VOICEBOX with David Coury

Mel On The Edge

February 8th, 2010

Preparing to do press for Edge of Darkness, Mel Gibson and his publicist knew that some “stock” answers would be necessary to field questions re his highly reported behavior of 4 years ago. And Mel and co. had to know, no matter what questions they deem are “off-limits,” someone/everyone in the press is going to go for the YouTube moment. Well, they’re going for it and they’re getting it. Mel’s on the edge displaying quite naturally a combative, defensive and menacing tone and body language. To make matters worse, his spokesperson now claims Mel was calling him (the spokesperson) an “a**hole” and not the Chicago TV interviewer. This is politics with a candidate who is out of control and a campaign manager/communication director who is out of his league or out of touch. Attention should be paid to Rahm Emmanuel’s reported and necessary apology #2 the other day re his saying the “R-word” back in August. Mel saying “I’m sorry” now, no matter how many times he thinks he’s apologized in the past, is necessary in order for a potential audience to “move on” and the only way for Mel to move on. Also, it’s the only way for Mel to “control” all his Edge of Darkness press interviews. More to the point, it would allow Mel to “feel” in control. When he feels otherwise, the short fuse is lit. Consider this:

“Will the audience welcome you back?”
“I hope so, I think so, people are forgiving and I’m sure they know that I’m truly sorry for my words. Because I am sorry.”

Now what does an interviewer do with that answer? When being interviewed, knowing full well your own history and the inevitable inquiry, your job is to diffuse the bomb, not detonate it. This is the very nature of “public” relations. Mel’s trying to be right. You have to eat it and see the bigger picture. Note to those who care about Mel: consider the bigger picture is bigger than Edge of Darkness.

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