On the importance of Paris: Vegas economics 101
February 18, 2008 | 1:10
pm
Paris Hilton.
You should care about anything else? What talent does Paris have? Why is she so famous?
All of the hate and self-righteous outrage Paris Hilton generates has become sort of funny. I am sick of people telling me I should be writing about more important things than Paris Hilton. The truth is that where I live, Paris Hilton is important. How important?
Last night I went to an invitation-only screening of Hilton's abysmally reviewed film at the Palms, "The Hottie and the Nottie."
I've interviewed Paris Hilton more than a dozen times over the years, and so I had a book with me to read for when she was late. She is always late. I am press, and waiting for Paris Hilton is part of my job. For the screening she was about 40 minutes late. Not bad.
But waiting with me in the audience during that time, waiting more than a half-hour to start a film none of them could have been looking forward to viewing, were the president of the Luxor, a managing partner of Pure Management Group (owners of -- among other hotspots -- LAX and Pure), the owner of the movie theater and a number of other people who don't usually wait in Las Vegas for anything, ever. These are the people you wait to meet. But they all sat patiently waiting for Paris Hilton to arrive to commence the showing of "The Hottie and the Nottie."
By comparison, after Paris Hilton arrived, the request was made to hold off on starting the film two minutes because Palms owner George Maloof was on the way down to the theater. But then Paris Hilton would have been the one waiting, and that is inconceivable. The movie started ASAP, and Maloof walked into a dark theater (inside a casino he owns) as the first scene was playing.
I honestly thought as the movie unfolded --- the movie was truly awful, obvious and not even fun bad --- that things would be awkward at the end. Who could have enjoyed that movie? Yet, the theater was still as crowded at the end as at the beginning. I think everyone in the theater except me applauded wildly at the conclusion. A few people laughed inadvertently in the wrong way or at the wrong parts, and I could not find anyone except Paris to say good things about the film. But no one wanted to knock the film either. "It was shorter than I expected," one executive enthused before fleeing the theater.
Either many of these people in Vegas sincerely liked this movie, or Paris Hilton is so ridiculously important here that people were willing to watch and applaud that film no matter what the content. I know how I am casting my vote. But I saw the movie, and the audience. I saw one person sleeping and a few others texting, but overwhelmingly this audience actually watched the movie until the end and had enough energy left to applaud the thing. That alone is a testament to Paris Hilton's importance to Las Vegas.
I imagine the people who spend time hating and bemoaning the fame of Paris Hilton are the same people who hate Las Vegas. This is a town that reveres privilege, wealth, power, excess and self-pampering. Paris Hilton has become almost a shorthand to represent that to some people. Golly, she even represents that to me. And I've done my share of mocking her occasionally evident lack of brain power.
I've interviewed Paris Hilton more than a dozen times over the years, and so I had a book with me to read for when she was late. She is always late. I am press, and waiting for Paris Hilton is part of my job. For the screening she was about 40 minutes late. Not bad.
But waiting with me in the audience during that time, waiting more than a half-hour to start a film none of them could have been looking forward to viewing, were the president of the Luxor, a managing partner of Pure Management Group (owners of -- among other hotspots -- LAX and Pure), the owner of the movie theater and a number of other people who don't usually wait in Las Vegas for anything, ever. These are the people you wait to meet. But they all sat patiently waiting for Paris Hilton to arrive to commence the showing of "The Hottie and the Nottie."
By comparison, after Paris Hilton arrived, the request was made to hold off on starting the film two minutes because Palms owner George Maloof was on the way down to the theater. But then Paris Hilton would have been the one waiting, and that is inconceivable. The movie started ASAP, and Maloof walked into a dark theater (inside a casino he owns) as the first scene was playing.
I honestly thought as the movie unfolded --- the movie was truly awful, obvious and not even fun bad --- that things would be awkward at the end. Who could have enjoyed that movie? Yet, the theater was still as crowded at the end as at the beginning. I think everyone in the theater except me applauded wildly at the conclusion. A few people laughed inadvertently in the wrong way or at the wrong parts, and I could not find anyone except Paris to say good things about the film. But no one wanted to knock the film either. "It was shorter than I expected," one executive enthused before fleeing the theater.
Either many of these people in Vegas sincerely liked this movie, or Paris Hilton is so ridiculously important here that people were willing to watch and applaud that film no matter what the content. I know how I am casting my vote. But I saw the movie, and the audience. I saw one person sleeping and a few others texting, but overwhelmingly this audience actually watched the movie until the end and had enough energy left to applaud the thing. That alone is a testament to Paris Hilton's importance to Las Vegas.
I imagine the people who spend time hating and bemoaning the fame of Paris Hilton are the same people who hate Las Vegas. This is a town that reveres privilege, wealth, power, excess and self-pampering. Paris Hilton has become almost a shorthand to represent that to some people. Golly, she even represents that to me. And I've done my share of mocking her occasionally evident lack of brain power.
