This is often something I have had to ask myself. In the ten years since I first set out to create a website on Brandon Lee, there has been many changes and much to reflect on. Many have emailed me over the years to ask what exactly the "movement" in The Brandon Lee Movement is all about.
Initially, the site was do two things. One was to encourage more proactive productivity among fans. The second was to start to educate some rather misguided people about the truthful aspects of Brandon's life and his death. As the years have passed, especially when other sites have gone offline and lost interest, there has been the movement to educate and provide vital truth in regards to Brandon as an actor, human being, partner, son, brother and friend. In the last few years, there has been more rather 'questionable' misinformation that have been completely fabricated, most probably to fulfill some people's rather deluded fantasies about Brandon. The reasons why such idiotic elements exist online who knows, but since no one else is bothering to set things straight, then I guess it's a good thing The Brandon Lee Movement is in existence.
Too often when people are talking about Brandon, it doesn't take long to figure out that they are actually creating a persona of Brandon Lee based around his last role as Eric Draven. The Internet is full of the 'fantasy' element, whereby people confuse Brandon for the last character he played. People can get crazy notions about Brandon's ghost being with them, soulful connections in the afterlife and other fantasies, and there has been lately some people (whose fantasies have gone so out of the bounds of reality that they claim ownership over Brandon Lee) making very specific threats to not only people online, but have extended it to some of Brandon's own loved ones. This kind of behavior is disturbing and needs to stop. The majority of people/fans who visit our site are great; logical, compassionate and mature. However, there are some people that are a bit 'off' to say the least, and need a firm grounding in reality. There have been stories of stalking, which are rather disappointing since energy wasted on negativity never serves much purpose.
As we are here to educate, here are some truthful facts for you on Brandon Lee:
- Brandon has been deceased for 15 years (so, he isn't alive and hiding in the mountains, not shadowing random strangers, and certainly not talking or writing people special messages about how connected he is to them). The man died and it only disrespects his memory, his family and his legacy when anyone wants to claim their fantasies are anything but absurd. Whatever emotional connections Brandon had, he had them during his own lifetime. And if was was to visit anyone, it wouldn't be some nut breaking into Lakeview after hours, to camp out at his gravesite. Get REAL!
- Brandon for all intends and purposes was not his characters. Yes, Brandon certainly played a variety of different types of characters and there is something to be said that there always is a little of any actor in his/her roles. However, as far as reality goes, he was not Eric Draven (for instance) coming back from the dead seeking revenge or being unrested because of an injustice.
- Brandon was very happy and in love with his fiancee, Eliza. It is beyond ridiculous when people fantasies extend to trying to vilify Eliza Hutton (when they know little if anything about her, nor have they met her), or make other claims that Brandon or Eliza were un-committed to their union. The truth (as was Brandon on this subject) is very clear on this front and anyone can view the variety of quotes from Brandon (not to mention the footage and pictures that show how adoring he was towards her), as well of those who knew him - who all support Brandon's own feelings that this was the love of his life. Brandon loved Eliza, and she him. It will only ever be a tragedy that Brandon was killed just days away from marrying someone he described as his life, and his soul mate. Life goes on though - so quit the romantic notions some people got from The Crow (no coming back in this life) and start dealing in reality. Attacks on Eliza or Eliza and Brandon as a couple are weak attempts because of envy or jealousy. Stick to the reality and the reality of Brandon's life was that Eliza was the love of his life (and to Brandon - his true love and soul mate). The loss of Brandon was beyond devastating for Eliza, and she spent many many years coming to terms with the loss. Fortunately, all these years later has been able find a new happiness again (which isn't a crime!). People making threats against her and those of stalking, are not only of an illegal nature, but also a diseased and a inhumane one too. It is time for some immature "fans" (most of whom were children when Brandon died) to stop spreading malicious falsehoods about Brandon and his life with Eliza. You didn't know him, nor can anyone claim to know his inner most deepest thoughts, when simply you are not him. We can go on what statements