Memo to Russell Simmons: Please Stop Talking
Look, Russell – I really liked you when I met you, but I don’t understand your latest comments.
Yes, Ed Zwick was not exactly a gentleman when he slapped you, but I don’t know why you are slapping him back.
This movie is basically over. It is fading away to Netflix land. Already some are blaming its failure on the trade. This just plays into their hands.
I know some in the trade feel attacked by this movie, but these kind of things did go on, and it is what it is. Ultimately this episode shouldn’t be about the trade versus the movie. It should be about building a better trade so we no longer have to deal with movies like this.
UPDATE: Peggy Jo Donahue of Jewelers of America strikes a similar note here (fourth comment down). I know it's the holidays and everyone's busy, but among the things that people who do want to see a better industry can do is to get involved with the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices, which JA is helping coordinate. If this movie helps groups like the CRJP, it may all be worth it.
Rob Bates commented:
In retrospect perhaps all the advanced publicity didn't help --
made it seem like the "Feel Guilt Movie of the Year." And of
course, they should have done it in Mayan.
Laura Finkelstein commented:
As your best friend, Russell will certainly take this advice to
heart. Weird how quickly the movie and corresponding buzz died
down...
