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.
It is difficult to see how someone so divorced from reality and so looked into sophomoric Anti-Americanism can shed light on anything. What is it exactly that he has illuminated other than an emotional attachment to the irrational?
Break a leg, Robert! Don't stop there......break both arms, your pretty nose...and oh yes,.... now that will be a difficult job (thick you know)....YOUR CRANIUM!
He's had plastic surgery? He has a good case for a lawsuit.
Just as soon as Redford apologizes for "All The President's Men".
Don't forget Redford's *The Milagro Beanfield War*, a sweet film ...
You know what? I've always thought the same. But the more I think about it, I think the "morality" factor is just a game with them. I think what the Terrorist really detest is goodness, character, Christianity and freedom. So they may see most of the Hollywood elite as their allies.
Redford is so tiresome.
I think you're just confused again, bob. See, the CIA guy you played in "Condor" was very low level. Plus he went to a paper that was going to tell his story, so to speak. I believe your character talked to someone named "Jayson." Let me know how that went for you, mmmkay?
Now, that baldwin fellow played a character with a much higher pay grade than you. That makes him much smarter, right?
And much MORE qualified to call a press conference to explain why you two didn't use your CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES to help out "demand an apology" and "...put all our concerns on hold to let the leaders lead" (what a couple of slugs, BTW).
And when I think back to the protests in the '60s, I don't remember EVER seeing a monied, preppy blonde protester. "The Way We Think We Remember The Distant Past And That We Maybe Had A Relationship With A Character Who Also Has The Same Faulty Memory" was not the name of the movie, mmmkay?
Festival opener Chicago 10 recounts the demonstrations surrounding 1968's Democratic National Convention, which saw protestors clash with the National Guard.
director Brett Morgen ... 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
Agree. What a horrible message that film sent.
The Hays Code was an travesty.
Here's your apology
"I'm sorry Robert-that you haven't moved you sad old wrinkled a$$ to France"-now GET OUT.
Hollywood legend Robert Redford
BIGGER THAN LIFE !
Who?
;P
Are you talking about Robert Way Past His Prime Redford or Osama Bin Hidden Out Laden?!
"Are you talking about Robert Way Past His Prime Redford or Osama Bin Hidden Out Laden?!"
I guess it doesn't matter.
How 'bout a Fresca??
Love the addition of "Way" to Redfords name!
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