Brandon constantly made, and the many observations, comments and accounts offered by many who did - all who say that the pair deeply loved each other and there was no doubt for them that it was a true and perfect match. Brandon loved her so much that he would only want her to be happy, and no doubt he is in peace (whenever he is) that it has now occurred. As it says on his gravesite, 'Brandon and Eliza: Ever Joined in True Love's Beauty'. There will always be a bond/connection between them (which death cannot break), but Brandon is gone and Eliza had to move on with her life (as DID every single one of his loved ones). Past and future are different lifetimes (most of us who are 'old' do already know this. Its time for the young and ignorant to understand too.) You only disrespect Brandon Lee and all that he stood for when anyone gets carried away with very disturbing fantasies. If anyone finds that they are operating outside the bounds of reality - then its time to consult a psychologist. I am not sure if some people are so desperate for a physical connection to Brandon that they want to try and re-write his history. All fans have some kind of connection to him, but it only ever will be a one way (meaning Brandon isn't aware of it), but if he was here he certainly would be appalled and disturbed that there are people who say such false and rather malicious lies about someone he truly loves. Brandon was a decent human being, as is Eliza, so I do hope that some people start to see the truth before their fantasies take over. People calling themselves "Mrs Brandon Lee" and other idiotic things, need to stop. Brandon chose Eliza to be his life partner - end of story. I would also like to remind people that Brandon had his own life connections, people need to seek their own too (maybe then some people may stop being envious and jealous of Brandon's). The man is gone, but that is no excuse for people to take out tabs on him and to claim ownership over him. He was a human being and even in death deserves the same respect he was paid in life. As the great Voltaire once wrote, " To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth." So, the truth is Brandon and Eliza were soul mates who loved each other. In summary, GET OVER IT ALREADY!
Be fans not FANATICS.
- Brandon Was a Human Being. I find it rather concerning when I see comments from people glorifying Brandon's death, and promoting him to the status of 'God' or 'Demi-God'. Brandon was just an ordinary human being, who had extraordinary gifts and valued the humanitarian within him. He accomplished his dreams, was a decent human being to others, and always tried his best to make a difference to society. However, like all of us, he wasn't perfect and he even had failures in his life too. Adversity after trauma or failure can provide the emphasis many of us need to have the courage to soldier on - no matter what. And certainly that was the case for Brandon. Brandon in his lifetime only wanted to be remembered who he truly was. He spent many years being overshadowed by a comma attached to his name (Brandon, son of Bruce Lee) and certainly strove to change people's minds to see him not only as a human being in his own right, but as an actor.
- Brandon acted in more than The Crow. How many fans know that Brandon preformed in a variety of stage plays? As much as The Crow was a groundbreaking role where Brandon's acting talents were finally recognized, it is not his ONLY acting work. I recommend that people who claim to be either Brandon Lee fans, admirers or enthusiasts seek out his other film and TV roles. A good many of the rare stuff is listed on youtube to download for FREE. It is disappointing that there has yet been leaked footage of his stage work, but you never know what the future holds.
- Brandon has his own legacy. As much as Brandon was proud of being Bruce Lee's son, he was his own man. He loved and was proud of his family name, but he did wish to leave his own mark behind and people should understand that. The Brandon Lee legacy is reflective of his OWN accomplishments.
- Brandon Lee was NOT murdered. As difficult as it is to accept the reality of someone as young, vibrant, happy and healthy as Brandon dying by accident, the world is full of unforseen accidents that take the life of innocent victims. While his death certainly could have been avoided had basic on-set fire arm regulation been abided by, Brandon's accident was completely random and was in no way intentional. The evidence and facts are very clear. There were several official investigations that took place when he died, and all suported the evidence which gave the verdict of non-felony negligence.
Remember him for who he was, not for who he wasn't.
Thanks for stopping by to read this new blog. I will make a point of updating this soon with new posts, reflection and news on what The Brandon Lee Movement (BLM) is doing to help spread the word, and preserve Brandon's legacy for the future generations.
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