WHAT PRICE FAME? After more than 20 years in the film industry Mel Gibson says that the biggest lesson he's learned as an nctor has been how important it is to have a oving family at his side. "When I started out in my career I was often referred to as "the sexiest man in the world" or some such nonsense. At the time, though, it went to my head and I really took to being a celebrity.However, after the initial euphoria I found that not only was I spending long periods away from home but I never had any time to myself, none of which made me particularly happy: His wife Robyn saw what was happening and came to the rescue; she simply told him to "stop, come home and take some time off" But Mel Gibson thinks it's ten times worse for today's young stars. He believes that the new breed of heartthrobs such as Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio have it much harder than he ever did. "The youngsters today receive constant attention from the media, which means they can't do anything without seeing their picture all over the front page the next day."
The experience of Cameron Diaz bears witness to that All he tine she was dating Matt Dillon she never felt her personpal lite was her own. "After a while we both got used to being chased by photographers, and having every aspeet of our relationship analysed by the media. But it meast we coula never really lead a normal life together." The pressures of working together with Dillon on There's Something About Mary were probably as much to blame for their painful and much publicized break-up as the sensation-seeking jouralists, but all the same. Cameron has resolved to be more guarded about her private life and she now gives as little away as possible about her relationships.
Wild man of comedy, Jim Carrey, also complains about the lack of privacy. He remembers with anger the time he took some family photographs to be developed in a shop close to his S4 million Los Angeles home. "Two weeks later they were in the local newspaper. Someone in the shop obviously made a lot of money out of them." For Carrey, being a famous actor also means being a diplomat, "People may come up to you in the street when you're in a really bad mood, and you have to talk to them as if you were delighted to see them. If nof, word gets round that you're a miserable human being and that's how you're remembered.
Bruce Willis feels that too much importance is attached to what's written in magazine articles, since most of it's untrue anyway. He firmly believes he has a right to protect himself and his family from over-inquisitive reporters "If the paparazzi start taking photos of my children and asking them questions, I just get'in the way and teach them a few manners. Of course, they don't take too kindly to this, and the public is given the impression from what they read that I'm arrogant and rude. It's all very frustrating." Frustrating it may be, but how sorry should we feel for people like Willis? Michael Douglas and Catherine ZetaJones certainly can't complain about jounalists: It is said they were paid £1 million by OK! nagazine for allowing its photographers to take exclusive pictures of their wedding. Of course, being in the public cye does have its drawbacks, but these are nothing compared with the positive aspects of fame. After all, if the publicity and pressure of fame get too much for the Douglas family, they can always escape to Michael's Jarge house on the beautifal Mediterranean island of Mallorca. Fame is a wonderful thing - as long as you can afford to get away from it! Cau 56. What are we told about Mel Gibson's attitude to fameA. It has taught him a lot about life. B. He enjoyed it at first. C. It has helped to make him happy. D. Fame is not important to himCau 57. What caused Cameron Diaz and Matt Dillon to end their relationship? A. Their appearance together in a film. B. Cameron Diaz had a relationship with someone else. C. A combination of reasons. D. The attentions of the media. Cau 58. Jim Carrey was angry about the photographs because A. they took a long tine to develop. B. they were very expensive to develop. C. the shop was closed for a long time. D. his privacy was not respected. Cáu 59. What does Jim Carrey say about being recognized in the street? A. He sometimes has to hide his true feelings. B. He finds it very irritating. C. He is always pleased to meet people. D. It is a sign that people have not forgotten him Cau 60. What is the author's opinion of the rich and famous? A. He thinks they are paid too much. B. He thinks we should feel sorry for them C. He thinks their lifestyle has more advantages than disadvantages D. He thinks they complain too much
