Showing posts with label Ben Stiller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ben Stiller. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Thunder Heard ‘Round the World

Disability rights and advocacy group protests about Ben Stiller’s new movie, “Tropic Thunder” continue to splash headlines in major news outlets around the U.S. Now, news sources around the world are also reporting the story! Here is a very small sample:

From the United Kingdom:
“Ben Stiller and Tom Cruise's Tropic Thunder 'Offensive to the Disabled'”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2545958/Ben-Stiller-and-Tom-Cruises-Tropic-Thunder-offensive-to-the-disabled.html

From Canada:
“Tropic Thunder and Other Recent Cinematic Boycotts”
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2008/08/12/tropic-thunder-and-the-greatest-cinematic-boycotts-of-all-time.aspx

From Moldova (near Romania)
Disability Advocacy Groups to Protest Tropic Thunder Premiere
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/08/11/protest-tropicthunder.html?ref=rss

From Malaysia:
Tropic Thunder Disability Controversy
http://www.star-ecentral.com/movies/buzz/buzz.asp?file=archives/buzz/2008/8/7TropicThun&date=8/7/2008&title=Tropic%20Thunder%20disability%20controversy


Plan a Star Boycott— Do you want to know which Hollywood A-list stars attended the TT premiere? Check out this Monsters and Critics photo feature:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/features/article_1423480.php/In_photos_Tropic_Thunder_Los_Angeles_Premiere

Friday, August 8, 2008

UPDATE: DreamWorks/Stiller Offensive Film

08 August 2008

UPDATE—DreamWorks met on Wednesday with disability community leaders and disability-rights groups including The Arc of the United States and leadership from Special Olympics to discuss offensive portrayals and “hate speech” language in Ben Stiller’s new film “Tropic Thunder” and its promotional materials. Chip Sullivan, head of publicity for DreamWorks, said the meeting was “very productive”; however, disability rights groups have not yet said the same. Disability advocacy groups will view the film soon and respond again to the studio. DreamWorks removed the “Simple Jack” website associated with the film from the Web. The Arc (http://www.thearc.org/) is preparing local and state chapters for a movie boycott if concerns remain.

SOURCES:
“DreamWorks: Simple Jack "Retard" Movie Offended People So We Took Site Down”
http://www.businesssheet.com/2008/8/dreamworks-simple-jack-retard-movie-offended-people-so-we-took-site-down
Stiller Screens New Film for Disability Groups
http://www.pr-inside.com/stiller-screens-new-film-for-disability-r745384.htm
“DreamWorks "Retard" Scandal Update: Disability-Rights Groups to Watch "Tropic Thunder," See If They Are Offended”
http://www.businesssheet.com/2008/8/dreamworks-retard-scandal-update-disability-rights-groups-to-watch-tropic-thunder-see-if-they-are-offended

RELATED:
Patricia E. Bauer blogs about Wednesday’s meeting:
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/07/tropic-thunder-meeting/
View the ARC memo through Patricia Bauer’s blog:
http://www.patriciaebauer.com/aug-5-berns-memo/

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

DreamWorks, Stiller’s Tropic Thunder “Retard” Offends

05 August 2008

The about-to-be-released Ben Stiller flick “Tropic Thunder” includes offensive remarks about people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and a character named “Simple Jack”. Movie marketing materials refer to him as a “retard”. The movie also features a character in blackface. Disability rights groups are protesting and DreamWorks executives will meet with disability advocates this Wednesday. A DreamWorks Chief Executive says, “I’m proud of the movie. It is hysterically funny. I do think it’s got its heart in the right place.” Tropic Thunder is rated “R”. In addition to stars Ben Stiller and Robert Downey, Jr., Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, and Tom Cruise also appear in the film.
SOURCES:
"Dreamworks to Meet With Disability Groups" http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/arts/05artsDREAMWORKSTO_BRF.html?ref=arts
"Ben Stiller - Stiller Movie in Disability Row"