"Midnight Express"; Brad Davis - hunk, star, major druggie, had AIDS, died in an assisted suicide attempt; "What is this self-destructive demon that some of us have?"; Fox harsh on "Harsh Realm": Vision of TV vice president talking to Shakespeare about rewrites for Hamlet - "By the way, ditch the sister business. Too weird."

One of the side effects of not being able to sleep is that I keep catching bits and pieces of movies I normally would not watch.

Last night at 12:30, I started watching "Midnight Express." The story of a young man's imprisonment in Turkey for drug smuggling. Based on a true story supposedly. An expensive, realistic-looking attempt. Read the comments at Internet Movie Database. Many were upset at the portrayal of Turkey as a barbaric nation. Some grousing about the inaccuracies of the Turkish dialogue. Some indication that the movie took considerable liberties with actual story, which I had heard before.

One very interesting comment was from someone who said he was 17 when it came out, and it changed his life. He said the stark, savage depiction of the Turkish prison scared him so much, he gave up his drug habit.

Not a lot was said about the star Brad Davis who was very much the hunk of the month at one point. After his death, information came out that Brad apparently was a hustler in NYC before becoming an actor. Was known to have had a severe drug problem. Had contracted AIDS. Died in an assisted suicide attempt.

What is this self-destructive demon that some of us have? Is it self-worth so mangled that we'll do anything to stop the pain? Is a chronic chemical imbalance? Is it some metaphysical virus? So many times, these same individuals seem to have so much talent and potential. I immediately think of Robert Downey Jr., who has an incredible drug problem. He was in several rehabilitation programs and spent ninety days in jail, yet violated his probation and is now spending several years in prison.

For a couple of weeks, I've spoken of the new show on Fox, "Harsh Realm," which I thought had promise. Lo and behold! Fox has dumped it AFTER three shows! Give me a fucking break! I don't see how you can judge anything in only three airings. Of course, I know this is what the networks do. I have this vision of a network VP meeting with Shakespeare.

Will, baby! This Hamlet guy sure is a dud. Always whining. Can't you lighten this guy up some? And why not add a love interest. I hear that Ru Paul's available. And those two jerks that keep loitering around, Rosy and Cats, why not turn them into Mafia hit men. And you know that "play within a play" thingy would be a great opportunity for some music videos. How about some cuts from the Beastie Boys? And I suppose the uncle can stay. I know just the person for the role - Richard Simmons! By the way, ditch the sister business. Too weird. The ghost of the father has some merit. But who to play him? Wait! I can feel an inspiration! Got it - Leslie Nielsen!

PAX!