't know it, but yep, this speaks to me.
I know that one- based on "Joe Hill".
This is one of the most important articles I have read in a long time. Would love to see in The Atlantic or some such for broader viewing.
I appreciate that. I certainly wouldn't say no if THE ATLANTIC came calling. In the meantime, I hope this piece keeps getting around. I'm very proud of it.
It’s brilliant. I’m sharing everywhere. Thank you for writing it.
I honestly don't know why everything isn't already on fire. What everyone is waiting on -- I can't say. I don't understand it, but I also do completely understand it. As I continue to repeat everywhere, "What you tolerate will continue," and it looks like most Americans will tolerate every atrocity imaginable.
Please note: I reply to all comments here at 5AM StoryTalk, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
Ok this essay blew my mind, contextualizing behaviors and attitudes behind closed Hollywood doors and the outspoken attitudes of diversifying story telling roles and then comparing all that to current TV and movie statistics all with the backdrop of the rise of MAGAcsim here in America was eye opening in a brilliantly crafted piece. I find comments about how this essay won’t move the needle frustrating because it negates any kind of speaking out AT ALL. The “America is doomed” talk really hits where it hurts WHEN YOU’RE LIVING HERE. Am trying not to react to commenters online these days but things here in America are genuinely (more) tense and violent (than usual) so it’s activating to hear: yeah, nothing can turn the tide y’all are just effed. Anyway, terrific essay and yeah our elected dems are NOT meeting the moment one iota and neither are studio executives and a bunch of producers in Hollywood nor any attitude of hanging back while they disappear people. The fascist colonization is hell bent on taking all of the institutions. Feels helpless and trying to look toward smart people to know how the hell to navigate this shit sandwich. This piece is an excellent quilt square in the keeping our mindset properly contextualized and fortified for the challenges we face ahead blanket we are communally piecing together to throw over the fascist flames to put out the fire. (Ok I’m not a poet by any means ok, but just trying to express appreciation for the perspective in your essay) Thank you for publishing it.
Honestly, I loved everything about this comment - especially the quilt reference. As for the "when you're living here" part, it's increasingly hard not to live in terror of the US wherever you live. If the global economy crashes, people here in Australia lose their houses. If America invades another country, Australia will be drawn into it, I expect. In the past year, we've had endless white supremacy marches (by a relatively tiny minority) inspired by Trump and US white supremacists; they're largely stifled right now, but it's a real risk. Many countries in the world have to deal with refugees, which will multiple if more wars break out; this is something that would force me and many Aussies into the streets if we, as expected, said some version of "Fuck you" about. In many ways, I would describe life here as the deep breath before the plunge. Most Aussies would be Pollyanna about it, if you ask them, but it very much feels like every day here is an attempt to get ahead of what's coming. So, while I hate with every cell in my being that you're living in it, I see a world about to be in it, too, and I don't know what to do except scream about it. I write a piece like this about every two to three months because, physically, they deplete me. I didn't sleep for a week writing this. My wife thought I'd turned into an asshole. Will it make a difference to anyone? I don't know. I hope so? I remember back in 2013 or so, when I lived in LA, I noticed how I couldn't get any of my friends to go to protests with me. Climate change? I'd email 70 people. Zero to one would join me. Gun control? Same thing. Nothing seemed to get people to give up three hours of their day. I have a much bigger email list than 70 friends now and people repost, so hopefully the piece causes at least a handful of people to ask what they can do and drag some of their own friends with them. Or it just makes someone in Hollywood reflect on how easily they go along with the narrative there about how things work...which was written by white dudes 50 years ago and has barely been revised since.
Thanks, Cole and thank you for being outspoken and organizing thoughts in a useful way.
I’ll have more to say. As this was deep as fuck and pretty fucking accurate for now put All Gods Children (Fox Butterfield) on your reading list. Trust.
well said
to those who think essays like this won't change anyone's mind – you're probably right
but for those who are already feeling isolated and borderline insane for thinking the same as Cole, this essay (and others like them) offers reassurance that while the world is going crazy, there are still people who are sane and compassionate
Please note: I reply to all comments here, but this piece took it out of me and I think I need to let readers debate it more than I need to participate in it at this point. This is me just popping up with a copy-and-paste message so you know I'm not ignoring you.
This is going to take several more reads for me to appropriately react but it has all the reasons I left Hollywood and all the reasons I left the US for the UK and all the anger I feel about the people - including in the WGA but in Hollywood in general - who have real power to DO something carrying on as if we hadn't moved way past five alarm fire territory long ago. Thank you for writing it.
I headed to the UK first before I ended up in Australia. How long have you been there, Alexandra? I feel like we've discussed this at some point, but my brain is mush lately.
I appreciate your having the bravery to be honest. This probably won’t change hearts and minds, but it should spark a long-overdue conversation in Hollywood, an institution in desperate need of change.
I hope so, at least if it keeps spreading. I've been pleased how many people I've seen spreading it around.
So few people want to see this, take it in and accept it. I'm making a documentary on activists as voices of empathy. I'm struggling with the blatant racism that has resurfaced and the march to fascism but I feel the need to keep my film focused otherwise the issues at hand become overwhelming and I don't think I know how to make a film about that.
I write a lot of fairly epic essays here, Tom, like the one you just read. Keeping them focused is one of the most challenging aspects of them, especially given my non-linear approach. I can very quickly find myself spiraling out of control. This essay, in particular, is missing about 15% of its first few drafts for that reason. Best of luck channelling the attention of a heatseeking missile.
KISS has been my mantra. Not easy. I came at filmmaking from the activist community and it’s tough not being out in the streets.
Yep. 35 years ago I wrote a script. I plucked two short films from its story universe. They had their own modest successes. The feature was never made. Yet. Maybe it’s budget related or maybe it’s that it’s political without trying to be. One of its inspirations is Triumph of the Will. But it’s set smack on political lines. There is no left or right in my story. It can go either way. But of course the Producer who funds this will have a side. I post one of the shorts every election year. My point is humans are strange animals with minds of their own. And that can be destructive.