Roman Polanski

The news this morning that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office had presented an arrest warrant to Swiss Authorities four days ago, in advance of the director’s appearance at the Zurich Film Festival is most disappointing. Does the D.A. in Los Angeles really think that this case is worth extradition?

Considering the long history of embarrassments and failures this office has in its past, it seems this is a case that has taken on a prideful significance long since abandoned of any claim for justice. Mr. Polanski has lived since his flight in 1978 in exile from the United States, and has long-since settled with the victim. Indeed, the victim has taken a position in Mr. Polanski’s defense and publicly asked that the charges be dropped.

I’ll make no claims to total impartiality. I’m a huge fan of Mr. Polanski’s work. In my opinion he is one of the most important film directors of the post-WWII era still living. But I will say, I don’t believe Roman Polanski’s stature as a director is what makes this case such a joke. The efforts of Los Angeles County to save face would be just as ridiculous if the target of their warrant were a person of little notoriety. Perhaps the taxpayers of California would like to know the cost of extradition, trial and incarceration before they let the face-seeking District Attorney proceed.

And while they are at it, they could try to convince the rest of us that L.A.’s streets are safe and they have no more pressing matters to address than a 30+ year old case against a high profile eccentric.

I ask you to consider sending the District Attorney in Los Angeles your thoughts. They can be reached by email at webmail@da.lacounty.gov.