Exposing the “Debacle” of Thomas Gladysz: A Parallelistic Examination of Obsession and Missteps

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

Michael Garcia Mujica

"Currer Bell is neither man nor woman, but an abstract thing, an artist."

• Michael Garcia Mujica, Lead Educator in Arts and Film History.

Echoing the sentiment about Charlotte Brontë's pseudonymous voice, Michael lends his expertise not only as a writer and visual artist but also as a Lead Educator in arts and film history. Based in Coral Gables, Florida, he is the principal of Vintage Brooks, Inc., where he passionately revitalizes the legacy of silent film star Louise Brooks. His acclaimed blog, Naked on My Goat, serves as a living tribute to Brooks's enduring influence in film, her profound writing, and her broad appreciation for the arts.

Just as Brontë made an indelible mark in literature despite the societal constraints of her time, Michael accentuates Brooks's trailblazing spirit within the film industry. In his role, he ensures that Brooks's iconic voice continues to resonate within the cultural lexicon of the 21st century, celebrating the intricate victories of women in the arts, both past and present.

Explore more about the abstract persona of Charlotte Brontë in Michael's piece, "The Abstract Persona: Understanding Charlotte Brontë's Pseudonymous Journey as Currer Bell."

“I am satisfied that if a book is a good one, it is so whatever the sex of the author may be. All novels are or should be written for both men and women to read, and I am at a loss to conceive how a man should permit himself to write anything that would be really disgraceful to a woman, or why a woman should be censured for writing anything that would be proper and becoming for a man.”

• Anne Brontë, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Follow me

Latest posts by Michael Garcia Mujica (see all)

• Ctrl+Alt+LULU: A Tribute to Louise Brooks - November 20, 2024
• Louise Brooks: A Muse of Shadows and Light - November 14, 2024
• Lost Souls in the City of Dreams: Angelo Badalamenti’s Love Theme and the Fragile Illusions of Mulholland Drive - September 1, 2024

Table of Contents

Thomas Gladysz, a self-styled “expert” on silent film star Louise Brooks, has long been a controversial figure within niche film history circles. His 1998 interview on E! Mysteries & Scandals (S01E36), coupled with his interactions on social media, highlights not only his shortcomings as a scholar but also a disturbing parallel with the sinister figure of Mr. Flowers from Louise Brooks’ childhood.

The Flowers Paradox: A Disturbing Parallel

Louise Brooks once recounted the traumatic influence of Mr. Flowers, a man who, under the guise of kindness, molested her when she was a child. This event had a profound impact on her psyche and future relationships, leaving deep scars. In a bizarre twist, Gladysz’s obsession with Brooks mirrors the manipulative behavior of Flowers. By positioning himself as a gatekeeper of Brooks’ legacy, Gladysz exhibits a similar pattern of control and obsession.

During his interview on E! Mysteries & Scandals, Gladysz spoke extensively about Mr. Flowers, seemingly unaware of the irony of his own fixation. His discussion of Flowers was disturbingly detailed, with Gladysz positioning himself as a figure of authority on the subject. The uncanny similarity between his own demeanor and that of Flowers—both men who claim to “know” and “understand” Brooks—cannot be overlooked.

The Scott Howe Debacle: A Self-Inflicted Wound

In an interview conducted in Oct 2022 over at the humblebragger’s blog, Gladysz discussed Scott Howe’s novel, “Pandora’s Box,” which draws on the legacy of Louise Brooks. Shockingly, Gladysz admitted he hadn’t read the book, despite interviewing Howe about it. This admission reveals a glaring lack of professionalism and integrity, calling into question his qualifications as a Brooks “expert.”

Howe’s book, which seems to blend the ghostly with the grotesque, features a character with parallels to Mr. Flowers. This connection is particularly disturbing when considering the possible projection by the author—Howe and Gladysz both exhibiting a twisted fascination with Brooks’ traumatic past. The inclusion of a ghostly figure in the novel could be seen as an attempt to humanize or rationalize abuse, an act which is ethically indefensible and morally repugnant.

Haunted by Obsession: The Dark Forces of Mr. Flowers in Scott Howe’s Tribute to Louise Brooks

However, beneath the surface of Howe’s professed admiration lies a series of unsettling remarks and behaviors that suggest a far more troubling obsession with Louise Brooks. These Freudian slips, coupled with Howe’s peculiar actions, raise significant concerns about the nature of his fascination with the tragic star.

1. “An itch that needed to be scratched”

• Howe mentions having “an itch that needed to be scratched” regarding Louise Brooks. This phrase could be interpreted as a subconscious admission of an obsessive, unresolved urge related to Brooks. The choice of words—especially when linked to the context of sexual abuse and trauma—is loaded with connotations that may hint at deeper, perhaps troubling motivations behind his interest in Brooks. This expression is particularly problematic considering Brooks’ own history of abuse and the lingering effects it had on her psyche.

