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The Hulu documentary “Brats” forces me to think about the long-term effects of what I write
Being a cultural author, especially one tasked with commenting on popular culture events, can put you in the position of a critic or cynic as often as it may make you a king (or queen) maker. Let’s face it, all of popular culture is not amazing or interesting; things noteworthy today may fade from the annals of history next 12 months and be remembered through humorous looks back like “What were we thinking?” capability. But sometimes you write something that has an instantaneous impact and lasts eternally, for higher or for worse, depending in your point of view.
In June 1985, author and editor David Blum wrote a canopy story for New York Magazine titled “Hollywood Brats” about the actors (none of the actresses who might need fit into the list at the time are included) who made up the hitherto unnamed group, and the fame-hungry, frivolous but lucrative lives they seemed to lead. The plot centered around Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Judd Nelson – actors who starred together and individually in several movies that became cultural markers of Nineteen Eighties American youth culture. I can be remiss if I didn’t mention that these are white cultural markers. American youth – in the worlds created by John Hughes and his ilk, there have been only a few people of color; Ira Madison and Malcolm Gladwell talk about this in the documentary.
The article and its consequences (or not) were the inspiration for Andrew McCarthy’s documentary about the band “Brats,” now available on Hulu. McCarthy, who was mentioned in the article through a negative quote from one other anonymous Brat Packer, appears to have held on to the term and any negative connotations as a kind of albatross around his neck for nearly 40 years. The goal of his documentary was to track down as many Brat Packers as possible and discover who were part of this group (again, the original article didn’t name any of the leading women of the era, but history has already fixed that) and understand what this term meant for his or her careers and lives.
The documentary is fascinating. First, I was too young to realize what number of of the actors mentioned eschewed the label. I didn’t even understand how the term got here about, although I knew it (and a few of the people as members) until I began watching the documentary. I know the John Hughes era, of course; I’ve seen my fair proportion of era-defining movies, from “Risky Business” to “Pretty in Pink” to “The Breakfast Club” to “St. Elmo’s Fire” etc. Although loved by thousands and thousands, I was never an enormous fan. When I began watching these movies, I didn’t feel like I was seeing them in any respect, but I was able to understand them as representative of the cultural spirit of the Nineteen Eighties. John Hughes didn’t write or direct all the Brat Packers movies, but you possibly can’t talk about the Brat Pack without John Hughes. However, thanks to the documentary’s archival interview footage, it seems that many actors and actresses have rejected the moniker and the box it was placed in, which is interesting because many of them (Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and Sean Penn, for instance) have had successful film careers.
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Honestly, the article couldn’t have done any of these men any favors, even though it looks like quite a challenge to put a stop to their careers. While watching the documentary, I stopped to read the article. To call it dishonorable can be an understatement. The plot centers on Estevez and kind of portrays him, Lowe and Nelson as aloof, selfish, self-centered young actors who don’t care about the rest but themselves – principally as young, successful movie stars. Oh, that shows that neither of them went to acting school; this implies they take fame more seriously than craft. This sentiment is scattered throughout the article and repeated repeatedly in documentary interviews with various people McCarthy interviews, including Estevez, Lowe, Moore, Tim Hutton, Jon Cryer and Ally Sheedy. According to McCarthy, the article (and nickname) trivialized them as actors and professionals and deeply affected a whole group of people, though it focused on several evenings spent with Estevez, Lowe and Nelson. Today we could call it successful work. And thanks to the catchy title, the group’s name and the narrative it runs, I can see the way it could have influenced the actors’ lives. Again, fascinating.
At the end of the documentary, McCarthy meets with Blum to discuss the controversial article and discover if Blum would have done anything otherwise in his writing process. Almost defiantly, in defense of his article, Blum argued that he would not have done anything different, and admitted that the article could have been a bit of mean, but that is what he saw. He even seemed a bit of confused (perhaps more confused) that the article he wrote caused a lot consternation, and yet he was proud to be someone who defined a cultural phenomenon. McCarthy, on the other hand, seemed less enthused and almost wanted an apology for the impact the case had on his life.
This was the most interesting part of the documentary for me. As someone who has written about countless people, famous and never, I rarely considered any actual potential consequences. I never considered that something I wrote as part of my weekly duties might influence the perception or narrative around an individual – I like to think I’m calling something a thing. Sure, I’ve had greater than my fair proportion of social media conflicts with artists or media personalities who questioned what I wrote, but of their minds my living rent-free articles at all times seemed far-fetched. It’s telling to see McCarthy sitting with Blum throughout the documentary, which he created specifically to tell the story of living rent-free for 40 years. It reminds us that the people we write about, real or perceived, are people and might act like people. For McCarthy, being a member of the Brat Pack had immediate and long-lasting consequences on his profession.
