In a lot of ways, Lars Von Trier is the ultimate punk filmmaker. His films are deeply personal and often reflect his current feelings (case in point; his attitude toward women in AntiChrist). So when it was announced yesterday that he'd made some offensive comments at Cannes while at a junket for his new film, Melancholia, I really wasn't surprised. Von Trier (who sported his new* tattoo at the festival; the word 'Fuck' on his fingers) basically said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that in a lot of ways he sympathized with Adolf Hitler and that he himself is, in some ways, a Nazi. But he clarified that he has absolutely no ill will toward the Jewish community, or any community in fact.
Now it's being reported that the heads of the Cannes Film Festival have named Von Trier, 'Persona non grata'. Which essentially means he is banned from participating in the festival in the future. It's not clear if this is a permanent refusal of entry, or just for the next few years, but the festival have issued the following comment; "The board of directors profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the festival."
Personally, I think this should have been overlooked, but that said, I understand it's extremely offensive to a lot of people throughout the world, so I can certainly understand it.
Now it's being reported that the heads of the Cannes Film Festival have named Von Trier, 'Persona non grata'. Which essentially means he is banned from participating in the festival in the future. It's not clear if this is a permanent refusal of entry, or just for the next few years, but the festival have issued the following comment; "The board of directors profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the festival."
Personally, I think this should have been overlooked, but that said, I understand it's extremely offensive to a lot of people throughout the world, so I can certainly understand it.
