Oscar Picks: The Master

We are getting closer and closer to awards season which is hard to believe, but I am ready to sink my teeth into some good, juicy Oscar-worthy films again.  Don't get me wrong, it was fun covering Magic Mike and Rock of Ages this summer, but the fall always brings out the best in Meryl Streep and George Clooney.

One film that I have my eye on is Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master.  Some are saying it is a look into Scientology and the rise of L. Ron Hubbard while others say it has nothing to do with the controversial religion.  Either way, Mr. Anderson has supposedly shown his work to his friend, Tom Cruise, and they did not see eye to eye on the film.  I can read into that a million ways, but it seems like this is the year Scientology has taken a bit of a beating:  divorce, the Vanity Fair article, and now this.

Watch the trailer and let me know what you think of The Master:  Scientology-bashing or just a film about a cult leader?



One of the young stars of the film, Madisen Beaty, is making a huge splash in this film.  I interviewed her in 2011 at the Kids Choice Awards GBK Gifting Suite, so it's nice to see her star rise even more in the industry.  See my interview with her here. 

I am up in Napa this weekend, so I will be posting some fun photos on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt.
Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday!

Hot Topic Tuesday: Coming Out in Hollywood

Yesterday, The Wrap wrote a really insightful article about the celebrities coming out publicly with ease yet there are certain industries where it is still taboo to be out of the closet, namely big movie stars.  It seems so easy to be Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, and Anderson Cooper, all big television personalities, who came out in their own way whether it was a press release, a significant other acknowledgment in a speech, or a letter to the editor of an online publication.  The news made the headlines for a day and then we all moved on.  Living in Hollywood, I hear the rumors all of the time from the stars hiding behind the religion of Scientology to the actor in two huge summer action films to the Academy Award nominated actor who almost came out, but chickened out at the last minute. (Google Toothy Tile for a hint.) Are the rumors true?  I certainly don't hang out in celebrities' bedrooms, but with certain stars, where there is smoke, there is fire.

If telling the public has been so easy for television stars, why is it so difficult for big box office stars?  Here are some of the reasons:

1.  Box Office Dollars:  There is a lot more at stake for an actor who carries the weight of a $200 million budgeted film on their shoulders.  If audiences cannot separate a celeb's public life from their personal life, the celeb runs the risk of a slimmer bank account and a dwindling career.  In narcissistic Hollywood, people fear a dead career as much as aging in this town.  Rupert Everett has talked on record about how his open sexuality affected his career.  You can argue that he has made some bad movie choices, but only he and his agent know the type of offers that came in before and after he came out.

2. Politics:  As open-minded as cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are, there are plenty of cities and states that do their best to say anyone who is homosexual is "less than".  This is often your core movie-going audience and the heart of your fans, so this factor is taken into consideration for many stars and movie studios. Politics like California's Prop 8 (Or the antidote I support, NOH8) or the current power of the Christian right, play more into decision-making than you would think.  

3.  Image:  When you reach the stratosphere of superstardom like Brad and Angie, George Clooney, or Tom Cruise, so much of your image is controlled--from what you wear to whom you hang out with. If you buy into the system, part of your life will be ruled by this Hollywood image. (I will get into this more with in an upcoming Behind the Red Carpet post on certain behaviors of the A-Listers. )  So, if you remember back in the day when Rock Hudson married his secretary to keep his sexuality a secret, you better believe that there are a few marriages in this town that are arranged still to this day.  If I hear the excuse that "But they are married and have kids!" one more time, I might scream.  Hollywood is smoke and mirrors, things are arranged, people have a family, it's life and believe it or not, even in real life this happens too.

Will we see a major movie star come out soon?  I don't think so.  Like the country music, sports, and the hip hop industry, it's still tough for people to live their own truths.  Is it any of our business? Yes and no.  Yes, in that it is important to set a precedent for the next generation letting people know that it is okay to be who you are.  No, in that it is their private life and they should have the right to live as publicly or as privately as they want.  It's not a simple issue and it is one that won't be answered overnight.

What are your thoughts on this Hot Topic?  Do you think we will see a major movie star come out any time soon?  Chime in the comments below or join me on Facebook or Twitter.


Don't forget to join me tomorrow night on AfterBuzz TV for the So You Think You Can Dance after show with our special guest, Alexie Agdeppa from Season 7.  Check us out at 10PM PT on AfterBuzz TV. 

