Well, conservative author, talk show host, and movie critic Michael Medved was accused again yesterday during his show of playing the part of spoiler for the controversial Eastwood movie, "Million Dollar Baby." As the whole world likely knows now, the movie features a scene of assisted suicide.
When the movie was first released, Michael Medved was very critical of the fact that this part of the plot had remained a carefully guarded secret, and was instantly assailed and accused of trying to damage the movie's box office results. Here are some of the comments made by Medved via his "Eye On Entertainment" site:
Warner Brothers never tells you the truth about a key plot twist that turns this pedestrian boxing movie into an insufferable manipulative right to die movie. With one of the characters horribly handicapped begging for assisted suicide.
Yes, quite a harsh statement regarding the movie. But is Medved hoping to hurt the movie's box office receipts? If he wanted to do that, touching off a controversy is the worst thing he could do, right?
Think about the controversy over movies such as "The Passion of The Christ" and "Fahrenheit 911." These two movies are worlds apart. One was created to appeal to people of faith, the other to criticize President Bush and the Iraq War. Yet, controversy helped power each of them to a bottom line that they NEVER could have otherwise enjoyed.
So, really, if Medved wanted to hurt "Million Dollar Baby," he would have been better off simply calling the movie "a dud," or something to that effect, rather than starting a controversy over assisted suicide. Right?
Finally, I want to comment on the ridiculous claim that the movie will not send a message to someone one way or another regarding the issue of assisted suicide. Many of the movies proponents have insisted that it is "neutral" to this issue.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jim Carruthers
I think you're an ignorant hypocrite who is a week late in getting his marching orders from the Party paymasters at the Committee for the Overseeing of Vice and Virtue.
So piss off, stick to lecturing people who agree with your version of sharia.
If you don't like the movie, don't go see it. Stick to your political porn.
2 - Al Barger
Screw Medved, and his cheap, literal way of shoehorning his political agenda into a work of art. The fact that the movie deals deals with an assisted suicide doesn't automatically mean that Clint says it's cool.
Plus, the point of stirring up controversy isn't necessarily to hurt the movie, but to promote Medved's own lame product. Eastwood was doing fine without this extra promotional help, what with being Clint Eastwood and getting a buttload of Oscar nominations. Playing spoiler has, however, gotten more attention for this Medved schmuck than pretty much anything else ever.
3 - Eric Olsen
I remember what a turd he was all the way back to his "alternative to Siskel and Ebert" show, like 20 years ago
4 - Rodney Welch
David -- Would I be wrong to think that you are just the kind of young person Bill Maher is addressing in today's L.A. Times Op-Ed?
5 - Jim Carruthers
All I know is that Donny Darko is going to burn down Medved's house this week, and when the fire fighters find out what he has in that secret room, I imagine there's going to be a lot of denial going on.
And isn't that mustache known in "the trade" as a merkin?
A virtual "beard" for bald-faced liars.
6 - Chris Beaumont
I remember Eatwood saying something about telling a story, and that he doesn't necessarily agree with assisted suicide, but it was part of the story, he also sai that he shot people in a lot of his films but that doesn't make him pro gun.
All that said, it was a good movie, but I don't feel it is completely worthy of all the praise it has gotten. It is a top 20 film for sure, but not sure about best of the year...
7 - Jim Carruthers
I can't wait for Flannelman's (the under-hero with skid-marks in his undies) outrage with "The Aviator".
Flannelman: "Wife-unit, does this milk taste funny to you?"
WU: "I don't think so, we did buy the bottles from the Howard Hughes estate, and he was an enormously successful businessman, so there's nothing wrong with them."
8 - Tom Johnson
You know, you could just view it as a movie to enjoy. Jesus, people need to get a friggin' life. You can choose to be offended or just go "I didn't agree with his choice." It's a movie.
9 - Jim Carruthers
Since The Rock is hosting this year's Oscars, and since they give the technical awards at another ceremony, how much is the pay-per-view event where Clint Eastwood kicks Medved's ass for a good solid hour?
10 - Jim Carruthers
Y'know what amazes me? Why would a sub-literate boob, who isn't even as smart as a poo-flinging monkey, even bother to try to roll out a "Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick" cart in a neighborhood which isn't even remotely interested.
What sort of idiot would even bother unless he was being paid to?
And if he wasn't being paid to, what a sad sack of self-hating shit he must be.
11 - Tom Johnson
Jim, "Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick" might just be my favorite phrase of the week.
12 - Jim Carruthers
So, remember kids, when you see a member of The Republican Guard, do like Bobby Hill does.
Yell: "That's My Purse"
Then, kick him in the nuts
Twice if it is Medved.
Remember, Republican is a bad man who wants to do bad things to you, so do them first.
13 - Jim Carruthers
Tom, all I ask is that you insert "Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick" into every reference of fucktards you use. ie: David "Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick" Fucktard sez: blah, blah, i got paid for this filth.
14 - David Flanagan
Playing spoiler has, however, gotten more attention for this Medved schmuck than pretty much anything else ever.
Some attention which, as I see, has come from you; yes?
Thanks,
David
15 - Dave Nalle
I thought the whole complaint about Million Dollar Baby was just silly opportunistic posturing, but now that I've seen Carruthers insane gibbering reaction to it, it's clear that the movie is the essence of evil and should be stamped out for the good of humanity.
Dave
16 - Al Barger
Yes, David, I gave him as much attention as to write a column on the topic. I've got nothing against getting attention, though I'd prefer it be for something good, rather than for being a schmuck.
17 - Jim Carruthers
Dee Nalle:
You forgot to insert your "Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick"
There, doesn't that feel more "normal"?
18 - Dave Nalle
I leave you to insert long stiff objects in your orifice of choice, Jim - that's not my bag.
Dave
19 - Al Barger
Frozen pickles, arrrgh...
20 - Jim Carruthers
Dee Nalle doesn't like movies, doesn't like music, hates most teevee, hasn't met a book he's not read he didn't want to burn, is a heretic, and probably won't let you suck his balls.
And they let him procreate?
I guess they need somewhere to get fodder for Court TV from.
21 - JR
David Flanagan: This lame argument reminds me of some of our prominent professional players in the United States who, after being critisized for negatively influencing kids with their bad behaviour, like to say, "I never asked to be a role model." You didn't? Then why did you enter professional sports?
Um... for the money? Or hey, how about the opportunity to compete at the highest level in a game you're good at.
22 - Jim Carruthers
What I really want to know is why purported humans like Medved and the Daves can never do anything interesting or creative. It is like they are terrified that their only option is to confront the huge black gaping void which is their soul.
Or they really like Frozen Sour-Pickle-On-A-Stick.
23 - David Flanagan
JR:
Certainly people enter professional sports for the money, but with the money and the fame comes that unavoidable spotlight and, like it or not, many players become role models for kids.
You ask that player, "why did you originally start playing basketball," for example, and they'll tell you about their heroes, the one's who inspired them. Now, of course, they are saying, "I never asked to be a role model."
Thanks,
David
24 - Dave Nalle
>>Dee Nalle doesn't like movies, doesn't like music, hates most teevee, hasn't met a book he's not read he didn't want to burn, is a heretic, and probably won't let you suck his balls.<<
You're so deluded, Jimbo. I love good movies, have great music on my iPod and am a big TV fan. Plus I'm morally opposed to burning books. Aside from that I am indeed a heretic and I definitely won't let you suck my balls. So you're batting only 165 which is likely to get you sent down to the minors.
Dave
25 - David Flanagan
Jim,
You are talking about others who shouldn't be procreating? I've got news for you, you're a Darwin Award waiting to happen.
David