August
7Random Notes on Suits and Sex
This is August, folks, and it’s hard to focus on “hard” news. With this in mind, here are some random notes of frivolity:--Given all the attention devoted to the disadvantaged, disabled and disturbed, I’m not sure the community is showing sufficient empathy for Verne Troyer, the 2 foot 8 inch actor who so vividly played Mini Me in the Austin Powers films. Neither Troyer nor anyone else can seem to find the sex tape made by the little guy, despite two lawsuits and thousands of dollars in legal fees.
If I was 2 feet 8 inches and still narcissistic enough to make a sex tape, I’d want the damn thing back, too, and I think his fellow actors should rally behind him.
--Given the bad manners displayed at pitch meetings, I believe that the studios and networks should give their development executives the same training being given to U.S. Olympic athletes in Beijing.
In the past, our over-achieving athletes have behaved in a boorish manner at events overseas. To help them focus on good behavior, the Olympic officials have introduced exercises like these:
Athletes form a wide circle, take a deep breath and pass around a non-existent “energy ball.” When they receive the imaginary ball, they must say “whoosh.” If one individual shows selfish behavior by holding the “ball” too long, he must say “groove-alicious” and do a little jig.
This exercise would be healthy for Hollywood “suits.” I can’t remember the last time someone said “groove-alicious” at a pitch meeting.
--Sloppy dress habits among men in Hollywood seem to become more extreme in the summer months, hence, studio and network execs would do well to heed the Personal Journal section of the Wall St. Journal, which offers the following tips to those power players who want to dress down.
It’s important to “show authority” even when dressing informally, the Journal declares. A two-button Burberry suit jacket, worn as a sport coat, will work accompanied by “crisp jeans.” Also, a white tailored jacket (preferably a British label like Connelly), Converse sneakers and a checked Turnbull & Asser shirt. The shirt, to be sure should have purple-stitched buttonholes and matching cuff-knots.
I’m not sure I’d consider this “dressing down,” mind you, but I’m glad it works for Journal readers. By the way, the Journal endorses the no-tie look but warns: Just don’t show much chest hair. Chest hair apparently doesn’t convey authority.
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Verne Troyer is basically only successful due to the good graces of Mike Myers. I'm sure MM would have done equally well with any other vertically challenged "actor".
Posted by: Eric | 8/13/2008 6:18:08 PM