Kill Bill

Why now? I'll tell you why now. Because some atrocities are unforgivable, that's why now. I'm speaking, of course, about Roman Polanski and his now infamous crime of passion.

As statistics will prove, the most damaging kind of transgressions are those fueled by blinding personal desires. Stuff like having sex with minors or casting Adrien Brody in movies are common offenses, both of which have ultimately derailed Mr. Polanski's brilliant career, at least in America.


In 2001, the famed director of Chinatown cast Adrien Brody, an actor of incredibly limited range, as the lead in the Pianist - Mr. Polanski's most heartfelt, urgent film of his noted career. Critics and audiences alike thought the funny little Polish master filmmaker who liked to have sex with 13 year-old girls had finally lost his mind. Shockingly, and with the whole world watching his every move, Mr. Polanski bravely and diligently managed a beautifully nuanced performance from someone known more for looking weird than quality acting. In fact, the only role I and everybody else might have imagined Mr. Brody embodying with full aplomb is that of a praying mantis. Because Mr. Brody looks like one: skinny and weird looking. Mr. Polanski, however, saw beyond Mr. Brody's raptorial gaze and mantis legs, instead finding a frail humanity that would serve as the heartbeat for his Pianist. The gamble paid off, if only momentarily.

When the Oscar for Best Actor was awarded the following year, Mr. Brody's name was called. Gasps indicating disbelief or outrage filled the Kodak Theatre as Mr. Brody took to the stage, embracing presenter Halle Berry in what can only be described as 'mantis-like'. Mr. Brody then delivered an acceptance speech one would suspect a blameless, mediocre actor, who under the command of Mr. Polanski had just stolen what should have been Daniel Day-Lewis' second, and most deserving Academy Award, would give. For Mr. Day-Lewis' portrayal of Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese's astonishingly undervalued Gangs of New York, is most certainly one the monumental bits of acting in the history of this thing called, the movies.

Unaware of the magnitude his upset victory would cause, Mr. Brody proceeded to thank his family and friends, but saved his biggest tribute for Mr. Polanski, who, by this point, had realized the severity of his misdeed and the grave consequences that would undoubtedly soon follow. He fled the United States mere hours before the ceremony began.

What followed, as everyone knows, was Hurricane Katrina, a second term for George W. Bush, the collapse of the world economy, and Jon Gosselin - all of which are directly attributable to one Roman Polanski.

Why now? That's why now.