This kind of a movie and politics question... Do you separate?

Question

the actor from the activist? I can watch Alex Baldwin and most everybody else. I really liked him him Departed (Baldwin). But I won't watch a Penn, Sarandon, Clooney or Jane Fonda movie.

I didn't see V for Vendetta. Maybe I will.

Answer 1

Not anymore. I will not watch anything from any of the above listed. I also turn off the Dixie Chicks every time I hear them, along with U2, Bruce Springsteen, etc.

They have the right to believe what they believe and I have the right to not listen to them

Answer 2

I don't think the written or spoken word should prevent or threaten me from watching a movie. too often, actors/actresses/athletes/politicians/ etc...say things that may be inappropriate with my politics, religion, etc...

As long it is not a personal attack on me in any way, I find many in Hollywood have different points of view than mine. If I had to see only those whose views I agree with, it would be me who would be the looser. The movie industry is a Directors medium and should be viewed as a director telling a story with the limitless canvass we have all come to enjoy, film.

So, although an actor or actress is foremost and often highly profiled when movies are advertised, it is not their canvas. It is the canvas of the director that we are watching, which may be
inclusive of the story line, the actors, and others connected with the movie that we find to be in disagreement.

Never hold it against anyone for exercising their right to speak. That is what made America strong, not weak...The first amendment.

Answer 3

Absolutely. I happen to completely disagree with a great number of his views, but I think his acting is superb. I also think Sean Penn is a fine actor, in spite of his political stances. I think it is important to recognize the purpose of most fictional movies is to tell a story and send a message, however only on rare occasion is that the political view of an actor such as Baldwin or Penn. It does happen I grant you, but more often than not it is not an issue.

Answer 4

I usually don't care much about an actor's politics unless the politics show up in the acting. Then it becomes a political film, and fully open to judgment. If someone wants to boycott an entertainer for their politics, that's quite fine. I don't particularly care to, unless that entertainer's politics jumps into the middle of the performance. In music, see Toby Keith or Rage Against the Machine for examples of both sides.

Answer 5

Well the entire movie of V or Vendetta was suppose to be what happened to the UK after Bush's war, plauge, and america colapsed into a third world country.... BUT it was the best freakin movie since Kennith Branough's(bad spelling) version of Hamlet.... but on the other hand i refuse to see rocky 6 bc of the doochbag stalone.

Answer 6

I don't watch a Alex Baldwin movie if I can help it. I saw the departed. I honestly don't see what was so great about it. Another cop/mob/good guy/bad guy movie. Gee that's original.

Answer 7

I watch movies by people whose politics I disagree with - unless they get on a soapbox and try to cram it down my throat. But if they exercise their free speech at home or not in an inflammatory way, sure, why not. But I will not watch propaganda of any kind as I do not think that Art and Politics should ever mix.

Answer 8

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I don't shop at certain stores, see certain movies, or eat at some restaurants because I take issue with their corporate, political, or social practices. When people took offense to what was on t.v. or in movies we were told by Hollywood 'if you don't like it, turn it off'. Why shouldn't we take that advice now?