But lost in that is another truth about Paris Hilton. Dealing with her for years now has always been easy. I am not the only one who says that. Obviously, she is friendly to the press. But she is also generally known for being very sweet here. Many people in Vegas who have worked with her directly in all sorts of capacities feel that way. She has built up a lot of goodwill in Vegas. In addition to the VIP crowd, the theater was also filled with frontline employees from the Vegas nightlife industry.
To be fair: I think the nightclub workers were being compensated or required by their bosses to be at the screening. (They admitted that they were watching the movie as part of their job. But they would not tell me what, if any, specific bribe brought them to see "The Hottie and the Nottie.") Yet, whatever got them into the theater aside, they were having a fun time and spoke fondly of Paris Hilton even as she kept us waiting.
I was sitting next to a large group of cocktail servers whose tips go up when Paris Hilton hosts at their club. Most of these nightclub employees have had direct dealings with her and as a result they seemed happy to be at this movie to support her. When Paris Hilton arrived, she acted and was treated like she was among friends. She really was. I live in a town that loves, really truly loves Paris Hilton.
Why she matters and why Vegas loves her is actually quite simple. Paris Hilton fills a nightclub. Any nightclub, and any night of the week. And she does it by simply showing up. She is the single most important hostess in Vegas. She is endlessly reliable (along with being reliably late) in her draw. She makes locals lots of money.
Even in Vegas tips go up and down, but when Paris Hilton packs a nightclub, she packs the place with big spenders and big tippers. Lots of hotties and no notties.
To be fair: I think the nightclub workers were being compensated or required by their bosses to be at the screening. (They admitted that they were watching the movie as part of their job. But they would not tell me what, if any, specific bribe brought them to see "The Hottie and the Nottie.") Yet, whatever got them into the theater aside, they were having a fun time and spoke fondly of Paris Hilton even as she kept us waiting.
I was sitting next to a large group of cocktail servers whose tips go up when Paris Hilton hosts at their club. Most of these nightclub employees have had direct dealings with her and as a result they seemed happy to be at this movie to support her. When Paris Hilton arrived, she acted and was treated like she was among friends. She really was. I live in a town that loves, really truly loves Paris Hilton.
Why she matters and why Vegas loves her is actually quite simple. Paris Hilton fills a nightclub. Any nightclub, and any night of the week. And she does it by simply showing up. She is the single most important hostess in Vegas. She is endlessly reliable (along with being reliably late) in her draw. She makes locals lots of money.
Even in Vegas tips go up and down, but when Paris Hilton packs a nightclub, she packs the place with big spenders and big tippers. Lots of hotties and no notties.
Kudos Richard, this is one of the few intelligent pieces on Paris Hilton I have EVER seen. The L.A. Times is looking up....
Posted by: James | February 19, 2008 at 08:11 AM
You and Paris both need a Holiday in Cambodia.
Posted by: sean k | February 19, 2008 at 10:24 AM
This article didn't say anything. Horrible.
Posted by: MH | February 19, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Thanks for reading Sean K. FYI: any Dead Kennedys reference is appreciated. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | February 19, 2008 at 11:07 AM
You're right. I hate Loss Vegas, which equates to loathing Ms. Hilton in your book. Both represent everything trite and superficial - and you as a writer and the L.A. Times jumped the shark on this story. Why give any press to someone whose only contribution to this world is bad art and making money for Las Vegas. Too bad some of that big dough and your press can't be used for a real cause. Hint. You can start with Darfur.
Posted by: Hula Girl | February 19, 2008 at 11:52 AM
You would imply that Vegas is important? As an outlet for lust, greed, ego and attachment? Hmmm. Well, you better 'rock the party' cause there's only a decade or two of water left. (That's not a DK reference, that FOTC - Flight of the Conchords).
Posted by: pcm | February 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Thanks for reminding us that even in Vegas, the market rules. Paris delivers the bottom line: simple as that.
Posted by: Pecos 45 | February 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM
oooh... writes pieces on Paris Hilton AND recognizes the title of DKs most famous song.... what a renaissance man. And shame on me for reading it in the first place. (I'm assuming that was spozed to be my reaction)
Posted by: sean k | February 19, 2008 at 12:51 PM
My friend, you barely scratch the surface. As a party trick, I can sing Shakespeare's sonnets to the collected melodies of Minor Threat. But I doubt Paris Hilton would enjoy watching me do that. But as for me, I am that desperate to impress you Sean K. :) Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | February 19, 2008 at 01:11 PM
The world has gone crazy. Just as so many young people mistake attitude for substance now journalists mistake PR for insightful social commentary. Depressing.
