There’s been some controversy about THE INTERVIEW due to it’s subject matter of assassinating North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Things only heated up when on June 25, the Korean Central News Agency condemned the movie, promising a “merciless retaliation” upon the film’s release. They stated that “Making and releasing a film on a plot to hurt our top-level leadership is the most blatant act of terrorism and war and will absolutely not be tolerated.” As ridiculous as that sounds, this may have prompted Sony Pictures to take some action in regards to the film. Word is that the studio may digitally alter thousands of buttons worn by different characters in the film that depict the actual buttons that are worn by North Korean military, due to “clearance issues” that would otherwise remain offensive. There is also another scene that’s in consideration to be cut/altered, although if you care about SPOILERS, then you can skip to the next paragraph. At some point in the film, Kim Jong Un’s face is melted off in slow-motion. Whether that’s a fantasy in the film or the real deal remains to be seen.
To be honest, I don’t really care what the buttons say or look like in the film. That’s not important. I also doubt that’s going to sway the opinion of North Korea, in regards to the content. “Oh, well they’re not wearing our buttons, so I guess it’s okay.” My worry at this point is that, aside from the fact those things should not be censored, the CG buttons might actually be distracting if done poorly. In any event, I imagine the controversy is only going to bring in more people to see this film so it’s most likely not going to change the final outcome. We’ll see if we’re at war with North Korea come Christmas.
THE INTERVIEW will open with CG buttons on December 25, 2014.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed