The cover of the new album of “Hey Ma” has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority. The album was released on April 8 in the U.K. with the cover featuring a baby about to pick up a handgun. The guitarist Larry Goot said the art was inspired by the story of an American infant who was accidentally issued a firearms license, and is meant to convey a powerful message. “Firearms are dangerous, they’re not to be taken likely, and we as a society are becoming over familiarized with the image of guns and gun culture.” The band’s political statement through the artwork of the album has spread controversy in the U.K.

Some argue that the artwork shouldn’t be banned since it is against the freedom of expressions. I’d like to focus more on whether the band’s choice has been right to convey their voice to the public.

The trials of mingling political messages with the artwork have been done by other bands. For a similar case, album cover of “Nirvana” released in 1991 had an image of a baby swimming toward a US dollar bill under water. A dollar bill and a baby each represented capitalism and innocence of the time. This artwork was successful in that it conveyed a strong image in an artistic and inoffensive way to the public. As a result, the album made a big hit for the first time for the band.

Even though the band had a strong point about firearms and young generations, I’d say if the idea offended the public in any ways, the message loses its power. A blogger said “banned” is good for promotion of the album since it brings more awareness to the public. However, the artwork was aimed to bring a political message, and “banned” doesn’t help to give authenticity to the message. I’d say if they went with the artwork that would support their idea in a less controversial way; it would help more for them to express their point.

 

Korean pop idol Rain is expecting a debut in Hollywood in the Wachowski Brothers “Speed Racer,” a live action adaptation of the 1960s Japanese manga series “Mach Go Go”. In the movie, Rain plays the role of rookie racer Taejo Togokhan, who is against the protagonist played by Emile Hirsch.  

According to “movieposteraddict,” filling foreign stars in blockbuster movies has become a common practice to expect success in foreign box office. Rain is popular throughout much of Asia and was on “Times Most Influential 100 list” in 2006 and “People’s Most Beautiful list” in 2007. One expects Rain will draw pre-teen Korean and Japanese girls to the film’s international release.

“Speed Racer,” therefore presents Rain effectively in its marketing targeted to Asian audience. In this character poster released in Korea, Rain in a white outfit is focused alone.  More interestingly, products based on the movie also include Rain with Korean characters, Hangul. “Lego” has released mini figures of the character and Rain’s mini figure has been released, too. The toy marks Rain’s character’s name, Taejo Togokhan in Hangul, which is for the first time that a world renowned toy company has used Korean characters on a toy. “The Hot wheels” will produce die-cast vehicles, track sets and race sets based on the movie, also printing Hangul on the cars.  

So far, Korean audience to this niche marketing is very positive. The trailer of the movie has already become a bit hit. The toys with Hangul printed on them have also draw big attention and have received good responses. Korean fans show interest in buying the toys before the movie release, May 9, 2008. Although having a foreign star in a blockbuster has been a common rule to expect a success in a foreign market, “Speed Racer” shows more devoted marketing to please foreign audience by producing posters and toys for Asian market. It is expect that the movie’s niche marketing could have a good result in Asian box office.

RD: What pleases you more, applause or laughter?
Fey: Laughter. You can prompt applause with a sign. My friend, SNL writer Seth Meyers, coined the term clapter, which is when you do a political joke and people go, “Woo-hoo.” It means they sort of approve but didn’t really like it that much. You hear a lot of that on [whispers] The Daily Show. 

A blogger named TV tattle criticizes her comment on “TDS.” He points out the fact that Tina whispered before naming the show means she even knew she was making controversy. A blogger Oliver Willis also says Tina overreaches. According to him, Tina tried to cmpare “SNL” with “TDS” while the later is “consistently funny.”

While she is getting bad criticisms from “TDS” fans, another blogger Remote Access takes her side, saying “TDS fans need to have a better sense of humor about things.” According to him, Tina doesn’t mention “TDS” until end of her comments, which shows that she wasn’t talking about the show.  

So was Tina saying “TDS” has bad jokes or was she just trying to explain her friend’s term clapter? Personally, I agree with Remote Access that Tina only used the name of the show for the punch line. Even though she really meant the show was not as funny, so what? I understand “TDS” fans being upset after hearing bad comments of their show. But Tina is former “SNL” writer who has a good skill with making satire. The following Q&A after the Clapter question asks if she is a mean girl. She answers she’s not but she has a capacity for it. As Tina admits, I think people need to understand her somewhat mean and biting comments because that’s why she is loved by so many people.  

Later In the interview with “Buzzsugar web magazine“, Tina Fey explains her mention of “The Daily Show”, saying that “clapter really wasn’t supposed to slam The Daily Show.” So I guess she wasn’t mean to the “TDS” afterall.

Situation

In January 2007, at the news conference of Golden Globes awards, Isaiah Washington (Surgeon Preston Burke on “Grey’s Anatomy”) said he never referred to T.R. Knight (co-star) as a “faggot.” This comment was reference to the backstage conflict two months ago, where Washington had a fight with Patrick Dempsey (co-star) by use of epithet toward Knight’s sexuality. In July 2007, Washington appeared on “Larry King Live” and presented his side of controversy. He said his word choice was toward Dempsey who treated him like a “B-word,” a “P-word,” and the “F-word” which, for Washington, meant “weak.” Whatever his intention was, his use of word on the camera at the Golden Glove stunned other cast members, and expanded the controversy. As a result, In June 2007, his contract was not renewed by ABC and he dropped from the show. Washington claimed that “they fired the wrong guy (referring to Knight).”

 Mainstream Media Coverage

The crisis of Washington hit the mainstream media. Interestingly, the media coverage chose different sides to focus on regarding to Washington’s situation.  “The New York Times” and “Variety” viewed the situation on the side of ABC who faced bad publicity toward the show due to Washington’s behavior. “The New York Times” headline said “Anatomy of an Insult: ABC Is Stung by an Actor’s Anti-Gay Slurs,” accompanying Knight’s serious expression of the picture. According to NYT, the executives of ABC and Touchstone called Mr. Washington’s behavior, “unacceptable.” The ABC statement added that they don’t buy Washington’s apology after the stage conflict when he referred his behavior “unfortunate,” and therefore, they would take the situation seriously this time. “Variety” also focused on ABC’s disappointed response on this issue with the title saying, “‘Grey’s’ Washington under fire again.” 

“MSNBC” took somewhat favorable side toward Washington, quoting Washington’s apology with acceptance. Below Washington’s smiling picture, it quoted Eliza Byard, GLSEN deputy executive director, who said, “Washington’s willingness to do something to address the hurt and harm he may have caused has to be respected.” MSNBC also reported Washington’s apology to the civil rights group and his decision to do the community service for forgiveness.  

“Fox news” reported the voice of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation who demanded an apology from Washington. It quoted enraged GLAAD president Neil Giuliano saying, “We are… optimistic that it may mark a turning point in this deeply troubling situation.”

Blog Coverage

Most bloggers were furious with Washington’s use of word at the awards. When Washington demanded to listen to his side of the story, “Perez Hilton” responded saying “he is living in his own little dream world.” He was cynical enough to mention that “you only went to counseling and did that public service announcement because you thought that’s what you needed to do to save your job.” 

“TMZ” also strongly accused of Washington, taking sympathy to ABC with this unexpected situation. The title said, “Grey’s Creator: Isaiah Insulted Everyone,” with the silly picture of him. TMZ quoted the executive producer saying, “We (all the producers) applaud and encourage Isaiah’s realization that he needs help and his subsequent choice to seek immediate treatment for his behavioral issues.” 

However, when Washington finally got fired from the show, some bloggers had a voice to bring him back. FriendofOprah at “TV guide Community” argued that it was racism to fire Washington based on his wrong word choice with the title saying, “The Sad Truth About Dr. Burke.” He also added that ABC fired a minority for using sexual slang about a white guy because in the case of Sharon Stone, a “b” word was acceptable when she said that to her gay friends.  

On the other hand, “Queersighted” applauded for Isaiah’s dropout from the show with the title, “Isaiah Washington Fired – Finally.” The blogger admitted that his firing was not only based on his behavior but combined reasons as his bad PR, and the network’s position. Saying “His firing still sends a message,” the blogger meant Washington deserved getting fired.

MSM and Blogs

Both Mainstream Media and Blogs mostly criticized Washington’s behavior at the awards, but they took different sides to support. While MSM focused on the network’s reaction, many bloggers talked for audience.

MSM reported Washington’s apology, but they shared more of ABC executives’ comments on how they will deal with the case. All the MSM also mentioned the rating of “Grey’s Anatomy” which is 18.7 million viewers and it won the Golden Globe for best television drama, concerning how Washington’s issue would affect on the show. For MSM, the hot issue was the network that was facing to have their hot TV show damaged due to the cast member’s bad mistake.  

