Open Forum Friday: Is There Anything Wrong with Nepotism in Movies?
Nepotism exists in all walks of life, but in Hollywood it is allowed to run rampant, sometimes used as a marketing gimmick or bargaining chip. Actors and directors often use their star power to secure roles for their family members, regardless of whether or not they are the best choice for the part. While it’s hard to blame them for wanting to work with their loved ones and/or foster their careers, moviegoers are the ones who ultimately lose out when they are wrong for the part. On the other hand, sometimes it can work out well for everyone, especially when the offspring of talented people also happen to inherit that talent.
Will Smith and Judd Apatow are both examples of recent Hollywood power players who have earned praise for working with their families, bringing a genuine chemistry to the screen. But some have been turned off by it as well, finding it too self-indulgent. In the case of Judd Apatow, he recently stated in an interview that he wants to do another movie focusing on his daughters, which would be his fourth movie to feature them. What do you think? Is nepotism a major problem in Hollywood? Are there situations where it works and some where it doesn’t? Would you like to see Knocked Up become a “trilogy”? Give us your thoughts here on Open Forum Friday.
