From: Jim M
Category: Amis
Date: 7/13/99
Time: 7:07:18 AM
Remote Name: 195.11.50.201
Oh, Mr Cadwaller. You open up a London Fields web forum and yet you object to people speaking their mind about your project... That really doesn't make much sense to me. Okay, so maybe my passions carry me away a little, but as for calling me 'fucking insensitive', I refute this - read my post again and see how I expressly say that I am sorry for you personally that your venture has not worked out! I am VERY VERY SORRY on this level, okay? I do not actively wish folks such as yourself major misfortune, you know. I mean you NO illwill as an individual, for God's sake, I am merely disagreeing with the actual project you undertook. HOW CAN I MAKE THAT CLEAR TO YOU? If you can't react calmly to my substantiated remarks, one wonders how you'd cope with negative professional criticism of the actual film (something which surely all producers have to face to some degree). Surely as progenitors of art, by making something for others, you must be ready for ALL kinds of reaction. It's part of the bargain. At least I have always substantiated the things I have to say against your project, rather than fling gratuitous rubbish your way. I could have argued that turning London Fields into a film is "fucking insensitive" to the material itself but I'd rather not stoop to base insults like that...my aim here has been to discuss the validity of this film - this is the Martin Amis Discussion Web, after all. Yes, my thoughts may have come over quite peppery now and again (as you've SURELY noticed is the house style at MAD) but I have always tried to keep my comments reasoned and objective, explaining exactly why I believe them, and on that ground, I feel I'm entitled to have said all that I have about this project.
Please don't make this catty. As I have ALREADY SAID, I wish you well on future projects, I sincerely do - and if that's 'fucking insensitive' then someone please take me to a doctor. I apologise for clearly upsetting you. I would recommend that you are more cautious about who you court comments from on your next project. If you don't want people to speak their mind, don't invite them to.
[Apologies to Prof Diedrick and other site stalwarts for getting waylaid with this argument.]