Some Thoughts About Harvey Weinstein

About 12 years ago I became a journalist specializing in independent film. More specifically, independent film and film festivals, as this blog indicates. About five years ago I became a film festival director. The two overlapped for a few years (and still do).

One cannot be in the world of independent film and film festivals without having some sort of connection to Harvey Weinstein. It's unavoidable. That said, I never met the man. I sure did see him at plenty of events, though, and I sure did see plenty of his films. Many of them before he bought them, since he specialized in picking up movies for distribution after they'd played festivals, and I was often at those initial screenings before he came along. There were films I saw, reviewed favorably, and cheered as they were bought by his companies for release. I'd feel some personal emotional investment in these. In a few cases there were films that were produced by, directed by, or starred friends and acquaintances of mine that were later acquired by Weinstein. He still owes some of them money. But I digress...

I certainly have had friends and acquaintances and colleagues who have worked with him. I've heard stories. No, not like the ones coming out lately, but more along the lines of, "He's a pig." That sort of thing. Nothing that would ever warrant an investigation. But I can't say I'm surprised at what's happening now.

There are so many people who crossed paths with him in one way or another among my circle of friends and acquaintances and colleagues. I know many of them have mixed feelings about this. Some feel guilty. Not so much that they knew things or could have spoken up but more because they benefited from his power and wealth.

If you're a filmgoer who's enjoyed Miramax and Weinstein Company movies in the past, you can't help but feel a bit icky right now. This will pass. I'd like to believe that talent and art will out, and that if it wasn't Weinstein who picked up and released these films it would have been someone else who would have seen their potential. Don't let his name stop you from appreciating them in years to come.

If you're a filmmaker or actor and Harvey liked your work, and your career was boosted because of it, you can't help but feel more than a bit icky right now. This will pass. To reiterate, I'd like to believe that talent and art will out and, likewise, if it wasn't Weinstein it would have been someone else who would have seen your talent.

Hang in there. Be proud of your work. Weinstein's gone, thanks to a lot of very brave women. Now let's get back to making movies.