All leftie liberal actors are the same.They care only about their image,if they were so concerned about poor people, they could just go to any town centre and find homeless people everywhere, and give them some money out of their wallet, then walk away,and dont tell anyone.They dont have to emote about Darfur,or go on demonstrations, or sign petitions.Of course, if no one knows about it, then there is not much point.So it looks like we are stuck with them.
Individuals giving money to the poor is not a substitute for political change and therefore not a political act. If your fame adds weight to a demonstration then all the more reason to go.
‘Gift cultures’ are always ambiguous. Because in most places unasked-for generosity creates corresponding obligations on the recipient.
Even sending a Xmas/birthday card to someone prompts the idea that one is expected to return in kind (or relations might become chilled). And this heaping up of often unwanted obligations can turn to a feeling of oppression.
It is understandable that a lot of good actors a lean left. They know something is wrong but don’t have the time to explore the roots so they buy into an attractive lie: government action guided by well-meaning “experts” can fix it.
Most of our problems are caused by the use of political power to rig the rules of the game in favour of privileged parasites. The solution is not more government meddling, but less!
The leftism I saw in my youth is not the leftism I see today. “Well meaning” sounds kind and meaningful but well meaning to whom? It often seems that the meaning of “privileged parasite” changes with time, and also with perspective. The worst sinners often shout loudest and attack vociferously those other sinners in less exalted positions of power, or those who have none at all. It was always thus. Now we have the internet so can shout our hypocrisy to the world, often engaging in a one upmanship of hypocrisy. If it weren’t for hospitals, children’s homes, care for the elderly, the disabled, the hungry; charity and compassion etc. which we all experience every day, you would think, reading the press (and us, its adjuncts) that humans were monsters to the core. Maybe those other humans, but not us, of course…
Speak for yourself. I’m a saint, but hic dracones.
John Newton
1 year ago
Oh come on, Tanya, so Alan Rickman is not perfect and was not the most penetrating of diarists. So what?
He came from humble beginnings in Acton, set up with friends his own graphic design business, before establishing himself as a versatile and accomplished actor of international repute, through a combination of talent and hard work.
That he maintained a long term relationship of 50 years with his wife represented an achievement in itself given the temptations and pulls of Hollywood life that invites admiration.
That they had no children and whether that was by choice or not would have been a more interesting topic to explore.
Why? Is that not an apt description of the film’s story? He is dead, had played the cello, and was a Labour activist… all true?
Mick James
1 year ago
How fame corrupted Alan Rickman
Hypocrisy blackened his earnest politics
So where is the article that goes with this damning headline and standfirst? The quotes from the diary seem to show a high degree of self-awareness shading into self-mockery. The Dorchester anecdote is great: only a determined virtue-signaller would have felt compelled to survive on a Tesco meal deal for that day only.
Samuel Ross
1 year ago
He was really good in Galaxy Quest. Kind of a ‘Spock’-like character.
Ooh 3 upvotes from moi! What is wrong with the Unherd voting system – maybe AI in action? Number 5 is alive!
Anyway, back on topic, Galaxy Quest, my favourite film and a masterclass from Rickman. But like almost all artists, he’s a charming hypocrite when it comes to principles and ethics.
Chappeau for sneaking this in. Now that would have made a great story. Would like to think he was related to the legendary Don and Derek. Did he ever ride bikes?
ruth novaczek
1 year ago
your criticism makes me want to read it, I love diaries and the more flawed and uneven the better
Nicky Samengo-Turner
1 year ago
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz……….
Allison Barrows
1 year ago
Boy oh boy, do I regret reading this article. To cleanse my palate, I think I’ll reread O’Toole’s “Slouching With Intent”.
All leftie liberal actors are the same.They care only about their image,if they were so concerned about poor people, they could just go to any town centre and find homeless people everywhere, and give them some money out of their wallet, then walk away,and dont tell anyone.They dont have to emote about Darfur,or go on demonstrations, or sign petitions.Of course, if no one knows about it, then there is not much point.So it looks like we are stuck with them.
