How hard is it to separate the filmmaker from the film? And is it possible to still enjoy a film which has been written, directed or stars somebody currently facing allegations or accusations of the notorious kind? We bring this subject to light over today's news that director Bryan Singer, best known for his work on The Usual Suspects, X-Men, X-Men 2 and - more recently - Jack the Giant Slayer, has been accused of child molestation. Whether the claims are true or not, one thing's for sure: in one way or another, they will effect the upcoming release of Singer's long-awaited comic book sequel, X-Men: Days of Future Past. The semantics involved in making the decision whether to go and see a movie associated with somebody who may or may not have committed a terrible act are insanely complex. Ask Woody Allen fans, who over the past few months have had to come to terms with several allegations against a man they otherwise deem to be godly in his cinematic output: do the charges of molestation that have been thrown upon Allen render his works obsolete? Is it wrong to enjoy something by somebody facing such serious accusations? Should fans feel guilty for doing so? The problem, of course, arises from the fact that neither Bryan Singer not Woody Allen have been charged with anything at this time. In Allen's case, the recent media circus seems to have died down, but his reputation has taken a sure beating... whether or not anything ever comes of those allegations, fans and movie-goers alike will likely find themselves feeling conflicted anyway. Is it right to support an alleged child molester's work? Is it wrong to boycott their work, similarly, if they haven't been charged? It's a real moral quandary, that's for sure - one not easily approached. Will the allegations against Bryan Singer prevent you from going to see X-Men: Days of Future Past? Let us know in the comments section below.
