Kevin Smith’s story about Harvey Weinstein effectively preventing a “Dogma” sequel isn’t the only one about the Miramax co-founder’s adverse actions against various actors and filmmakers. Before sexual abuse allegations and convictions ended his Hollywood career, he clashed with numerous people in the industry, and several accounts of his misconduct have come out. He harassed numerous stars — including A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie — and was known to bully his underlings and actors alike. “Dogma” star Salma Hayek’s description of Weinstein’s on-set behavior, for instance, features numerous instances of harassment and threats.
Weinstein also had a penchant for forcing his own vision on filmmakers. Some of them could weather the changes he wanted to make with outside help. These include “Tár” writer-director Todd Field, whose first movie, “In the Bedroom,” survived Weinstein’s meddling after he called Tom Cruise for help and the superstar gave him tips on how to handle the executive.
Others, like Hayao Miyazaki, took the then-Miramax boss head-on and refused to budge. “I did go to New York to meet this man, this Harvey Weinstein, and I was bombarded with this aggressive attack, all these demands for cuts … I defeated him,” he told The Guardian, referencing Weinstein’s demands for the U.S. version of the 1997 film “Princess Mononoke.” Unfortunately, a different fate befell Smith when it came to “Dogma,” and the filmmaker doesn’t seem too hopeful about a sequel happening in the foreseeable future.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
