O.J. Simpson 'The Unpromotable' Film: Will It Help Revamp Image?
Despite being behind bars, OJ Simpson is hard at work preparing to release a new documentary about his attempt to promote a chain of nightclubs after the death of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown. Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, but the public trial tarnished his image significantly.
The film, "The Unpromotable," is compiled of footage taped during a United States tour in 2001. Simpson appeared at nightclubs and concerts in order to regain a following after the brutal murder of his ex-wife and her boyfriend, Ron Goldman. Even though he was acquitted of all charges, many still believed that Simpson was guilty of the double homicide.
Norman Pardo took the job of trying to reestablish Simpson's popularity and filmed the entire cross-country tour in 2001.
"It's him with girls all over him in clubs. It doesn't show him in a great light (but) in both lights. I do show what it's like to work with him," Pardo told the New York Daily News.
Of course, it is hard to promote the film, given that the star is behind bars and will remain so for some time. In 2008, Simpson was found guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery and sentenced to up to 33 years in prison. He could be released on parole after nine years, which would be 2017.
"I didn't mean to hurt anybody, and I didn't mean to steal from anybody," Simpson told Judge Glass before sentencing. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all of it."
Simpson is suffering from depression while in prison and is having a hard time coping with life behind bars, according to Pardo.
"We just talk about happy things because he's really depressed right now," he told NY Daily News.
Simpson has asked that the film not be released until after the 2012 election for fear that it would hurt President Obama's chances of reelection.
"He doesn't want an issue with this election with race," Pardo explained.
"It's fantastic," Craig Brand said of the film. "It's a culmination (and) a telltale movie."