October 19, 2008
Poise by Contrast
Ann Althouse isn't sure how to understand Saturday Night Live's script as delivered by Alec Baldwin, standing next to Sarah Palin:
Alec Baldwin got to stand next to Palin and insult her -- by accident, thinking she was Tina -- and then got to say something that's true: Sarah Palin is more attractive than Tina Fey. Did Fey deserve that? No. Palin seemed like a seasoned actor, which is nice... but disturbing. If our politicians are great actors, we have a big problem. [ADDED ON REWATCH: Did Baldwin say Palin is more attractive than Fey? He mistook Palin for Fey, then, corrected, told Palin she was more attractive in person. I think that means he believed Palin was less attractive than Fey, but now, seeing Palin in person, he acknowledges Palin's equivalent attractiveness. Or something. The disrespect to Fey that I thought was there is, technically, not.]
Considering that Baldwin goes on to express incredulity that SNL would allow a woman like Fey to play a woman like Palin, I think the joke was meant to be Baldwin's sycophancy. If taken at face value (again, analyzing from within the script), that would certainly have been disrespectful of the actress).
For my part, I wouldn't go quite so far as his feigned compliments, but even in the short clip, there is a stark contrast between Palin and Fey that highlighted the exaggerations in Fey's characterization and the fact that one is a woman of poise and power while the other is an actress.
Baldwin is an outstanding actor,but who really gives a damn what he or any other (usually)drug challenged,dissolute entertainer thinks?
Posted by: joe bernstein at October 19, 2008 10:41 PMBaldwin is an outstanding actor,but who really gives a damn what he or any other (usually)drug challenged,dissolute entertainer thinks?
Posted by: joe bernstein at October 19, 2008 10:41 PMjoe,
You've resorted to name calling again, you angry man. It really does not replace argument.
OldTimeLefty
OTL-I'll just ask you this-what is it about "celebrities" that gives their opinions superior value?I'd sincerely like to hear your answer.Baldwin sure is the great dad,isn't he?And it seems that many "celebrities" live very dysfunctional lives.For every Paul Newman(whose opinion WAS worth something)there are dozens of them who can barely get through the day.Rehab is a growth industry with these folks.I am not name calling nor angry,just perplexed why anyone pays attention to them outside their area of competence.
Posted by: joe bernstein at October 20, 2008 10:51 AM It was funny to hear the analyst on Fox this morning go on about she shouldn't have done this (and moan about how her little slap at Baldwin about his brother wasn't enough). I wonder if the knuckledraggers who yell "Kill him!" and "Socialist!" at her rallies feel a little betrayed she did the show.
I have the sneaking suspicion Palin and Fey (or their peeps) agreed on a no-interaction clause. And you know Palin's peeps would've hauled her out of there if the show did anything to embarass her.
Not the funniest Fey/Palin bit I've seen, but well played all around.
Wasn't that tool supposed to leave the country when Bush was elected?
Posted by: EMT at October 20, 2008 1:10 PMjoe,
I wouldn't know what it is about celebrities that gives their opinion superior values. I never thought they did, never said they did. I take my life cues from a few historical figures, none of whom live in tinseltown or TV-ville. Why'd you ask me the question. You are the one who mentioned Baldwin, not I. You called him names, not I. Here's a quote from someone I do admire, "Those who anger you control you". Baldwin seems to be driving you here.
OldTimeLefty
OTL-do I owe you anything for the psychoanalysis?I still watch his films,I just don't take his opinions seriously.
Posted by: joe bernstein at October 20, 2008 3:13 PM