In early November, Quentin Tarantino flew into New York City to attend a pre-planned demonstration against police brutality. The NYPD did not approve of how the rally was held days after an officer was killed in the the line of duty. Also at issue was Tarantino’s speech, which included the statement, “I have to call a murder a murder, and I have to call the murderers the murderers.” Almost immediately, a national police boycott formed around The Hateful Eight, and police also promised an ominous-sounding “surprise” in store for Tarantino.
In response, Tarantino stuck to his promise of refusing to be intimidated. He also detailed his general apprehension of cops, and so his crusade continues. As a public figure, Tarantino’s refusal to stop talking sets an example for celebrities who are willing to stick to their, uh, guns under pressure.
Michael Moore questions why Hollywood (and specifically, white celebrities) aren’t sticking up for Tarantino. Well, Viggo Mortensen did so last week. He spoke with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes about how Tarantino’s detractors are “condoning” police brutality. Mortensen also says the planned boycott will have no effect on The Hateful Eight‘s box office. A few days ago, Moore added his Instagrammed support for Tarantino:
Moore also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter with more sentiments:
“Has any white person in this town, in the industry, stood up for Quentin Tarantino? The white guy stuck his neck out there, and they’re trying to chop it off. So, a couple of days ago I said, ‘To hell with that, I’m going to stand up for him.”
Tarantino and Moore are not only fellow filmmakers but good buds, but Moore also wouldn’t stand up for a cause that didn’t jibe with his convictions. Tarantino also received a statement of support from ACLU of Southern California:
“He has given voice to the frustrations of millions of Americans who stand for justice … And we raise our voice with his, speaking up as we have for decades to make it very clear that we condemn not the police, but police brutality and challenge the conspiracy of silence around police abuse.”
From here, this developing story should only grow more legs. However, the mention of a police-given “surprise” doesn’t help matters, but Tarantino is visible enough to help ensure his own safety.
(Via Hollywood Reporter & ACLU SoCal)
