Bloodless Coup

You know, after reading that piece I have the same reaction that I had when I saw the movie: such a compelling character. Whether constructed or real - or a bit of both, as he suggests - obviously the man has tremendous charisma. He plays it so carefully that he leaves you on the line between liking that he is self-reflective enough to be unapologetic about who he is and what he wants, and disliking him for excessive self-absorption. Which, I suspect, is also part of his manipulation of his own image. However I might say that rather than being a creature dedicated to preserving tradition, that he is quite post-modern in the way he borrows, revives and recombines elements of tradition into the contemporary mix.

i didn't see born rich, and knew nothing of the brouhaha over his comments until just now, but i must say, binky, that you're thumbnail analysis of him seems spot-on to me. and generally speaking, for my money, it's hard not to like him. but then maybe i just love his jacket.