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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
How Quincy Jones died fighting Michael Jackson’s ‘ungrateful’ family over unpaid royalties
The entertainment industry lost a legend on November 3, 2024, following the death of music producer Quincy Jones on the age of 91.
Jones worked with many musicians throughout his profession, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and influenced the careers of Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. He also produced the late Michael Jackson’s classic albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad.”
Before his death, Jones was reportedly embroiled in a $30 million legal dispute with Michael Jackson’s estate over his share of royalties. RadarOnline.
After MJ’s death in 2009, the Jackson Estate allegedly negotiated with Sony Entertainment for a bigger share of the profits from his music, which might have resulted in Jones being excluded from the deal.
Jones was offered a $3 million settlement, significantly lower than the $30 million the Chicago-born composer claimed he was owed.
“Quincy thinks the Jacksons cheated him and he’ll pay them for it. He deserves higher treatment from those ungrateful Jacksons!” – the source said in 2013.
The insider also claimed that Jones saw himself because the “genius” behind Michael’s skilled success and the “Thriller” album, which made him thousands and thousands as a “superstar.”
Jones filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the Jackson Estate in 2013 after allegedly being “frustrated” with the matter for years. The grievance also names Sony Music Entertainment and Epic Records.
In 2017, a jury in Los Angeles awarded the “Secret Garden” composer $9.42 million in damages for using Jones-produced songs in Michael Jackson’s concert film “This Is It” and two Cirque du Soleil shows.
The subject of the civil case were two contracts signed by Jackson and Jones in 1978 and 1985. “Off the Wall” was released in 1979 and “Thriller” in 1982.
High-profile interview from 2018 Vulture Jones said: “I hate to enter this publicly, but Michael stole numerous stuff. He stole numerous songs.
However, in 2020, California’s Second Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the 2017 decision because the unique trial judge allowed the jury to misinterpret Jones’ contract.
The appeals court found that the jury improperly awarded Jones money from royalties and remixes of Jackson’s master recordings. After the appeals court ruling, Jones received only $2.6 million of the initial $9.42 million.
“While we disagree with portions of the Court’s decision and are evaluating our options moving forward, we are pleased that the Court affirmed the jury’s decision that MJJP did not pay Quincy Jones more than the $2.5 million it owed him,” the lawyer said Quincy, J. According to the then Michael Hennigan Related press.
Jackson family attorney Howard Weitzman said: “Quincy Jones was the last person we thought would attempt to benefit from Michael Jackson by filing a lawsuit three years after his death, asking for tens of thousands and thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. “
Before Off The Wall, Jones and Jackson co-created the 1978 film The Wiz. Jones helped create the songs for the Sidney Lumet-directed musical by which Jackson played the Scarecrow.
“He knew how to do his homework, whether it was Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly or whoever, James Brown. He also copied a little bit of Elvis,” Jones said Hollywood reporter in 2021 about being around Jackson on the set of “The Wiz.”
Four years after the discharge of “The Wiz”, “Thriller” was released, which spent 37 weeks at the highest of the Billboard 200 album chart. Jackson’s sixth studio album won eight trophies on the twenty sixth Annual Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year.
What’s more, the Epic Records-backed masterpiece has been certified 34x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, making MJ’s sixth studio album one in all the best-selling albums in U.S. history.
The world was mourned when it learned that Jackson died on June 25, 2009 on the age of fifty. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiners and Coroners ruled his death a homicide.
Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician, was convicted of manslaughter in November 2011. Murray administered a lethal dose of propofol to the 13-time Grammy winner, causing his death.
“Michael Jackson was a special form of artist. In some ways he was a man-child, a beyond skilled and dedicated man,” Jones wrote of MJ in a 2009 eulogy published in The New York Times. Los Angeles Times.
Jones also added: “There shall be so much written about what happened in Michael’s life, but to me it’s all just noise. I promise that in 50, 75, 100 years we’ll remember music.
As of this writing, Jones’ reason for death has not been publicly released. The music industry icon suffered two brain aneurysms in 1974, on the age of 41.
Jones also struggled with type 2 diabetes and in 2015 fell right into a diabetic coma. Facebook“By the grace of God I was able to do it, but not without having to make BIG adjustments.”
