'Tropic Thunder' offensive to minorities, disabled
Patrick Hawkins
Issue date: 11/24/08 Section: The Scene
It was, of course, rated R for language and maybe the corny violence, using dialogue that would justifiably offend almost any other minority group the filmmakers could think of, such as homosexuals, African-Americans, veterans and drug addicts (not to equate these groups and their respective struggles).
There was, however a marked difference between the comedic styles used to make fun of those issues and the issues affecting people with disabilities.
Mentions of a character's closeted sexuality were lightly tread upon, and a more major aspect of the movie was the white guy acting as a black guy.
The latter was actually discussed throughout the movie, and it was clear they were using this unique situation more as a jab at actors than minorities. In fact, the entire theme of the movie made fun of people in the film industry.
However, they simply did not do a good job, whatever their intentions were, toward disabled people.
The idea of Ben Stiller's mentally disabled character was poorly done and Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of an African-American easily sufficed for the point they were trying to make: comedy and offensiveness.
It really is too bad that those offended by the movie were not intending to watch it. Being exposed to other's expressions and how the public responds to it can be a valuable source of information.
If anything can be taken away from this movie, it is simply that those producing and showing it were unaware either that their actions would be offensive or that that the offense would come back to hurt them.
Obviously, using the N-word for African Americans or the F-word for homosexuals would be a financial mistake because more people would protest and prevent others from paying for it.
Since the film used the R-word for disabled people 16 times, clearly the public is for whatever reason not as concerned with the sensitivities of that particular group.
Perhaps the social commentary should focus on why this is so.
There was, however a marked difference between the comedic styles used to make fun of those issues and the issues affecting people with disabilities.
Mentions of a character's closeted sexuality were lightly tread upon, and a more major aspect of the movie was the white guy acting as a black guy.
The latter was actually discussed throughout the movie, and it was clear they were using this unique situation more as a jab at actors than minorities. In fact, the entire theme of the movie made fun of people in the film industry.
However, they simply did not do a good job, whatever their intentions were, toward disabled people.
The idea of Ben Stiller's mentally disabled character was poorly done and Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of an African-American easily sufficed for the point they were trying to make: comedy and offensiveness.
It really is too bad that those offended by the movie were not intending to watch it. Being exposed to other's expressions and how the public responds to it can be a valuable source of information.
If anything can be taken away from this movie, it is simply that those producing and showing it were unaware either that their actions would be offensive or that that the offense would come back to hurt them.
Obviously, using the N-word for African Americans or the F-word for homosexuals would be a financial mistake because more people would protest and prevent others from paying for it.
Since the film used the R-word for disabled people 16 times, clearly the public is for whatever reason not as concerned with the sensitivities of that particular group.
Perhaps the social commentary should focus on why this is so.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
mike
posted 11/24/08 @ 2:10 AM CST
Your kidding right? This movies is a movie about a movie ... and the asinine lengths actors and Hollywood will go to win acclaim and Oscars.
It's a very funny about movie washed up actors making a bad movie, but thoroughly convinced of their own greatness. (Continued…)
Dean
posted 11/24/08 @ 2:23 PM CST
People are offended too easily. As stated above, it is just a movie. As far as movies that are "offensive", well I guess that is in the eye of the beholder. (Continued…)
Scott
posted 11/25/08 @ 7:21 AM CST
"and in my opinion it is not great social commentary, film nor even comedy."
- Patrick Hawkins
So, is this an editorial or a news story? Really, it's not even a news story, it's a MOVIE. (Continued…)
Kori
posted 11/30/08 @ 2:15 PM CST
Okay, so some people were offended. Boo hoo. You know what offends ME? The fact that damn near every movie that has come out in the last few years has been a remake, sequel, prequel, or (and last as well as least) one of those god-forsaken spoof movies, such as disaster movie, epic movie, date movie, and so on. (Continued…)
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