I wanted to stay out of this because it means disagreeing with friends, and who gives a shit what ANY of us think anyway?

But.....I started it, so I don't think I have the right 'stickhandle' around an issue that calls my avowed hatred of "ideologies" into play.

Polanski has made friggin' BRILLIANT movies for many years. They're marvellously filmed and acted....and apparently actors really wanna work with HIM as much as they do Woody Allen (another former hero).

But I don't think you fuck little girls simply because you can. You don't do it because you're a famous and powerful director. You don't do it because you have the persuasive powers of a great director, and even if the little girl dresses provocatively, smokes your dope, swims in your pool, and then seduces you......you are still a paedophile.

In many countries where puberty means the start of child bearing, or marriage, the rules are different. But the rules in Canada and the US are very clear....sometimes even major celebrities get caught.

PS. I think Adrien Brody's behaviour was atrocious (and probably the result of nervousness). I think Halle's response was brilliant, and saved it from becoming a verrry embarrasing incident. The 'wiping of the mouth" (while the camera was on her) told me a lot. The big smile on her face, as they left the stage, was NOT convincing to me.

Cheers

Rick