ROTTEN TOMATOES: Brian De Palma on Redacted: The RT Interview Comments

Brian De Palma on Redacted: The RT Interview

by Tom Toro | November 15, 2007

Summary

Brian De Palma fans beware: his most recent film will make you think that the veteran director has -- to borrow a line from "Full Metal Jacket" -- been "born again hard." Back to Article

(1-34 of 34 posts) | Reply

kinghlg writes:
on Nov 15 2007 05:31 AM

Am I the only who is completely shocked by this interview. This Tom Toro guy is just as crazy as Brian Depalma. Look at what he said. "its rich, textured, and honest depiction of how the Iraq war is being waged for an audience." Is this suppose to be a joke? Yes, this incident actually took place and the men involved have been charged and sent to prison. So, if a couple of soldiers rape a 15 year old girl that means that the entire military is raping 15 year old girls? I am sick of this propaganda bull****."all this material is out there! It's like they assume I dreamt this up. It's all there. The problem is, it's not in your mainstream media, so nobody knows about it." Trashing the war isn't mainstream media? Where has this guy been for the past 6 years? God forbid CNN of the New York Times reports on the surge actually working or the navy seal who received the medal of honor for sacrificing his life for his men. I would rather see a movie about a navy seal kicking some insurgant *** and sacrificing his life. I don't know if Brian DePalma realizes that his movies is going to be shown to terrorist. This kind of propaganda is going to get soldiers killed. There is no doubt in my mind about that. This **** is used against us by our enemies. There is a serious problem with hollywood depicting a false reality of war. And its not right. I hope to God the rest of the people reading this interview agree with me.

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DarthRage writes:
on Nov 15 2007 05:57 AM

The movie was on HDNet yesterday, total garbage. It wasn't even a good war movie, just preaching to the world that America is a nation of rapists and murderers. The worst part was how he tried to make it appear as a documentary. Must have been his pathetic ode to that useless piece of human trash M Moore. What a great recruiting tool for Al-Quaida.

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Jen Yamato writes:
on Nov 15 2007 10:28 AM

I think it's easy to miss the point on this film. Tons of people who saw it at festivals couldn't get past the form (mixed media, faux documentary, news reports, home videos, etc.) long enough to really think about it. Yes, it is decidedly anti-war. But to let the fact that it has a bias -- like every film, book, and piece of art does -- immediately close your mind to the film, obscures your exposure to how De Palma is experimenting with cinema and ideas.

Of course you hated it, DarthRage. First of all, your name is DarthRage.

Kinghlg, where to begin. I assume you haven't seen the film you're so passionately trashing. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

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cmonsteve writes:
on Nov 15 2007 10:45 AM

looks like we got a couple of fresh recruits...i say sign up and ship off, no need to rush we'll be there for years.

and as far as this film being a recruiting tool for terra-ists, right, like any iraqi needs extra motivation to kill the occupiers after abu garib. i've got friends and family serving over there right now, and the last time my cousin was back, he just drank and cried...

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kinghlg writes:
on Nov 15 2007 10:52 AM

In reply to this comment (#1278341)
No I have not seen the film. There is no way I am paying to see this movie. I might steal it once when I can get it on bit torrent. And what exactly is your point going to be? I have seen Platoon. I have seen Casualties of War, Apocalypse Now, Born on the 4th of July, The Deer Hunter, Fahrenheit 9/11, Full Metal Jacket, Jarhead, Rendition, Tigerland, My issue is the false reality that these movies portray. These movies show the average movie watching American that war and the military are bad. And the media nowadays is not helping anything. They want this war lost and they will do anything report it that way. I am sick of it. And please explain to me what the POINT of this movie is. Since its so easy to miss it.

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Jen Yamato writes:
on Nov 15 2007 11:15 AM

In reply to this comment (#1278350)
I'd really like for you to figure it out yourself. It's more enriching that way. But watch it, then I'd love to talk!

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kinghlg writes:
on Nov 15 2007 02:01 PM

In reply to this comment (#1278394)
No. I am not going to watch it. I want you to tell me what the point of this movie is. It must be something great because you make it sound like I am not capable of understanding the point. How deep can this movie be. Just answer the question please.

