USA: HOLLYWOOD AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CONSIDERS ITS RESPONSE TO SEPTEMBER 11TH TERROR ATTACKS ON THE USA

Record ID: 392277

  • Title: USA: HOLLYWOOD AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CONSIDERS ITS RESPONSE TO SEPTEMBER 11TH TERROR ATTACKS ON THE USA
  • Date: 11th September 2001
  • Summary: (LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES) (OCTOBER 28, 2001) (REUTERS) SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN TRAVOLTA SAYING, "Yeah, that's fine. I don't think it really inhibits anyone who would normally want to see a movie that had that kind of content anyway, so why not do the thing that is the respectful hing to do?" LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 25, 2001)
  • Embargoed: 26th September 2001 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES AND VARIOUS FILM LOCATIONS
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Crime,Business,General
  • Reuters ID: LVA6G1C8IBGBJ5B4O3YFMMW037QA
  • Story Text: In the wake of the September 11th attacks, Hollywood is struggling to redefine its role and its responsibilities.
    Violent, terrorist-themed films have been pulled, studios have received warnings from the FBI, stars worry about the possibility of anthrax in fan mail, and everyone from writers to producers to actors is now thinking twice about what the next step might be.
    For many, the images of September 11th seemed to have come straight from a Hollywood movie. And in the aftermath of the attacks, it's Hollywood that many have looked to for signs of normalcy and the industry has received both abuse and accolades. The entertainment industry has been faulted for bring violence into the homes and into the minds of, particularly, American society. Meanwhile, A-list actors, producers, and directors have gotten praise for their efforts in raising money for the victim's of the attacks.
    Immediately following the attacks, several films were postponed, or had there release dates suspended indefinitely.
    Arnold Schwarzenegger's latest offering "Collateral Damage" a big budget action flick about a terrorist attack has been re-shelved with no new release date set. A Disney comedy "Big Trouble" also had its release postponed.
    A recent forum at a Los Angeles-are college, discussed the impact of terrorism on movies and TV. Taking part in this unique gathering was an impressive line up of Hollywood's top writers, directors and producers, including award-winning director, producer and actor Sydney Pollack ("Out of Africa,"
    "Tootsie," "Presumed Innocent"), producer-director Edward Zwick ("The Siege") and writer-director Kevin Sullivan ("How Stella Got Her Groove Back"). The panel discussed the ways in which Hollywood was reacting to the attacks and addressed concerns over how the industry's role may change. Sydney Pollack who starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in "Eyes Wide Shut" said he believes Hollywood needs to take some time to reflect and that it shouldn't react too quickly or drastically.
    Other parts of the entertainment industry are also taking steps to act responsibly in the wake of September 11th.
    Blockbuster, the world's largest video rental chain has announced that it will begin posting cautionary labels on selected new releases at approximately 5, 300 stores across the country. The first release to be affected is John Travolta's action thriller "Swordfish." The R-rated film tells the story of high-tech mercenaries how are trying to hack into government computers to steal billions in confiscated drug money. All copies for rent will carry a message saying: "In the light of the events of September 11, please note that this product contains scenes that maybe considered disturbing to some viewers." A spokesperson for the company said it was to help the consumers make more "informed rental decisions." The company is concentrating on its new releases only, as this is where most of the rental activity takes place. Other new releases which will be feature the new label are, "Pointmen,"
    "US Seals 11," "Operation Delta Force - Random Fire," "Sonic Impact" and "Submerged." Selected video games will also be labelled.
    Meanwhile, studios throughout the Los Angeles are have increased security. At Universal Pictures' home in Burbank, bomb sniffing dogs are on constant patrol. Guards are also using hand held mirrors to check under cars and checking the ID of all visitors to the lot.
    And at recent Hollywood events, celebrities have been discussing the impact of the attacks. At Premiere Magazine's "Women in Hollywood" event, honoring Paula Wagner, Cameron Diaz and Leelee Sobieski, the honorees discussed their fears and the ways in which they believed Hollywood should react.
    Sobieski, the star of "Joyride" and "My First Mister" says she is throwing away all fan mail as a precaution.
    Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage, at an American Cinematheque event honoring his acting career, said he thinks maybe Americans will now adopt a taste for more "intellectual"
    films and that comedic films will be important. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("Pearl Harbor" and "Armageddon") says Hollywood's entertainment will help heal.
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