Free Roman Polanski! (Letter from Milan Kundera)

[UndertheOcean]

I have never met Roman Polanski. I know him only through his work, which I have loved ever since his first films, and through whatever I have been able to learn of his life. He has always seemed to me to be of an exemplary European character, given his childhood encounter with anti-Semitism, his repeated experiences as an emigre, and his classic and beautiful blend of Polish and French cultures.

However, although I do not know him personally, he has been on my mind more than any other person for the past eight months. I can envisage him forcibly confined and continually monitored in a Swiss chalet where he is trying to work but - as I well know - is unable to.

~SNIP~

I will say nothing here about the legal aspect of this entire affair. Nonetheless, I do wish to say that European art, literature and theater have taught us that we must tear the curtain off all judicial, religious and ideological rules and that we must view human existence in all its concrete reality.


As someone who feels a loyalty to that culture, I refuse to be blind to the absurdity of Polanski's situation: He is being persecuted for an act that took place 33 years ago. All the protagonists in the drama long ago pardoned him. For this act, he is the defendant in an endless trial that will benefit no one. Absolutely no one.

~SNIP~



The writer, winner of the Jerusalem Prize, authored "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," among other novels.


http://www.haaretz.com/haaretz-authors-edition/free-roman-polanski-1.293647


Wow , this letter leaves a bad taste in my mouth .... maybe it is better to just enjoy works of Art without idolizing their creators.

[seabeyond]

1. won't say anything about him drugging and raping a 13 yr old girl, but

i like his movies.... i really do

free the dude.

:sarcasm:

[RZM]

2. People just don't seem to get this . . .

While the fact that his victim has the strength to forgive is laudable (and probably has made her life much better), it's not the victim's decision what happens to the perpetrator. That's like arguing that Roe vs. Wade should be overturned since the woman at the center of the issue back then has since reached a different conclusion about abortion.

[Dorian Gray]

3. Kundera

like all these other idiots, buy into the BS that they are artistes, and, therefore, above reproach.

Foolish man.

[joeybee12]

4. Thank you for posting this...now something other than a Helen thomas thread

can start flaming!

[uppityperson]

5. Just because you have evaded the law for 33 yrs does not excuse the ccrime.

He is being "persecuted" for a crime that he did.