Posted by: Mark G | February 19, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Mark G. Thanks for reading. I was not trying to offer social commentary. I was trying to show the inner workings of Las Vegas. I also was acknowledging that people in the nightclubs who work as cocktail servers and bar-backs appreciate her for valid reasons: she treats them well and she brings in business.
Paris Hilton's celebrity arose alongside the success of the Las Vegas nightclub industry. Hundreds of jobs were created by the nightclubs here and their popularity is among the most significant events in Vegas entertainment over the past decade. Paris Hilton has been the nightclub gold standard for most of those years. It would take insightful social commentary to explain why people are so desperate to be inside the same nightclub as her. I was only trying to explain how that plays out here on the ground. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | February 19, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Richard, you can't be serious. Do you honestly think Las Vegas would dry up like a tumbleweed an blow off into the ragged desert w.out the graces of that talentless dimwit? Las Vegas has been getting along w/out Ms. Hilton for years - way before she debuted from her mother's womb. Las Vegas is built on greed, lust, fantasy and free mediocre buffet food and watered down drinks. Paris is a Siren, Richard and she lured you and your career into her PR vortex.
Posted by: Hula Girl | February 19, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Thanks for reading Hula Girl. But I think you exaggerate my point. Paris Hilton's success in Vegas is part of the nightclub phenomenon. And, I agree, even the nightclubs would be fine if she were never to return. But Hilton spent the past week appearing at various Pure Management Group nightclubs and properties in Vegas for advertised events. My guess is that the revenue that resulted from those appearances was in the millions for the clubs, and that extra business resulted in a significant bump in tips for every server present. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | February 19, 2008 at 02:23 PM
This was the single least important thing ever written in the LA Times. Yes, I know I read it. I'm currently tackling the dual issues of why I read it and why it was printed. I suppose I'm a bit of a chump. What's the editorial board's excuse?
Posted by: Al | February 19, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I don't know what's more disturbing. That Richard Abrowitz wasted 978.25 words about Paris Hilton without even saying anything. (What the heck was "Hottie and Nottie" about? Was it a documentary? A mockumentary? What?) Or that I sat here an counted them all.
Posted by: thomasmurray3 | February 19, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Okay, Richard. Now I get it. Your publisher. Mr. Hiller, thinks Paris is news. Todays New York Times piece about more cuts in the news staff explains it all:
"Within The (Los Angeles) Times, however, many employees dismiss Mr. Hiller, 53, as a star-struck outsider, a meddler in the newsroom who does not understand journalism or Los Angeles."
The paper and website certainly reflect Mr. Hiller's quest for fame.
To quote the NYT story, "Mr. Hiller clearly has a fondness for show business and enjoys life in his adopted home. Last year, he used the newsroom’s allotment of tickets to attend the Oscars. When The Times had a 125th birthday party, he took the microphone and sang “Hello, Dolly” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” to several hundred employees."
Eeeeew. Ick. How do you guys keep a straight face around this Wanna-Be?
He (Hiller) said, “I’m hoping the Dodgers or the Angels are going to invite me to sing the national anthem this year.”
Yeah - he can perform it as a duet with Roseann Barr. Paris can do an interpretive dance. What a shameless shill. You don't get paychecks - you get bribes.
Posted by: Hula Girl | February 19, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Hula Girl: Darfur?!?! Seriously?!?!?!?!!? What writer, especially a blogger, is in any position to help Darfur?!?!?!?! You've gone completely insane, worse than any of these celebutants.
As for the post, it was fair and well-written. Honestly people, Darfur....
Posted by: Bonnie | February 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Posted by Bonnie: "Darfur?!?!?!?! You've gone completely insane, worse than any of these celebutants."
Um. Yeah, Bonnie. Me and George Clooney. I hang my head in shame.
Posted by: Hula Girl | February 19, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Paris Hilton did not earn any fame, she acquired it through inheritance and then turned out to have exceedingly little class*. If this is something for children with less wealthy parents to look up to, I don't think there is much of a future for them.
*Class and money are not necessarily mutual.
Posted by: Alan Browne | February 19, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Read for content and context, people.
First, this is the entertaimnent section, no? Darfur is in world news.
Second, I have lots of legit dancer and server friends who regularly trek from LA to LV to fill their coffers and then trek back for LA auditions, etc.
Not everyone works an office job, and I can see how servers et al would appreciate a patron who brings in business and good tippers, and treats them with respect for working on their feet non-stop for 4-8 hours, often graveyard shift.
Honestly - are posters everywhere just this rude when they're anonymous?
Sheesh.
Posted by: Julie D. | February 19, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Are you serious? Richard you ar so far up Paris's behind that she can see you when she brushes her teeth. Thus your a bit biased. Surely you have something more intelligent to write about.
P.S.
