Gary Oldman Slams "Political Correctness," Calls Dark Knight Movies "Work"

[WWmelb]

After reading the article and interview, i really think as often is the case, his comments have been kind of misrepresented here on the escapist.

He really didn't defend Mel Gibson's comments, but his right to say them, and attacked his attackers for being hypocrites.

And yeah, he came to the defense of the creationist teacher, not because it seemed like he thought she was above reproach, but he was attacking the litigious nature of America.

That's how i took it anyways.

Sensationalists will be sensationalists and all that.

I don't agree with everything he did say, but i certainly don't think he came off as bigoted or racist to be honest. I think he just came off as honest, and not afraid to say something that might ruffle some feathers.

 

[maxben]

After reading the article and interview, i really think as often is the case, his comments have been kind of misrepresented here on the escapist.

He really didn't defend Mel Gibson's comments, but his right to say them, and attacked his attackers for being hypocrites.

No, that's not what he did. What he did was call JEWS hypocrites in that scenario. Specifically. He specifically said that Jews run Hollywood, and its the fault of the Jews. And then he compared it to Jews using "Kraut" as an insult. Beyond that being rare as hell, unlike antisemetism, when did the Jews kill 6 million of Gibson's people? Never you say? So even if some old Jew says Kraut as an insult, we tend to let it slide because of history (likely his/her family or themselves were victims of Nazis) and the fact that the Germans are hardly a vulnerable people what with being one of the strongest countries in the world militarily and economically. So don't give me that, you are completely misrepresenting what he said to make it more palatable.

"So they persecute. Mel Gibson is in a town that?s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he?s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him?and doesn?t need to feed him anymore because he?s got enough dough. He?s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn?t turned and said, ?That fucking kraut? or ?Fuck those Germans,? whatever it is?"

The fact that he then goes on and uses the old "everyone's racist" line does not absolve him of what he said specifically in relation to the Gibson case.

 

[Vrach]

Sid and Nancy has 92%. Immortal Beloved has 58%. Fifth Element has 71%. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has 91%. Dark Knight movies have over 85%.

These are not exactly bad movies, or shameful in any way. Accepting them when you have options and then calling them "just work", is arrogant and narcissistic. He's a good actor, but my god is he an asshole.

A lot of the actors aren't as enthusiastic about the movies they do, despite their commercial success, cult status or whatever, as the general public is. Alec Guinness (Ben Kenobi) for example pretty much hated Star Wars and thought very little of the script. That's a star actor in one of the (I think THE, actually) most commercially successful films of all time, which is also a cult movie and very well received and rated.

People do jobs. Regardless of what you may think of the job done, it doesn't mean the person who did it loved doing it. I may love how friendly the cashier in the local grocery store is, but that doesn't mean she's sitting there thinking "this is the best job in the world!". Same goes for any profession.

On those other opinions though... yeah, he sounds a bit nuts, though not enough so for me to stop appreciating him as an actor.

 

[MatsVS]

"...in a town that's run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he's actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him."

I always love it when this kind of thing is called "political correctness". It furthers my opinion that PC is code word for "acting like a jerk", and that a bunch of angry privileged men are mad at being called out on it.

That's right on the spot, well said.

This is pretty much why I avoid reading interviews with actors and musicians I like. It's quite disappointing realizing that a person whose work you've enjoyed is a fucking moron. I know it's silly, but there's a definite stain associated with that.

 

[PCPLX]

I know this may be hard for people to wrap their heads around, but there are, in fact, parts of this country where liberalism has become so entrenched that it has devolved into its own kind of conservatism - dogmatic, self-justified, and intolerant/dismissive of anyone who fails to tow the party line. As someone who grew up in litigious, left-leaning California, I can tell you personally that it can be really insidious, especially if you actually uphold liberal principles on a personal level but feel alienated from the indoctrinated mainstream.

Politics at large are always subject to human nature, and people at all levels of society claiming to represent unimpeachable liberal moral standards can be pretty damn cynical in their approach to power that brings, particularly in a left-leaning environment where those views are considered the norm. The irony is that when you strip away the specifics, this is not so unlike the way people treat religious morality in predominately conservative environments.

As for what the New York Times has called Oldman's "Profanity Laced Tirade", his main point seems to be that everyone has said vulgar, intolerant things at some point in their lives and that the media is overeager to scapegoat famous people for doing so because it makes money and furthers their own politics. I can't really speak to the examples Oldman chooses to make his point, but I think the heart of the matter is that they don't really matter, because he's just an actor and should be entitled to his beliefs, whether or not anyone else likes them. If his views really bother you, I suppose you should boycott his movies, though unless he is putting his money towards his own politics, this seems somewhat intolerant of an artist who before now has been generally known for keeping his mouth shut about what he believes.

If you felt alienated and under constant scrutiny, regardless of the specifics of your views versus those of the people around you, you'd probably get pissed from time to time as well. Now, the guy is probably going to be painted as a monster by left-leaning media outlets looking to turn a quick buck by sensationalizing the matter.

I dare anyone reading this to claim they've never said anything that would get them figuratively crucified by at least half of the country if it were published all over the national news tomorrow. (If you do, sir or madame, I will be happy to kindly inform you that you are full of shit.)

 

[MrBaskerville]

He also came to the defense of a Creationist schoolteacher being sued for discrimination by the parents of a Buddhist student.

I suppose with that comment I've relegated Mr Oldman to the same slot as Tom Cruice; actors I hold on great esteem due to their capability as actors but that pretty much loath as people.

Just note that everything he said is being quoted out of context, this article is misssing the point by miles. He didn't defend the teacher, he latched out at the parents for suing instead of just complaining. And he didn't call anyone a c***, he just stated that if he were to do so, he would get in trouble, but if he did it as part of Jon Stewarts comedy act, it would be A-Ok.

 

[MrBaskerville]

Sid and Nancy has 92%. Immortal Beloved has 58%. Fifth Element has 71%. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has 91%. Dark Knight movies have over 85%.

These are not exactly bad movies, or shameful in any way. Accepting them when you have options and then calling them "just work", is arrogant and narcissistic. He's a good actor, but my god is he an Asshole.

He isn't obligated to like the movies he stars in, it is his work and he just happened to tell the truth, that doesn't devalue his performance. I would imagine that he probably have different taste, maybe he would be more favourable if he talked about Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy or some of his other well recieved movies.

 

[James Crook]

Has anyone here actually read the interview instead of just this article that seemingly reeks of sensationalism and intentional misrepresentation ?

 

[youji itami]

Has anyone here actually read the interview instead of just this article that seemingly reeks of sensationalism and intentional misrepresentation ?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Okay got that out of my system.

Read a linked to article before posting are you serious.

 

[Chairman Miaow]

PLAYBOY: What?s your view of the future? Are you optimistic about where society is heading?

OLDMAN: [Pauses] You?re asking Gary?

PLAYBOY: Yes.

Okaaay...... a little odd....

 

[Grouchy Imp_v1legacy]

PLAYBOY: What?s your view of the future? Are you optimistic about where society is heading?

OLDMAN: [Pauses] You?re asking Gary?

PLAYBOY: Yes.

Okaaay...... a little odd....

They're in the middle of talking about the upcoming Planet of the Apes film in which he plays the leader of a band of human survivors. I guess he wanted to clarify whether the interviewer was asking "What's your character's view of future society?" or "What's your view of future society?".

 

[AndreiCC]

Has anyone here actually read the interview instead of just this article that seemingly reeks of sensationalism and intentional misrepresentation ?

This is an article with a sensationalist title about a semi-conservative celebrity's interview containing semi-conservative views, posted on a mainly liberal gaming site, so no, most people here will just knee-jerk and will not read the original Playboy interview before commenting.
I'm mostly liberal minded myself and still I can agree with some of the stuff Oldman says. Then again I have no issue with Tom Cruise either, he's awesome. Charlie Sheen on the other hand...

 

[WWmelb]

After reading the article and interview, i really think as often is the case, his comments have been kind of misrepresented here on the escapist.

He really didn't defend Mel Gibson's comments, but his right to say them, and attacked his attackers for being hypocrites.

No, that's not what he did. What he did was call JEWS hypocrites in that scenario. Specifically. He specifically said that Jews run Hollywood, and its the fault of the Jews. And then he compared it to Jews using "Kraut" as an insult. Beyond that being rare as hell, unlike antisemetism, when did the Jews kill 6 million of Gibson's people? Never you say? So even if some old Jew says Kraut as an insult, we tend to let it slide because of history (likely his/her family or themselves were victims of Nazis) and the fact that the Germans are hardly a vulnerable people what with being one of the strongest countries in the world militarily and economically. So don't give me that, you are completely misrepresenting what he said to make it more palatable.

"So they persecute. Mel Gibson is in a town that?s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he?s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him?and doesn?t need to feed him anymore because he?s got enough dough. He?s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn?t turned and said, ?That fucking kraut? or ?Fuck those Germans,? whatever it is?"

The fact that he then goes on and uses the old "everyone's racist" line does not absolve him of what he said specifically in relation to the Gibson case.

And the spin you put on this is just as bad.

Here is the WHOLE Paragraph

"Alec calling someone an F-A-G in the street while he?s pissed off coming out of his building because they won?t leave him alone. I don?t blame him. So they persecute. Mel Gibson is in a town that?s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he?s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him?and doesn?t need to feed him anymore because he?s got enough dough. He?s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn?t turned and said, ?That fucking kraut? or ?Fuck those Germans,? whatever it is? We all hide and try to be so politically correct. That?s what gets me. It?s just the sheer hypocrisy of everyone, that we all stand on this thing going, ?Isn?t that shocking?? [smiles wryly] All right. Shall I stop talking now? What else can we discuss?"