The bloggers were also very cynical about Washington’s situation, viewing this case with their personal impact. They criticized him really hard with his insincere apology and argued his punishment by firing him. “Queersighted” applauded when Washington got fired and interpreted this as a good message to develop media’s support for Gay and Lesbian rights. Some audiences were against Washington’s behavior, but felt too much when he got fired from the show and worried about the show’s future.  

Publicist POV 

He has too many different sides for the incident, and none seems to be sincere. I felt sorry that he lost his job from nationwide TV show, but he somehow led himself into it. After the backstage conflict, he felt so falsely accused that he had a gut to grab the microphone and denied that he ever used the slur to describe Knight, repeating the word! After being criticized for his behavior on media coverage, he first fired his publicist and apologized. His statement included, “I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.” He added, “I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity.”

I think this was an okay apology and it was time for him to show “his future actions” for public forgiveness. Apparently, he still felt that he was blamed too much and spoke out again. I strongly blame his publicist for letting him talk too much when he needed to shut up and beg for public apology. His firing was anticipated since the executive of ABC said they didn’t buy Washington’s apology. It was his second time to use racist slur and from previous apology, he referred the incident as “unfortunate,” which showed that he didn’t really regret his behavior. And he used the same word this time in public. Finally, on June 2007, ABC announced that they had decided not to renew Washington’s contract.

Again, even though Washington felt like he didn’t deserve this, it was better for him to accept the fact for his future career. Instead, he claimed, “they fired the wrong guy (Knight)” and said he was considering filing a lawsuit. He even accused Knight for the controversy. He didn’t stop. He claimed that he was fired because of racism. The more he said the more he looked silly and I don’t understand what his publicist was doing while he kept interviewing to speak out all his thoughts and rage.

Again, on July 2007, Washington appeared on “Larry King Live” to present his side of the controversy. This time, he said he used the word but only referred Patrick Dempsey for being “weak.” So, in summary, first he denied ever using the word, next he begged for apology promising his sincere behaviors in the future, to only blame public for misunderstanding of his word choice. Like he claimed on a public service announcement for GLAAD, saying “words have power,” they do have power. And if he keeps lying, ignoring the power of the words, who will trust him in his career in the future?  

On February 28, the 80^th Academy Award was held. For actors, this is a day for them to get awarded for their performance of the year. Whether they admit it or not, to bring the Oscar home is an honor for their career. We have seen many Hollywood stars burst into tears holding the Oscar in their hands. James Cameron shouted, “I’m king of the world!” after winning his Oscar for “Titanic”. No wonder they even prepare the acceptance speech before the Oscar night.  

Jim Emerson, famous film critic once wrote, “Your Oscar Speech: How not to blow it.” His guide of the list includes, “Get a grip,” “Don’t assume that God voted for you,” “Brevity is good,” “Prepare,” “Don’t over-prepare,” and “Enough with the flowery speechifying.” I strongly recommend his advice to potential Oscar winners since I believe the acceptance speech is so important that if they ruin their speech, they would ruin their whole career of the year, too. We want to see the winners appreciate their Oscar but we don’t want to see their over-joy ruin their beautiful images of the movies.  

I’d say this year, the best speech Oscar should go to Tilda Swinton who won the Best Supporting Actress for “Michael Clayton.” When her name was announced, we could see how much she was surprised and how much she appreciated her Oscar. She started her speech, “Ohhh, no,” out of surprise, but she successfully gave us a witty and cute speech. She thanked a good amount of necessary people and said a good one liner joke, which was “George Clooney, the seriousness and the dedication to your art, seeing you climb into that rubber bat suit from “Batman & Robin,” the one with the nipples, every morning under your costume, on the set, off the set, hanging upside-down at lunch, you rock, man.” I know as soon as actors win their Oscars, it turns to be their moment and they have good right to spend their 45 seconds for whatever they want to say. However, giving a good speech also makes the party more enjoyable for the audience. Tilda Swinton’s speech was more than appropriate for the party, and I expect her next Oscar acceptance speech in the future.

Tilda Swinton’s full Oscar acceptance speech

Alfred Hitchcock on the cover of Vanity Fair

In the March issue, “Vanity Fair” has captured a montage of famous Hitchcock moments. According to V.F., in order to capture the details of the classic Hitchcock scenes, the photographer and beauty editor had to go through a lot to find the exact props like a phone boot from 60s or Carry Grant’s old suit. In this project, the hottest Hollywood actors participated, which include: Casey Affleck, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Julie Christie, Marion Cotillard, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Foster, Jodie Foster, Emile Hirsch, Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, James McAvoy, Omar Metwally, Gwyneth Paltrow, Seth Rogen, Eva Marie Saint, Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts, Tang Wei, and Renée Zellweger.

Jody Foster in the scene of “The Bird”

Marion Cotillard in “Psycho”

Janvier Bardem and Scarlett Johansson in “Rear Window”

Seth Rogan in “North by Northwest”

Renee Zellweger in “Vertigo”

 For movie fans, this is a very interesting event. Watching famous contemporary actors in the memories of Hitchcock, one of the greatest American directors is a fun and new experience. It also gives us a chance to find the actors’ different, more classical aspects. For example, Seth Rogan, a famous comedy actor from “Knocked Up”, fits well in the scene of “North by Northwest,” which gives him potentials to star in various genre films in the future.

Even for Oscar winning actors, this event could be a memorable experience for their career. According to V.F., the stars didn’t just model but tried to engage in the character like a real acting. The photographer described the shooting with Renee Zellweger as, “When she came on set she started breathing really hard, almost hyperventilating. She just absolutely exploded on the set and truly became that character like I’ve never seen before.” Even for such stars, this could be a deep experience to be the characters they have admired in classic movies.

     Last week, a clip by Sarah Silverman became a big hit. She showed this clip on the fifth anniversary talk show of her boy friend, Jimmy Kimmel. In the clip, she addresses to the camera (Jimmy Kimmel) and says she has something to tell him. Playing the guitar, she proudly says, “I’m f***ing Matt Damon!” The camera pans, and we find Matt Damon, sitting next to her for the whole time. He also delivers the line, “She’s f***ing Matt Damon,” and the two sing a long.  

This rude and disrespectful clip is in fact Matt’s revenge on Jimmy. According to the famous film critic Jim Emerson, Matt enjoys this “volatile mixture of lust and vengeful glee.” Matt has been a victim of Jimmy’s pranks on his talk show. He has been canceled and neglected on the show because they are “out of time.” (Matt uses this as a punch line in Sarah’s clip.)

The reporter Guillermo from Jimmy’s talk show went to interview stars at the premiere of The Ocean’s 13, leaving Matt out because he was out of time again.

Guillermo also bumped Matt for his own movie, The Bourne Ultimatum. 

Watching Matt getting pissed off and finally doing his revenge on Jimmy, we have to admit that Matt Damon is a funny guy. Although he has done few comedy movies and now a famous action movie star, he isn’t afraid of being a victim of a prank or participating in jokes. Some movie stars don’t do comedies, worrying that their comical images would ruin their career in the future. Obviously, Matt isn’t worried if people go to see The Bourne Ultimatum and laugh at his serious performance due to these jokes because he is confident in himself as an actor. I personally, love Matt for his brilliant and hilarious jokes, and expect his further moves.

 On January 22, a talented young actor’s death shocked people. Heath Ledger, from his debut in 10 Things I hate about you, has been a young, eager actor who wants to go deeper in his career. After the famous Broke-back Mountain, he didn’t stop exploring new roles. He was a medieval knight in A Knight’s Tale (2001) then he was a drug addict in Candy (2006). He could be one of those cute Hollywood actors and easily gain fame, but he chose to be a real actor. Hollywood lost a passionate and talented growing young actor for that.

Now people start to pay attention to The Dark Knight, Ledger’s last film. In the movie, Ledger plays a joker, psychopathic, mass murdering clown. It is an irony that we can see his latest appearance with a thick make-up almost like a mask. Since it’s going to be his latest movie, whether the studio has any plan to include Ledger’s death into the marketing is questionable. According to Entertainment Weekly, Warner Bros. has not yet announced any intention to alter its plans for the film, which is in postproduction.

 In April 1st, 2003, a famous honking actor, Leslie Cheung killed himself. Three months later, his last movie, Inner Senses was released in Korea. It was a mediocre horror film, however, with the fact that Cheung played a character suffering from psychological problems; his suicide took a big part in the marketing. The trailer of the movie included him jumping out from the window from the movie to remind people of his suicide. The movie made a pretty big hit. Cheung’s death probable took a part in a hit; however, the marketing will be always remembered as an unpleasant memory for his fans.

It is sure that people will pay attention to the Ledger’s final performance of the movie. However, whether this is going to impact on the box office is questionable. Studio might apply the joker’s mask to Ledger’s dark side of a famous actor for the movie’s promotion. However, I suggest the marketing exclude his death for the promotion to remember the talented young man as an actor. People who know Ledger will come to see his last performance. So don’t offend them but let them appreciate the movie, which will be remembered by Ledger’s final work anyway.  

Ledger’s take on the Joker in The Dark Knight