Media Updates: TomKat

Well, life moves quickly, doesn't it?  On Saturday, I discussed the TomKat divorce on Cocktails and Conversation and before you know it, the couple had settled their divorce.  While I think this is much better for their daughter and their personal lives, I have to say it is a bit of damage control on Tom Cruise's end.  No one has ever trumped him in the PR department......until Katie Holmes came along.  Her dad helped orchestrate an elaborate exit that was flawless and wise.  I wish them both the best and I hope their daughter emerges unscathed.

Listen to the Cocktails and Conversation "Hot Topics" show here.  It was a pretty juicy show!  I will also have Tom and Katie divorce updates tonight on Driving with Gass at 7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET on KWSS.org.  Just click on "Listen Live" on the home page.  If you are on Twitter, you can comment on the show live as well, just tweet me here.

I also want to thank StarCam for posting my interview from the red carpet of the 3rd Annual Thirst Project Gala.  It was a great evening and an incredible charity started by my friend, Seth Maxwell.  Clean drinking water is a human right, so learn more about their good works here.




Tomorrow is Hot Topic Tuesday where I will be talking about being "out" in Hollywood.  

Hot Topic Tuesday: The Summer of Scientology

If you thought you knew everything you needed to know about Scientology, think again.  With the current controversies surrounding two of its high profile members, John Travolta and Tom Cruise, this is going be a summer blanketed with "insiders" who want to give us a glimpse into the world of Scientology.  The "religion" was original designed as a philosophy by L. Ron Hubbard. Somewhere along the way, this movement turned into a religion that does not make a lot of sense to outsiders with such revered figures like Xenu and Thetans. (Trust me, read the descriptions on the characters.  It will baffle you.)  Scientology is controversial and it should be as there are legions of allegations regarding violence, stalking, threats, and even death.  The church is powerful and it relies upon its celebrity members to bring in millions of dollars to keep the momentum going.  Here are a few interesting facts about Scientology that you might not have known before.

1.  Scientology and the IRS waged a twenty-six year court battle over their tax exemption status.  They regained their nonprofit tax exempt status in 1993, thanks to the Clinton Administration.  Since then, their coffers have exploded and their real estate portfolio has expanded.

2.  The group owns about $300 million worth of historic Hollywood buildings. These twenty-six buildings (The number so far, I imagine this number will grow.) are preserved and maintained, so the city of Los Angeles is a big fan of their efforts.

3.  Like most religions, members are expected to give 10% of their earnings to the church.  Of course, their members include high profile celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Kelly Preston, Erika Christensen, Anne Archer, Giovanni Ribisi, Greta Van Susteren, Jason Lee, Jenna Elfman, Jeffrey Tambor, Kirstie Alley, Leah Remini, Lisa Marie Presley (Left the Church in 2012), Nancy Cartwright (AKA Bart Simpson), and Isaac Hayes. (And depending on who you talk to, Will Smith has some ties to the Church.)

4.  Isaac Hayes quit his role on South Park thanks to this infamous episode, "Trapped In the Closet", which hilariously spoofed the rumors that Tom Cruise and John Travolta are in the closet.  I personally find Tom Cruise rather asexual, but the John Travolta rumors are proving to be uhhhhh....."possibly" true given the latest round of sexual harassment lawsuits.  I say latest round because this is not the first time this has happened.  If you haven't seen the brilliant South Park episode by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, watch it here. (And read about the rebroadcast controversy here.  It seems that the Church put a little muscle behind delaying a second airing on Comedy Central.  The Mormons have handled their Broadway spoof way better than the Scientologists.)


5.  There seems to be a dark side to Scientology that is oft repeated by members who have left the Church.  The websites offer suggestions on how to leave the Church or tell stories of kids raised in the Church or offer spooky stories about missing members including the wife of David Miscavige, head of the Church of Scientology. (See Shelly Miscavige.  She's been missing since 2007 or by some reports, 2006.)


What are your thoughts on the Church of Scientology?  Is it a religion?  Is it a cult?  Are the celebrities being used for their public status and wealth?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Disclaimer:  Let's see....I'm not promoting nor defaming Scientology.  I was raised Catholic and although my status probably falls in the "lapsed Catholic" category, I still identify myself as such.  This is just a healthy discussion on Hollywood and a controversial religion.  I think that covers it, right? 

Rock of Ages: The Interviews

If you are a musical theatre geek like me, get thee to the theatre this weekend to see Rock of Ages.  I promise, you will love it!  Check out my article for Fanboy Comics which includes an interview that I did for iVillage with stars Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.  As a bonus, check out my interview with Catherine Zeta-Jones about who she modeled her politician wife after......you might be surprised.

