The Polanski "Debate"

I have been somewhat quiet about this issue since it was announced that Polanski had been picked up by Swiss officials. Yeah, we all knew the story and that he had been avoiding the States (and any country that would extradite to the US) for years and years. But now that he has been taken into custody, the film community and fans have had  to wrap their heads around an issue that existed for decades, just no one wanted to talk about. 

Because his films are fantastic. No lie, Polanski is a brilliant director. Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown are 2 of my personal favs, hands down, no arguments. And yes, it is a horrible tragedy that his wife, Sharon Tate and unborn child, were murdered at the hands of the Manson family. But if you washed all that way, what would we be left with?

A man that drugged and raped a 13 year old girl and fled the country when faced with the real possibility of facing jail time. Which is a blatantly a crime. 

It's disturbing to see how many talented and respected actors and directors are coming out in defense of Polanski. There is no statute of limitations when it comes to raping a child. Yes, that child is now a grown woman, but she has scars that undoubtedly haunt her to this day. And while it is understandable why she would want the media circus to disappear, the man who is responsible for raping her still needs to be held accountable by the courts for his actions. 

If we took out the name Polanski, wouldn't the case become immediately black and white?

I read this article today, and it pretty much summarized my own feelings about what is happening, and allowed me to finally weigh into this "debate". I say, "debate", because honestly it shouldn't be. Being a talented, tortured soul does not give you the right to rape and not be held accountable and face consequences.

http://www.bust.com/blog/2009/09/30/free-roman-polanski.html

I'm not going to stop watching his films. I just tend to enjoy them for what they are. Kind of like when I watch Woody Allen movies I have to not think about the fact that he had an affair with his adopted daughter. Or remember how we all used to listen to Michael Jackson in the privacy of our homes and cars because we didn't want anyone to think we supported a supposed child molester? Yeah, he's dead now so it's okay to enjoy his music. It's that kind of mentality used to enjoy Polanski films now. 

I just sincerely wish that the Hollywood community, that is o-so-idolized in our present day would sit and think for a moment about what it is they are wanting forgive and turn a blind eye to his crimes.