Posted by
Marc Fusco
March 17th, 2007
Memo to: Peter Bart
Hi Peter, perhaps you know who I am, or perhaps the indie filmmaker who chops down a tree at a time as an entrepreneur wouldn’t be in your sites whatsoever. As a fellow insider, a film company owner (though small it may be), and working writer/director/producer who must also take advice and criticism with many grains of salt, I represent a sobering voice from the streets of movie town USA. And I must say one thing before I read another “memo†from the Desk of Peter Bart: your memos are stupid.
Whew, that felt good. Now a fool like myself would never revile someone of your veteran prowess as a journalist, nor really care to pick apart any of your fascinating editorials, but let me give it a shot. Pete, when you are trying give public advice to a very successful and famous businessman, someone who is at the top of arguably the most competitive business in the world, someone who has the vast resources and wide reach of influence you wouldn’t even come close to knowing, make sure it’s at least advice that isn’t stating the laymen’s obvious.
Having worked with a top industry leader myself for a long period and after dealing directly with TC as well on a few occasions, I’ve noticed that there is little comprehension and ability from someone who is not in the inner circle to truly grasp the sheer knowledge, resources and planning these titans have at their disposal which doesn’t come in memo form or in a public, paper-thin editorial. Okay, I know I sound a little cocky, but putting the cock aside, it simply is the truth. If you don’t believe me, ask the confidants to Grey, Iger, Katzenberg, Bruckheimer, Spielberg whether or not they calculate their major strategies by Ouija board, or take time to talk with top experts in the world who might have the most valuable two cents anyone could possibly find - just because they can.
All that being said, let me see if I can break down your insightful memo of March 8, 2007:
[Dear Tom,
It’s gonna be real tough running a studio, so don’t think it’ll be easy, especially since some of your competitors got a head start. And watch out that you don’t scare away other actors who might attach themselves to any of your studio’s projects ‘cause your sheer power in the industry might just do that and then what will you be left with? Oh, and seriously, you may want to consider your former friend Oprah’s prophetic, sage advice only if you want to be successful: Oprah’s Book Club favorite - “The Secret.†Perhaps it’ll give you the inspiration that will feed your soul because obviously you don’t know what you’re doing and have no inspiration or any type of positive momentum in your life.]
I think that pretty much sums up the entire “memo†that I still can’t believe Variety published. Oh and allow me to draw attention to your closing gem:
…â€soulful chicken soup is better than chicken shit.†– Dude, do you even know what you’re saying?!!? Are you high?
The band wagon is full of unoriginal Tom Cruise critics right now and it seems like you got the year-round wagon ticket to sit up in the beat-to-death and boring class. I can’t go on any further without others seeing the “Memo To Tom Cruise†for themselves. So here it is. Enjoy and tell us what you think!
Back Lot: Memo to Tom Cruise
If you thought this was foolish, check these out:
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