08.05.08
“Never Go Full Retard”: ‘Tropic Thunder’s ‘Simple Jack’ Page Gets Yanked Thanks To Disability Reporter
Ooh, the politically correct police have put the clamps down on “Tropic Thunder,” and more specifically on “Simple Jack” – the meta and fake, movie within the movie that stars the dull-witted Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller’s character) as a sweet mentally challenged boy who overcomes various obstacles. As previously noted, Stiller’s Speedman character is normally an action-star who tries to do some “serious acting,” by taking on the role of the simpleton retard in “Simple Jack.”
Vulture does some good blog reporting with a couple of finds on the New York Times site and on Patricia E. Bauer’s blog, a woman who reports “news on “disability issues.”
Apparently Stiller has gone too little far with his ‘tard jokes and people are getting offended (the film is apparently incredibly raunchy in many ways). The fake “Simple Jack” website has been pulled (though the url still works, it just now displays a blank page) and Bauer has reported DreamWorks has agreed to meet with advocates about their concerns over ‘Tropic Thunder’ and the “representation of a character with intellectual disabilities.”
‘Simple Jack’’s tagline is: “Once Upon a Time There Was a Retard.” Bauer says the “the R-word” is a no-no. As many have already noted, including the Times, “Tropic Thunder,” was not cheap to make and produce and it needs to make every dime it can to get out of the red, so early controversy less than two weeks before the film opens (August 13) is probably not a good look (though it probably can’t hurt it all that much to be fair).Dreamworks probably can’t do much at this point in the game other than pull the “Simple Jack” site (which they’ve done, even the Google cache page seems to not be working) and shy away the marketing from that character, but the ads are done, the trailers are made and the ship is moving full steam ahead. We do know there was supposed to be a viral/ scene-from-the-movie clip that was to be called “Never Go Full Retard” (which Bauer has excerpted on her site) that was about to surface imminently, but presumably that’s never going to see the light of day as viral pre-promotion, given this new little stir. But yeah, you’ll surely be able to still see it in the movie.
Oh, ‘Never Go Retard’ the viral clip was apparently released, but it’s apparently been already pulled. Robert Downey Jr. praised the scene in an early GQ article around the time “Iron Man” was released. He probably hopes that’s been forgotten now.
We may have to pour one out for the loss of “Simple Jack,” but don’t be too sad, we still have a page for Jack Black.
Jeff Portnoy’s fart-happy meta-comedy “The Fatties.” Or at least, we do for now…
Nick is out this week. This post provided by our friends at The Playlist.
Cinematically-Correct.com said,
August 5, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Sigh. Well…I suppose it’s tough to argue somebody being offended…however…it’s a joke people.
Stop the use of the "r" Word! said,
August 6, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Would it be a joke if the tag line read:
Once upon a time there was a N-gg-r and the fake movie be about an African American?
It’s not only offensive, but it’s wrong!
Zoox said,
August 6, 2008 at 9:51 pm
People think they have a right not to be offended the first amendment is in place to protect offensive and hateful speech because if everything was nice what would be the use of it. I do feel bad if you gave birth to one of these Pete Rose hair cut family picture ruiners but thats no reason to blame the rest of us.
Chuck said,
August 7, 2008 at 6:54 am
Ehh, it’s a delicate issue, obviously, but it seems to me that the joke here isn’t that retarded people are funny. The joke is the heavy-handed, absurd way that mental retardation is treated in this fake movie.
Dave Hingsburger said,
August 7, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Kudos to Patricia Bauer for speaking out about the language in this film. People with intellectual disabilities are the most brutalized group in society, most likely to be bullied, most likely to be teased, most likely to be abused. Someone has to say “Enough” and make it clear that words hurt. The R-word has had it’s day.
Dottie Hernandez said,
August 8, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I’m sorry, it’s not a joke. I work with people with developmental disabilities and the material for “Simple Jack” is highly offensive. Period. You could argue that there are many comedies that operate off of jokes that could be deemed as offensive to just about anyone, but to make fun of the disabled? Come on. It’s easy for all of us to say “it’s just a joke” but that is because most of us don’t know what it feels like to actually have a disability.
Geri said,
August 9, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Shame on Stiller and DreamWorks! At the very least, they should edit out the demeaning references to Stiller’s “fake” character in the film even if it means postponing the opening date and losing a few dollars in the process. How pathetic and money hungry can one get to totally disrespect a population of people who are mostly gentle, kind and unable to fully understand how or why “humans” can be so cruel. Who are the real “imbeciles” and “morons” here? Think about it!
Nick Plowman said,
August 9, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I was away when this story broke, so I have yet to fully comprehend what the hell is going on but I do think that mocking disabled people is wrong, but when it comes to Be Stiller, what else would you expect. So I guess I am on your side Geri
Melissa said,
August 10, 2008 at 7:08 am
As a mother to a 5 year-old son with Down syndrome, I am deeply offended by the use of the “r” word when used in such a hurtful way. I fought to get the Napolean Dynamite pen pulled off of the shelves, and I am just sickened to see that not only is the word still being used (I also refused to buy “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with Johnny Depp) but so frequently (an episode of 2 1/2 Men was called “Love isn’t blind, it’s retarded). This is just putting me over the edge. Why is it not o.k. to use the “N” word, but it’s o.k. to use the “R” word? I have had enough of this…it has to stop. My children enjoy Jack Black and Ben Stiller. I will NEVER allow them to watch either of them again.
Steve Gorelick said,
August 10, 2008 at 7:43 am
http://mediaandmayhem.com/2008/08/09/bravo-dreamworks-what-courage-it-must-taken-to-make-fun-of-retards/
Nick Plowman said,
August 10, 2008 at 9:17 am
Melissa, I am very sorry that the entire thing offends you, it offends me and I am not in your position. I feel for you, and I hope people realise that the word “retard” is hurtful as well – I am guilty of using it numerous times for no reason, with no excuse, so it’s something that needs to be addressed on a higher level. If we cannot say “nigger,” and yes, I will use it for the sake of this comment, then no one should be allowed to say “retard,” “faggot”, “dyke”, or any other derogatory term. But this is tough, people use “nigger” all the time, rules cannot change people’s mentality, respect for mentally disabled people has to come from within. That needs time.
Mahoney said,
August 11, 2008 at 1:23 am
You know when Team America: World Police came out I had a very similar discussion with a muslim friend. He hated the film, found it very offensive, and I couldn’t understand why. What he didn’t seem to understand, what I had to explain to him indepth, almost joke for joke, was that the film wasn’t making fun of arabs, it was making fun of the way Hollywood portrays arabs in Michael Bay style action films.
This is the exact same situation. This movie isn’t making fun of the mentally challenged, it’s making fun of Hollywood’s heavy-handed use of the mentally handicapped for ‘Oscar bait’ tearjerkers.
The joke of Simple Jack is we are meant to laugh at the notion of Hollywood putting out such an offensive ‘oscar bait’ movie only to have it fail horribly because of how offensive it was, and that the filmmakers were blissfully unaware that it was offensive. Do you not see this? The joke is ben stillers character is so dumb and ignorant that that made a highly offensive film while thinking he was making the next Of Mice and Men.
It’s a tragedy really, because it’s a great joke with layers far more complex and smart than you realize, because you can’t get past your reactionary fluster about the use of the word ‘retard’.
Mahoney said,
August 11, 2008 at 4:24 am
Melissa:
“Why is it not o.k. to use the “N” word, but it’s o.k. to use the “R” word?”
Actually…it is ok to use the ‘N’ word in film depending on the context. Ever see Pulp Fiction? True Romance? I’m not saying it’s morally right to use the N word in a movie, simply that they are allowed to exist, and people can simply choose not to watch them if they’re offended.
melody is Slurping Life said,
August 11, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Mahoney says: “It’s a tragedy really, because it’s a great joke with layers far more complex and smart than you realize, because you can’t get past your reactionary fluster about the use of the word ‘retard’.”
Mahoney seems to imply that some of us are too intellectually challenged to understand the movie’s “complex” humor and that people such as myself are “flustered”. You are funny. Ever considered making a movie?
BTW, I don’t fluster. I stand against what I believe to be unacceptable.
Zoox says: “I do feel bad if you gave birth to one of these Pete Rose hair cut family picture ruiners but thats no reason to blame the rest of us.”
Zoox, you are one person I could come very close to denigrating…you make it so easy. But I don’t work that way. I don’t blame anyone for any part of my life, and I certainly would never credit any human for the blessings that are my children.
Oh, Zoox, post a photo of yourself. Allow us to judge if you are your family’s “family picture ruiner”.
My children would never consider using words of hate or words that perpetuate social stigma. While living with special challenges, they understand how wrong and cruel such behavior is…and how it hurts. And believe me, they’ve been hurt by words. Still, they choose to rise above the ignorance of fellow humans. Oh you haven’t heard? People living with disabilities are your fellow humans…with breathing bodies, working brains and feelings. Yeah, imagine.
SS said,
August 11, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I used to like Ben Stiller…..The R word is for stupid people who cant come up with a better adjective. this was done in poor taste. im so over this whole genre of movies anyway. C’mon Ben, thought you were better than that. The R word and The N word are not ok.
Nick Plowman said,
August 11, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I never thought this topic would have such strong reactions…whoa
Matthew Lucas said,
August 11, 2008 at 11:04 pm
It’s satire people. Jeez, grow a brain.
Nick Plowman said,
August 12, 2008 at 6:26 am
Hahaha.
Matt said,
August 12, 2008 at 10:15 am
funny money people.
the whole concept of simple jack, in my mind at least, was to laugh at someone who was so egotistical that he thought he could make another of mice and men (as stated eairlier) and was unaware of how offensive it was.
its not making fun of mentally challenged people, but “retards” like ben stiller portrays in the film.
Nick Plowman said,
August 12, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Okay
Jack said,
August 12, 2008 at 4:05 pm
The next movies we have to go after are all those people are the ones where people tell other people to go have sexual intercourse with their mothers! It is so offensive! People with Mothers are offended and never
want to hear abour someone having sexual intercourse with their own mother.
SJ
Nick Plowman said,
August 12, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I got an idea!
Let’s ban humour, satire, the works! Or, you know, movies!
Because movies are movies, obviously, and they are AN ESCAPE FROM REALITY, but by applying all these politically correct rules onto the medium it eliminates the point in my opinion.
So I guess I have changed my mind. If you don’t want to watch a movie because it contains the N word or the R word or the word mothrfucker etc, DON’T WATCH IT, but let the rest of us decide for ourselves whether or not we want to see them.
Would y’all just leave my damn movies the hell alone?
Lassik said,
August 13, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Its OK to make fun because they would and will never know what the laughter is all about. The disabled do not know they are differnt from you and I. Just kidding (not really) but every year we as a society push the boundry a little farther, and all this publicity isnt negitive, all publicity is good publictiy, so when people come out against the movie, it drives the rest of us to seek what it is that is so bad.
Becky said,
August 14, 2008 at 2:47 am
My thing is that there are so many more “offensive” things in movies…such as rape….children getting murdered. Think about it if its the word retard or N word.
Josh Gilchrist said,
August 14, 2008 at 5:34 am
Geri wrote
“How pathetic and money hungry can one get to totally disrespect a population of people who are mostly gentle, kind and unable to fully understand how or why “humans” can be so cruel.”
OK, I’ve had enough here. Saying things like this is just as cruel and demeaning. Yes, I know that you are trying to be nice by pitying people with disabilities but it is just wrong all together. In fact, to me at least, it is even more wrong than anything in this film. Should the filmmakers be held responsible? Of course they should. I have not seen the film yet but, from what I have seen and read, the film may overstep boundaries but its intentions appear to be to poke a finger in the eye of Hollywood for their portrayl and handling of such issues. I have a disability myself and work for an advocacy organization helping teach self-advocacy to adults with disabilities. To say that people with mental retardation can not fully understand cruelty that is put onto them is just wrong on so many levels.
Simple Jack said,
August 14, 2008 at 7:42 pm
What i love about a lot of people on this forum is
1st. They never saw (and never will) the movie, so they just doing comments on what they heard about. it is NOT a movie laughing at people with disabilities period.
2nd. If we were to censor everything some groups don’t like, what a world it would be. Pretty sure, some persons are dreaming about it. Come to live in Canada, We got religious hardliner Stephen Harper just for you.
3rd. I actually work with people with mental disabilities and i have unconditional love and respect for them. how can it be ?? how can i love the movie ?? I must be lying. There is something wrong with me !! Nurse Nurse Help !!
4th. Cheer up people !! The Hannah Montana Movie is coming in 2009. Avoid the theaters until then. Avoid the terrible Ben Stiller, i will never allow anyone to watch another of his movie. Never !!!
5th To those with the moral truth by their side, don’t go full retard, never go full retard !!
wef daburr said,
August 14, 2008 at 8:26 pm
penis penis penis penis penis penis penispenis penis penis penis penis penis penispenis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penispenis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis penis
Nick Plowman said,
August 14, 2008 at 10:15 pm
You can’t be serious? Jeez.
Melissa said,
August 15, 2008 at 2:21 pm
The t-shirts are already out there. Next will be bumper stickers. THAT is what I have a problem with. I don’t have to go to the movie, but there’s no doubt that I’m going to come across somebody wearing the t-shirt. He might not have meant harm “in context”, but now it’s “out”.
Melissa said,
August 15, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Coming back to add, I know that the “n” word is in movies. I know the word “retard” has been in t.v. shows and movies. Hell, I’ve turned off episodes of “Rules of Engagement” because there it was. The reason why we are taking such offense to THIS particular movie is because it is being billed as such a huge blockbuster and the word is used so frequently, in such a hateful way and promoting it’s use as a tag-line or slogan (which we’ve seen already). I know about “Southpark”, “Family Guy”, “Larry the Cable Guy”. I don’t live in a bubble. I’ve seen these shows, and when they are offensive to me, I’ve turned them off. The problem I’m seeing with this, is now these slogans (which were created by Stiller) are going to be all over the place, and I can’t turn that off, and these slogans, when taken “out of context” are being put on merchandise because people think they are funny. Why do they think they are funny? Because they are insulting a population of people that they think less of. Seriously tell me that if it were the “N” word, “C” word, any other letter… would they be selling “Never Go Full N*****” or “Once upon a time there was a n*****”?. THAT is my point. Not trying to stop people from using the word retard correctly. Just trying to get them to stop using it as an insult.
harry said,
August 15, 2008 at 7:47 pm
“I do feel bad if you gave birth to one of these Pete Rose hair cut family picture ruiners but thats no reason to blame the rest of us.”
I think I just laughed harder than for the scene of the movie.
“Seriously tell me that if it were the “N” word, “C” word, any other letter…”
If context is right, I don’t see the issue. I just ran it by my bla.. colo.. afro.. African-American roomate, and he said that if it had been swapped to him railing on him about being too “nigger” it would probably be funnier.
Matthew Lucas said,
August 15, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Melissa…never go full retard.
SlangmasterG said,
August 15, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I wear glasses…people in movies constantly use the phrase “4 eyes”….
I think we should remove those movies from the shelves, and lock the people up that say this derogatory remark…
The only thing more retarded than retards are people that defend retards for being retarded. I mean come on. They are people, and no word is going to change that. Its just a word.
Fuck
Shit
Cunt
Cock
….get over yourselves already…
klezboy07 said,
August 16, 2008 at 9:09 am
dude, that had to be the funniest part of the whole movie. its just a fuckin joke. who cares. that whole joke made the movie
klezboy07 said,
August 16, 2008 at 9:15 am
SS..?? wow
get a life
Lori said,
August 20, 2008 at 2:10 am
I understand people being offended over that, but come on, it was meant as a joke. I just wanted to see the silly little trailer, now that can’t happen. Poo
Simple Jack said,
August 20, 2008 at 3:47 am
Simpil Jack tink move e fun e + all u r piss heads that take 2 sereously.
Josh Gilchrist said,
August 22, 2008 at 9:53 am
Ok, I have seen the film now, and I must say that, while I did enjoy the film, I found these scenes to be highly offensive. 17 mentions of the R word? Are you kidding me? And Ben Stiller walking out, playing his character with a disability in clown face? Try to picture yourself as someone with a disability watching this or someone who has a loved one with a disability. It totally crosses the line. In am in no way shape or form highly sensitive to politically incorrect humor. It’s my favorite kind of comedy. If done correctly, it can shed a light on issues in society. How the issue of people with disabilities in treated in Tropic Thunder is just careless and harmful. We could turn a blind eye but the fact is that “Never Go Full R*****” has become the next big catchphrase. It’s all over the place now. People don’t understand the ramifications of this. Don’t kid yourself in thinking that it does not hurt people. I work with adults with developmental disabilities as an advocate and they are certainly offended and upset by this. Why couldn’t Ben Stiller learn from the Farrelly brothers, whom he has worked with before? They use people with disabilities in their films but it is no way shape or form done in a hateful or demeaning manner. I loved the movie The Ringer because that displayed people with disabilities as they are really are, active members in the community who have hopes and dreams just like everyone else. The longer we carry on with these negative stereotypes against people with disabilities, the worse society is going to become. People with disabilities ahve worked long and hard to earn the rights they deserve, and now these rights are being taken away from them left and right. There are laws preventing them from getting married, making a decent living, and contributing to society. A phrase like “Don’t go full r*****” sets us back another several years.
chris said,
August 25, 2008 at 1:44 am
retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard retard
there, 17 times. my fragile little mind is warped forever.
Seriously, this whole outrage is manufactured by so-called “disability activists,” who believe they have the moral authority to speak for the mentally challenged everywhere. (God forbid, they’d actually let a handicapped person speak for themselves.) All these organizations do is remind the people they allegedly speak for that they are different and should be treated as such.
Anything to generate more fundraising letters and flyers and make guilty upper middle class white people sleep better.
Given the context of the scene, the only people that should have gotten pissed off are Sean Penn, Cuba Gooding, and any other actor that thinks a bowl cut and a drool should automatically yield an Oscar. (seriously, “I Am Sam” and “Radio” were way more offensive.)
And as far as the newly dubbed “R-word”, are we just going to do this with every letter of the alphabet? As soon as you make words taboo, you increase their shock appeal and ability to grab attention, doing nothing but encouraging more use. (I refer you to any stand up special full of “F-words”, rap song full of “N-words” or the rainbow of homophopic slurs in any teen comedy nowadays.)
Best thing to do if you’re offended is protest with your wallet. Studios care much more about DVD sales than any artistic message.
Robert Nesta said,
August 25, 2008 at 4:17 am
I just want to say that I did not even hear of the “Simple Jack” contreversy until after I had even seen the movie. I went in not knowing what to expect out if it. I watched it, I laughed, and then I left. People arueing over things, such as a movie, is just something that our society is all about. When I go to the movies or just watch a movie at home, I do not watch it and try to point out the flaws of the movie. Yeah people want to protest what they believe and actors want to entertain, but when to two get mixed up you get more hatred out of it than would have been had you just lefted it alone. I am not saying that i walk around calling people by undesired names but I am saying that I believe that a movie is supposed to be an excape from reality. Most movies whether fiction or non-fiction have events which the American public will never nor have we ever actually seen or in our case words that many choose not use because of there obsenity. Just watch the movie if you enjoy watching movies. And if you get caught up in all the hype about the contreversy surrounding the movie then do not see it. Either way, it’s a good comedy with obviously adult humor that can be taken one way or the other. Because people will believe in what they believe in. So if you choose to protest then right on, you are in the right country to do it. If you choose to watch the movie with an open mind, as should be done with every movie because they are all “fake” then go for it. It’s all about what you believe and what you wish to take from it.
Anonymous said,
August 25, 2008 at 10:13 am
you’re all R E T A R D S for not understanding the satire.
anon said,
August 27, 2008 at 7:45 am
this was perhaps the single funniest joke in a movie ever. i was literaly crying every time simple jack was even mentioned in the much less the few scenes you actually got see. The only bad part of the movie was that i was wishing the entire time that i could watch simple jack and now i hope ben stiller will hear my call and create an entire feature length simple jack movie
Nick Plowman said,
August 27, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I cannot wait to see this effing movie to formulate an opinion on this topic already!
Special Person said,
August 29, 2008 at 2:29 am
fuck you retarted fucking retards
Matthew Lucas said,
August 29, 2008 at 8:54 am
Since when did retard become a curse word to be bleeped out?
Come on people have we really reached a point where we are that overly sensitive? Wake up people…there are children dying in third world countries because they don’t have enough to eat and their parents died of AIDS, and we’re here arguing about 17 uses of the word retard in a fucking movie?
Get the fuck over it. If you don’t like it don’t watch the goddamn movie.
I Have A Huge Dick On My Face But I Wouldn’t Know It Because I Would Rather Pretend To Be Anonymous said,
August 29, 2008 at 4:43 pm
blog is full of retaded stuck up liberals
Nick Plowman said,
August 30, 2008 at 10:53 am
Oh thanks for that.
boomhauer said,
September 1, 2008 at 1:44 am
anyone know where a copy of the simple jack site might have been made? I really wanna see this but noooo its all gone… somebody must have copied it…
personalguy said,
September 1, 2008 at 4:51 am
Logic would suggest that if a person is full retard then he would not be able to acknowledge the phrase “Full retard” where as something that says N*gger african american ppl that are normal will be offended. retarded ppl will least likely be upset becuz they wont get the joke. therefore only ppl who are associated with ppl who have mental issues will complain. all in alll it was a joke. retard is a mental problem N*gger is a derogatory word. if u get upset then get upset with the doctors who came with the word it is ust the word being used out of context n*gger is a made up word but ot retard
chinese guy said,
September 1, 2008 at 8:18 am
chink! chink! chink! dun go full chink! never go full chink! LOLOLOLOLOL
boomhauer said,
September 1, 2008 at 8:27 am
how bout a full retard shirt? ;) http://www.fullretard.com
Matthew Lucas said,
September 2, 2008 at 12:37 am
“blog is full of retaded stuck up liberals”
And proud of it!
Matthew Lucas said,
September 2, 2008 at 12:38 am
I love how that guy misspelled retarded, lol.
J.D. said,
September 2, 2008 at 3:05 am
I have seriously psychological and emotional problems. Does that count? Like, I know I’m a stuck-up liberal, but…?
Matthew Lucas said,
September 2, 2008 at 3:07 am
It’s okay J.D. we love you anyway.
ILOVEMARY said,
September 2, 2008 at 9:19 am
FIRST AND MOST OF ALL…….this is a fucken movie ! MOVIES = FAKE/ENTERTAINMENT (escape from reality) ….All of you rediculously kind hearted sensitive people please take your money and go see another film that is NOT rated R and does not include ADULT LANGUAGE …WHAT THE FUCK DO U EXPECT when you see RATED R ????!!! and for those who are crying about ben stillers performce…..Ben stiller is a damn actor, seriously if I was an actor and got paid millions of dollars I would act like a complete idiot even if my brother was mentally ill ! Try watching the COMEDY channel thats playing on tv 24/7 ….u wouldnt even be able to keep with the list of funny offensive shit on that channel , but then u have time to complain about a 1-2 minute clip on the film….seriously go fuck yourself …Your wasting your life !
Nick Plowman said,
September 2, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Yeah JD, we do.
And ILOVEMARY, I agree with you, I think.
Stop The B.S said,
September 3, 2008 at 6:12 am
First and foremost, I’m so sick of people always comparing there issues to issues blacks have or had to face,It’s so fucking annoying.Furthermore, to the people saying why is it not ok to say the “N-word”, but it is ok to say the “R-Word” need to pulled their heads out of their assholes.If I had to make a list of movies that used “nigger” I would run out of paper and ink.Movies that include some of my favorites like Taxi Driver,Goodfellas,American History X,Blazing Saddle and Mississippi Burning all used the racial epithet.For heavens sake, Jack Nicholson in The Departed said “nigger” barely 5 minutes into the movie…Stop the whining and do something more productive.I’m pretty sure the people protesting this film did what the studios wanted.Created controversy, that resulted in free publicity for the film.
