Sexual harassment accusations as a new McCarthyism? Discuss

[ED209]

To add a bit more detail on the editing out story, Ridley Scott originally wanted Christopher Plummer for the role, but the the studio insisted on Spacey because they wanted someone more popular.

At the moment Spacey is anything but, and is probably box office poison.

So as far as I can see they have the following choices.

1. Standing by Spacey as they are only allegations and release the film. Profits be dammed!

2. Hold off the release until

a) Spacey totally clears his name and becomes a massive hero. Box office gold, but very doubtful.

b) Spacey is charged with something, or admits to something. Then re-shoot with someone else.

3. Re-shoot with someone else right now while Scott is still available and get some positive promotion as a bonus.

I'm not fond of the court of public opinion, but unfortunately in the film industry public opinion is almost everything. If it wasn't for the public's very high opinion of him he wouldn't have got the role over Plummer in the first place.

Perhaps editing someone out of a film because of allegations is disproportionate. However, do people think that not bothering to go see a film because of one of the stars alleged behaviour is disproportionate? You don't even have to feel that strongly about it for that. It is really easy to not go see a film and go see something else.

That is the feeling the studio is up against.

[JohnL]

Robert Poste's Child Wrote:

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> He has apologised for quote 'deeply inappropriate

> behaviour' and he's 'seeking evaluation and

> treatment'. Doesn't look like a denial to me, and

> sheer number of stories must be enough to worry

> the producers about box office. Editing people in

> and out of films isn't uncommon given CGI and the

> use of body doubles and stunt people.

There are now so many "accusations" (or whatever we can call them as many are admitted) that you re-shoot and that guy gets "accused". maybe bring in some new guys to be safe

Current New York Times list (US based)

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/11/10/us/men-accused-sexual-misconduct-weinstein.html

[Earl Aelfheah]

All female cast?

[Robert Poste's Child]

On the grounds that women are victims, men are perpetrators? That wouldn't appear to apply in Kevin Spacey's case - unless any of the beards genuinely thought they were girlfriends.

Of course, there may be more to it if you know the people involved and the context. One recent female victim - whose story is perfectly plausible, knowing the industry - at about the same time came on to someone I know and hit her in the face when she was turned down with a jokey remark. (I wasn't a witness but the person told me immediately afterwards).

[JohnL]

Unfortunately I'd guess Spacey has many many more victims than have come forward.