Billy,I went to the Seattle Film Festival with my sister Denise, who is part of your fan club. She is the one who got the autograph for Max. I was surprised by the excitement I felt when we realized you were sitting in the front of the auditorium. I found myself staring curious to see how you acted and whom you were talking to. The thought of sharing the room with a real movie star seemed a little weird.
I thought MacArthur Park was a really good movie, better than I expected, I thought it was going to be really depressing since it was about drug addicts. The movie portrayed many different cultures and how anyone can get caught up in drugs. The best thing about the movie was that there were some happy endings, like the girl getting on the bus back home at the end of the movie.
I think that Blue was my favorite character, because she realized that the drugs had control of her life, but she was not going to let anyone else take advantage of her. She knew she needed help, but just wasn't ready to get it yet.
The best part about the whole thing was that Tyrone got help and pulled himself out of Macarthur Park. I thought it was so awesome to find out that this was really true and that you helped him do it. Especially after finding out that this was over a 5 year period. You had Tyrone's screen play and you could have just run with it, but you really knew the importance of his input and wanted to help him as a person as well. When many others would have long since given up on him.
I guess it is like you were saying about homeless people you were interviewing, they are people too. Well, I think that sometimes we forget that about celebrities also, we put them on a pedestal or think that they are arrogant and selfish, just because they have more than we do, or have the confidence to do what you do. I think everyone needs to know that they are appreciated and that they deserve recognition for their good works.
I thought about telling you that I thought it was great the way that you not only included Tyrone in the making of the movie, but that you never gave up on him. You understood how important his input would be and that the life of a perfect stranger was important to you. I was too shy to tell you this in person so I am writing this letter and having Denise forward it on to you, in hopes that you will get it someday.
I was never a "Billy fan" before but that was for lack of knowing who you were. I would have to say I am a "Billy fan"now.I hope that myself and others can learn from your compassion for others. I would have to say my trip to the Seattle Film Festival and seeing "MacArthur Park" reminded me not to judge others, whether they be homeless or a celebrity.
I guess I just wanted to tell you well done and keep up the good works with Wirthwhile Productions, a fitting name.
Sincerely,
Paula
Denise Photos |Home Page|MacPark Fanclub Links