Yeah, how he phrases things is insensitive, but that seems to be kind of his point.

Anyway, you started your quote from the article at a point where he was talking about Alec Baldwyn, who insulted someone with a pretty bland but insensitive insult, then cut the quote off halfway through, and finished it with your own interpretation of what he said, not his actual words.

He said everyone's a hypocrite but when it sells to do so they'll stand on they're soapboxes and act like it's the end of the fucking world.

And you know what? He's not far off there about society in general.

I'm not defending him either by the way, a lot of his comments left a really bad taste in my mouth, but, you know what? i get where he is coming from. He's pissed off at having tiptoe around everyone and act all PC all the time, for the hypocritical masses who will jump on anyone for anything, when.. in all seriousness, MOST people have fucking said something stupid/insensitive/hurtful in their lives, but won't forgive it of anyone else.

Oh and seriously

So even if some old Jew says Kraut as an insult, we tend to let it slide because of history (likely his/her family or themselves were victims of Nazis) and the fact that the Germans are hardly a vulnerable people what with being one of the strongest countries in the world militarily and economically.

I'm sorry that doesn't fly with me. Yes the holocaust was fucking tragic, and we all wish it never happened, however.

Racism isn't a pissing contest. "I've been more persecuted than you in the past so it's A-OK if i'm a bigot towards a nationality.

I don't accept that.

Like i said, he old Gary comes off as a prick in this interview, but dear god do i find it refreshing reading an interview like that isn't just all smiles and PC responses and movie plugs.

The man's human, and not the most likable one, but definitely a real one.

 

[Hover Hand Mode]

Really earning that surname, Gary.

For the record, I don't think Gary was defending Baldwin or Gibson. It's still pretty awful of him to keep bringing up the "run by Jews" stereotype of Hollywood. (After seeing the whole quote, I now believe he may have been defending them)

 

[FalloutJack]

So basically, Gary Oldman is kind of an asshole. Okay, I gotcha. Guess that makes Zorg getting his has blown up funnier now.

 

[maxben]

After reading the article and interview, i really think as often is the case, his comments have been kind of misrepresented here on the escapist.

He really didn't defend Mel Gibson's comments, but his right to say them, and attacked his attackers for being hypocrites.

No, that's not what he did. What he did was call JEWS hypocrites in that scenario. Specifically. He specifically said that Jews run Hollywood, and its the fault of the Jews. And then he compared it to Jews using "Kraut" as an insult. Beyond that being rare as hell, unlike antisemetism, when did the Jews kill 6 million of Gibson's people? Never you say? So even if some old Jew says Kraut as an insult, we tend to let it slide because of history (likely his/her family or themselves were victims of Nazis) and the fact that the Germans are hardly a vulnerable people what with being one of the strongest countries in the world militarily and economically. So don't give me that, you are completely misrepresenting what he said to make it more palatable.

"So they persecute. Mel Gibson is in a town that?s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he?s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him?and doesn?t need to feed him anymore because he?s got enough dough. He?s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn?t turned and said, ?That fucking kraut? or ?Fuck those Germans,? whatever it is?"

The fact that he then goes on and uses the old "everyone's racist" line does not absolve him of what he said specifically in relation to the Gibson case.

And the spin you put on this is just as bad.

Here is the WHOLE Paragraph

"Alec calling someone an F-A-G in the street while he?s pissed off coming out of his building because they won?t leave him alone. I don?t blame him. So they persecute. Mel Gibson is in a town that?s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he?s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him?and doesn?t need to feed him anymore because he?s got enough dough. He?s like an outcast, a leper, you know? But some Jewish guy in his office somewhere hasn?t turned and said, ?That fucking kraut? or ?Fuck those Germans,? whatever it is? We all hide and try to be so politically correct. That?s what gets me. It?s just the sheer hypocrisy of everyone, that we all stand on this thing going, ?Isn?t that shocking?? [smiles wryly] All right. Shall I stop talking now? What else can we discuss?"

Yeah, how he phrases things is insensitive, but that seems to be kind of his point.

Anyway, you started your quote from the article at a point where he was talking about Alec Baldwyn, who insulted someone with a pretty bland but insensitive insult, then cut the quote off halfway through, and finished it with your own interpretation of what he said, not his actual words.

He said everyone's a hypocrite but when it sells to do so they'll stand on they're soapboxes and act like it's the end of the fucking world.

And you know what? He's not far off there about society in general.

