Yes, the ever-controversial, award-winning braveheart Mel Gibson visited the Black Fortress for an oh-so-short one hour, yesterday. Like his "in vino veritas" drunken tirade that resulted in the spewing of anti-semitic remarks among other things, the ugly side of the Black Fortress' butterflies surfaced when they got the chance to meet the aging-but-still-good-looking-for-a 51-year-old actor! The butterflies I'm refering to are the chosen beauties (or the silly fillies or the institution's version of dumb blonds). Chosen by the institution's owner and Big Man himself, who encourages minimal attire, maximum make-up and the act of throwing themselves at men.
Honestly! Were it not for the big signboards of the institution's name, one would think it is an institution of debauchery! Well, what else would you call girls who were dressed in their scantily-best and thick make-ups throwing themselves at the star, and later hugging to their hearts the experience of giving the star, tight hugs and teasing (more wolfish and extremely silly) looks. In particular, there was this girl who was supposed to perform a belly dance routine. To put it succintly, she was wearing a black bra-like top and a long skirt with slits on both sides up to her backside. Pretty much throwing herself at Mel. To be fair, there were some decent (actual) beauties with brains. (Of course the numbers are countable... with one hand).
Ok, I confess I was rather excited in meeting Mel Gibson, who was my one-time (long time ago) major crush-idol, but no way am I gonna stoop to such a ridiculous level. And trust me these girls were on major suck-up mode (probably hoping for an instant offer into movie-stardom). Like thaaaat's gonna happen. I mean, come on! Mel Gibson was there for a superficial visit with a superficial air and superficial act of being nice and giving compliments. Like a.n.y... o.t.h.e.r... star who visits; they come, they be nice, they go!
Anyways, the day started off embarassingly so. I got a glimpse of him when he got out of his car before a mob of desperate, screaming students with cameras, camera-phones and digicams swallowed him. After which I could only see occasional balding grey head bobbing up and down. (Do you get the image?)
It was really amazing (not the balding head, mind you...but the incredible mob) because I happened to be standing among the front-side-liners. But I quickly moved away as the crowd swooped in. As much as I wanted to meet Mel Gibson, I certainly did not have a death wish! The thought of being trampled on the platform, in an undignified manner (although sure to get Mel's attention) did NOT appeal to me. Yes, how we look after a traumatic experience is important. (*twinkle*)
Thus, I stayed away...watching his head from afar...far far away in the sidelines...*sigh* (I know I'm getting dramatic here...bear with me as I complete the drama with the Victorian-style almost-swooning sigh...)!
Mel Gibson probably never expected this crazy-frenzy mob because when he got out of the car, he seemed relaxed (just seconds before the pandemonium began). After that, arrangements had to be made for temporary bodyguards and human barriers around him.
What was somewhat embarrasing and disconcerting was the fact that nobody really noticed Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson's long-time friend and producer, whom many did not recognise. He was pretty much overshadowed by Mel's presence. Understandably because Mel used to be hunky actor and now an accomplished actor-turned-director/producer old man, while Bruce is a mediocre-looking behind-the-scene old man. Though honours were given to both, Mel got most of the attention.
Mel's and Bruce's itinerary included a tour around the black fortress (which had to be cut short due to time constraints); Mel giving a talk to the film academy; lunch with the Big Man; and then chao-ing.
It was only towards the end when they were walking towards their cars that I got to snap a picture of Mel (refer to the above pic). I wanted to get his autograph but alas, the crowd was too thick to penetrate and he was heavily guarded by then...it was difficult to even get within 5 feet of him.
Even then, there were a couple of students who were screaming, "I LOVE YOU, MEL!!!!". Right behind me. It was darned embarrassing! God, I felt like turning around and telling them, "Get a grip, girls!". The things people do when they are consumed by the "Mel-wine".
It's like a moment of absolute madness...that changes your whole behaviour... that makes you act irrationally, recklessly and rashly. But people come to their senses after the madness passes. That is the truth of the Mel-wine or rather the meeting-of-stars-wine.
And then eventually they left...it was over! In some ways it was "Phew" and in others it was disappointing. I mean, it's not everyday that you get to see Hollywood stars within a few feet of you. Anyways, the way I see it, "Well...people come, people go! Celebrity or not they are also human, who go through life just like everyone else only perhaps under the scrutiny of the public."
So Long!
