Right to Privacy Laws and the Artist

The more I read about "The Help" the more pitfalls appear in the case of the author's position. Kathryn Stockett, if one is to believe what one reads, is (or was) being sued by a real person who claims that one of the characters in the original book.

The paranoia that the film dramatises is so potent that I leave any visitor to just do a search for all this themselves. I grew up in a society that is so similar to that portrayed in "The Help" that the silence seemed natural and speaking out was the very great act of courage that is portrayed. The film is beautiful, poised and even though I felt sick after it, somewhat necessary, perhaps. The actors are obviously committed to the project and the style of dress of black women which is always admired in Europe is outstandingly good.

The humour kept me going... though it was essential to get through what is a relatively long time in the cinema.

Law suits are always a reminder to keep one's own story private, come what may. Using stories told by others is to invite disaster if the artist is to survive. There's nothing like a legal wrangle to waste time and energy all round.

The worst thing about being a writer is that intuition can cause to bring up a story that is a replica of a real person's life. If this were not so, it would be impossible to write fiction.

Coincidences in life as well as in art are what keep the show on the road.