2. The “Secret” and “Malevolent” Forces

• The novel’s plot centers around a character, Emily, who uncovers a malevolent presence tied to a “secret” she shares with Louise Brooks. The way Howe discusses this “secret” could be a projection of his own fixation on the more salacious and tragic aspects of Brooks’ life. The connection between a ghost and a dark secret linked to sexual abuse resonates uncomfortably with the idea of someone being haunted not just by a specter, but by their own unhealthy fascinations and unresolved psychological issues.

3. “Falling in Love” with a Deceased Brooks

• Howe describes falling in love with Brooks after discovering her through photographs, writing, “It was almost like I was falling in love with this ‘young’ woman.” This romanticized fixation on a deceased and much younger Brooks echoes a sort of necrophilic obsession—falling in love with a figure from the past who can never reciprocate. This could be seen as a reflection of Howe’s desire to control or possess Brooks, much like Mr. Flowers sought to dominate the young Louise.

4. The Unsettling Comparison to Mr. Flowers as “Rosebud”

• Howe references Barry Paris’s biography where Mr. Flowers is described as Brooks’ “Rosebud,” a symbol of her lost innocence. By integrating this idea into his ghost story, Howe might be attempting to intellectualize or romanticize a deeply traumatic experience. This raises concerns about whether his portrayal is a form of rationalizing or trivializing the abuse Brooks suffered.

5. Inserting Himself into Louise Brooks’ Narrative

• The doctored photograph in which Howe inserts himself with Brooks, applying bunny ears or devil horns, is profoundly disrespectful and bizarre. It suggests a desire to place himself into Brooks’ world in a way that distorts and manipulates her image. The act of altering historical photographs in this manner is not just creepy—it also mirrors the manipulative tendencies of someone like Mr. Flowers, who intruded on Brooks’ life under the guise of affection.

6. Prolonged Apology

• At the end of the interview, Howe apologizes for his “lengthy responses” and admits that “once I get going, I can’t stop.” This could be interpreted as a manifestation of his obsessive tendencies, especially concerning Brooks. His inability to restrain himself from delving into these topics might signal an underlying compulsion to connect with and control Brooks’ narrative.

Psychological and Physical Resemblance to Gladysz

• The mention of Howe’s physical and psychological resemblance to Thomas Gladysz is also telling. Both men are described as having an obsessive attachment to Brooks and a need to assert control over her legacy. This raises further concerns about the motivations behind their actions and how they might be projecting their unresolved issues onto Brooks’ narrative.

A Disturbing Parallelistic Obsession

• Scott Howe’s statements and actions—whether deliberate or subconscious—mirror the dark influence of Mr. Flowers in Louise Brooks’ life. The Freudian slips present in his language, the doctoring of photographs, and the overall tone of his fascination with Brooks suggest a disturbing obsession that, like Mr. Flowers, seeks to dominate and control rather than to respectfully honor the memory of a complex and troubled figure.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect and Gladysz’s “Expertise”

Gladysz’s public persona is a textbook example of the Dunning-Kruger effect, where individuals overestimate their knowledge and abilities. His self-promotion as an authority on Brooks, despite clear evidence to the contrary, demonstrates a profound lack of self-awareness. His blog, which often reads as a platform for humblebrags rather than genuine scholarship, underscores this effect.

Scott Howe’s sycophantic behavior towards Gladysz, coupled with their shared disdain for those who challenge their narratives, further emphasizes their delusional self-importance. Their mutual obsession with controlling Brooks’ legacy, while lacking true scholarly rigor, is a perfect illustration of the adage “a sucker is born every minute.”

The Social Media Meltdown: A Window into Gladysz’s Psyche

In a Facebook exchange with Scott Howe in early 2023, Gladysz discussed taking legal action against those who challenge his “authority.” This interaction reveals his deep-seated need to maintain control over the Louise Brooks narrative, even if it means resorting to legal threats. The exchange also exposes the darker side of his character—vindictive, petty, and obsessed with maintaining a façade of expertise.

The parallels between Gladysz, Lowe, and the character of Mr. Flowers are unsettling. Each exhibits a form of manipulation or control over Brooks’ legacy, whether through legal threats, ghostly metaphors, or an unhealthy obsession with her traumatic past.

A Call for Critical Examination

It is essential to critically examine the narratives pushed by individuals like Thomas Gladysz and Scott Howe. Their self-aggrandizing behavior and questionable ethics cast a shadow over the legacy of Louise Brooks. Rather than elevating her story, they risk distorting it for their own gain. As scholars and fans of Brooks, it is our responsibility to approach her life and work with the respect and integrity it deserves, free from the influence of those who would manipulate her memory for personal gain.

If you or someone you know has endured sexual violence, remember this: it is absolutely NOT your fault, and you are NEVER alone in this.

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, providing free and confidential support 24/7. You can receive help in English or Spanish by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or by chatting online at hotline.RAINN.org.

For those outside the US, please visit nomoredirectory.org for assistance.