Saturday, May 17, 2008

Brangelina, A Confession

WIMB waxes rhapsodic yesterday about Angelina Jolie's "full" pregnancy and expanding palette. I heart Angelina, I do. (Brad as well. duh) And not just because she once looked right @ me. Usually I am a firm believer in not caring that much about the personal lives of celebrities. I'm sure it'd be much better for all of them if we all focused on the work. As an added worldwide benefit, I fully believe that the work itself would be better too: they'd all have to step it up if the public was paying attention to their creative contributions rather than which parties they were attending. Surprise Bonus: In that world there'd be little room for useless celebrity heiresses or damaging coddling out of control celebrities who ignore their own gifts in favor of staying famous for other reasons. If people valued talent and creativity over who went where in what and with whom... imagine it!

But in the case of Brangelina, I am totally happily one of the crowd. I love seeing pics of them. I find their globe-trotting humanitarian adventures admirable and fascinating. I know the names of all their children. And I only feel guilty about enjoying all the surely intrusive paparazzi shots of the brood once in a while. How can I live with this contradiction? I don't know. I just do.


But I can't help it. Ain't they sweet?

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shiloh looks just like Jon Voight.

Amy said...

I vehemently disagree with your stance on Jolie (and Pitt). Everytime I see or hear her, I want to gouge her eyes out.

Anonymous said...

I'm as bored of them as I am of Paris Hilton.

Alex F. said...

Yeah put me in the "I'm over them" column. I know it's not totally their fault, but all the attention they get usually keeps me away from their movies. It's a case of why pay for what I can get for free thing.

You know, Angelina once looked at me too! I did love her back then though. I went to USC when they still had the ceremony at the Shrine, so a bunch of us waited for bleacher seats. This was the year she won - when she went as Morticia Adams. She came onto the red carpet, was literally five feet from me, and we made eye contact for a few seconds. LOL.

Hayden said...

She's such a talentless skank. 99.99999% of her resume is complete and utter garbage, and that includes her rancid turn in A Mighty Heart.

Just because she's managed to distract the masses with her humanitatian work (which isn't nearly as interesting or rootsy as Ashley Judd's achievements) doesn't make her a good actress. She's got one "child of the world" accent she's used in The Fever, Beowulf, Alexander, and A Mighty Heart that makes me want to stab he jugular. Grrrrrrrrrrr.

Don't get me started.

The Pretentious Know it All said...

I'm kind of bored of them too, but I don't think her performance in A Mighty Heart was "rancid." I thik the talent is definitely there with Jolie, even if filmography does leave something to be desired. She clearly takes projects, either because of money (hey, when you're donating that much to charity, it has to come from somewhere) or because they fit into her schedule. I probably dislike him more than I dislike her...honestly, I don't see how anyone who listened to the "Fight Club" DVD commentary doesn't immediately hate Brad Pitt and love Edward Norton. And I don't think it's a good sign that they haven't gotten married yet, nor do I think it's her who doesn't want to get married. I think what's going to happen (I'm not hoping this happens) is that he's going to end up leaving her with all those kids, which would suck.

Anonymous said...

Well I'm with you and enjoy reading and seeing this family. Plus watching their movies. What's funny is these people who are "over them" knows alot about their life. I don't care about Paris Hilton and know nothing about her life.

Anonymous said...

Goodness me. What is it about this woman that brings out extreme hate in some people. Makes me laugh because I find it all so entertaining.
I have no problems with Angelina, Brad, Brangelina, their expanding family etc, etc.
Well no. I do have one problem. Why is it that a woman with her acting chops is incapable of picking good scripts and accepting good roles? I enjoyed her portrayal in A Mighty Heart and hope she can churn out a decent to excellent performance in Changeling, but some of her previous roles have been absolute stinkers. A waste of her talent really.

Marshall said...

Damn there are some haters on this board. What sad small little people. Couldn't let it go unchallenged. Like her or not, some of these comments have been outrageous.

Anonymous said...

I have no problem with them either. In fact, compared to the other "celebrities" that are plastered over the supermarket tabloids, I find them refreshing. It's not DUI, drugs, alcohol, heavy partying, incompetency on the set, etc.

In comparison, two talented professionals who are keen on family and international humanitarian causes are a breath of fresh air.

I realize that it must be almost impossible for them, when their every move is chronicled, dissected, and criticized, but I think they're doing the best they can. I do interpret their "going to France" (Namibia, etc.) as running away, and I think it's a good idea. Run as far as you can. The atmosphere is too hostile to raise a family in.

Anonymous said...

I'm totally with you, Nathaniel, I think the Jolie-Pitt clan is absolutely adorable- and how amazing did Angie look at Cannes? She should wear colors like that more often.

And where, exactly, does the kind of vehement Angelina hatred in a couple of the previous posts come from? I've personally never understood it.

NATHANIEL R said...

amy --please don't gouge your eyes out!!!

anonmyous #1 --you're right! I was thinking Brad but Voight is closer.

anonymouse # "as" bored. How is that possible. At least they contribute SOMETHING to the culture.

alex five seconds is a long time for eye contact. Did your flesh start to combust --too close to the sun!

hayden: TEAM ANISTON

tknkia --don't even say that out loud. I hope you're wrong.

I MUST RUN... thanks for commenting everyone. love to hear what Brangelina brings out.

Loved her in A MIGHTY HEART myself and i hope Brad reminds people of his big talent in BENJAMIN BUTTON. we shall see.

Anonymous said...

Never been a fan of Jolie or Pitt, but I have to agree, the whole family is cute:)To watch their movies? - no, thanks (got bored with Mr & Mrs Smith)!!!!

Anonymous said...

Don’t believe one optimistic word from any public figure about the economy or humanity in general. They are all part of the problem. Its like a game of Monopoly. In America, the richest 1% now hold 1/2 OF ALL UNITED STATES WEALTH. Unlike ‘lesser’ estimates, this includes all stocks, bonds, cash, and material assets held by America’s richest 1%. Even that filthy pig Oprah acknowledged that it was at about 50% in 2006. Naturally, she put her own ‘humanitarian’ spin on it. Calling attention to her own ‘good will’. WHAT A DISGUSTING HYPOCRITE SLOB. THE RICHEST 1% HAVE LITERALLY MADE WORLD PROSPERITY ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE. Don’t fall for any of their ‘humanitarian’ CRAP. ITS A SHAM. THESE PEOPLE ARE CAUSING THE SAME PROBLEMS THEY PRETEND TO CARE ABOUT. Ask any professor of economics. Money does not grow on trees. The government can’t just print up more on a whim. At any given time, there is a relative limit to the wealth within ANY economy of ANY size. So when too much wealth accumulates at the top, the middle class slip further into debt and the lower class further into poverty. A similar rule applies worldwide. The world’s richest 1% now own over 40% of ALL WORLD WEALTH. This is EVEN AFTER you account for all of this ‘good will’ ‘humanitarian’ BS from celebrities and executives. ITS A SHAM. As they get richer and richer, less wealth is left circulating beneath them. This is the single greatest underlying cause for the current US recession. The middle class can no longer afford to sustain their share of the economy. Their wealth has been gradually transfered to the richest 1%. One way or another, we suffer because of their incredible greed. We are talking about TRILLIONS of dollars which have been transfered FROM US TO THEM. All over a period of about 27 years. Thats Reaganomics for you. The wealth does not ‘trickle down’ as we were told it would. It just accumulates at the top. Shrinking the middle class and expanding the lower class. Causing a domino effect of socio-economic problems. But the rich will never stop. They just keep getting richer. Leaving even less of the pie for the other 99% of us to share. At the same time, they throw back a few tax deductible crumbs and call themselves ‘humanitarians’. Cashing in on the PR and getting even richer the following year. IT CAN’T WORK THIS WAY. Their bogus efforts to make the world a better place can not possibly succeed. Any 'humanitarian' progress made in one area will be lost in another. EVERY SINGLE TIME. IT ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT WORK THIS WAY. This is going to end just like a game of Monopoly. The current US recession will drag on for years and lead into the worst US depression of all time. The richest 1% will live like royalty while the rest of us fight over jobs, food, and gasoline. So don’t fall for any of this PR CRAP from Hollywood, Pro Sports, and Wall Street PIGS. ITS A SHAM. Remember: They are filthy rich EVEN AFTER their tax deductible contributions. Greedy pigs. Now, we are headed for the worst economic and cultural crisis of all time. Crime, poverty, and suicide will skyrocket. SEND A “THANK YOU” NOTE TO YOUR FAVORITE MILLIONAIRE. ITS THEIR FAULT. I’m not discounting other factors like China, sub-prime, or gas prices. But all of those factors combined still pale in comparison to that HUGE transfer of wealth to the rich. Anyway, those other factors are all related and further aggrivated because of GREED. If it weren’t for the OBSCENE distribution of wealth within our country, there never would have been such a market for sub-prime to begin with. Which by the way, was another trick whipped up by greedy bankers and executives. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. The credit industry has been ENDORSED by people like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGenerous, Dr Phil, and many other celebrities. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. Now, there are commercial ties between nearly every industry and every public figure. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. So don’t fall for their ‘good will’ BS. ITS A LIE. If you fall for it, then you’re a fool. If you see any real difference between the moral character of a celebrity, politician, attorney, or executive, then you’re a fool. No offense fellow citizens. But we have been mislead by nearly every public figure. WAKE UP PEOPLE. THEIR GOAL IS TO WIN THE GAME. The 1% club will always say or do whatever it takes to get as rich as possible. Without the slightest regard for anything or anyone but themselves. Reaganomics. Their idea. Loans from China. Their idea. NAFTA. Their idea. Outsourcing. Their idea. Sub-prime. Their idea. High energy prices. Their idea. Oil 'futures'. Their idea. Obscene health care charges. Their idea. The commercial lobbyist. Their idea. The multi-million dollar lawsuit. Their idea. The multi-million dollar endorsement deal. Their idea. $200 cell phone bills. Their idea. $200 basketball shoes. Their idea. $30 late fees. Their idea. $30 NSF fees. Their idea. $20 DVDs. Their idea. Subliminal advertising. Their idea. Brainwash plots on TV. Their idea. Vioxx, and Celebrex. Their idea. The MASSIVE campaign to turn every American into a brainwashed, credit card, pharmaceutical, love-sick, celebrity junkie. Their idea. All of the above shrink the middle class, concentrate the world’s wealth and resources, create a dominoe effect of socio-economic problems, and wreak havok on society. All of which have been CREATED AND ENDORSED by celebrities, athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, attorneys, and politicians. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. So don’t fall for any of their ‘good will’ ‘humanitarian’ BS. ITS A SHAM. NOTHING BUT TAX DEDUCTIBLE PR CRAP. In many cases, the 'charitable' contribution is almost entirely offset. Not to mention the opportunity to plug their name, image, product, and 'good will' all at once. IT MAKES THEM RICHER. These filthy pigs even have the nerve to throw a fit and spin up a misleading defense with regard to 'federal tax revenue'. ITS A SHAM. THEY SCREWED UP THE EQUATION TO BEGIN WITH. If the middle and lower classes had a greater share of the pie, they could easily cover a greater share of the federal tax revenue. They are held down in many ways because of greed. Wages remain stagnant for millions because the executives, celebrities, athletes, attorneys, and entrepreneurs, are paid millions. They over-sell, over-charge, under-pay, outsource, cut jobs, and benefits to increase their bottom line. As their profits rise, so do the stock values. Which are owned primarily by the richest 5%. As more United States wealth rises to the top, the middle and lower classes inevitably suffer. This reduces the potential tax reveue drawn from those brackets. At the same time, it wreaks havok on middle and lower class communities and increases the need for financial aid. Not to mention the spike in crime because of it. There is a dominoe effect to consider. IT CAN'T WORK THIS WAY. But our leaders refuse to acknowledge this. Instead they come up with one trick after another to milk the system and screw the majority. These decisions are heavily influensed by the 1% club. Every year, billions of federal tax dollars are diverted behind the scenes back to the rich and their respective industries. Loans from China have been necessary to compensate in part, for the red ink and multi-trillion dollar transfer of wealth to the rich. At the same time, the feds have been pushing more financial burden onto the states who push them lower onto the cities. Again, the hardship is felt more by the majority and less by the 1% club. The rich prefer to live in exclusive areas or upper class communities. They get the best of everything. Reliable city services, new schools, freshly paved roads, upscale parks, ect. The middle and lower class communities get little or nothing without a local tax increase. Which, they usually can't afford. So the red ink flows followed by service cuts and lay-offs. All because of the OBSCENE distribution of bottom line wealth in this country. So when people forgive the rich for their incredible greed and then praise them for paying a greater share of the FEDERAL income taxes, its like nails on a chalk board. I can not accept any theory that our economy would suffer in any way with a more reasonable distribution of wealth. Afterall, it was more reasonable 30 years ago. Before Reaganomics came along. Before GREED became such an epidemic. Before we had an army of over-paid executives, bankers, celebrities, athletes, attorneys, doctors, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, and sold-out politicians to kiss their asses. As a nation, we were in much better shape. Strong middle class, free and clear assets, lower crime rate, more widespread prosperity, stable job market, lower deficit, ect. Our economy as a whole was much more stable and prosperous for the majority. WITHOUT LOANS FROM CHINA. Now, we have a more obscene distribution of bottom line wealth than ever before. We have a sold-out government, crumbling infrastructure, energy crisis, home forclosure epidemic, 13 figure national deficit, and 12 figure annual shortfall. The cost of living is higher than ever before. Most people can't even afford basic health care. ALL BECAUSE OF GREED. I really don't blame the 2nd -5th percentiles in general. No economy could ever function without some reasonable scale of personal wealth and income. But it can't be allowed to run wild like a mad dog. ALBERT EINSTEIN TRIED TO MAKE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND. UNBRIDLED CAPITALISM ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT WORK. TOP HEAVY ECONOMIES ALWAYS COLLAPSE. Bottom line: The richest 1% will soon tank the largest economy in the world. It will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. The American dream will be shattered. and thats just the beginning. Greed will eventually tank every major economy in the world. Causing millions to suffer and die. Oprah, Angelina, Brad, Bono, and Bill are not part of the solution. They are part of the problem. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE HUMANITARIAN. EXTREME WEALTH MAKES WORLD PROSPERITY ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE. WITHOUT WORLD PROSPERITY, THERE WILL NEVER BE WORLD PEACE OR ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE. GREED KILLS. IT WILL BE OUR DOWNFALL. Of course, the rich will throw a fit and call me a madman.. Of course, they will jump to small minded conclusions about 'jealousy', 'envy', or 'socialism'. Of course, their ignorant fans will do the same. You have to expect that. But I speak the truth. If you don’t believe me, then copy this entry and run it by any professor of economics or socio-economics. Then tell a friend. Call the local radio station. Re-post this entry or put it in your own words. Be one of the first to predict the worst economic and cultural crisis of all time and explain its cause. WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE.