Posted on 01/19/2007 5:58:44 AM PST by MadIvan
Hollywood legend Robert Redford has called on US leaders to apologise for the war in Iraq.
The actor was speaking at the start of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where the opening movie recalled protests over the Vietnam war in 1968.
Redford said he, like many others, had shown a "spirit of unity" with the US government after 11 September 2001.
"We put all our concerns on hold to let the leaders lead," he said. "I think we're owed a big, massive apology."
The actor, whose Sundance Institute for independent film runs the annual festival, usually steers clear of political messages in his opening speech.
Festival opener Chicago 10 recounts the demonstrations surrounding 1968's Democratic National Convention, which saw protestors clash with the National Guard.
Using a cutting-edge blend of historical footage and animation, director Brett Morgen's film examines the trial of the famed "Chicago Seven," who were convicted of inciting riots.
Morgen, who took the stage to a standing ovation after the screening, said one of his goals in making the film was to "mobilise the youth in the country to get out and stop this war".
His film is one of many referencing the Iraq conflict at this year's Sundance festival.
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib deals with the abuses that occurred in an Iraqi prison in 2003, while No End In Sight is an examination of the Bush administration's conduct in the country.
Taboos broken
The programme for the festival has attracted controversy with the inclusion of films that include shocking sexual content.
A documentary called Zoo deals with the practice of bestiality.
And the dark drama Hounddog portrays the rape of a young girl, played by 12-year-old actress Dakota Fanning.
"Those are issues that are on the table, whether you want to face them or not," said Redford.
"If you don't expose these things, if you don't put the light on them, then they could get worse."
But the event also features many films with a more uplifting feel.
The Good Life, from writer and director Steve Berra, tells of a young man running an old cinema in a small town.
Padre Nuestro is about a young man who meets up with a group of illegal immigrants heading from Mexico to New York after he chooses to flee his criminal past.
More than 120 films will be screened throughout the 10-day festival, which ends on 28 January.
Stuff it, pretty boy!
"Those are issues that are on the table, whether you want to face them or not," said Redford. "If you don't expose these things, if you don't put the light on them, then they could get worse."How brave! How daring of all these leftists to really get out in front and face this issues.
Like the violence and slavery that 3/4 billion women submit to daily under Islam. I bet there a lot of movies about that.
Shouldn't the question be "Is there anything actors actually do know?"
Dear Bob,
I am sorry that you are an ignoranus (*)
FReegards,
dinasour
(*)Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.
You'll get nothing and like it!
Regards, Ivan
I would send $100 to the RNC if GWB would get fed up and just tell Redford to go screw himself, or words to that effect.
Next time we have a dem president you'll see a flood of flag waiving, American hero, salute the flag type movies with all the usual idiots headlining.
They sure have. I love watching the movies from the 40's and the newsreels about the war. Hollywood was patriotic then. That's when the studios spent money and countless hours creating real stars before they even got on the screen. The movies stars came out with real talent and skills. Now they are all the same - same looks and same inability to act but they sure can open their fat traps when its' something they don't like.
The sexualization of children continues apace. There is a special ring in Hell reserved for these folks.
I bet you get a free bowl of soup with this! But it looks good on you(rolls eyes)!!!
Wow, he looks like Dorian Gray's picture!
Redford should apologize for not using sunscreen and making us look on in horror at his leathery hide each time he opens his wrinkly old pie-hole.
Is Redford still alive? Or was it only his career that bit the berry?
Very often, here in the UK, television will play old films from the 1930's and 1940's - even the bad films from that era are better than many of the supposedly "good" films from ours.
One bad British film called "The Travelling Companions" springs to mind - the plot is not all that good, but it had Sir John Gielgud in a comedic role, as a witty and sarcastic teacher who satirised his fellow teachers whilst playing the piano. Try imagining Redford doing that!
Regards, Ivan
Re #11, Well said!!!
And the backstabbing beat goes on.
Just like in Vietnam.
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