Upon learning that my previous career was in the film and advertising business, people often ask me why I didn't go into entertainment law. My short and simple answer is that, had I wanted to continue hanging around the people in that business, I would not have gone to law school.
In particular, I developed an impassioned hatred of celebrities. In no other walk of life is an individual's cultural influence (and self-importance) so disproportionate to his or her supply of gray matter. There are probably a few exceptions, but SWLiP is hard-pressed at this moment to think of any.
That most celebrities are jaw-droppingly stupid is made manifest in a news item that I first heard on Howard Stern, this morning, and which was followed up on by Jeff Jarvis: Hollywood Wants In on the Act:
JERUSALEM - Where presidents and prime ministers have failed, Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt and wife Jennifer Anniston hope their star power will work wonders in new roles as Middle East peace envoys.They will team up with other actors such as Edward Norton, Jason Alexander and Danny DeVito on a private mission to help resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict.
'The past few years of conflict mean that yet another generation of Israelis and Palestinians will grow up in hatred,' said a statement from Pitt and Aniston. 'We cannot allow that to happen.'
All I can say is: Beam me up, Scotty.
Too damn funny. I posted on this at my blog. I, obviously, have too much time on my hands. Besides, Miami's beating the Chargers by 20 points or so.
I have a family member who works in the entertainment industry, and she shares your assessment of the "talent".
Posted by: Captain Ed | October 27, 2003 at 11:48 PM