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kinghlg writes:
on Nov 15 2007 02:19 PM

In reply to this comment (#1278345)
It's a shame you feel that way. Especially since you have friends and family serving in Iraq. What is wrong with you? You bring up Abu Ghraib as if it a reason for these people to kill our troops. Do you remember what these people did to the hostages they took a few years ago. THEY CUT THEIR FREAKING HEADS OFF!!!! and you bring up an incident that involved only seventeen soldiers beating up some prisoners of war. Everyone knows that what those soldiers did was wrong, but you and people like you only deal in generalizations and absolutes. And anyone who supports this film and I can assume from your comment that you do, should be held accountable for supporting the killing of our troops. You really don't understand how serious this is. This film, along with other America hating films WILL be shown to our enemy. It's called propaganda and you are a victim of it.

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Ashron writes:
on Nov 15 2007 03:38 PM

I hesitate to jump into this, but what the hell. You talk about people dealing in generalizations and absolutes, yet you claim to already know exactly what this film is about and what the point is without having even seen it. Me senses a little pot calling kettle action going on here.

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kinghlg writes:
on Nov 15 2007 07:20 PM

In reply to this comment (#1278971)
I don't claim anything. I KNOW what the movie is about. I have heard Brian De Palma say what the movie is about. Brian De Palma himself has said what the purpose of this movie is. Watch some real news or read something. It's not that hard.

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Elixor writes:
on Nov 16 2007 05:55 AM

Would you care to explain your false reality claim?

It sounds to me like this movie is depicting some negative aspects of the war and your upset because you believe that these negative aspects are going being extrapolated out to become a view of what America is and/or what its soldiers are all like. This sort of thing happens when movies are made about the positive or negative aspects of any topic or subject. It can all be used as propaganda, but it doesn't mean that the movies shouldn't be made. I think that you have a valid point about movies and other coverage about America and its soldiers becoming increasingly more negative. More balance should occur, but exposures to the positives and negatives should both occur. Movies like this shouldn't be stopped because the could be used as propaganda. Movies generally take a positive or negative stance and can always be used as propaganda to either side. I'd like to see both sides. Sounds to me like you want to just see positive propaganda. Once again, I agree with you that we're seeing much more negative than positive views in movies lately. Which side of the issue we as viewers need to see more of is an opinion that's going to vary from person-to-person.

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kinghlg writes:
on Nov 16 2007 09:36 AM

Thank you for understand most of point. I didn't mean to use the term false reality to specifically describe this film. But even though this movie depicts factual events it will still encourage people to believe that this bad behavior goes on all the time. And it doesn't. And I can't place all of the responsibilty of teaching society the truth on hollywood, but we all know that the news isn't doing a very good job of that. These guys completely have to right to choose what kind of film they want to make, but Brian De Palma is no stranger to this bad behavior. Do you remember Casualties of War. The story of Redacted is almost identical. Brian De Palm has an agenda. He has said it himself. Let's get back to this false reality thing. Why do you think that most of society believes that the government and the military are hiding alien technology, or that the FBI, CIA and NSA are wire taping everyone. Most of society relys on basic media for their information. Someone who doesn't watch credible news or reads a credible newspaper will watch a thousand movies that depict the military or the government as the bad guy. It's everywhere, just open your eyes. You will find it in the most unlikely movies. And your probably saying to yourself that no one in their right mind can believe what they see in a movie. But your wrong. Over time, the average moviegoer will develope a crazy politicial viewpoint without even picking up a newspaper. No offense to anyone on here, but most people aren't too bright. Thats why the media can get away with this false depiction of the truth, because they know that most people will fall for it. But I am happy to see that alot of people have rejected this movie and others like it. That gives me hope for the future. I'm sure everyone can tell that I am a supporter of the war and our troops and I am also a supporter of Mr. Bush, and it doesn't bother me that much that people hate President Bush. Hate Bush all you want, but leave the troops alone. Our military will take care of the bad ones. These soldiers who raped that poor girl have been dealt with. The story has been reported many times and these people are now in prison. But don't comment on here telling me that a director who obivously has an agenda to spread a bad word is JUST making a movie about a factual event. He is making this movie to make a point. And his point is false and despicable.

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Johnny Rainbow writes:
on Nov 16 2007 09:45 AM

What the hell? Aren't interviewers supposed to at least pretend that they're objective?

And to address the third paragraph, a lot of critics seem to feel that the acting in the faux-documentary parts isn't good enough to convinve you that you're not seeing a faux-documentary. How do you back up your claim that the performances are "misjudged?" How can you claim that most movies suffer from "flaws in the dramatic logic?"

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slapy101 writes:
on Nov 16 2007 02:00 PM

This movie is total garbage. This wasn't even as good as a sci-fi original. De Palma, go back to film school if this nonsense is the best you can do. The movie was a mess and I'm quite sure you found those "actors" doing dinner theater in Green Bay.

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justice_rehnquist writes:
on Nov 16 2007 06:24 PM

In reply to this comment (#1277640)
Kinghlg, you wrote "This kind of propaganda is going to get soldiers killed. There is no doubt in my mind about that. This **** is used against us by our enemies." You also mentioned that anyone who supports this film needs to be held accountable for the deaths of our soldiers.

Where is the evidence that De Palma's film is going to cause soldiers to get killed? And by a moviegoer paying to see this film, such moviegoer should be held accountable for the deaths of our soldiers?

Kinghlg, I support De Palma's choice to make this film and any other film he chooses to make. I find your comments above to be unreasonably inflammatory, unfounded, and motivated by feelings of powerlessness and victimization. Thankfully, filmmakers will continue to make films that people find offensive and disagreeable, and that anger political conservatives into using film forums like Rotten Tomatoes to vent their increasing frustrations and feelings of incompetency.

My advice to you is to calm down, turn off Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, cancel your subscription to National Review, and refrain from making such utterly irresponsible remarks.

In the end, "Redacted" is just another piece of film entertainment. Grow up and get over your conservative righteousness - I'll gladly send a copy of "Redacted to the suspected terrorists and insurgents - just provide me with their addresses.

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dawson81 writes:
on Nov 16 2007 07:48 PM

The problem with this movie is not that it was made. It is WHEN the movie was made.
You wanna make this kind of treasonous garbage, you have the right to make it. Atleast have the decency to wait until said war is over though.
These acts occured and they were horrible. Guess what though. As Americans they were tried ,convicted, and punished for what they did. I am sitting in Iraq as I write this so unlike most of you idiots I actually have a clue what is going on here. I don't have to watch garbage films or listen to MSNBC and that scumbag Harry Reid. If I had been present or had any prior knowledge of these events or even seen the Soldiers that did it I could easily put a bullet in their head and not lose sleep over it. There will never be an excuse for what they did.
Please spare us anymore talk about Abu Garib. A few soldiers smacked around some detainees and made some stupid pictures. Bottom line is you have no ideal what happened there and you obviously don't have the stomach to come to Iraq and find out for yourself.
To those of you who are truly so naive as to think that films which portray US Forces in a negative way are not used as propoganda and recruiting tools for our enemies. Take your heads out of the sand and try to get a clue how War and propoganda work.
kinghlg thanks for your support.

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Phil3355 writes:
on Nov 17 2007 11:47 AM

your wrong.

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julianerik writes:
on Nov 17 2007 06:40 PM

If films like DePalma's aren't allowed to be made then the terrorists have won. Oh yeh Dawson wait till the war is over in ten years when another 200 thousand Iraqis and countless US forces have been killed in a pointless war of aggression and imperial conquest. Dawson81 I don't care if you serve. Just because someone is willing to risk there life doesn't mean they deserve endless praise, like everyone else they have to justify the killing they partake in not just assume the higher ups are morally just and follow any orders.

Dawson81 how does propaganda work? Terrorists have regular screenings of anti war polemics, do they, at which point they draw what conclusion, that both their actions and the actions of those trying to kill them are pointless. The machine of war destroys lives, particularly because those involved, as is the nature of war, have little time to reflect on the bigger picture like what is the F>**ing point of all this! Why are we here?! What is actually being achieved?! Why do all these people have to die isn't a question many people on either side get to ask when they're busy trying to kill and avoid being killed.

By the way the only thing the war has achieved so far is to create a whole new generation of young muslim men who feel like the US is an imperial power bent on destroying their lives. How do you think they are going to respond, it's well documented that the "war on terror" more like the "war on freedom" has actually augmented the levels of terror in the world. If you don't win hearts and minds you don't win full stop. If you kill someone's family, or destroy their house, or take away their job they're unlikely to consider you an ally.

Don't invade someone's country and expect to be greeted as liberators. What if someone invaded the US toppled the government and said 'now we're gonna tell you exactly how you're gonna do things'. Every American with a gun would become an insurgent. Have a little empathy.

(Reply to this)

dawson81 writes:
on Nov 17 2007 07:01 PM

In reply to this comment (#1284507)
At what point did I ask for praise or in any way imply I am better than anyone. All I said was don't sit at home in your nice little comfort chair watchin TV and act like you have some idea what the Hell is going on 6000 miles away. Its easy for you to sit there with your " War doesn't achieve anything and why can't we get along and stop slaughtering thousands of Iraqis" attitude.Fact is you don't know Sh##. If you really give a damn about the Iraqi's then come over here and do something to help them.
F**k you and your empathy. I empathize with the guys/ gals who are here on the ground sacrificing to make a difference here. What have you sacrificed? A few min. on the computer.
Try taking the time to see how Iraqi civilians have been killed by US Forces and how many have been killed by Insurgents.
One last thing. You may not care that I or anyone else serve but we will be here anyway.

(Reply to this)

kinghlg writes:
on Nov 17 2007 09:58 PM

In reply to this comment (#1284507)
julianerik, what is wrong with you. Did you forget that WE WERE ATTACKED. It was an unprovoked attack and then we went to war. How can you act like we are the crazy ones. Let's put things into perspective here. Do you realize the parallels between this war and world war 2. Think about it. How did world war 2 start. It started with an ideology. An ideology that wanted to talk over the world. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, we didn't do anything. Germany took over most of western Europe before we did anything. And then WE WERE ATTACKED. Do you remember a little event that happened in PEARL HARBOR. Then we went to war. Don't come on here spewing your ideas that The United States is on an "imperial conquest" to take over everything. Do you really believe that radical Islam is only isolated in the middle east? If so, you are way off. Look at whats going on in France and in the UK. Radical Islam has even taking over in the United States. Look at the garbage some college professors are spitting out these days. It will take over if we don't put up a fight. And you refuse to do that. You are giving up by letting these nuts release this anti American garbage.

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Kevin E. writes:
on Nov 17 2007 11:43 PM

Hey Julianerik, just one point that I want to make,
you said
"Don't invade someone's country and expect to be greeted as liberators. What if someone invaded the US toppled the government and said 'now we're gonna tell you exactly how you're gonna do things'. Every American with a gun would become an insurgent. Have a little empathy."
Come on...You cannot be serious! Are you really comparing Saddam's regime to the Constitutional regime of America? Last time I checked the US gov did not gas the **** out of Utah because they have a lot of Mormons, and shove pesky senators in wood chippers because their contrasting political beliefs don't run in line with the party. Say what you will about the current administration but don't expect to be treated intelligently when you make a comment like that.

-PS Dawson, well said arguments and don't worry, their are still many people stateside who support what you do, we just don't have as much money as that dbag Mark Cuban to throw around by making agenda driven films.

(Reply to this)

Lestatdelc writes:
on Nov 18 2007 10:22 AM

Mindless fright-wing lunatics railing against a movie they haven't even seen on a message board, with fake "patriotic" blather, and foaming at the mouth about "treason". It would be comical if not so pathetic.

