Peter Bart, columinist for trade rag Variety, and a host of other old-man-still-in-the-game gigs, takes aim at Matt Damon for..being "private and boring."

In your GQ interview, you suggest that if your public knew much about your background and personal life, they might have a difficult time accepting you as a tough guy -- indeed, a killer -- in your "Bourne" movies. Should you be that defensive about your privileged background? Humphrey Bogart and Lee Marvin both played tough guys yet came from prep school backgrounds, and I don't remember them apologizing about it.

Living in denial seems mildly pathological, Matt. In a recent interview, Christian Bale, another charter member of the give-me-privacy club, acknowledged that he routinely lies to reporters on those rare occasions when he is cornered. Asked by The Los Angeles Times why he does so, he replied, "I have no desire for people to get their facts right about me." Does Bale have such a riveting story to hide? I doubt it.

I'll give you this, Matt: Amid the media onslaught, it has become much more difficult for stars (or public figures in general) to maintain their dignity -- or their integrity. Would much of the media be downright thrilled if you had a few too many and launched into a public rant against some minority group? Damn right they would. A forced trip to rehab under a police escort would make a good piece on "Extra."

Still, there's got to be a middle ground between the Life of Lohan and "boring and elusive." I'd like to think you can stake out a piece of that ground, Matt, and look like you're enjoying yourself a little more.

Look at Clooney: The Limbaughs of the hard right have made him a whipping boy, but he still seems to be out there, having a great time and making some meaningful movies.

Think Clooney, Matt. Brando is so not today's role model, either in terms of behavior or heft.

This is what's wrong with the entertainment machine. If you don't have a melt-down or like to go to Starbucks to grab a coffee without having your pictures taken, you are boring. If you don't shill for various political and world problems publicly, then you are wasting your valuable celebrity time. In short, feed the whole machine, not just the film unit.

Billshit.

If Clooney and those like him feel compelled to public activism, fine. There is no rule that says you have to go along as well or be branded an eccentric recluse if you do not.  Private is better, Mr. Bart. But how will you sale newspapers ads if Hollywood's top star is..private and boring? Do like the LA Times does. Sale sex  ads. More $$$$ in it.