George Clooney, since hitting the UK to launch his new directorial effort Leatherheads, has been a ubiquitous figure of late. Unsurprisingly there’s been plenty of paparazzi snaps of the dapper Cary Grant-alike out promoting the film, not to mention countless interviews graciously served up to daytime TV.
However, Clooney ventured beyond the showbiz pages and into national news with his ‘audience’ with Gordon Brown. This, somehow, has further endeared him to the world. Though undeniably admirable for raising awareness of the ongoing situation in Darfur, it’s highly questionable that even Clooney is seductive enough to charm the PM into a policy switch on the issue (I’ve heard he much prefers Brad anyway).
Celebrity mixed with politics makes for an increasingly slippery slope. Charlton Heston, a highly regarded and equally celebrated icon of American cinema, passed away with little fanfare on 5th April. It would be a shame if he is remembered only as the right-wing, gun-waving NRA spokesperson featured in Bowling For Columbine, filmed as Alzheimer’s set in. Evoking his trademark austerity on film, this image disguises a great actor, who marched on Washington in 1963, vociferously opposed the Vietnam War and hated Nixon. Clooney may need to tread carefully; public opinion is easily swayed.
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