By Ben Whimpey Producer, Godwin Pictures
We have all heard about actor Charlie Sheen’s recent downfall and sacking from American sitcom Two and a Half Men. What does it have to do with us?
Sheen is currently the focus of the world’s attention because of his morally bankrupt behaviour. (Don’t worry – this blog isn’t going to be me standing on my soapbox being pious about the evils of drugs and porn).
At first I was hesitant to comment on the topic as firstly I’m not the kind of person who pays attention to celebrity gossip. Secondly, I felt I shouldn’t be dignifying his behaviour with a response - I didn't want to bring attention to someone who’s acting like snot-nosed selfish little kid.
But I think the issue brings up some important issues worth discussing.
Godwin Pictures is founded on Transformational Entertainment – the concept that a film can have a real impact on the audience member. We hope to make an impact for the better: making entertainment that offers the possibility for something better in life. I’d argue Two and a Half Men does exactly the opposite; and both Charlie Sheen and our society are paying the price of that.
I believe that what we have here, in Charlie Sheen, is a prime, clear-cut demonstration of the real-world consequences of a toxic television show. The show’s female characters are treated either like Madonnas or whores. The hero - Sheen’s character – is a chauvinistic woman hater and much more.
I can’t understand why a show that celebrates that kind of behavior has been celebrated and rewarded like it has. What’s going on? What’s more, it is shown in an early evening timeslot when young audiences are watching! If we grew up on Happy Days and Friends, how is this upcoming generation’s worldview going to be influenced from growing up with Two and a Half Men?
While I feel the producers of Two and a Half Men did the right thing in eventually kicking Sheen off the show, I can’t seem to ignore the double standards that seem to be acceptable in our day and age. Why don’t we see anything wrong with celebrating such a flawed character in the sitcom; and then moments later condemning the train-wreck, as the consequences of Sheen's mirrored life-style hit in real life? I think we all should be taking responsibility for Charlie Sheen's downfall, including the profiteering producers of the show. To me it’s like egging on your mate to play chicken with cars on the freeway and then cringing when he gets hit by a truck. Your conscience wouldn’t let you sit back and just say ‘isn’t he stupid’ because you know you were the one that convinced him to do it in the first place! I’m not saying he shouldn’t take responsibility for his own actions - he should - but we as a society have a responsibility for our actions too.
I want to stand up and say there is a cost of celebrating morally-corrupt role models on television. As much as we like to pretend that it’s all just entertainment, this is just another example of the corrosive affect it has on our culture.
It’s easy to make the sleazy, sexy shows that rate. What’s hard to is take a risk and make entertainment that has a positive affect on culture with positive role models and messages. This is the battle Godwin Pictures is choosing to fight. As a society and as filmmakers, have we lost our will to fight for what is right and good? Shouldn’t we be championing filmmakers and public figures who take on the hard battles? Isn’t it more honourable to stand up for a culture that’s sensitive and intelligent and puts the futures of our children first above sleazy cheap entertainment?
Yes, there are challenges. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do the right thing. The rewards are for all of us – not least the children who are exposed to this stuff at 7.30 at night.
Some questions for you…
Which TV show is the opposite of Two and a Half Men?
Which programs or films are engaging, funny AND communicate positive messages?
Who's the antithesis of Charlie Sheen? Can you think of a public figure who uses their powers of celebrity for good?
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