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/
Showing posts with label Dreamworks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dreamworks. Show all posts
Friday, August 8, 2008
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"
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"
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/stiller%20movie%20in%20disability%20row_1076449
"New Film Tests Crudity’s Limits"
"New Film Tests Crudity’s Limits"
RELATED:
Patricia E. Bauer Addresses the Film Fray:
· http://www.patriciaebauer.com/
DreamWorks Animation Stock Downgraded, Falling:
· http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/07/30/ap5271924.html
· http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awaI3ASDxVWk&refer=home
· http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121745096033198073.html?mod=googlenews_barrons (Barrons requires subscription)
Patricia E. Bauer Addresses the Film Fray:
· http://www.patriciaebauer.com/
DreamWorks Animation Stock Downgraded, Falling:
· http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/07/30/ap5271924.html
· http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=awaI3ASDxVWk&refer=home
· http://online.barrons.com/article/SB121745096033198073.html?mod=googlenews_barrons (Barrons requires subscription)
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