Sensitive Guy, Harvey Weinstein

The Guardian gives Harvey Weinstein a chance to pound his chest and show that underneath the bravado, he's a man who likes a good cry in a Weinstein-penned article about Miramax release, Cold Mountain:

In the early 1990s, I sat down to watch a movie that my company had just missed out on acquiring. Now, I know what my reputation is - I read the papers. I'm the supposed tough guy of the movie business. So I as sat watching this film, drenched in tears, I thought: uh-oh, if anyone sees me like this, it's not going to be good for my image.

Weinstein then promptly has his fellow moviegoers "taken care of" and then fired his acquisition team for not getting the film in question, Truly, Madly, Deeply (directed by Cold Mountain Anthony Minghella). The article is a clear move to remind British BAFTA and Oscar voters that Cold Mountain was a labor of love, rather than a labor to sit through, unless you play a "How much make-up is Nicole wearing during the Civil War?" type drinking game.

Actually, Gothamist likes Weinstein's tubthumping and outreach ideas. Anyone who can make Todd Haynes and M. Night Shymalan cry must be talented.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on January 16, 2004 11:26 AM

Comments [rss]

Ron Mwangaguhunga

Renee had me at "hello."

Cheshire

I recall Truly, Madly, Deeply as being very good, but I can't remember whether I cried. Probably did, though, knowing me.

As for Ms. Zellweger, years ago I was roundly made fun of by a coworker for stating that Renee has "reservoirs of humanity." ("Excuse me, Renee has puddles of what?" was the derisive response.)

History will bear me out.

proofboy

"poung his chest"

I'm still imagining that!

Frankenstein

You'll notice that amid all the blather about taking risks and making the kind of movies that connect with the audience he completely fails to mention that he had the rights to The Lord of The Rings (with Peter Jackson attached) and let them go (after somone at Miramax suggested that perhaps it was possible to make LOTR one movie).

Oops.

eebmore

I'm glad to hear that he made M. Night Shymalan cry, as I cried for the 2 hours of my life lost after watching that crapfest Signs.

Jen

Hee. I do like Renee's crazy Ruby. There should be a sitcom, Ada and Ruby, along the lines of The Patty Duke Show or The Odd Couple.

greg.org

Hell, I was forced to cry by that damn movie, but it was still a labor to sit through.

I still feel dirty for feeling glad to see Renee Zellwegger.