'Ocean's Twelve' Stars on 'Moral Values'

ABCnews ^ | 12/02/04 | ABCnews

[Pikamax]

'Ocean's Twelve' Stars on 'Moral Values' Clooney, Damon, Pitt, Zeta-Jones and More on Hollywood vs. the Heartland Dec. 2, 2004 - In the new film "Ocean's Twelve," a variety of Hollywood A-listers play professionals, each with a special skill, who band together to pull off a gambit none of them could accomplish individually. The film might be seen as a metaphor for real life.

When movie stars come together, they're often recognized as a force to be reckoned with -- and not just at the box office. They're seen collectively as "the Hollywood liberal elite."

Six of "Ocean's" stars -- George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Andy Garcia and Don Cheadle -- recently sat down with ABC News' Diane Sawyer for an exclusive interview about family, fame and public perception.

After one of the most heated presidential campaigns in recent memory, Saywer asked them to reflect on the outcome, the importance of moral values and the idea they are on the opposite side of that dividing line.

"We are, in fact, at times defensive of the idea that there's this disconnect between us and the rest of the country," Clooney said.

"We are actually, all of us, conservative, not liberal, whatever … We are reflections of that society. And we're a product of it."

Movie stars who grew up in Middle American families are troubled by the idea that the country does not think they belong to them.

Pitt grew up in Missouri with an upbringing he describes as "Baptist and then a more nondenominational charismatic kind of movement."

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

It has something to do with the "craft," it doesn't allow for depth of intellect. Hitchcock knew this and used it to his advantage.

Didn't Hitch compare actors to cattle? As a former drama major, I can say it's all too true.

[peacebaby]

Beautiful! Exactly that...knowing what to tolerate. Thank you.

[miloklancy]

I thought this passage was particularly smug.

Asked why they thought so many actors were Democrats, Clooney responded rhetorically, "Why are so many African-Americans Democrats? I think it has to do with tolerance."

Many actors are Democrats, because they are niave and as for African-Americans being predominantly democratic voters, that is because the Dems have successfully warped their agenda into seeming like it is helping minorities through largely racism and classism. It kind of becomes clear that the Democrats are far from the tolerant peace makers they make themselves out to be.

[peacebaby]

Hey, George. Damn, you're in a tight spot!

[Bushite]

That goes back to the sixties...alot of cubans registered as Democrats because of Lyndon Johnson letting them in the country......

But they vote heavy Republican in Presidential Elections.

[skeeter]

There is a growing propensity for cuban americans born in the US to go democratic, as well. The solid republican end of the community are the folks who fled cuba.

I'm afraid the passage of time will favor the dims as far as they are concerned.

[JLAGRAYFOX]

He is was a great actor at one time. No more!!!

[TChris]

Julia Roberts went on to insult all Republicans. Now that is stupidity on parade.

Agreed. Actors and musicians should stick with what they do well: performing. Leave political analysis to those who actually know the facts. Certainly, there are exceptions to the rule, but the great majority of professional actors and musicians simply aren't qualified to be the political pundits they sometimes portray.

[oldbrowser]

We are reflections of that society. And we're a product of it

Charles Manson said they exact same thing during his trial.

[JLAGRAYFOX]

You might be surprised. We shall see!!! Ms. Streisand is not the most popular woman in the USA today!!!

[military cop]

Can I get any of you "stars" a big old glass of "Shut Your Pie Hole" juice?

RLTW

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Of course, there are some who upset the theory. Conservative but nonetheless good actor Andy Garcia is one, as is the proudly Republican Danny Aiello and Bush sympathizer James Woods. But as one goes through more and more examples, the theory succeeds more often than it fails.

Chicago Tribune

[Borges]

You can't divorce things like sex, violence and profanity from context. (The Passion of the Christ, Saving Private Ryan...) Shakespeare's plays are filled with sexual innunedo. There's actually less overt sex in movies these days then there was in the 70s and 80s because the advent of cable and then the intenet has made porn much easier to get without going to the movies.

[SMARTY]

I grew up with a lot of really first rate films, none of which contained the kind of smut that is common now. Those are films that I did not have to cringe while watching with my parents. Some were based on stories from classic literature. I read a great deal and I am certain that if filmakers drew from the tons of positively gripping stuff available in any library, there would never be an end of excellent films. Somewhere along the line, they decided that I would dash to the theater to spend my hard earned money to see embarrassing and offensive behavior on the screen. At first these scenes were brief and sparse. Now, scenes of ANHTHING ELSE are limited and sparse.

[JohnnyZ]

For three weeks in a row I have been looking a the newspaper to find a movie that I can take my mother to see. NOT ONE!

That's mostly because the movies in theaters lately have been pretty bad. Even the ones with some promise ("After the Sunset", "National Treasure") have disappointed, and then there's Jude Law's boondoggles.

But several out there are still watchable: "The Incredibles", "Friday Night Lights", "The Bourne Supremacy", maybe "Ray", depending on if you're in a metropolitan area.

[JohnnyZ]

I read a great deal and I am certain that if filmakers drew from the tons of positively gripping stuff available in any library, there would never be an end of excellent films.

Yes, like "Moll Flanders"! How about "Kristin Lavransdatter"? "The Good Earth"?

Hmmm ... too much sex and infidelity for you.

Maybe old school, like the Canterbury Tales? Or maybe not ....

[durasell]

Hitch compared them to cattle, but that was one of the nicer ways he described them. Hitchcock was known for storyboarding every moment of screen time. Also, for playing games with the actors' heads.

[uncitizen]

I think James Woods is an MIT graduate of some distinction.

[durasell]

James Woods. Crazy Glue. Nothing more to say.

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

Hitch sure messed with Tippi Hedren's mind while making The Birds!