quote:Originally posted by Animalman: I still don't see an Oscar as equating forgiveness or likability, though.
The Oscars do represent a type of "seal of appeal" for the director's work, and shouldn't be seen as some sort of positivity parade.
However...Hollywood for years has used the Oscars as a way to shine the light on the people it feels represents the good in the industry. That's why so many outspoken directors and actors have been blackballed in Hollywood--particularly during the 50's and 60's--and this might have been the case when it should have happened.
People who should be disappointed and disgusted with someone who refuses to take responsibility for his actions; Polanski should have been in jail during the time that some of his movies (Chinatown perhaps being one of them), and the Academy giving him an Oscar is like forgiving the act. Harrison should be disappointed and disgusted with someone who he calls 'friend', who refuses to take responsibility for their actions.
Statutory rape is a serious crime because it deprives children of the chance to grow up in a world free from preventable violence. What Polanski did was disgusting, and the Academy acknowledging the work on his film wouldn't be too far off from the Museum of Modern Art an award to a painter who happened to flee the country after being sentenced as a murderer. Polanski is a coward who does not deserve his freedom, nor have any respect for the freedom of others.
The Oscars is implicitly imparting forgiveness and encouraging likeability for Polanski.
