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Tropic Thunder Creates Storm of Controversy
When Ben Stiller was penning his latest film, Tropic Thunder, he probably never imagined the kind of controversy a subplot would create: A call to boycott the film from more than 20 disability advocacy organizations, just days before Tropic Thunder’s August 13th premiere.
The uproar began after Tropic Thunder was screened to advocates for the disabled, already outraged over the film’s marketing. In the film, Stiller’s character, an action star, attempts to win over critics by portraying a mentally disabled character named Simple Jack. The advocacy groups failed to find humor in the situation.
Dawn Marie Fichera, public relations director of special projects at Gregory FCA, says “The film features Ben Stiller’s bigoted depiction of a mentally handicapped individual for the sake of comedy. It dehumanizes people with special needs and hurts their opportunities to lead productive lives as full members of society.”
Representatives of the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Congress and the American Association of Peoples with Disabilities are among the advocacy organizations that said they would picket the movie, beginning with a screening this past Monday in Los Angeles.
In the New York Times, Andrew J. Imparato, president of the American Association of Peoples with Disabilities, said the film “was even worse than the hateful stuff they used to promote it.” One of the controversial marketing materials was a Website for the film that contained the tag line, “Once there was a retard.” DreamWorks has since removed the site and other possibly offensive materials, but has declined to alter the film to appease boycotters.
Executives at DreamWorks and Stiller have claimed that Tropic Thunder, a movie industry spoof, aims its humor not at the disabled but at desperate actors who will do almost anything to further their careers. In a statement, DreamWorks spokesperson Chip Sullivan says, “Tropic Thunder is an R-rated comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its excesses, and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the-top characters in ridiculous situations. The film is in no way meant to disparage or harm the image of individuals with disabilities.”
For now, the controversy continues to simmer, while moviemakers and movie fans analyze this imperative free speech issue.
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COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT 
- Comment by Tabobo on 8/18/08 at 9:07 pm
I’m a former social worker with ‘special needs’ and HAVE seen Tropic Thunder. There is really nothing to be upset about. In fact in the film itself characters make note of both the poor performance by Stiller’s character and why it’s not something audiences would ever take to. The release by Dreamworks is extremely accurate to the films depiction.
It is a funny R-rated film and deserves its laughs.
- Comment by Julie Smith on 8/23/08 at 9:31 pm
More than 20 disability advocacy organizations seriously need to redirect their efforts to more productive causes than clamor for boycott of Ben Stiller’s hilarious new comedy. If Ben Stiller’s depiction of Simple Jack “de-humanizes people with special needs and hurts their opportunities to lead productive lives . . . “ it is because the idea was proposed by their “advocacy” organizations.
Offense at Simple Jack is hypersensitivity to paranoia, taking the character out of context. I thought Tropic Thunder was comedic genious. I busted a gut laughing at this Hollywood satire!- Comment by fairings on 8/26/08 at 11:51 pm
I am also an advocate for the physically and mentally challenged individuals. But I think that those who are threatening to boycott the film should watch it first and see for themselves what the story imparts. Ben Stiller is one of the great actors around and I am sure he would not have done this film if its story is questionable.
- Comment by old dude on 9/23/08 at 11:10 am
Comedy always offends someone, it’s the nature of it. I saw Tropic Thunder and was overwhelmed with laughter. It was just one off-the-hook funny scene after another. The innuendo and reference to movies of this genre were perfect and outrageously funny. Ben Stiller just seems to be getting funnier and funnier with his movie ideas. I love all his stuff. Don’t let the whiners drag you down Ben.
- Comment by Storm Preparation on 9/30/08 at 9:41 am
Hopefully the actors and the producers will be able to weather the storm. I saw Tropic Thunder and wondered what all the fuss was about - a storm in a teacup? Surely there are more pressing emergencies that people could worry about ? I wonder though if all the negative publicity has help highlight the issues - we are all talking about disabilities - how many of us were before the film.
- Comment by Prepaid Cell Phone Guy on 11/29/08 at 10:06 pm
I have seen the film and I did not find the retarded part by Stiller objectionable as far as him being a special needs guy.
I just found the movie lame and after a few scenes totally predictable.
- Comment by kauai destinations on 12/30/08 at 3:55 pm
Having a bunch of advocacy groups picket your movie can’t be good on sales.
On the other hand, I wonder how many people went to see the movie just because they were curious what all the noise was about.
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