What Golden Globes performance could mean for the career of Ricky Gervais
Following the storm caused by Ricky Gervais' turn as host of the Golden Globes, Tim Geary, MD of Golley Slater PR takes a look at the reaction and what it could mean for the British comedian’s career long-term.
"Gervais' performance and comments seem to have drawn mixed views but one thing is certain...everyone in the media is talking about the event.
Breakfast TV, online news sites, tabloids and even broadsheets are carrying the story on the front pages, and clips from the show are doing the usual rounds on Facebook and YouTube - there's no way it would have generated the same level of interest with a much safer presenter.
So was Gervais a success? Well it depends on which side of the fence you're sitting. For the show's organisers, a record number of viewers tuned in and the aftershow debate has surely generated more air time and column inches than they could have ever hoped for. The organisers knew he was a livewire and a risk otherwise why employ him in the first place. It's not as though Gervais didn't warn them that he was a gamble especially after last year's performance drew criticism albeit to a far lesser extent.
It was clearly an uncomfortable night for the Hollywood Set and Gervais certainly crossed the line (more like triple jumped over the line) on several occasions and probably far too personal but that's Gervais for you...mind you the Bruce Willis 'dad' gag was hilarious and made funnier by Willis fluffing his attempt at a comeback at Gervais!! Hollywood stars expect the host to have a laugh at their expense but Gervais hardly won many friends this time around. What was interesting was seeing producers and directors rounding on Gervais' performance akin to saying 'he'd never work again in this city!'...a tad knee-jerk perhaps!
As for Gervais, what's the likely fall out for his career? It hasn't all been criticism in the US media against Gervais. Several are reported as saying that it made an otherwise boring event a major talking point but agreed Gervais wont be invited back any time soon to host another US awards ceremony. The UK media's response has been noticeably softer, seemingly accepting that this is what Gervais does and that you play with fire, you're going to get burnt. The whole performance did become a conveyor belt of celebrities being lined up for Gervais' acid-tongue comments.
So does he regret his performance? He doesn't strike me as the apologetic sort. Gervais is certainly no idiot (ok so that's another topic for debate!) and knew his comments would provoke a reaction. Perhaps he may have been caught a little off-guard as to the level of intensity of the criticism. Only time will tell whether the damage is long-term and this storm will blow over soon, leaving us all to move onto the next great celebrity scandal.
In the meantime, Gervais might do as well to keep his head down in the States until it blows over. I'm sure Russell Brand will be stealing the headlines again soon, leaving Gervais safe to come out of hiding..."
See Gervais' monologue below: