Posted on 02/28/2006 7:19:08 AM PST by RightWingAtheist
Government officials in Slovakia have expressed their concern that new backpacker horror movie Hostel makes their country appear dangerous. The Eli Roth-directed movie, which shows three travelers heading to a Slovakian city and falling prey to a brutal torture ring, has caused outrage among the country's politicians, who feel it will tarnish their nation's reputation. Member of Parliament Tomas Galbavy says, "I am offended by this film. I think that all Slovaks should feel offended." Galbavy called Hostel, which was shot in the neighboring Czech Republic, "a monstrosity that does not at all reflect reality" and added it would "damage the good reputation of Slovakia." Slovak culture minister Linda Heldichova adds, "We are unanimous in saying that this film damages the image of our country." But director Roth insists his aim in making the film was not to offend Slovakians but to highlight the ignorance of US cinema-goers. He says, "Americans do not even know that this country exists. My film is not a geographical work but aims to show Americans' ignorance of the world around them."
Calm down... thanks for the correction... don't have a heart attack.... : )
Just using the terminology used in the article.
Very interesting website.
Well, dang it. I had my tickets purchased, my bags packed, and my torture instruments nice and shiny-bright. I thought it was a documentary.
>>Can you imagine how Transylvanians feel?
One of my ex-girlfriends was from Alba Iulia, the capital of Transylvania. She always got a kick out of the vampire movies, mostly because they made that part of Romania look dreary and hideous, when (from photos I've seen) it is actually quite pretty.
It is interesting that some of my favorite players in the NHL all come from Slovakia.
I think I ought to make an effort to visit someday.
Oh yeah right, the director picked Slovakia because HE has no idea where it is and figured they couldn't speak english and wouldn't be offended.
I prefer Slovenia to Slovakia
Agreed, Slovakia is wonderful. My sister lives in Bratislava and I've visited quite a few times.
I was in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in 2004. Almost all of the beggars were Roma gypsies. They were relentless in persuing you for money. Fortunately, I didn't encounter any pickpockets!
Slovakia only gained it's independence recently, are trying to build there country and their reputation only now. So of course they're sensitive to this sort of thing. I'm sure they have no idea how geographically challenged Americans are overall. And the crowd that will watch this clearly crummy movie certainly won't know where it is. Actually, that crowd may just think it's a made up city for the movie... The fine citizens of Slovakia have no need to worry that they'll lose tourist dollars from those people.
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