BAFTA'S
Last night at the Bafta's I experienced the madness of the celebrity cult more acutely than I've been aware of it before. I arrived at the same time as Keira Knightly and was engulfed by the flash of 200 press cameras as we entered the Opera House. The red carpet was lined with hundreds of screaming fans and a phalanx of reporters and media cameras. It was a celebrity fenzy.
After the ceremoney at dinner I sat surrounded by well known actors, all normal people relaxing over dinner, chatting happily to all and sundry. You couldn't have experienced anything more informal or casual.
Only to be engulfed by the same mad circus as we left the hotel.
I've never been confronted so strongly with the bizarre nature of celebrity frenzy. I know the profession has always found this kind of public and media interest useful in attracting punters to the theatre or cinema, so no-one's trying to discourage it, but what is it about being 'famous' that is driving this insatiable, ludicrous and growing fascination?
It has never seemed more bonkers to me than last night!
posted by Neal Foster @ 4:00 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hi, Neal
James Gould here (Polacks 6th Form '83-'85) - just had to say turned on the BAFTA's and just as I did, Sir Anthony was picking up his award from Lord Dicky and there was you, smiling, sitting behind Daniel Day Lewis - pressed 'record' on SKY+ and excitedly showed my wife with a level of pride that had her thinking that I got you there! Well, my usually hidden vanity does enjoy revelling in the company of celebrities!
What's going on? (BTW no relation but I have a good pal 'of the faith' from B'ham - Jonny Gould - know him?).
Me - still in Newcastle, married (second wife!) - 3 kids
(9, almost 6 and 10 months) (B''H).
Qual'd as a solicitor but not practising - in the prop biz.
Any cameo roles available for a Cary Grant, Gregory Peck lookalike? (your memory might be a bit fuzzy now that you've entered your 40's but I am talking about myself?)
Let me know what going on - I'm assuming you'll be at the Oscars (if it's still going ahead...) - shameful that the Academy didn't give you the recognition you so richly deserved for your outstanding perfornance in Another Country - the way you stood in that line-up....I'll never forget it!
Later, Neal (or is it 'luvvie'?)
All the best
James Gould
James - ! We can't conduct our reunited conversation in public - send me an email!
And yes, that definitive performance I gave of a man standing in a line has been used in acting classes around the world.
Post a Comment
<< Home