August 12, 2004 9:43 AM
Sharon Waxman reveals Ridley Scott's next film Kingdom of Heaven in the New York Times today. It's a $130 million Fox-funded production about the Crusades set in Jerusalem 1187 A.D. It's poised to generate a bit of controversy cause, well, it's about Christians and Muslims killing each other.
The best quote is at the end of the article. Christy Lohr, coordinator of the Multifaith Ministry Education Consorium in New York:
I think its going to cause a firestorm of criticism and free publicity in the op-ed pages. I imagine that's part of the appeal for Hollywood. It is cynical, but I think they enjoy stirring up a hornets' nest.
It's true... If you want to start a debate in this country -- make a movie.
"they enjoy stirring up a hornets' nest" (08.12.2004)
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I think the studios only care about controversy because it often generates box office and publicity. Is that too obvious to be worth saying? Maybe. But probably more to the point than leaving it as you did.
Can't wait to see OutFoxed now that it's opening this weekend here in the South Bay.
Thu Aug 12 2004 11:09 AM
dhermesc:
Could it possibly be that the Crusades where about Christians & Muslims killing each other? Kind of like trying to make a movie about the Holocaust without including the religious aspects.
Thu Aug 12 2004 11:47 AM
Anonymous:
Stir the pot, works for Howard Stern: "I'm about to be kicked off the air by the evil Bush Administration - every help me". Big boost in ratings as "mainstream" news pick up the story and builds up the hype. Couple months later - Howard still on like nothing happened - because nothing did happen.
Mike Moore: I'll use Disney's distribution for a movie that make the most outrageous claims against a seated president and rely on pack reporting to generate hype. Has worked 2 tims now. Both about as close to a documentaries as the "Blair Witch Project".
Fri Aug 13 2004 9:45 AM
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