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lotoftime writes:
on Nov 19 2007 06:02 AM

The interviewer mentions De palma has made a similiar movie before. The previous was fiction. http://efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=2040&reviewer=258
Apparently when he read about this horrible and tragic news story he again revisit's the material. The individuals that did this are being held accountable. These terrible things happen in every country. In war and out of war. People such as De palma believe he is doing a service to educate others on subjects that to him are being over looked. He is also making money for selecting such a terrible subject matter. Let us not forget people "military and civilians" were horrified and shocked by these events. I suppose if you want to focus on the worst of humanity you can find it any where, be it in church or on a battle field. That being said you can also find the best of humanity in those places as well. Some times people focus on the exception so much that to them it becomes the rule. Would it be as entertaining or as shocking if there was a documentory about thousands of people that on a daily basis volunteer to protect friends and strangers from a constent threat of death. De Palma must believe he alone has found a pile of feces in a field and can charge money to rub it in your face? When feces is that close you can't see the rest of the un-sullied landscape. Maybe its too easy to report on acts that might reflect the best of humanity in that enviroment. But then again what would be the challenge.

(Reply to this)

golfballs03 writes:
on Nov 19 2007 10:05 AM

The only way De Palma can get attention is by making controversial movies, not good movies. That is what is pathetic. I saw the film and wish that I hadn't wasted my time. There really is no doubt what De Palma sought to achieve through making this film. If people take this one instance as grounds to oppose a war against terror then they are stupid. Unfortunately they are in the same boat of ignorant, uneducated people with whom islamic extremists and terrorists are included.

(Reply to this)

kbnbkst writes:
on Nov 20 2007 02:54 PM

kinghlg said: "Did you forget that WE WERE ATTACKED. It was an unprovoked attack and then we went to war. How can you act like we are the crazy ones."

Are you insane or stupid? You are offering that as justification for attacking a country that had nothing to do with 9/11? Remind me again how many of the 9/11 hijackers were from Iraq or if any of their funding came from Iraq?
Americans are ridiculous. Ranting and raging because someone made a war movie that makes you look bad. Big whoop. People are free to make any movies they want. You guys are not some sacred cows. With all your scandlas and mistakes, far from it. And wait till the war is over? lol The US has been at war militarily and economically with Iraq since 2001 with no end in sight. I think DePalma just wanted to get it out before he dies waiting.
I don't give a crap about whether it makes nutty Americans happy or not. The only thing that matters to me is if it is a good or bad movie.

(Reply to this)

kinghlg writes:
on Nov 20 2007 05:49 PM

In reply to this comment (#1292221)
What are you talking about? Who said that the 9/11 hijackers were from Iraq? You obviously have no clue as to what happened after 9/11. Our troops were in Afghanistan in October of 2001. We went after al-Qaeda in Afghanistan after 9/11. I guess you block out the obvious facts of this war. This goes way beyond 9/11. The attacks on the United States was just a catalyst for the US to go to war against radical Islam. And the radical Islamist are all over Iraq. Who do you think we are at war with? Do you think that they are just Iraqi civilians with guns. This is a global war on radicals. I would really like to know where you are from. You sound like the typical Anti American *******. You are hilarious. You say that we act like sacred cows, and we are no good with all of our scandals and mistakes. I would rather live in a country that has scandals and mistakes then in a country where genocide is a normal every day occurrence. Please tell me where you are from because I think that will make for a very interesting conversation.

(Reply to this)

ectobuddha writes:
on Nov 20 2007 10:48 PM

In reply to this comment (#1277673)
The "great recruiting tool for Al-Quaida" is taking over an Islamic country in an Imperialistic fashion and ethnocentrically assuming they want our type of government. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and actually had a secular society (non-theocratic, non-fundamentalist.) Of course, the fall-back position is to claim we had to remove an inhumane dictator, but the US only removes immoral dictators when it is expedient. If it to our strategic advantage, we will gladly align ourselves with the worst sociopathic thugs. From an Islamic perspective, we are doing what the Soviets were doing in South & Central America back in the 80's. We are "speading" are particularly vulgar form of Capitalism--pornography, glutony, alcohol/drug abuse, and homosexuality.

(Reply to this)

ectobuddha writes:
on Nov 20 2007 10:49 PM

In reply to this comment (#1277673)
The "great recruiting tool for Al-Quaida" is taking over an Islamic country in an Imperialistic fashion and ethnocentrically assuming they want our type of government. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11 and actually had a secular society (non-theocratic, non-fundamentalist.) Of course, the fall-back position is to claim we had to remove an inhumane dictator, but the US only removes immoral dictators when it is expedient. If it to our strategic advantage, we will gladly align ourselves with the worst sociopathic thugs. From an Islamic perspective, we are doing what the Soviets were doing in South & Central America back in the 80's. We are "speading" are particularly vulgar form of Capitalism--pornography, glutony, alcohol/drug abuse, and homosexuality.

