Hobojoe

TV Lover,

And in general, I agree with you. For example, I'm aghast at the methods employed by the RIAA to enforce its copyrights. Just ridiculous!

I thank you for your civil tone, despite your passion for the subject at hand.

Dear TV Lover,

I understand your vociferous defense of free speech. However, the law in question allows for the prosecution, not automatic judgement, of the alleged perpetrator.

In my view, the issue of free speech is not germane at all in the case at hand, even if we consider her intended use for the clip as truthful.

Regardless, the woman in question has created a scenario in which her actions and intentions are questionable, and therefore, liable for prosecution. Hopefully, she'll just get a fine or suspension, as she probably doesn't deserve more than this.

I do disagree that the theatre managers were irresponsible. We do not know the full circumstances surrounding their decision, and what they did was within the scope of their duties. Again, this is based on the few facts presented in the article.

To sum up, the woman's actions are not a clear-cut case of the violation of her rights. She wasn't intending to use the clip in, say, an academic presentation on the effects of crappy Hollywood films on teenage Bolivian immigrants. And even then, there would be much better approaches than the one employed here.

It's amazing how so many people are venting without any consideration of the facts as presented:

1. We only have her word that she was recording the clip for her brother, which is a very lame excuse.

2. She's taping the ENDING of a multi-million dollar film. If this ends up on YouTube, it could cost the studio a ton of money. "Hey everyone, here's how Transformers turns out!"

3. As another commenter stated, how rude and annoying of her to light up her cellphone in a darkened theatre!

4. The theatre staff have limited powers. They can't just confiscate her property. They have responsibilities to their employers, and yes, to the studios/ copyright owners. I'll admit, Michael Bay's films are crap, and that might be the ONLY reason she doesn't deserve punishment ;)

Look, to everyone who is over-reacting here: She has not been given a jail sentence yet. The prosecution, if it ever gets to that point, will have to prove she intended to pirate the film. A 20-second clip is insufficient to do so.

What I'm happy about is that exposure from this case will teach others not to be so damned stupid and rude and inconsiderate.

Bizarre. The Guardian themselves named David Lynch the greatest living film director today a couple of years ago. He's a god in Europe.

Their number 2 is Scorcese, followed by the Coens, Soderbergh, etc. Here's the link:

http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/page/0,11456,1082823,00.html

This is one of those contrarian articles meant to generate controversy, and hence, a sort of fame for its author.

I kept thinking, "Keyser Soze" after I saw his mugshot.

Hooray! Just what we need! A film to humanize a maniac who uses religion to countenance his government's continued trampling of Iranians, Americans, Jews, etc.

Mr. Stone, I suggest you look elsewhere for your next film.

I really hope he isn't serious. He is absolutely one of the best actors living today, and should be given more roles. He is the only worthwhile presence in that Fifth Element "film" (the choking scene with Ian Holm is truly amazing). I didn't shed tears when Besson retired, but Oldman? Ay chihuahua!

Another gem is Romeo is Bleeding, a very flawed but enjoyable film. R&G are Dead is one of my favorites as well, and he and Alan Rickman are the only reasons I'll fork out cash to see those crappy Harry Potter films (I'm a heterosexual man, goddamnit!).

EDIT:

I should have written, "reined in" in post #7 above. Bah.

- Hobo Joe

Scientology became a "real" religion when it was granted tax-exempt status (again) in '93.

If Stauffenberg fils sold the rights to his father's story, then he doesn't have much to complain about. Personally, despite my hatred for Cruise's beliefs, I still think he can be a fine actor if he's reigned in. I liked Last Samurai very much, as well as Collateral.

Lastly, I love the first commenter's misspelling of Ms. Bartyzel's first name. Please refrain from referring to my favorite Cinematical writer as a monkey.

Hee hee.

- Hobo Joe

Wow, Becky sounds like every other deluded Hollywood wannabe, thinking she's somehow been screwed over by the system.

I read the Macleans article, and the funniest, most deluded part, is when she accuses Apatow of stealing a joke that she didn't even write herself! Amazing logic there, Becks.

Also, no real screenwriter puts photos or pictures on the cover of their screenplays. I'm sure that was something done by an intern/ assistant in the development department at Universal.

Finally, as much as I liked 40-YOV, I've been avoiding Knocked Up (the film, not the book :), specifically because it sounds like a very trite and cliched premise. Yeah, yeah, I know the reviews have been great, etc., and I'll probably see it now, but still...

Please, Mssrs. Judd Apatow and Bob Universal, do not give this person any money if there is no truth to her story.

- Hobo Joe

Ah, hypocrisy and Hollywood...

A few years ago, I was working at a Major Production Company headed by a well-known actor cum director/ producer who engages in a lot of philanthropic activities.

Well, for a particular PSA (public service announcement), one of the biggest actors in Hollywood, if not the biggest, agreed to participate. But of course, he had to be flown out on a private jet. The bill was something like $70,000, and this was before the price of gas had skyrocketed.

Yes, one could argue that Mr. Bigshot was working for free, and that possibly his participation might help get more attention for the cause.

Still, if someone can't put their own comfort past the cause, then they're just a shill. Their participation isn't genuine, and is probably more of a career move than an attempt to help. Hey, look, he's a caring, warm-blooded person!

Bah.

- HoboJoe