Thinkin' 'bout stuff...

I used to have this recurring daydream/daymare.  I always knew it was a shot in the dark--something that I knew may never come to fruition.

As a young'un, I wondered what it would be like to meet some of my favorite celebs.  For whatever reason, it was always Demi Moore who would come to mind.  I would be terrified that when I finally met her (as a Hollywood big-wig myself--or even as fan or extra), that she would turn out to be a total bee-otch (of course I didn't think of that term when I was kid, cuz that term wasn't around yet).  It was a long shot, but even to this day, I wonder what it will be like when I find myself within the inner sanctum (or at least on the outside ring) of the Hollywood machine.

Today, it dawned on me.  As I grow closer to finding success w/ screenwriting and I begin to find my place in the outer bits of Hollywood (no, I don't have delusions of grandeur--I know I'm not "somewhere" yet), I feel like I should begin to hold my tongue.

Clearly, we all know that my love is horror.  And it's also become clear over the years that the horror heroes of my youth are far more approachable, accessible and loving than many mainstream names.  The explosion of horror conventions.  Need I say more?

The example which came up in my brain today, was Kevin Tenney (who I'm friends w/ on Facebook--we don't know one another, it's a fan/filmmaker friendship.  I've got lots of those on FB).  He directed one of my all time fave guilty pleasures; WITCHBOARD.  It's built quite a cult following, and despite some truly great pieces to it's low budget puzzle, it's a bit of a howler.  There's Kathleen Wilhoite, the creepy-as-shit villain, a great cameo from Rose Marie (and the brilliantly funny final line, "I didn't know they've been around that long") and the opening credits music which I used to torture my friends by rewinding over and over and over again--the music cue when the title washes onto the screen.  That's all brilliant, entertaining and fun.  But, let's face it, it's not a "great" movie, and yet I simply adore it.

So this brings me to my point (finally?).  I often wonder how critics act in situations where they may meet up w/ the filmmakers/actors/writers whom they have skewered or practically humiliated.  Such is the case here.  I seem destined to work in the biz, and more specifically in that little stretch of devoted fans, blistering zombie faces and "boo"moments (horror films), which is fine w/ me.  That's what I know and love.  But my question now becomes, "How do I approach my horror heroes, when I've panned some of their work?"  Am I honest and tell George A. Romero when I finally meet him again and we begin prep work on ME & SIMON BAKER, that I truly hated DIARY OF THE DEAD?

Of course, it's no pre-requisite that we discuss past things and there may never be a time for it.

I know I'm being my usual neurotic self, and putting pressure on things that have not, and may never, actually happen.  But, so is the thing that is me.

I am curious how my notions from years of watching, adoring, be-littling and craving these actors, directors and their films...what happens when I finally fall into league w/ them.  What if Demi is a total "bitch with a capital 'C'"? (from POLITICAL ANIMALS).  What if Mr. Tenney doesn't take kindly to folks relaying negative things about his hard work?

Obviously I'll cross these hypothetical bridges if and when they come.

Perhaps I should just go to bed and let the universe figure it out.