2.9.16 11:11

Throughout my writing life (I don’t call it a career), the most common response to my writing is: How can you say that? Which leaves me, at times, proud of what I’ve done and at other times wondering if I’m risking my audience at times.

Inevitably, I decide that I really don’t care if I lose a reader, if I am to stay true to my vision, as a writer. So that begs the question: Is it risk, if you don’t give a fuck?

Recently, Louis C.K., our generations greatest comedian, launched an online tv series on his website. For $5 bucks a pop, you can watch an amazing show filled with intelligent banter. In the first episode,  we are introduced to Horace’s (Louis C.K) uncle, Pete, played by the always amazing Alan Alda.

Uncle Pete is the crotchety old bar owner who doesn’t give a shit about your opinion, bouncing back and forth with no thought as to what he’s doing, slinging shots to his regulars like the day has never ended.

Within minutes of making his presence felt, Pete drops the n-bomb, but says he’s not racist, that he served coloreds way before anyone else did, matter-of-factly.  Now, I shouldn’t be surprised – C.K. has made a career of pushing boundries, but I’m not going to lie. I was startled.

Why would Louis risk his image, his career, like this. Sure, writers get a little more leeway, when it comes to this type of thing, but … this wasn’t a show on HBO, i’m sure he will barely make enough money to come out even. So why, why risk it?

I’ll tell you why.

Risk is where the reward is. There will never be a time when you create something that 100% of the population enjoys. And if you are stopping yourself because you don’t want to offend the 80% that could give a shit about your work, then you might as well hang up your pen.

We live in a time when artists control their work like never before. Society thirsts for content, and content providers are scrambling for your work. Well … that’s what they tell me.

Look at what the Coen brothers are doing, with their latest flick, Hail, Caesar! A tawdry, tongue in cheek middle finger to Hollywood. I’ve always believed it to be ballsy to spit in the face of your god – even if you don’t believe in it anymore.

The movie spotlights the shady past of early Hollywood, the blackmailing, sexual abuse, etc. I doubt this movie would have been made ten years ago.

Another movie to watch for, The overnight, starring Jason Schwartzman, takes the romantic comedy vehicle, and manipulates it into one of the most interesting and possibly most important movies of our time. It will make you uncomfortable – and most likely piss off most of the people who took their date to see what they thought was just another RomCom.

Be unafraid with your art.