Ugly truth is we can’t just erase our history
NO DOUBT eyebrows were raised this week when Vanessa Redgrave spoke out against the toppling of statues that represent British imperialism. Given her radical left-wing politics, one could be forgiven for thinking she would be in favour.
Despite her anti-racist values, the acclaimed actress believes statues of controversial figures, such as Bristol slave trader Edward Colston, should remain in public view as a reminder of our past. “We need more statues, different ones, not just commemorating men who made money out of slavery,” she told Radio Times.
I agree. I understand the motivation to eradicate the grandeur these statues command, but the ugly parts of our history should be confronted not erased. Redgrave’s comments on cancel culture came as news broke that she is to star alongside disgraced actor Kevin Spacey in a film directed by her Italian husband Franco Nero. Production is underway for L’uomo Che Disegno Dio (The Man Who Drew God) marking Spacey’s first role in four years – albeit a cameo as a detective.
The film is about a blind artist, who creates portraits from the sound of voices and is wrongly accused of sexually abusing a child. Naturally, the announcement sparked a backlash as the once-feted star has been in exile since accusations of sexual misconduct emerged in 2017.
Spacey was dumped at the time by his agent and publicist and sacked as the lead in Netflix show House Of Cards. Scenes in the J Paul Getty biopic All The Money In The World were hastily reshot with the late Christopher Plummer in his place.
He has since faced more accusations and legal action. Spacey denied all allegations and has not been convicted of any crime, although the Crown Prosecution Service is examining evidence.
Critics have accused producers of cashing in on his notoriety, and Spacey of shamelessly creeping in the backdoor. Over in the hysterical hellscape that is the Twitter-sphere, one popular post called for “death by fire” to anyone willing to work with him. But questions have rightly been raised over his casting while investigations are ongoing.
If the intention is financial gain, it is an insanely risky strategy as the chance of mass boycotts if the film is ever released are highly likely. And it hardly needs pointing out that the old showbiz adage “all publicity is good publicity” is now a relic of a bygone era.
If it is an attempt by Spacey to launch a comeback, any producers tempted to hire the double Oscar winner at bargain basement rates will be closely observing the widespread condemnation at a safe distance.
Director Nero has declined to explain his maverick decision. Redgrave, no stranger to controversy, must have anticipated the furore that would immediately engulf the project. So her recent comments seem timely.
What are we to do with the mounting casualties of cancel culture? Are they to be ignored indefinitely and consigned to history’s scrapheap, or could these damaged figures force us to accept complex truths about human nature. Manically denying these people ever existed is clearly not an option.
Spacey’s casting has ignited fiery debate which is, perhaps, the whole point. For now, I’m willing to keep an open mind.