Fanboy Comics article here.

For excerpts of my interview with Malin Akerman, click here.  It was featured in the Father's Day piece for iVillage.



If you see Rock of Ages this weekend, leave me your thoughts on the film on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

The Friday Five

Well, it's been quite a week here at Red Carpet Closet!  I've answering your comments and Tweets all day, you are keeping me busy and I like it.  Keep it up!  We chatted about baby bumps, Thor, life after porn, and beauty.  Here are a few other things you may have missed:

1.  Dark Shadows: I saw the movie on Sunday night and as a fan of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, I was a little disappointed.  Find out why in the article I wrote for Fanboy Comics this week.

2.  Giveaway:  We have TWO winners!  Congratulations to Karen W. who won the gift bag and to Maureen G. who won the Sanuk footwear.  Make sure to take a photo and I will post it.



3. Viral Video:  I caught the battle of the "Call Me Maybe" covers.  I know the Harvard boys started it first, but I think the SMU ladies win for their upside-down creativity.  It's going to be hard to get this song out of your head, I'm warning you.

4.  Munich:  I'm going to Germany for a job in August, so I plan on spending some time in the country after the job ends.  Where should I go? What should I do?  Most importantly, what should I eat and wear should I shop?  I am open to suggestions, so let me know in the comments below or on Faceook or Twitter.



5.  Rock of Ages:  I am not a fan of Tom Cruise--never have been even going back to his Top Gun days. THIS movie has me excited and it's starring Tom Cruise along with a whole host of familiar faces including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, and Julianne Hough.  It looks spectacularly cheesy and I can't wait to see it.  Watch the trailer and tell me if this looks like a campy disaster.  The film opens June 15th.

Have a great weekend!  See you all on Monday.

Should Celebrities Give Great Customer Service?

On my flight to Chicago yesterday, I picked up a People magazine to bide my time on the three and a half hour trip.  I am actually one of those crazy people who reads a magazine cover to cover including the MailBag section.  A letter to the editor caught my eye, so here is the letter in full:

"Thank you for your usual fine coverage of the Oscar celebrations.  This year I had the good fortune 
to be in the red carpet bleachers, and I must report that absolutely the most generous and kind celebrity in terms of fan interactions was George Clooney.  He was clearly having a great time and was the only star I saw who came over to the velvet ropes to sign autographs and allow fans to take photos.  As an expert in customer service, I applaud George Clooney for great service to his customer at the 84th Annual Academy Awards." 

Donna Cutting Asheville, N.C.

Most people might read a letter like that and pass it off as a fan letter to George Clooney, but what struck me was her comment about customer service to his fans.  After going through two Oscar cycles and interviewing more celebrities as a result, it is important for actors to understand that giving great customer service is a part of their job.  Now, I'm not talking about jumping up to greet fans at every meal or while on vacation, but making an effort to walk over to fans at premieres, red carpets, and public press events goes a long way with the people who are essentially paying the stars' salary with each film that is released.  George is a master at this, but the man who wrote the book on fan customer service is Tom Cruise.  Whether you like him or not, he is one of the kindest celebrities who always says "yes" to his fans.  Why?  He "gets" it.  He knows that these are the people that created his career, that bought tickets to Top Gun and stayed with him through his latest Mission Impossible film, and he knows that one small interaction with him will make a great impression.....and keep that fan buying tickets to his movies.  

When I do radio appearance like here or here, I often get asked who my favorite celebrities are to interview.  My favorites celebrities are usually the ones you don't expect because often times the bigger names have a tendency to disappoint me in interviews.  They hate to do press, they don't want to be in the room, and they don't try to hide it.  I totally understand that the questions can be inane and repetitive, but sitting through eight hours of a press junket at a five star hotel is way better than being a coal miner, right?  I have repeated it over and over, but it's a part of their job.  It may not be their favorite part of the job, but it comes with the territory of fame, money, and celebrity.  So, I would love to see some stars embrace this part of their job and enjoy the process because it is the press and the fans who make sure your next ten million dollar paycheck clears.  Sadly, the George Clooneys and Tom Cruises in the industry are pretty rare, but that quality is also what makes them huge A-List stars.  They just "get" it.  

If you want to read more on press and the entertainment industry, see my other articles here and here.  

To continue the conversation, join me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus.