The majority of the people that go to Vegas are not in clubs celebrating Paris in martini glass.
Posted by: rick | February 19, 2008 at 04:21 PM
(What Would Jesus Say About "The Crimes Of Paris?") I wish I found the hate and self-righteous outrage funny. Over Paris Hilton. How pathetic, classless, gutless, & boring.
There's so many online devoted haters, it seems to me that most people in this world must never ever make a mistake, and must be just oh so totally perfect. & only they get to decide who gets any love & respect. For if you don't live up to their perfect standards, then you get hated-on forever, case closed.
Alexander Pope wrote, "to err is human, to forgive divine." Jesus must just be a ghost because forgiveness is on vacation. Oh how it must be so cool to choose not to forgive, to withhold love, and instead be a snob, a holier than thou, a diva hata, a mean person, a buzzkiller. To thrive on the cheap thrill of spewing jealous venom 24/7.
Well, to me anyone who hates another person, who hates-on a celeb who has never hurt anyone, is far from perfect. Love is as close to perfection as you're going to get. "I'm talking about love." To show hate has become so in fashion, is so expected, so cliché. Therefore then to forgive, to let live, to show love to another, actually shows balls, "muchos huevos grandes." L.o.v.e. is so much more damn punk than h.a.t.e. And this is coming from an old punk rocker.
Thus the most over-hated are just naturally the most underrated. & so it is that the first shall be last & the lass shall be a blast! Paris is a She of the First Degree. The more she is hated-on, the more I will always love her all ways...
Just for that reason alone, if none else. But there are plenty of other reasons Paris inspires me. Yes, you read right - inspires. I happen to think that Paris is an entertainer, an excellent model, and "Paris" was the best album of 2006. (I'm not interested in The Hottie & The Nottie, but then the genre is not my cup of tea. I am holding out to see how she does in "Repo!" due out in April.)
I don't need Paris to sing songs about politics. I do my own investigations for that. I write about politics. I want entertainment & Paris brings it. "She just shows up." ...Like a showgirl. She may be fashionably late, but she's been showing up night after night, for years on end. To put on a show. And she shows up despite wave after wave of abuse, and endless death-wishes, that follow in her wake.
The woman works it. She does not just show up. Those people don't fill the clubs when she's there just because she's there. She is a fantastic host. Even when she is not scheduled as such. She gets out in front, sings, dances, urges on the crowd. She's the best hostess there is.
Do we all have to live our lives so everyone else will look up to us? At all times? Should we look up to Clooney, 24/7? Even when he makes "Oceans 111"?
In this PC world, is hatred of others PC? If an entertainer is not your cup of tea, move on to someone who is. No one tells this punk who I can or cannot like. There are lots of entertainers out there who don't do it for me, but I don't go around hating on them.
As for Mr. Abowitz, what a very well-written, intelligent article. And that you take the time to comment back on reader's attacks, I commend you. "...As a party trick, I can sing Shakespeare's sonnets to the collected melodies of Minor Threat." ...Brilliant. Ask any "obviously 5 believers" and they will tell you I am but a minor threat, and "out of step with the world." I am unashamed. "Let them say more that like of hearsay well;/ I will not praise that purpose not to sell." (Sonnet XXI)
I appreciate that you didn't take out the hatchet to give the expected & in demand, 40 whacks to Paris. At a time when the country is fighting a War of Terror, the American media & general public apparently feels left out so it collectively & openly pines to wage a Reign of Terror on Hollywood celebs. Paris is not Marie Antoinette. Besides, I'd say in the end, Marie was treated unfairly. But then I would say that about such a misogynist world.
I only suggest next time you go to a club when Paris is hosting, hang around & then advise as to whether she just showed up.
Posted by: thewaymouth | February 19, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Dear LA Tabloids, I mean, Times,
What the hell happened to your integrity? Spending this much time on a Paris Hilton article of all things? You should be ashamed of yourselves. No wonder why your publishers/editors are quitting. They're getting replaced by a bunch of fat PerezHiltons, aren't they? God, this reeks of desparation and greed, you guys. It really does. And don't even try to say 'we were trying to exploit this tabloid sensation BLAH BLAH BLAH' with this article. All you're doing is feeding the beast just like CNN and every other major news source. I'm really disappointed in you guys.
you just lost another customer
Posted by: Steve Olsen | February 19, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Very interesting article. Certainly a new and distinct perspective on the Hilton persona.
Posted by: Aurora Snow | February 19, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Paris is important in LA and Vegas because both are superficial cities and that's where superficial people hang out. Notice how Paris does not spend a lot of time in NY even though that's where she grew up? It's probably because NYers see her as what she really is and that's a fraud.
I applaud her and the scummy club owners for being able to make $$$ off of the suckers out there.
Posted by: Celebutard watcher | February 20, 2008 at 12:36 AM