MovieChat Forums > Chi-Raq (2016) Discussion > Ben Carson Diss

Ben Carson Diss

posted 9 years ago by AnonymousJones
9 replies | jump to latest

And no mention of Bill Cosby?

As much as I love Spike, sometimes he speaks from his own mouth through his films and his bias extends into the final cut. Something similar happened in Get On The Bus. It really hurt this particular movie, and will date it like He Got Game.

You are...my fire
The one...desire
Believe...when I say
IIII waaant it thaaat way

[–] TamPalm 9 years ago

It really hurt this particular movie, and will date it like He Got Game.

I don't think this movie has long legs anyway, will probably be forgotten in a year or less...as it should be. And while I agree he took a cheap shot at Carson, that was probably one of the least offensive things about this horribly vulgar and offensive film. 

"If it doesn't make sense, it's not true." -- Judge Judy

[–] wanganegresse-17-66043 9 years ago

Wtf, he's an artist and a filmmaker. Who else's mouth is supposed to speak through? Last time I checked, Woody Allen didn't knock on my door and ask if he could speak through me.

Y'all ignant

[–] blackalaureate 9 years ago

Wtf, he's an artist and a filmmaker. Who else's mouth is supposed to speak through? Last time I checked, Woody Allen didn't knock on my door and ask if he could speak through me.

LOL

i heard that!

"Please disabuse yourself of the notion that my purpose on earth is to tuck ignorance in at night."

[–] activista 9 years ago

@Anonymous

Uh, that's what MOST indie filmmakers/screenwriters do and have always done---speak through their characters---do you really thing Spike's the only one who does that? I mean,seriously. Filmmakers have been doing that since films were invented, it's nothing new. Plus Spike isn't obligated to bring up or mention Bill Cosby simply because he's black, thank you very much.

[–] AnonymousJones 9 years ago

Uh, that's what MOST indie filmmakers/screenwriters do and have always done---

Indie?
...I guess

speak through their characters

Spike is a vocal man in his own right without any filters. And as much as I enjoy Spike's work, he and it are not synonymous. If Spike has words to say about Ben Carson, good, bad, or otherwise, I'd rather hear it from his mouth. Putting it into his character's mouths is not only tacky, but disruptive to the suspension of disbelief. And with the gimmick Chiraq runs off of, suspension of disbelief is crucial to the narrative.

Plus Spike isn't obligated to bring up or mention Bill Cosby simply because he's black, thank you very much.

Spike voluntarily crossed the line by mentioning Black contemporary public figures, namely Ben Carson, in a condescending way. With that being said, it's pretty irresponsible to call out Ben Carson of all people and not mention at all the center of a recent, controversial scandal, Bill Cosby. And that's whether you love him and believe he's innocent or hate him and believe he's guilty.

You are...my fire
The one...desire
Believe...when I say
IIII waaant it thaaat way

[–] tyrexden 9 years ago

Not only that... Its his OBLIGATION to lend his voice. He's the director AND one of the writers!

Bill Cosby helped finance Malcolm X once Spike used up all the Warner Bros budget, so I'm sure there is a relationship there. Cosby has been convicted of no crime, and despite the narrative in the media, he has a lot of support. I personally suspect that a good portion of these women knew what they were getting into, consensually.

[–] AnonymousJones 9 years ago

Well, I didn't say he should've said anything negative about him. Bill Cosby occupied a section of the news for at least two months while Ben Carson, a prestigious figure in his own right, is only getting heavy attention now because of his bid for the U.S. Presidency. Spike wrote that Ben Carson comment like BC has been vocal and controversial for years, like he was an enemy. It just so happens that some people, knowing his background, accomplishments, and experience, have supported Ben for years and don't take lightly to random offensive comments. Like I posted before, Spike was reaching with that dig.

You are...my fire
The one...desire
Believe...when I say
IIII waaant it thaaat way

[–] blakehunter198 9 years ago

Am I the only one who thought the Ben Carson roast was really funny...

[–] forallpracticalpurposes1 9 years ago

As much as I love Spike, sometimes he speaks from his own mouth through his films and his bias extends into the final cut.

You're probably correct - but don't most directors do the same? That's why reading the book is so much better than the film - you don't have the directors experiences and bias' coming through in the book. I don't think Spike Lee does anything different than other directors do - it's just that his biases and experiences tend to be very different from most directors.

-LeLu