Post by canadia on Sept 14, 2011 12:32:34 GMT -5
Just realized no one started a news thread on this and this is BIG news IMO
Report: Gerard Butler receives death threats at TIFF
We've heard of suffering for your art, but this is ridiculous. The Toronto International Film Festival hit a sour note for Gerard Butler after he reportedly received death threats for his role in "Machine Gun Preacher," which he is promoting in the Big smoke this year. The actor had to amp up security, hiring ex-servicemen as bodyguards, due to threatening messages.
"It is quite a controversial subject and some people are upset by the strong religious theme," a film company source told the Daily Record. "We are treating this matter seriously."
In the film - which is based on a true story - Butler plays Sam Childers, an ex-con that rescues orphans from Sudan. Because the film centres on an evangelist helping children in a Muslim country, it has caused some controversy.
Butler is also in town promoting "Coriolanus," Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut. The film, based on William Shakespeare's play, also stars the legendary Vanessa Redgrave.
The Scottish stud has been making the most of his time in T.O. He was spotted with a mystery woman at the CAA party on Sept. 11 and, the next evening, was also seen at the Soho House.
"It's been extra-special because I have two movies here and I'm really proud of both of them," said Butler at the pop-up lounge. "I love this city. I hate being stuck in a room here. I look out the window and see everyone out and about - any chance I get, I get out."
Hopefully Butler won't let the frightening news damper his spirits.
ca.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/north-stars/report-gerard-butler-receives-death-threats-tiff-200010817.html
Apparently not. The Daily Record article referred to above
Gerard Butler laughs off death threats over movie role
GERARD Butler yesterday tried to put a brave face on deaths threats he was sent over a controversial film role.
The Paisley-born actor is playing the lead in Machine Gun Preacher, a true-life story of a Hells Angel who rescues orphans from war-torn Sudan after becoming a Christian.
But he was forced to hire {ex-servicemen as bodyguards to protect him at the films launch at the Toronto Film Festival.
The death threats were revealed at an interview at the festival but the star refused to reveal details.
On his way into Sunday nights premiere, he laughed and joked with the crowd and had pictures taken with them. However, a film company source admitted they were worried.
They said: It is quite a controversial subject and some people are upset by the strong religious theme. We are treating this matter {seriously.
The films evangelical fervour and its story of a Christian helping Muslim children in a Muslim country has caused the backlash.
Gerard, 41, has reservations about bodyguards. He said: "When we came out of the airport we were attacked by this crowd of paparazzi, crowding in, yelling, flashbulbs popping.
"We couldnt move and the bodyguard was just sort of standing there. Hello, I could have used you then."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/09/13/gerad-butler-laughs-off-death-threats-86908-23416922/
Report: Gerard Butler receives death threats at TIFF
We've heard of suffering for your art, but this is ridiculous. The Toronto International Film Festival hit a sour note for Gerard Butler after he reportedly received death threats for his role in "Machine Gun Preacher," which he is promoting in the Big smoke this year. The actor had to amp up security, hiring ex-servicemen as bodyguards, due to threatening messages.
"It is quite a controversial subject and some people are upset by the strong religious theme," a film company source told the Daily Record. "We are treating this matter seriously."
In the film - which is based on a true story - Butler plays Sam Childers, an ex-con that rescues orphans from Sudan. Because the film centres on an evangelist helping children in a Muslim country, it has caused some controversy.
Butler is also in town promoting "Coriolanus," Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut. The film, based on William Shakespeare's play, also stars the legendary Vanessa Redgrave.
The Scottish stud has been making the most of his time in T.O. He was spotted with a mystery woman at the CAA party on Sept. 11 and, the next evening, was also seen at the Soho House.
"It's been extra-special because I have two movies here and I'm really proud of both of them," said Butler at the pop-up lounge. "I love this city. I hate being stuck in a room here. I look out the window and see everyone out and about - any chance I get, I get out."
Hopefully Butler won't let the frightening news damper his spirits.
ca.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/north-stars/report-gerard-butler-receives-death-threats-tiff-200010817.html
Apparently not. The Daily Record article referred to above
Gerard Butler laughs off death threats over movie role
GERARD Butler yesterday tried to put a brave face on deaths threats he was sent over a controversial film role.
The Paisley-born actor is playing the lead in Machine Gun Preacher, a true-life story of a Hells Angel who rescues orphans from war-torn Sudan after becoming a Christian.
But he was forced to hire {ex-servicemen as bodyguards to protect him at the films launch at the Toronto Film Festival.
The death threats were revealed at an interview at the festival but the star refused to reveal details.
On his way into Sunday nights premiere, he laughed and joked with the crowd and had pictures taken with them. However, a film company source admitted they were worried.
They said: It is quite a controversial subject and some people are upset by the strong religious theme. We are treating this matter {seriously.
The films evangelical fervour and its story of a Christian helping Muslim children in a Muslim country has caused the backlash.
Gerard, 41, has reservations about bodyguards. He said: "When we came out of the airport we were attacked by this crowd of paparazzi, crowding in, yelling, flashbulbs popping.
"We couldnt move and the bodyguard was just sort of standing there. Hello, I could have used you then."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/09/13/gerad-butler-laughs-off-death-threats-86908-23416922/