Last week Billy Bob Thornton gave a now famous interview with Jian Ghomeshi on the CBC radio show, Q. Hmmm, this reminds me of another similar incident….what was it…oh yah the, the Joaquin Phoenix interview on David Letterman. In both cases, the interviewee become very difficult for the interviewer. We also see two very different strategies by the interviewer (Letterman and Ghomeshi) to handle their difficult guest. Lets compare.
The biggest difference after watching both interviews is the way my gut felt when they were over. After watching the Letterman/Phoenix interview I felt satisfied. During the entire interview, as an audience member, I was thinking, “Phoenix is a dick”. So was Letterman and he didn’t take it. During the interview Letterman was able to be professional and out stage Phoenix by throwing his shit back in his face. As an audience member Letterman was able to take Phoenix down a notch or two. To me, once it was all over, I was very satisfied. The asshole got what was coming to him.
This is different from the way I felt after the Ghomeshi interview. When it became obvious that Billy Bob was going to be difficult, Ghomeshi addressed the issue head on, but then proceeded in a professional manner. This strategy was a good one as it highlighted how big if a dick Billy Bob was being. However, as an audience member I wanted Ghomeshi to stick up for himself and throw a little something back in the face of Billy Bob. When the interview ended I was NOT satisfied, which was evident by the burning sensation in my belly. I felt as if Billy Bob had gotten away with coming into Ghomeshis’ house and slapping him in his face. I was mad.
I know that it may be a stretch compare Letterman to Ghomeshi since Letterman is a legend and has more experience behind the desk, but in Canada, you have to admit that Ghomeshi is a pretty big tird in a relatively small pond. Just look at the media attention this story has received. I think Ghomeshi is a smart enough guy that he could have sunk Billy Bob with a few cheap shots and gotten away with it. Ghomeshi handled the situation in a professional, Canadian manner and came out looking like the better man. Still, I wish he had handed it to Bill Bob. Hey Billy Bob, Jian was once the King Of Spain. You’re lucky he decided not to make you eat his humble pie. Next time, I hope he does.