The 61st Annual Academy Awards

Today's post was inspired by Elle Sees since she was the one who sent me the link on Twitter with the words, "Thought you might like this".  Oh boy, was she right!  All of the photos I am about to share with you are from the 61st Annual Academy Awards and were taken by photographer, Alan Light.  After my experience this year at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards as a member of the press, I learned how important the credential process is and how seriously security is taken at the show.  It is amazing to see how times have changed from Alan's experience in 1989 (and you MUST read his story.) versus my experience in 2011.  It's just a different time in history.  You can see his credentials in several photos.  If you go through all of my photos, you will never see them on me.  I kept my credentials as a souvenir, but they are packed away and hidden from view.



The other thing that stood out in my mind is that these photos are from the legendary and disastrous 1989 show that was Executive Produced by Alan Carr.  If you don't know the sequence of events that took down the show, read all about it here.  It involved Rob Lowe, Snow White, Lucille Ball, Roy and Dale Evans, Disney, and the threat of a lawsuit.  I think it was a show the Academy would like to forget because I have yet to see a video of the epic opening number from that year on YouTube.  If you are curious about that evening, be sure to check out Rob Lowe's autobiography too.  It is worth the read especially if you are an Oscar aficionado and the wonderful Lucille Ball story inside is worth the price of admission.



I went through Mr. Light's gallery and pulled specific photos from the show because they all represent a time and a place:  people we have lost, a simpler time gone by, fashions that should stay in the closet, and a wonderful piece of Oscar history.  There are a lot of photos, so sit back and enjoy!

 Lest anyone forget, Tom Cruise is on Wife #3 with Katie Holmes.  Here is wife #1, Mimi Rogers, the one who introduced Tom to Scientology.  Yes, thank her for the couch jumping on Oprah.  

 Patrick Swayze

 The always elegant Meryl Streep.

 Better left in the closet, the shiny striped pant suit on Carly Simon.  Wait a minute...pants at the Oscars?!!

 Bruce Willis has hair!

 Don Johnson has even more hair!

 Prom or the Oscars?  Melanie Griffith was married to Don Johnson, not Antonio Banderas at this point.

 Oh yeah, I'm a Oscar winner!  Jodie Foster wins her first Academy Award for The Accused. 

 Sigh.  River Phoenix, to think he only had four more years left in his young life. 

 Here's where the show gets a bit bizarre.....legends Roy and Dale Evans in their classic Western wear.

 EPIC 80's photo alert!!  Drew Barrymore in a tight, short dress to the OSCARS with one of the Coreys, Corey Feldman.

 Olivia Newton-John sporting the Laura Ashley prom look with big 80's hair.

 Another pants suit, what the heck, people?!!  Ricki Lake at the Governor's Ball.

 Always simple and elegant, Sigourney Weaver. (And a reminder that less is always more with fashion.)

 Before Ebert and Roeper, there was Siskel and Ebert.  He passed away in 1999.

 Angie Dickinson looks like a feather duster, but she is always beautiful.  Her outfit reminds me of this dress at this year's SAG Awards. 

 Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline.....and oh yeah, black hose. 

 Oh very young, Tom Hanks.

 Rob Lowe looks better in 2011, no?

 Tom Selleck sporting the gold chains, the 'stache, and the slicked back hair.  

Ms. Lucille Ball.  This was her last public appearance. She passed away a month later.  Ms. Ball would have been 100 years old in 2011.  

 I don't think Goldie Hawn has aged one day since this photo.

 The infamous Bleacher Creatures back in the day when you could camp overnight for a spot on the bleacher.  Now it is done by lottery.  

 How debonair, Mr. Vincent Price. 

 This dress should stay in the closet, what a hot mess-Mimi Rogers.

 Connie Stevens on her way to being crowned prom queen.

A baby Mayim Bialik at dress rehearsal.  According to Mr. Light, her number was cut.

 Merv Griffin and Snow White at the beginning of the show.

 I wish I could ID everyone in this photo, but this was the "Stars of Tomorrow" number in the show. I know that is Keith Coogan in the front with the striped shirt and two over to the left is Blair Underwood with Corey Feldman in the background behind Blair. Ricki Lake was in the number as was Melora Hardin, Holly Robinson Peete, Chad Lowe, and more.  Can you ID anyone else?

Geena Davis in a color we haven't seen since the 80's, mint green. 

A big thank you to Elle for sending me the link, this was a really fun post for me to share with everyone. A reminder that all of these photos belong to Alan Light and he must be credited if you decide to use any of his photos.