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian ready to become lawyer against Kanye West if he moves to Tokyo amid sexual assault allegations
Kim Kardashian is reportedly preparing to protect her 4 children from ex-husband Kanye West amid his recent legal troubles and disturbing rumors about his potential move to Asia.
The Grammy winner is currently facing serious allegations, including multiple sexual assault allegations and a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by his former adviser, Lauren Pisciotta, and is rumored to be hiding out within the Far East to avoid some legal problems…especially since at the least one is connected to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The allegations against West come at a difficult time for Kardashian, who’s delicately dividing custody of her children.
An alleged informant, apparently close to the family, revealed told Radar Online that “there are rumors” about Kanye’s plans to move to Tokyo and renegotiate custody arrangements with Kim.
“(He may want to) renegotiate custody arrangements with Kim because he will want their four children to travel there frequently once they get settled,” the person said, adding that these plans would introduce “all sorts of complications and challenges due to logistical point of view, and Kim is worried about what the future holds if it goes forward.”
Fans responded on social media with their thoughts.
“His (sic) on the run because of the Diddy case” – one person he wrote within the comments section on In Touch Weekly’s Instagram.
Another person asked: “Why? Now he barely sees his children? He has full custody and a lawyer, and may sign a clause stating that he won’t give you the chance to take the youngsters out of the US without her consent.
The third comment was in regards to the kids’ desires and skim, “Oh Kim’s kids will choose him.”
The reality star and SKIMS owner have been keeping track of her public image since their 2021 divorce.
She appears to be heavily involved in raising her children, even reportedly checking to be sure that Ye’s recent wife, Bianca Censori, doesn’t dress inappropriately in front of their sons. Now she is reportedly concerned in regards to the possibility that West’s legal problems and international travel plans could disrupt their co-parenting agreement.
“She will get a lawyer and probably fight him every step of the way if necessary,” the insider revealed.
According to the insider, Kardashian’s anxiety in regards to the future is growing because the seriousness of the cases against Kanye is taken into account.
Pisciotta’s civil lawsuit filed against West details harrowing accusations she faced while she worked for him in 2021-2022. Pisciotta claims that as her boss, Kanye bombarded her with inappropriate content, including sexually explicit texts and pornographic videos.
She also alleges that, prior to her hiring, West assaulted her after he allegedly gave her a drink during a Santa Monica studio session, which was allegedly attended by the Bad Boy founder, who’s in prison awaiting trial on various federal charges, including fraud racketeering and sex trafficking.
This disturbing narrative echoes recent statements from singer-songwriter Niykee Heaton, who shared her own experiences with West and Combs.
During an Instagram Live session in June 2024, the 29-year-old singer alleged that her friend was drugged and that she was attacked within the studio with the 2 hitmakers when the singer was 19 years old.
She mentioned that she felt uneasy when she was offered a drink that she suspected was sweetened, and remarked, “There’s something damn regal about that drink.”
She described a scene where she was left alone with West, Combs and their associates.
“This is the part that I will never forget for the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s not actually about sexual assault. That’s not what haunts me… It’s when these two grown men were groping me, trying to take off my clothes, that I take a look at this man for help, I literally mouth the word “Help” and we come together and he looks away” – she tearfully recalled in the recording. “Nobody the hell can save me today and that is once I got really scared.”
Her account adds to conversations that the Yeezy founder is criminally dangerous.
West’s apparent retreat to Asia, where he stayed for an prolonged period, aroused suspicion.
Another source told the Daily Mail tabloid that Kanye could also be distancing himself from the United States to avoid intense scrutiny over his current legal situation.
“Kanye is concerned that this new lawsuit will bring him down to Diddy’s level,” the person continued, hinting that the Chicago native is closely watching Combs’ legal battles unfold.
While West stays overseas, Kardashian is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and has growing concerns about how a possible move to Japan could affect their children. It stresses her out too.
“Kim’s head is spinning because of this and she has an obligation to figure out the situation,” the alleged source said he said within the weekly In Touch. “But to say he finds it sleazy and stressful is an understatement.”
As she considers taking legal motion to protect her family’s future, one thing is evident: the law school graduate is ready to defend her children and be certain that Kanye’s legal problems don’t impact their well-being.