(Reply to this)

ARAGORN2123 writes:
on Nov 21 2007 03:35 PM

Yo, kinghlg, you're wasting your time with these nitwits. Just remember what I call Fact of Life #1..."the foundation of liberalism is dishonesty". Also remember this...the more you engage morons, the more likely you are to become one. If you keep these two facts always in mind, you will be surprised how little these America haters will affect you. Engaging anyone who is fundamentally dishonest is ultimately a losing proposition. To prove my point, just go back and read kbnbkst and ectobuddha's posts. Dishonesty rules in the wonderful world of liberals.

(Reply to this)

ARAGORN2123 writes:
on Nov 21 2007 04:06 PM

Sorry, kinghlg, perhaps my previous post was a bit harsh. I actually pity these poor Liberals. Imagine what it would be like to have your entire belief system based on dishonesty! No wonder Liberals are so miserable and hate America so much. Instead of being proud and grateful for being a citizen of our great country, they prefer to use the tactics of "doom and gloom" to make everyone else as miserable as they are. What a shame! Like I said, you can only pity the poor fools.

(Reply to this)

ectobuddha writes:
on Nov 23 2007 12:37 AM

In reply to this comment (#1294549)
Excuse me, Aragorn2123, you may actually have a rational discussion with a so-called America-hating Liberal if you would like instead of name-calling, rhetoric, and telling me how I feel (miserable.) If not, enjoy your dogma--which is death of intelligent thought. I am sure you not only can tell how I should believe politically, but religiously, economically. Please tell me which sports teams to root for as well. Is it OK to buy a non-American made car? PS3 or XBox 360? Please Oracle guide me. Oh, and please pray to Your One and Only God to save me. Thanks.

(Reply to this)

ARAGORN2123 writes:
on Nov 23 2007 09:26 PM

Wow, ecto, sounds like I hit a nerve. You seem to be very confused. You see, it is not possible to have a rational discussion with a Liberal. Apparently you missed the most pertinent part of my post...Truth of Life #1 - "the foundation of liberalism is dishonesty". Having a rational discussion would require at least a modicum of truthfulness from you, which I have found to be nearly impossible for a Liberal to achieve. However, ecto, I will hold out some hope that one day you will free yourself from your Liberal shackles and join the rest of us in the REAL world. Take my advice, rid yourself of Liberalism and you will be surprised how wonderful life actually is.
Good luck in your journey!

(Reply to this)

ectobuddha writes:
on Nov 24 2007 11:50 PM

In reply to this comment (#1299786)
ARAGORN2123: Yeah, kudos to you for pissing me off. It is easy to dismiss large groups of people you don't agree with by assuming them all dishonest, not living in "the real world," and of course, name-calling-- "America haters, morons, nit-wits." No single point of my post of 11-20 was addressed by yourself. You resorted to name-calling and invoking rule #1. You suggest Liberals are incapable of rational dicussion, while you avoid my points and resort to ad hominum attacks. Because I believe the war in Iraq was the wrong move, does not make me an America Hater. I just believe it is bad strategy. Islamic fundamentalists all over the region believe we are the agents of Satan. By inserting ourselves in their region, we give them the perfect recruiting tool. That's not to say I would not agree with military action in some cases, but nation-building does not seem be be justified or profitable.
Refering to your "we were the one's attacked," I agree we HAD to retaliate, by using cruise missiles to toast Afghanistan and then use the intel we had to find Bin Laden. I may be misinformed, but AlQ hated Saddam H, because he was not a fundamentalist and did not support AlQ appropriately. Again, my understanding, is that there was much more monetary support comming from our ally, Saudi Arabi. Please infom me of the "lies" or inaccuracies from 11-20 and 11-25. I would like to be better informed. Step-up and practice what you preach.

(Reply to this)

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