I can admit that over time I stopped attacking people I didn’t know, famous or not, so harshly in the press. I realized that celebrating didn’t require as much of me as giving people tasks. I’ve even apologized to one or two people for writing something unsympathetic and even mean, though I do not know in the event that they ever read the apology. I read the things I wrote and cringed; While I don’t think it will have any impact on any profession, the truth is I do not know. “Brats” shows how this may occur even to the most famous people in the industry. I used to think that famous people were too big to care about the world’s words and opinions, but I guess I’m incorrect. McCarthy’s documentary illustrates how much some people care and that simply because a author goes further does not imply the subject does too. It’s a lesson in humility and looking out at the other side.
As a author who has made some decisions based by myself mental health, it has confirmed that sometimes, just sometimes, the things we write hit home in ways we do not expect, and it doesn’t cost me anything to remember of that.
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian’s lingerie photoshoot draws criticism from fans who say it’s ‘extremely shameful’
Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIM partnership appears to be under fire for the second time, lower than per week after the serial businesswoman announced her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.
Initially, critics accused Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian – each of Armenian descent – of attempting to imitate the style and aesthetic of Italian icons comparable to Sophia Loren in promotional photos for the Dolce & Gabbana and SKIMS collaboration.
However, the newest response focuses on Kim wearing a Catholic rosary during a promotional shoot.
In the photo sent on her Instagram, the 44-year-old mother of 4 is seen wearing white underwear from the SKIMS and Dolce & Gabbana lines. Although the rosary just isn’t the focus of the shoot, its presence was met with heavy criticism on social media, with many individuals questioning the appropriateness of pairing a non secular symbol with revealing underwear.
Social media users didn’t refrain from commenting on The Daily Mail.
“Why does she always wear a cross when she’s half naked… like wtaf,” one person asked.
Another joked: “Nothing about you is sacred, take off your rosaries lol.”
A 3rd commenter said: “Uhm, did you ever consider the rosary before you took a half-naked photo of him? This is beyond shameful for your actions!”
Some critics have compared her to Madonna, who was famous for incorporating religious symbols into her provocative fashion selections within the Nineteen Eighties.
One person wrote in Spanish: “Quizás se inspira de la cantante Madonna,” which translates to “Maybe she was inspired by the singer Madonna.”
Another noted: “Madonna made a splash with this style in the 80s, but it was a stylish twist,” before adding: “She’s just blah, lazy and disrespectful. The worst thing is that she doesn’t even know that she is insulting thousands and thousands by attempting to be upset. Just thirsty.
The response deepened, with one user sarcastically asking: “Where is the holy water!!??? It must be splashed.
For Catholics, the rosary is a sacred symbol of piety and prayer. Traditionally it’s used as a tool to guide worshipers through a meditative sequence of prayers, with each bead representing a selected a part of the ritual.
It is usually utilized by Roman Catholic believers to reflect on significant events within the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A full rosary normally incorporates 59 beads, divided into five groups, or dozens, each containing 10 smaller prayer beads.
Kim Kardashian posed in white SKIMS underwear paired with a rosary, revealing her washboard belly.
The photos sparked controversy amongst some social media users who accused Kim of mocking Catholicism due to the religious symbolism of the rosary. pic.twitter.com/PBDuAe7MyJ
— Reporter (@thereportercom) November 24, 2024
This just isn’t the primary time Kim has faced criticism for wearing religious symbols.
After recently celebrating her forty fourth birthday, she made headlines after wearing an Attallah cross, a big amethyst and diamond pendant famously worn by Princess Diana.
A cross fabricated from gold, silver and precious stones was one in all Diana’s signature items. Kim acquired the pendant in 2023 and wore it on November 2 on the Art+Film gala on the Los Angeles County Museum.
Critics accused her of being “obsessed” with wearing items that after belonged to deceased iconic women.
Adding fuel to the fireplace, Kim styled the cross by wearing a white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, allowing the pendant to rest between her neckline. Fans called the look disrespectful, arguing that it reduced a big symbol to a mere accessory.
Although there’s at all times controversy surrounding the Kardashians, the cooperation with the Italian brand turned out to be extremely successful.
The vCollection officially launched in select stores and on SKIMS.com on November 19. According to to page six, the positioning crashed as a result of heavy traffic.