Entertainment
Tommy Davidson drops a bombshell about the Jamie Foxx drama and his absence during the actor’s health scare
The on-screen chemistry between 60-year-old Tommy Davidson and 56-year-old Jamie Foxx on TV and in movies is unparalleled. However, fans of the veteran comedians can be shocked to learn that they should not talking to one another even after Foxx went through the traumatic experience.
In 2023, Foxx’s daughter Corrine Foxx revealed that her father had checked himself into an Atlanta hospital for treatment of unspecified “medical complications”.
He was later transferred to a physical rehabilitation facility in Chicago for treatment, and Foxx’s members of the family were reportedly concerned about his “pretty fragile” condition after his hospitalization.
In July 2024, footage appeared on the Internet during which the “Unpredictable” singer recalls the events of the day he fell unwell.
In Foxx’s account, he said he had a “severe headache” and asked considered one of his friends for Advil. The Grammy winner also admitted that he doesn’t remember anything after being gone for “20 days.”
Comedy Hype recently spoke with Davidson to advertise his upcoming shows at the Atlanta Comedy Theater from November 1-3.
In the interview, Davidson discussed his situation with his “Booty Call” co-star, whom he didn’t contact last yr either during or after the medical emergency.
“When he was going through it, I could not really get through to him. Of course I used to be afraid for him,” Davidson said.
The Washington resident continued, “But when you go to every job, it would be nice if everyone was friends like you have friends, but that’s not what happens.”
Davidson said he still loves Foxx but realizes he’s often in his “friend circle.”
When asked if he remembered the last time he saw Jamie Foxx in person, Davidson replied: “I don’t remember the last time I saw Jamie.”
Foxx and Davidson’s careers have crossed persistently since their appearance on the classic sketch comedy show “In Living Color.”
Davidson was an original forged member when the series debuted in April 1990. Foxx joined Foxx for Season 3 in September 1991. One memorable “In Living Color” sketch from the series created by Keenen Ivory Wayans featured Davidson, Foxx and a guest – starring Tupac Shakur.
The comedy duo also starred in the 1997 comedy film “Booty Call.”
Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson buy condoms in “Booty Call” (1997) 😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/IqsrGa5sRh https://t.co/2VU3ZrsNQr
— Post by Carlone (@carltonkitheka1) October 29, 2024
Davidson wrote about working with Foxx in his 2020 book “Living in Color: What’s Funny about Me.” During filming, he described his former co-star as “competitive” and “ruthlessly nasty.” The “Juwanna Mann” actor also suggested that Foxx is Keenen Ivory Wayans’ “teacher’s pet.”
Additionally, Tommy claimed that Jamie often tried to steal the scene while filming “Booty Call,” noting a one-on-one basketball game scene between two stand-ups that was apparently intense.
“If I had hit my head on the hard concrete, that would have been the end of me,” Davidson wrote. “I was ready to give Jamie some street fighting lessons, but the crew pulled us away and held us back.”
Davidson further addressed Jamie Foxx in a 2022 interview with VladTV. The “Black Dynamite” voice actor downplayed reports of a falling out with Foxx over his book.
“We never really were,” Davidson said DJ Wlad when asked about Foxx’s alleged negative response to his comments.
He then said, “In Living Color wasn’t my family.” It was work. When you’re employed at work, you are working with people you do not know, so you do not really have the form of relationship with them that will form a family.
2Pac on “In Living Color” with Jamie Foxx and Tommy Davidson
CHEAT on Tupac 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8GufW5roqX
—Dr. FeelingsxFree (@chudunno_me) March 14, 2024
Despite the possible tension between Davidson and Jamie, some fans of the two are hopeful that they’ll reunite for a collaborative project in the future.
“Tommy Davidson and Jamie Foxx had the best on-screen chemistry since In Living Color and Booty Call. I also wish they would do more movies together on screen!” – wrote one person in the comments section of Comedy Hype’s YouTube.
Another person commented: “Tommy Davidson and Jamie Foxx had artistic problems? Did they have any conflict? This is life. It seems like there is still mutual respect.”
A 3rd person said: “Tommy (is) higher than me. I had co-workers who weren’t “people” but added people to their jokes or mocking behavior. When they died, I didn’t worry about them.
Someone else took the opportunity to shout out considered one of the “Booty Call” forged members, writing, “Bernie Mac stole my entire movie.”
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