Individuals giving money to the poor is not a substitute for political change and therefore not a political act. If your fame adds weight to a demonstration then all the more reason to go.
‘Gift cultures’ are always ambiguous. Because in most places unasked-for generosity creates corresponding obligations on the recipient.
Even sending a Xmas/birthday card to someone prompts the idea that one is expected to return in kind (or relations might become chilled). And this heaping up of often unwanted obligations can turn to a feeling of oppression.
They go because the demo advertises themselves. You think a cause is validated by being supported by actors ?
Pompous comment
It is understandable that a lot of good actors a lean left. They know something is wrong but don’t have the time to explore the roots so they buy into an attractive lie: government action guided by well-meaning “experts” can fix it.
Most of our problems are caused by the use of political power to rig the rules of the game in favour of privileged parasites. The solution is not more government meddling, but less!
The leftism I saw in my youth is not the leftism I see today. “Well meaning” sounds kind and meaningful but well meaning to whom? It often seems that the meaning of “privileged parasite” changes with time, and also with perspective. The worst sinners often shout loudest and attack vociferously those other sinners in less exalted positions of power, or those who have none at all. It was always thus. Now we have the internet so can shout our hypocrisy to the world, often engaging in a one upmanship of hypocrisy. If it weren’t for hospitals, children’s homes, care for the elderly, the disabled, the hungry; charity and compassion etc. which we all experience every day, you would think, reading the press (and us, its adjuncts) that humans were monsters to the core. Maybe those other humans, but not us, of course…
Speak for yourself. I’m a saint, but hic dracones.
Oh come on, Tanya, so Alan Rickman is not perfect and was not the most penetrating of diarists. So what?
He came from humble beginnings in Acton, set up with friends his own graphic design business, before establishing himself as a versatile and accomplished actor of international repute, through a combination of talent and hard work.
That he maintained a long term relationship of 50 years with his wife represented an achievement in itself given the temptations and pulls of Hollywood life that invites admiration.
That they had no children and whether that was by choice or not would have been a more interesting topic to explore.
De mortuis, nil nisi bonum?
Hitler erat homo superbus et ambitiosus
[Edit: is UnHerd really censoring the Latin for man? UnRead might be a better name]
Proportionality? Otherwise, an interesting philosophical point to raise.
Nobody, but NOBODY would describe this film in such terms unless they had a serious axe to grind.
Nobody would make that comment unless THEY had a serious axe to grind.
Couldn’t upvote your response, pricking Huw’s pomposity (unless he was cracking a joke).
Why? Is that not an apt description of the film’s story? He is dead, had played the cello, and was a Labour activist… all true?
So where is the article that goes with this damning headline and standfirst? The quotes from the diary seem to show a high degree of self-awareness shading into self-mockery. The Dorchester anecdote is great: only a determined virtue-signaller would have felt compelled to survive on a Tesco meal deal for that day only.
He was really good in Galaxy Quest. Kind of a ‘Spock’-like character.
Ooh 3 upvotes from moi! What is wrong with the Unherd voting system – maybe AI in action? Number 5 is alive!
Anyway, back on topic, Galaxy Quest, my favourite film and a masterclass from Rickman. But like almost all artists, he’s a charming hypocrite when it comes to principles and ethics.
didn’t he make those Rickman- Metisse motor bikes that the old rockers loved?
Chappeau for sneaking this in. Now that would have made a great story. Would like to think he was related to the legendary Don and Derek. Did he ever ride bikes?
your criticism makes me want to read it, I love diaries and the more flawed and uneven the better
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz……….
Boy oh boy, do I regret reading this article. To cleanse my palate, I think I’ll reread O’Toole’s “Slouching With Intent”.
I thought it was good and I liked Rickman
That’s how actors are, we need to get used to it.
Actors are just like us, only different.
I liked Rickman in Galaxy Quest and Harry Potter. That is all.
Not as Obadiah Slope?