March 12, 2007
Let it be said I do like movies. There’s nothing better than a well-written story, creative photography, gripping music and interesting characters. Hollywood at its absolute best.
But a precious few minutes watching the recent Academy Awards brought me front and center once again with Hollywood at its worst. The hypocrisy and self aggrandizement spewing from the mouths of Hollywood “stars’ never ceases to amaze me. That the movie industry is permeated with self indulgency, greed, shallowness and self-deception is certainly nothing new.
I readily admit that writing a column on Hollywood’s self-deception is easier than shooting fish in a barrel. But allow me my indulgence.
Hearing presenters repeatedly proclaim that Hollywood had “gone green” and was somehow helping lead the charge to a clean environment was laughable if not pathetic. Naturally, a quantifiable, accountable definition of “gone green” was never specifically articulated. But who’s ever counting when the pontification comes from a celebrity?
Driving to the awards in a Prius or hybrid limousine? Spare me. Telling us to turn extra lights off in our houses? Get real. I’ll make a note of that and see how “green” Hollywood has really gone the next time I’m in Bel-Air or Beverly Hills. But checking up on them might be tough. The massive, natural resource-sapping cathedrals they call homes are hidden from the street. And those gigantic manicured lawns? Nice job “sharing Mother Earth.”
The next time you ride a plane (in most cases a private jet) cross country unnecessarily burning fossil fuel to promote your next movie on the late night talk show circuit, let us know. And while you’re on that show, tell us about your opulent, energy-guzzling hotel room, the fresh fruit that you ordered that goes un-eaten, the wasted spring water and the limousine to the studio.
Want to really “get green” Follywood?
Get off your chaise, out of your Feng-shui and actually do something.
Here’s 10 very real, do ‘em-tomorrow-if-you’re-serious suggestions just for you:
• If you live in a home larger than 2,000 square feet, sell it.
• Have a hot tub? Turn it off. Forever.
• Have a pool? Fill it in.
• Have an air conditioner? Open a window.
• If you take a limo (or Hummer or Land Rover) to work, stop it and ride a bike from now on.
• Never fly in a private plane again.
• California has a perfect “green” climate. Grow all your own food & work your garden yourself.
• Keep only the most minimalist salary. $12,000 a year tops. Donate the rest to bio-research.
• Few of you work even six months a year. Spend the rest of that time volunteering, without any publicity, photo-ops or fanfare, cleaning trash on the highway or at a recycling center.
• Skip the production of the Academy Awards ceremony next year. Send out a simple media release telling us who won. Think of the energy savings.
When any of you in Tinsel Town have done even one of these, call me.
I’ll be the first to shake your hand, buy you a smoothie and eat a big slice of humble pie.
But until then, stop insulting us. Leave the hollow pronouncements of “going green” on the cutting room floor.
Comments
amazonratz (anonymous) says...
Don't forget the $300 "ecofashion" bluejeans that the likes of Bono (who admittedly does a lot of other wonderful things) is hawking. I recently read an article on green consumerism that suggests that as long as it is linked to "consumerism" it can't truly be green. Green is about decreasing consumption altogether, not buying more of the "greenest" product. Interesting and thought provoking. Thanks.
March 12, 2007 at 11:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Margo (anonymous) says...
Good advice for Hollywood and the rest of us. I'm going to assume the writer doesn't drive a SUV, lives in a house under 2000 square feet and takes 12000 or less as an annual salary. Oh, and don't forget to turn off the AC this summer and grow your own produce. I'm sure he is practicing what he's preaching.
March 13, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Christaleigh (anonymous) says...
Dear Warner,
Great work. I recently saw a TV program where they built a 1/4 mile wooden ramp at the Grand Canyon just so one man could run his motorcyle off once. It was a brilliant use of resources (sarcasm abounding). However, I am partly to blame for Follywood's arrogance because I watched the show. I can censure all I like but ultimately I (and others) reinforce their behavior by buying outrageously priced tickets, magazines, clothes, diamonds (don't get me started on the diamond business), etc.
April 10, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tess1960 (anonymous) says...
I used to be enthralled with hollywood, now, I wouldn't want to visit there. Your article was very thought provoking. It could be and should be well read by everyday people as well as the follywood crowd. Well done!
May 3, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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