The SKIMS x Dolce & Gabbana collaboration features luxury underwear described as “curve-emphasizing pieces for everyday confidence.” It also includes sexy items that may be worn outdoors, like a skintight leopard print dress that retails for $498.
Despite the backlash, neither Kim Kardashian nor her team responded to the controversy. Why should they? It seems that the controversy has pushed her brand and made it the mega money-maker that it’s.
Entertainment
Tina Turner turned to Cher for advice years before 1976. The beating that led to Ike Turner’s breakup reveals new memories
Pop singer Cher has never forgotten the connection advice she gave to her longtime friend Tina Turner; a conversation that could have helped save Tina’s life.
In her bomb new memoir, Cher: The Memoir Part 1, Cher recalls how Tina turned to her for advice on how to leave her abusive husband, Ike Turner. The memoir gives an insight into the “Believe” singer’s personal life and reveals shocking details of her early relationship with Sonny Bono, who she says was “abusing” her.
In the Seventies, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” appeared twice on Cher’s variety show along with her husband Ike. Cher recently left Bono, citing infidelity and involuntary servitude, and the 2 singers became fast friends.
One day while filming, Tina broke down and asked her friend and fellow singer to apply makeup to cover up a bruise on her arm. In her memoir, the Grammy winner recalled the “Private Dancer” artist, asking how she found the courage to leave Bono, who owned all of the rights to her music.
“I looked at her and said, ‘I just left and moved on,'” Cher writes.
The “I Got You Babe” singer met Bono when she was 16 and he was 27, and the couple moved in together while waiting to get married. Bono had just divorced his first wife, Donna Rankin, which required a waiting period under California law, and Cher was too young to legally marry. It was during this time that Cher had a terrifying encounter along with her late ex-husband, during which he pushed her against a wall after pushing their dog together with his foot.
“He didn’t scream or hit me, but he held my arms and his face was tight,” Cher revealed in her memoir via “People” “I was so against the abuse because I saw my mom go through it that I was like, F— this.”
Cher and Tina Turner performing “Shame, Shame, Shame” on The Cher Show, 1975 pic.twitter.com/ISgNY3pDTa
— David Rush (@dav1drush) May 24, 2023
“If you touch me like that again, I will leave your ass and that will be the last time you see me,” Bono said. They married in 1969 and in the identical 12 months their child Chaz was born. The pop duo eventually divorced in 1975.
Meanwhile, Tina endured much worse horrors while living with Ike, as she wrote about in her autobiography, “I, Tina,” published in 1986, during her meteoric rise as a solo artist – and nine years after the divorce. Their story was also documented within the film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.
Like Cher, Tina was just a teen when she met 25-year-old Ike, and three years later they’d a son, Ronnie Turner.
In a 1981 interview with People, the “Nutbush City Limits” singer recalled the terrifying night of July 1, 1976, when she finally escaped from her abusive ex while on tour and staying in a Dallas hotel. Two more years passed before they officially divorced.
“Ike got a bit irritated that day and hit me with the back of his hand. I wagged my finger at him and said, “Okay, you.” Then he beat me all the best way from the airport to the hotel,” she said. “When he fought, he used things, not only his hands. When we got to the hotel, the left side of my face was swollen like a monster. But I never cried. I laughed. I laughed because I knew I used to be leaving. No more of this.
Stop posting joyful family photos of Ike and Tina Turner when she herself said, “I was so scared of that man.”
As a black woman exposing the horrors of domestic violence within the Nineteen Eighties, she stood up for all women. She broke the silence.
We owe it to her, very much. pic.twitter.com/HpHqaU56nc
— Dr. Charlotte Proudman (@DrProudman) May 25, 2023
Turner convinced a friend to buy her a plane ticket to Los Angeles, and he or she flew out that evening with 36 cents in her pocket. Ike eventually died of a cocaine overdose in 2007, and Tina later admitted that she never forgave him for abusing her.
In her memoir, Cher writes that she noticed Ike’s stoic personality during his time on her show. She stated that during rehearsals, Ike “didn’t smile once” and played the guitar “without any emotion”.
“I just knew that whatever I was feeling, it wasn’t good,” she recalled.
After leaving Ike, Tina returned to the Cher show in 1977 as a solo star, making her first television appearance without Ike, singing “Makin’ Music is My Business”. Cher and Tina would remain lifelong friends until Tina’s death in 2023.