I'm not defending him either by the way, a lot of his comments left a really bad taste in my mouth, but, you know what? i get where he is coming from. He's pissed off at having tiptoe around everyone and act all PC all the time, for the hypocritical masses who will jump on anyone for anything, when.. in all seriousness, MOST people have fucking said something stupid/insensitive/hurtful in their lives, but won't forgive it of anyone else.

Oh and seriously

So even if some old Jew says Kraut as an insult, we tend to let it slide because of history (likely his/her family or themselves were victims of Nazis) and the fact that the Germans are hardly a vulnerable people what with being one of the strongest countries in the world militarily and economically.

I'm sorry that doesn't fly with me. Yes the holocaust was fucking tragic, and we all wish it never happened, however.

Racism isn't a pissing contest. "I've been more persecuted than you in the past so it's A-OK if i'm a bigot towards a nationality.

I don't accept that.

Like i said, he old Gary comes off as a prick in this interview, but dear god do i find it refreshing reading an interview like that isn't just all smiles and PC responses and movie plugs.

The man's human, and not the most likable one, but definitely a real one.

If I say that Vanilla is a joke of a flavour and anyway all ice cream is bad, I am attacking vanilla in specific even if I make a sideways comment about all ice cream. I can't believe that you don't see that.

And wait, if your parents were murdered in the Holocaust you wouldn't be angry for the rest of your life? The only Jew I've ever seen make a comment like Oldman is talking about is over 60, and you do realize the Holocaust happened 70 years ago right? You can't just ignore that people who have suffered are going to be angry. What does Gibson have a right to whine about? He and his people have NEVER been persecuted. Germans have never been persecuted against either, they, like the British and White Americans, were the ones doing the persecuting against Jews, against gays, against blacks (go read about what happened in Namibia). The strong who have abused their positions cannot turn around and whine that people are angry with them.

And yes, you can compare the suffering from discrimination for black versus white people in the US. Black people have it worse. If you can't compare suffering from discrimination in some cases, then you are choosing to be blind.

The man is human, so is every single human being you meet. Many of them aren't antisemetic, in fact I hope and believe that most aren't.

I don't care if you agree with me or not, by the way, but at least try to see it from the perspective of someone Jewish (which is what I give you here). This has nothing to do with being PC. Carlin wasn't PC. Louis CK isn't PC. However, they weren't PC AND not antisemites/bigots, so what they said never came off as antisemetic or antigay or antiblack, etc. to the majority of the people in those groups.

 

[Gorrath]

If I say that Vanilla is a joke of a flavour and anyway all ice cream is bad, I am attacking vanilla in specific even if I make a sideways comment about all ice cream. I can't believe that you don't see that.

And wait, if your parents were murdered in the Holocaust you wouldn't be angry for the rest of your life? The only Jew I've ever seen make a comment like Oldman is talking about is over 60, and you do realize the Holocaust happened 70 years ago right? You can't just ignore that people who have suffered are going to be angry. What does Gibson have a right to whine about? He and his people have NEVER been persecuted. Germans have never been persecuted against either, they, like the British and White Americans, were the ones doing the persecuting against Jews, against gays, against blacks (go read about what happened in Namibia). The strong who have abused their positions cannot turn around and whine that people are angry with them.

And yes, you can compare the suffering from discrimination for black versus white people in the US. Black people have it worse. If you can't compare suffering from discrimination in some cases, then you are choosing to be blind.

The man is human, so is every single human being you meet. Many of them aren't antisemetic, in fact I hope and believe that most aren't.

My family and I spent a good part of my youth growing up in a poor, predominantly black neighborhood. I used to get my face beat in several times a week for the sin of being white. Does my personal experiences with racism and how it affected my family give me a pass on being a bigot myself? Of course not. This idea that bigotry is okay, or that we should turn a blind eye to it if the person suffered bigotry, racism and hate themselves is unacceptable. We either stand against racism and bigotry or we allow it. Playing the oppression Olympics in order to give certain people a pass while running other people right out of their careers is an ethically bankrupt notion. For the record, I hold no ill will against any race for what some members of a race did, and nor should anyone else.

 

[Carnagath]

He also came to the defense of a Creationist schoolteacher being sued for discrimination by the parents of a Buddhist student.

I suppose with that comment I've relegated Mr Oldman to the same slot as Tom Cruice; actors I hold on great esteem due to their capability as actors but that pretty much loath as people.

That's actually not what Gary Oldman said. Like, not even close. Just read the interview. I wonder if Moviebob was drunk when he wrote this "summary", the amount of misquoting and distortion is some Fox News level shit.

 

[Albino Boo]

Oldman's manager has released the following

from https://twitter.com/GO4Everyone/

 

[misg]

It wasn't that bad the guy doesn't like political correctness. He's also insanely hard on his own work, people like that usually have strong opinions about things.