Bad Boy

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Roman Polanski remains one of my favorite filmmakers despite some personal life snafus that test my ability to admire him.

Both pop and profound, his films stand up to countless repeat viewings. Rosemary's Baby remains my favorite film for straddling that Polanski line; a slick potboiler on one hand, but on the other prickly and subversive for how it delves into the way women's bodies are colonized, occupied and owned in pregnancy. Polanski has an identification with life's victims that adds moral depth to his artistry. But what to say about the man himself, with that unpleasant yen for young girl flesh? I love him like a deeply flawed relative: I can't seem to break the ties.

Read my review of the new HBO documentary (coming to theaters soon) of Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired, in New York Press.

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