Belly of the Beast
“In Hollywood, they tell you who to hate.” - Patrice O’Neal
Hollywood fancies itself as a beacon of inspiration and hope for creatives, but behind the curtain is a never-ending corporate machine that runs like a mob family. There are many families within Hollywood. The Adam Sandler family (Rob Schneider, Kevin James, Chris Rock). The Quentin Tarantino family (Christopher Waltz, Michael Madsen, Samuel L. Jackson). And even the Judd Apatow family (Seth Rogen, Steve Carrell, Will Ferrell).
In the same vein of mob families, there have been those in power before the established status quo. Here is comedian Pat Cooper on the Tom Snyder talk show sharing his perspectives on the powerful families in Hollywood he was dealing with.
What stands out from the 1979 interview are the common themes in Hollywood that is plaguing the industry today in 2020. The character, dignity, and individualistic expression of the real artist behind the content has been marginalized, diminished, and misinterpreted by the public. Everyone must repeat the same party lines in fears of being cast aside from being in the public light.
The Late Great Comic Patrice O’Neal dives further into the weeds of entangling the sticky web of Hollywood politics. His take on Tracy Morgan’s apology tour and the never-ending line of desperate performers that wish to replace the celebrity du jour is an eye-opening revelation. O’Neal’s brief stint in the Spike Lee family also highlights the relationship level of working within show business with the established players in the game.
What is making it? Is there a price that you can walk away from?