I did a piece on CJOB this morning about how Scientology has influenced what movies or television shows I decide to watch.
Basing my opinion on Scientology upon a couple of documentaries I’ve seen and A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not a religion but a cult. Witness accounts suggest beatings, imprisonment, turning families on one another and other unspeakable acts that have no place anywhere, never mind a “religion.”
READ MORE: Leah Remini reveals what happens when you reach the top of Scientology
There are a few notable Hollywood actors, musicians and other famous people who are Scientologists: Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Beck, Juliette Lewis, Giovanni Ribisi. There are more but, in my opinion, these are the biggest names.
This means I cannot watch or listen to any material that includes these people.
Lately we’ve heard some accusations hurled at other big names like Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman and others. They’re being accused of sexual misconduct and even sexual assault.
READ MORE: Kevin Spacey accused of sexually propositioning teenage actor
Just the thought of this makes my blood run cold. It never occurred to me before just now that I’d probably never watch another Kevin Spacey movie or TV show again, but I won’t. The second I see his face on the screen it would remind me of what’s he’s allegedly done. I suppose the same goes for Dustin Hoffman. I’ve always liked him but in hearing the allegations that have been leveled against him there is just no way I could “suspend disbelief” while his face is on the screen. I would instantly be reminded of all the stories and it would ruin the show for me.
From now on The Usual Suspects, Seven, American Beauty, Tootsie, Rain Man, The Graduate and many others are off the list. Sad. These are good films.
READ MORE: Dustin Hoffman accused of sexually harassing 17-year-old intern
What are the limits of this? Honestly I haven’t thought that through all the way just yet.
If there’s a story about so and so cheating on his wife or husband would that make me not want to watch the actor in question? Probably not. Cheating on your spouse isn’t good but it’s not against the law and sadly it’s quite common. More common that we think if we believe the new book by Esther Perel that just came out last week.
Do we expand this then to Harvey Weinstein the producer behind movies like Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, The English Patient, Good Will Hunting, Jackie Brown, Scream, The Cider House Rules, Chocolat, Chicago, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and so many many more? Will I say “Hold on, let me check to see who produced or directed this movie before we can watch it” from now on?
READ MORE: Harvey Weinstein now has 93 accusers, 13 of them alleging rape
I doubt it. I suppose it’s the visceral vibe of actually seeing the person on screen or hearing them in song that would make me cut if off.
The question I have for you is: How will you deal with all this?
Just one more thing to think about.
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