Reactions to the reports have been mixed on social media, with some wondering why Cher, now 78, is digging into Tina’s personal life. “Cher, don’t comment on Tina, give her a break, thanks to the management,” one among them commented Instagram user as one other said: “Why are you bringing this up now, Cher!?”
However, many praised Cher for telling the reality about her dear friend. One person wrote: “I LOVE TT and Cher!!! And one thing Cher doesn’t do is lie.”
“Tina probably almost overdosed, or read her book, or watched what love has to do with it. Ike gave her hell,” said one other person.
Another added: “You can tell who really knows their friendship story and who doesn’t. Cher was one among the last people to see Tina alive and visited her. Tina and Cher have been dead for a long time. You guys are weird with this false failure.
Part 2 of The Cher Diaries is scheduled for release in 2025.
Entertainment
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s surprise date for ‘Moana 2’ Hawaii premiere steals the show
Professional wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 52, stars in the latest film “Moana 2.”
He attended the animated sequel’s world premiere on November 21 in Oahu, Hawaii, along along with his 76-year-old mother, Mataniufeagaimaleata “Ata” Johnson.
Disney’s verified Instagram account posted a video of The Rock and Ata during the premiere. They danced together alongside the Polynesian dance group Nonosina.
“I all the time say that if you’ve a great mother, you’ve a likelihood to turn out to be a great, caring person. This weekend, let’s all give our moms great gratitude and make them glad,” The Rock stated about Ata in a ceremonial speech Instagram post in June 2022
More Instagram users were excited to see the Hollywood entertainer lovingly interacting along with his mother during the “Moana 2” event.
One person in the Disney comment section on Instagram sent“I like it very much! “I can’t wait to take my children and my Samoan husband to see it.”
A second commenter wrote: “I absolutely love the way he loves his mom. You can see the love they’ve for one another. This bond is so strong that not only do they show you what love is, but once you see it, you may feel it.
Another mother shared her own child’s response to the clip, writing: “My daughter talks about this all the time! Can’t wait!”
As for Moana’s possible future plans, someone suggested, “They need to make a live-action movie ASAP.”
Other members of The Rock’s family joined him in Hawaii. His wife, Lauren Hashian, and their two children also saw the musical adventure film for the first time.
In addition to the former WWE champion being a part of the solid of “Moana 2,” Johnson’s daughters, 9-year-old Jasmine and 6-year-old Tiana, also participated in the film.
“It was the sweetest and funniest day! So exciting that Munchkins voiced characters in MOANA 2!! MOANA-BE!” Hassian wrote on Instagram.
Hashian added: “This film has truly always been the most important thing to them, and now they have an even more special bond.”
She also uploaded a behind-the-scenes video of Jasmine and Tiana recording dialogue for “Moana 2” at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The Rock was born into wrestling on either side of his family. Ata Johnson (née Fitisemanu Maivia) is the adopted daughter of former Polynesian Pro Wrestling owner “High Chief” Peter Maivia.
Former WWF World Tag Team Champion Rocky Johnson is The Rock’s father. Rocky was one in every of the first black champions in WWF/WWE history.
Dwayne inducted his history-making father and legendary grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the 2008 class.
Due to his grandfather Maivia, The Rock has loose family ties to the famous Anoaʻi family, which incorporates WWE Superstars akin to Rikishi, Yokozuna, and Roman Reigns.
The Rock’s eldest daughter with ex-wife Dana Garcia, 23-year-old Simone “Ava” Johnson, currently works for WWE as the on-screen general manager of the NXT brand.
Ata gave birth to The Rock on May 2, 1972. The Seven Bucks Production founder’s childhood and teenage years were dramatized in the short-lived comedy series “Young Rock” on NBC, airing for three seasons from 2021 to 2023.
Three actors portrayed The Rock at different stages of his life – Adrian Groulx (10 to 14 years old), Bradley Constant (15 to 17 years old) and Uli Latukefu (18 to 26 years old).
Stacey Leilua played Ata on “Young Rock,” which ran for three seasons from 2021 to 2023. Joseph Lee Anderson played Rocky Johnson.
After conquering the pro wrestling world, The Rock turned to Hollywood to guide blockbusters akin to “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
In the original “Moana,” a TKO executive voiced Maui, a shape-shifting demigod. “Moana” premiered in 2016 and grossed over $643 million worldwide.
“The character of Maui, which I was fortunate enough to bring to life, was inspired by my grandfather and he is buried here. Damn, this is… something special,” The Rock said, in keeping with ABC7NY.
“Moana 2” will hit U.S. theaters on November 27. The voice solid also includes Auli’i Cravalho, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger.
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