Sidenote:The only thing about this movie that offended me was how much it sucked. With it’s bad cliche feel script and characters, I was at my happiest when it finally ended.
GoshWatcher said,
September 4, 2008 at 4:14 pm
What a hillarious thread!!!!!!
p.s. the retard bit is just as funny.
Nick Plowman said,
September 4, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Is that even possible?! Wow.
todd said,
September 15, 2008 at 1:41 am
The comment left by mahony seems to be the only well thought out one.
I belive the late great George carlin said it best when he said “you can joke about anything it is all just in the context”. this was obviously not a degrading of mentally handicapped people but the idocy of the ben stiller character. he was blisssfully unaware that he had offended menatlly handicapped people all in the pursuit of thinking he had done serious acting. and in the hilarious speech by Robert Downey Jr’s character it was pointed out that connecting with the audience and success in the performance required humanizing the charcter that you portray rather than just pointing out all of the handuicapped traits. the definition of handicapped is
disablled in development , incapable of functions physically or mentally,
when i grew up in the 70s the wordt retarded was not used in any derogatory sense the deination is almost identical to that of handicapped. the definition of retarded is;
delayed in development, relativly slow in mental or emotional development.
this word has become a word that is now associated with a derogatory meaning. it is not howeve the same depending on context. the context of the movie was not in an assault on the mentally handicapped but an assault on the idocy of tugg speedman whos dull wit couldnt understnd that to just mimick [and in effect just make fun of ] handicapped people was the error see the human in the character and bring this to light and you succed in capturing the role . this movie was obviously just a full out farce . i am half black this movie did not offend me in the role it was not trying to make fun of black people and the robert downey character was my favorite.if it had a abovious intention to put down blacks or any race or the handicapped it would be just offensive. if anyone should be offended it should be actors caus this is who it was targeting. it targets the idocy oifof actors and what they will and wont do for roles. the tom cruise role show is best the acotrs have a sense of humor and are making fun of themselves not anyone else. take a clue from the doctor Patch adams and realize that laughter is the best medicine.
Nogri said,
September 20, 2008 at 3:36 am
I don’t understand. It’s not even a joke on the handicapped. It all about the dumbness of Hollywood actors. The conversation is between an emotionally stunted action star, and a method actor so dedicated to his craft he used surgery to change his skin. Not exactly high level thinkers. Sean Penn in “I am Sam” did that movie for awards. Tugg Speedman did “Simple Jack” for respect as a dramatic actor. Neither of them did those roles as some sort of homage to the handicapped/disabled.
This movie has Ben Stiller killing a Panda, getting stabbed by a baby then flinging said baby off a bridge. Stiller even poked fun at child-soldiers, heroin addicted actors, secretly gay rappers, Hollywood producers, dying by landmines, fake war veterans, psychotic special effects artists..
Not once do they make fun of the handicapped. Two characters using the word “retard” is in no way a swipe at the handicapped. It’s all about the stupidity of Hollywood. And Tugg Speedman pays for that stupidity when he is forced by the heroin camp to play “Simple Jack” over and over, like it’s some level of Hell.
Nick Plowman said,
September 20, 2008 at 10:18 am
You just hit the nail on the head right there.
Joe the Lion said,
February 4, 2009 at 9:46 pm
I like what Lenny Bruce had to say about these words. They’re only words. How about you start getting offended over things that really matter? No matter what you call someone, if they have any imagination and self respect, they’ll find an even more suitable comeback based on one of your less attractive attributes. Mostly people just cry for big brother to save everyone by banning everything.
Simple Jack said,
February 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm
love the movie and love simple jack, boo hoo if you people are offended by this, dont watch it and dont ruin it for the rest of civilised society, go back to your holes
Linus said,
May 28, 2009 at 3:15 am
ADC once said, “You can take a dick, but you can’t take a joke?” Forget about going full retard. Don’t go full QQ.