I watched Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World at the weekend. Before Christmas, I went to a cinema marathon of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Watching both, brought up something I'd complete forgotten, the involvement of Harvey Weinstein. On Master And Commander, the Miramax company was involved, although Weinstein is not on the credits himself. On The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, he's an executive producer.
I love these films. I'm a big fan of other Miramax films, or films Weinstein has been involved with. But with the allegations against him, will the change my opinion of the films or my enjoyment of them?
It's not just Weinstein. Kevin Spacey was in Se7en, The Negotiator and other films I've enjoyed. He too now faces allegations, as have others.
But can you separate what you know about them and the films you have enjoyed?
Now, I want to make clear, I support those making the allegations. I've often wondered why I've seen clearly talented actresses appearing to be reduced to working with material clearly below them and not getting more prominent roles, or seemingly disappearing from screens altogether. When the allegations from actresses like Ashley Judd or Mira Sorvino came to light it makes you understand this. Far better writers than me have gone into this in more detail than I ever could. They deserve your support and those accused should be dealt with in the harshest possible ways.
But here, I'm looking at this from my own film fan point of view. No doubt like many, when the allegations came to light, I was stunned and horrified. You feel sympathy for those affected by what was done to them. And no doubt like many film fans you think, 'I'm not watching or supporting any film made by Weinstein again' (or any of the others accused).
But then, as a film fan, you look at the films you own or like and discover some of those accused were involved in making them. Does knowing that change your opinion of the films?
This is where I find myself a bit torn. I think Master and Commander one of the best films of the century so far, but knowing Miramax was involved, does give me a little pause. Same with The Lord Of The Rings.
Recently released in the UK was Jeepers Creepers 3. It was directed by Victor Salva, who made the first two as well as a film called Powder, all of which I had enjoyed. But while a film fan, I never used to pay attention much to film news in general and it was not until I'd seen the second Jeepers Creepers film that I became aware of Salva's past. While making his debut film, Clownhouse (which I have seen but can't recall much of it, or if I enjoyed it) he was accused and convicted of molesting a 12 year old boy, one of the actors on the film. I won't name him out of respect. Salva served 15 months in prison.
As I said, I wasn't aware of any of this until after I saw the 2nd Jeepers Creepers film. But having found this out, like everyone, I was disgusted. But, to my own shame, when Jeepers Creepers 3 released a trailer, I wanted to see it being a fan of the first two (I didn't look at it). With the film now out to buy in the UK, while I have no plans to buy it, I do wonder if I come across it on a streaming service such as Amazon or Netflix, if I would watch it.
Now, one could argue that Salva was prosecuted, sentenced and spent time in prison, that having served his sentence he should be allowed to continue his career. But knowing what he was convicted for, can you watch anything he makes now and forget what he did? I don't think many film fans could, I know I don't plan on it. But then, one night at home, browsing, you come across his films and without a thought find yourself watching it. And then you may recall what he did and hate yourself for watching it.
Weinstein and Spacey and those others that have been accused, though not as yet prosecuted for what is alleged cause a similar reaction. They have been involved with some films I truly loved. With the actors accused it is easier in a way. you know they will be onscreen, so you can easily avoid those films if you want. Weinstein being a producer is harder to avoid as you may not know which films his company or he was involved in making behind the scenes.
But, purely on a film level, do you want to stop watching films you enjoy? Can you look at a film like Se7en and avoid thinking of the accusations against Spacey or can you seperate the two? For new films it is easier, you know a film is coming, you just avoid them. But with films I love I'm now faced with the prospect of having that love diluted by these allegations.
And as purely a film fan, it makes me hate those accused even more.
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