Spielberg and the Beijing Olympics
Steven Spielberg was the nicest super-famous, super-rich person I ever interviewed. I liked Bill Gates, but I wouldn't accuse him of being nice. I seem to have been urgently engaged watching Scrubs or something when Spielberg was appointed artistic director of the Beijing Olympics. Anyway, now, it seems, he may resign because of China's policy - or lack of it - in Darfur. 'Does Mr Spielberg really want to go down in history as the Leni Riefenstahl of the Beijing Games?' Mia Farrow asked. On the other hand, does he want to go down in history as the man who took political advice from Mia Farrow? Nevertheless, he has a problem. Nice, liberal Steve has been confronted with the harsh reality of a political system and mentality capable of horrific, smiling-faced cynicism. Hu Jintao's response to Spielberg's resignation threat will be interesting. If he bothers, my guess would be a smokescreen of fake concern. Steve should then leave them to do their own opening ceremony.
# posted by Bryan Appleyard : 3:51 PM
9 Comments:
At July 27, 2007 5:09 PM,
Mark said…
He must be bonkers to have had anything to do with this. Maybe if you're really rich and famous, thinking you can influence the Chinese government is the only "symptom" of madness the present age makes available.
I wonder who we'll get for the 2012 London Olympics. Jacques Tati would have been perfect for the job, imho.
At July 27, 2007 5:23 PM,
Bryan Appleyard said…
I'd go for Anne Widdecombe or Rolf Harris.
At July 27, 2007 7:34 PM,
Lord Straf-Bollinger said…
Maybe Bill Gates will do it instead.
At July 27, 2007 8:34 PM,
glassdarkly said…
Surely it is far too easy to bash China for you to give in to the temptation so easily, Mr Appleyard.
In a civilised world, no-one would be allowed to do it before they have read all of Joseph Needham.
At July 27, 2007 11:35 PM,
Internet Ronin said…
Bryan, as one who has read all of Joseph Needham (and understood most of it), I am pleased to lend you my official criticism permit and encourage you to "Carry on!" I'll fax you a certified copy along with my notice of assignment and agreement not to criticize China while you are in possession of it. as that would violate the rules.
My self-critcism permit is also available for a nominal fee.
At July 28, 2007 12:18 PM,
elberry said…
also, i believe even George Steiner admits to not having read Needham; and if Steiner's not read it, it's okay for lesser mortals to not read it too.
At July 28, 2007 7:32 PM,
glassdarkly said…
Very hard to find mortals lesser than George Steiner. I believe you, elberry, are one of the very few.
At July 28, 2007 8:13 PM,
elberry said…
hey, thanks! - oh wait, you were being cruel. Ah well, thanks anyway, it's that kind of day.
At July 29, 2007 7:18 PM,
Duck said…
And yet he has no problem with Fidel Castro.
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