Once and Only

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"With less than one hour to go and no restraining order in place, I feel comfortable now letting you all know that this film was the subject of legal threats and was almost not shown at all here at the festival," William Morris agent Cassian Elwes wrote in a bulk mailing to buyers last night before the only screening of Paris, Not France at the Ryerson at 6 pm.

"This version will probably never be seen again. I am hoping that Paris will see, with the audience tonight, that there is nothing to be afraid of here. And will eventually let the film be distributed.

"What was originally conceived to be a 20-minute puff piece extra on the DVD release for her album, has in fact become a fascinating examination of what it's like to be a star in our star-obsessed culture.

"I can guarantee you three things: you may be the only people to ever see this version, you will not be disappointed, and everyone will be asking you if you saw it."

I was going to try and go myself, but at the last minute I asked myself, "Why are you making any kind of effort to see a doc about Paris Hilton? Where are your priorities?"

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on September 10, 2008 at 5:39 AM

comment #1

Dr. Smith says ...

indeed...

Posted by Dr. Smith at September 10, 2008 5:47 AM

comment #2

MDOC says ...

Come on Gruver, who can resist? Get your popcorn and your Valtrex ready.

Posted by MDOC at September 10, 2008 5:49 AM

comment #3

Krazy Eyes says ...

Why do people even bother making potentially controversial documentaries without all releases in place before they start?

I saw a great doc at TIFF years ago called "The Sweatbox" which was all about Sting's torturous dealings with Disney Animation over the scoring of The Emperor's New Groove. The film makes Disney out to be complete idiots, yet Disney had final approval on the doc and put the kibosh on it right before the TIFF screening (but not soon enough to stop the screening).

Did this *ever* get released in any form?

Posted by Krazy Eyes at September 10, 2008 8:59 AM

comment #4

Richardson says ...

"Why do people even bother making potentially controversial documentaries without all releases in place before they start?"

I believe -- and the statement above would confirm it in this case -- that they generally start out as not controversial documentaries, but then, when all the footage is in, it's too interesting an angle not to explore.

Posted by Richardson at September 10, 2008 10:15 AM

comment #5

Sean says ...

The AV Club suggests that it's all tempest in a carefully manufactured teacup:

http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/the_a_v_club_at_tiff_08_day_6/2

Posted by Sean at September 10, 2008 10:31 AM

comment #6

/3rtfu11 says ...

Ignore her so she can go away.

Posted by /3rtfu11 at September 10, 2008 11:47 AM

comment #7

T. Holly says ...

No, pile on, so "the dead-eyed hellbeast" can be put to rest like this bobblehead:

http://www.heraldonline.com/115/story/804929-a804933-t3.html

Posted by T. Holly at September 10, 2008 12:30 PM

comment #8

Deathtongue_Groupie says ...

Seems AV Club has called it exactly so. Just look at the wording Cassian Elwes is using: "...a fascinating examination of what it's like to be a star in our star-obsessed culture."

She is a celebrity in a celebrity obsessed culture, but she has not been nor will likely ever be a "star" unless you narrowly define it by tabloid mags and shows.

Of course, one can't help but chuckle at the poster pot getting very close to calling the kettle black here.

And a doc that would open up this whole matter to the bone, exposing the hypocrisy of both the media and the population in regards to her celebrity status is exactly what is needed.

Posted by Deathtongue_Groupie at September 10, 2008 2:21 PM

comment #9