by. William C. Walker Jr.
December 17, 2014
So yeah that happened today. Sony actually cancelled the theatrical release of The Interview, after terrorists threatened a 9/11 like attack if the movie was released. For weeks now we've all looked at the reports of leaked emails between Sony executives and employees. Some reports contained some funny/interesting insights into movies that could've been. Petty snipes and jabs at well-known celebrities and exposures of employees personal conversations. I'll admit I was devouring every tidbit that was released in regards to Sony's plans for the Spider-Man franchise. One such detail that I pray would come true which was allowing Marvel Studios to take over the story development. But I'm going off on a tangent. Let me get back on track in regards to what this post was about. Sony's decision to cancel the release of The Interview. The comedy directed and starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. I could not disagree more with Sony's decision here, it's kind of sad to be honest. I'm not saying that because The Interview looks like some great piece of celluloid artistry. It's just the fact that they've actually caved in to terrorism. I'm not saying you shouldn't use common sense, even though I feel like common sense is lost on many in this country at times. When someone is talking about 9/11 like attacks it's hard to ignore. Especially when just a couple years ago there was a horrible movie theater attack in Colorado at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. So it's not outside the realm of possibility that something could happen. But what's the message you're now sending to any group that wants to strike fear or put a stop to free speech?
Look I get it I feel like this was more a financial decision rather than a safety one. If movie chains didn't think that the threat was going to keep customer's away from seeing The Hobbit, or if The Interview was guaranteed to make 100 million this weekend trust me this movie would have opened. So what would happen in the future when say a film maker wants to make a true depiction of what takes place inside North Korea. Say a Saving Private Ryan like look at the harsh realities inside a seriously poor country being run by psychopath that had his own uncle executed. Will anyone even dare make a film like this? If this is the reaction chances are slim to none. But let's just get away from North Korea all together. Soon the film Selma will be released. The movie depicts the actions and life of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement taking place in Selma, Alabama. Now let's say some white supremacist group doesn't what people to view this film. So they threaten to shed blood to all those that want to attend it's premiere. Will theaters react the same way and pull the film. The crazy thing to me is there are journalist that work in war torn or totalitarian countries. Where their lives are literally on the line in trying to report on atrocities of those in power. Yet that threat doesn't stop them from doing their job. I mean could you imagine if this year they decided to cancel The Boston Marathon after the bombing last year. Wasn't the theme and point of the marathon this year showing those that tried to spread fear and panic, that we would not live in fear. Again I know it's crazy to get so serious about a stoner comedy like The Interview, but the cowering to terrorist demands isn't anything to take lightly. Part of the beauty of America is the fact that we celebrate freedom. If there can be a horrible TV show that parodies a Black Jesus living in the hood facing ghetto situations. How can you not have a movie that's a pure comedy be released? I'll be honest I really didn't have a desire to see the movie when I first saw the preview. Except when a group of criminals come out to try and tell me what I can or can't do in a FREE COUNTRY, it made me like I"m seeing this movie. Look if you feel nervous about going to the movies because of a threat that makes sense. It's just the message that's being sent is that if you don't like something make a threat of violence, then you'll get what you want. That's something that seriously is not funny.
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