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.
Isn't that big of him!
/s
It seems that Hollywood believes that its make believe world is reality. So much so, that they think both Martin Sheen and Geena Davis served as Presidents. Heck, Geena Davis even got an award from the UN for her Presidential term.
Maybe, in a "Matrix" sort of way, it IS true in their minds and becomes their reality. If so, here's hoping that the next suitcase bomb on "24" goes off in Hollywood. >:)
Regards, Ivan
How about a big thank you from Redford that we haven't had any major attacks in America since 9/11. He still can sit in his ivory tower and speak nonsense.
I demand that Redford apologize for Hollywood.
Maybe the back of a hand will suffice. What gall.
This PIECE OF SH*** HAS SOME NERVE!!!... second class actor, major SISSY who hardly makes it to a "man."... So conceited these bast****, who do they think they are?
I have an apology for Redford...I'm sorry you aren't an Iraqi living under Saddam wondering what ever became of several members of your family who disappeared and were never heard from again. I'm sorry you weren't drafted into the Iraqi army under Saddam and forced to spend years in a war with Iran facing and utilizing chemical warfare. I'm sorry you aren't an Iraqi living under Saddam watching palace after palace being built as your children grow ill with little real medical care available. I'm sorry you simply don't have a clue. How's that for an apology Redford?
Didn't he die a while ago with a gerbil stuck up his ass?
That's putting it mildly. It was an armed revolutionary riot by Communists.
Surely that's Richard Gere.
Regards, Ivan
"Surely that's Richard Gere."
Word on the street is that it was Gere's favorite gerbil, Heiny.
Helped the Riady's of Indonesia, is all!
Redford: Shutup you idiot! Another thing... just why should I listen to your opinion about anything?!
Regards, Ivan
It's play-acting bravery. Leftists getting on stage in front of other leftists saying leftists things while the audience oo's and ah's, oh, how brave! So leftist! So brave!
But just try to criticize the audience while your standing up there talking to them. Then you'll see the true meaning of bravery.
Shut up and make movies Bob....k?
No, what you are showing us, Mr. Redford, is what old liberals like to masturbate to, as they get old and the testosterone declines.
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