Thursday, January 24, 2008
The horror of Selma Blair
Originally published as my Telly Watch column in Crikey.com.au, 24 January 2008.
You have probably heard that, like The Office, Kath & Kim is to be Americanised. I know it has its fans, and I know many of them will be horrified by this development, but I can’t say I’m perturbed. Maybe I’m missing something, but to me, Kath & Kim, despite the initial genius of its characters, has always been a one joke, no-story borefest. The Americans have no doubt dumped a whopping pile of cash on the doorsteps of Gina Riley and Jane Turner, so for mine that earns them the right to do anything they like with the show.
Anything, that is, but this. Selma Blair to play Kim? I might not be a Kath & Kim fan, but some things go beyond personal taste and become universal human concerns. To those of you who don’t know Selma Blair, stop reading now and protect your innocence. For Selma is a rare actress in that she has never contributed anything of value to any project she has ever been involved in. She is bland, devoid of charisma and utterly without empathy, warmth or energy. The American version of The Office has become wildly popular largely because of the brilliance of its cast. But cast Selma in Kath & Kim, and that sort of appeal is a long, long way off.