Kevin Smith has announced via his Twitter that he will make his long-in-development horror movie Red State this July before moving on to his hockey film Hit Somebody starring Sean William Scott.
Smith has been trying to get Red State for the past three years, but it’s not difficult to see why he had difficulty selling it when he described it as, “so bleak that it makes The Dark Knight look like Strawberry Shortcake.” In an interview from 2007, Smith said it’s based on Westboro Baptist Church leader Fred Phelps. If you’re unfamiliar with them, click on their Wikipedia page and know that they’re some of the worst people to ever slither the planet.
Hit the jump to read what Smith had to say about the film back in ’07, but know that it’s highly-possible that the script now could be wildly different from what he had back then. In an odd twist, it may even be more relevant now with the rise of the racist and homophobic tea party movement.
Here’s what Smith told Rotten Tomatoes UK [via /Film] about the film back in 2007:
“The movie’s called ‘Red State’ and it’s very much about that subject matter, that point of view and that position taken to the absolute extreme. It’s certainly not Phelps himself but it’s very much inspired by a Phelps figure,” revealed Smith. “And to me, too, the notion of using a Phelps-like character as a villain, as horrifying and scary as that guy can be, there’s even something more insidious than him that lurks out there in as much as a public or a government that allows it and that’s the other thing that I’m trying to examine in a big, big way. It’s weird because for a few months I’ve been saying ‘horror movie’ and technically it is, but it’s also not a very traditional horror movie in the sense that people have been asking me, ‘Is it a slasher movie? Is it like the Japanese horror flicks?’ It’d be much easier to just show it to them when I’m done and be like, ‘This is what I meant.’ At which point I’m sure there’ll be people saying, ‘This ain’t a horror movie!’ But to me, it is.”
Of course, it’s difficult to know whether Smith has the chops to pull this one off after the catastrophuck of Cop Out (a film I imagine he will one day disown).
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Come on, Kev- you can do it! Make me a believer!
I think the movie will be great, because Kevin seems passionate about the subject and, of course, he'll be writing it himself. His only catastrophe of a movie (besides maybe Mallrats) was written by someone else. Coincedence? Perhaps not…
I recall hearing about this. I think The Weinsteins said it wasn't good enough, or something like that. ANyway, it still sounds cool to me.
He's never been known for his visual style but as long as he is writing it it should be good.
The irony here is that Phelps is not “red” as in Republican. He is actually a democrat… It's kind of misleading to show extremism with the title “Red State” when the central figure is actually a democrat.
And Matt, please stop the generalization with the Tea Party movement. Those people started out of disgust for gov't spending, not because they are racist and homophobic. But it seems that a couple bad eggs ruin it for everyone…
Find me a photo of person who isn't white at a Tea Party rally.
Also, I'm pretty sure Democrats don't go to military funerals with signs saying “God hates fags.”
Democrats = Support for gay rights
Phelps = Religious Terrorsist
You have no idea what the fuck you're talking about.
So by that you mean white = racist and homophobic?
Did you guys even read Phelps wikipedia page? He is registered democrat and ran for office as a democrat. Just because you are a religious lunatic doesn't make you republican….lol. Are you guys serious? I'm just stating facts.
Come on guys. Lets have some moderation here. Because of Phelps outrageous actions even former pres. bush signed the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act to ban protests from being within 300 feet. And the ACLU filed lawsuit against that act.
*replied below*
Fitz, there are also many democrats out there that aren't fully supportive of gay rights. Take for instance Dan Boren D-OK, who voted for marriage to be defined between one man and one woman or Artur Davis D-AL who also has voted anti-gay in the past.
I didn't see COP OUT but when Smith turns his attention to real dialogue, he does wonders. He's passionate about the story and that's good. His best move in my opinion, is make it a priority to find and hire the best cinematographer available, and work with them on elevating Smith's visuals. Cause that's always been his big weakness…his films need a visual boost!
First off, Phelps can register for whatever party he wants. The fact that he chose Democrat doesn't mean that he shares any part of the Democratic Party's platform whatsoever. Also, I never said he was a Republican. No party is as crazy as he is. That being said, a growing number of Republicans have allied themselves with the tea party movement.
Furthermore, the ACLU SHOULD fight that act. It's unconstitutional to ban any protest. I never said they they don't have the right to protest. I'm saying their protests are reprehinsible.
Finally, if you think that being against gay-rights is the same as saying that that God will punish all homosexuals and “fag-enablers”, you have no idea what moderation even means.
Matt, surely you understand that I am against this guy. I am not in support of extremist lunatics. You are right he can register for whatever party he wants.
1. My comment was that people think of republicans when Red state is mentioned. He is obviously not affiliated with republicans. I know you didn't say he was. I was commenting on the film's title and its premise. It is Smith's movie and he can do as he wants.
2. You are right. The majority of people in the tea party movement are conservatives and republicans. But that doesn't make them all white! Which is exactly what you referred it too in your reply: “Find me a photo of person who isn't white at a Tea Party rally.”
3. If you think I'm anti-gay then you are mistaken. I as referring to the comment by Fitz that generalized all democrats are pro-gay rights. Which is not true and I gave examples of prominent democrats.
Matt, I agree that the protests are disgusting. And I also agree that they cannot be banned. But your comment was, “Also, I'm pretty sure Democrats don't go to military funerals with signs saying “God hates fags.”" And by the fact that Phelps is registered democrat makes that statement false.
I'm deeply insulted my this article. I wish you would stick to commenting about films and not take political cheap shots. Not everyone who reads your articles are democrats. Are you saying you don't want or appreciate your republican readers? My mother has participated in a neighborhood tea party. She's against mandating people to purchase insurance. Why would you call her a homophobe? Most republicans dont care if you are gay, straight, or if your skin is fucking green. We only care that you contribute to society.
Get you rid of your complex. It's holding your talent back. You article would be so much better without the unfounded rant at the end.
I just re-read my article and looked at my comments. I only brought up Republicans when someone else mentioned it first. I criticized the Tea Party movement.
I didn't think you were for Phelps.
1. True. I haven't read the script and maybe the title will change.
2. I'm saying the racism and homophobia is a theme through the movement. What I'm saying is that it's interesting I never see a single non-white person in any coverage of their rallies, whether that coverage is on MSNBC, CNN, or Fox News.
3. I don't think you are anti-gay.
Again, he can register for any party he wants and you're technically right. But I think we can both agree that he is in the extreme minority. Like a minority comprised of him and his church.
Matt, just so you know, I enjoy your postings and have collider.com on my RSS feed. This is just a strange time when something just struck a chord…lol. I concur with the coverage of the tea parties and perhaps that is just bad reporting…idk…i'm not a member. But yes we most definitely agree this guy is realistically and ideologically in an extreme minority.
I also want to point out that during the Tea Party rally this weekend, “faggot” was shouted at openly gay congressman Barney Frank and “nigger” was shouted at Representatives James Clyburn and John Lewis, two men who played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement.
So am I painting this movement with a wide brush? Sure. But I look at their signs and I see signs saying “Impeach Osama Obama aka Hussein” and “No Voo Doo Medicine”, I would chalk it up to the bad apples, but Republicans don't denounce these people. They're using them as a voting bloc.
That's how I took it after I read the article.
I for one don't mind it when you guys put in your own two cents. This is my favorite “geek friendly” site. I can tell you guys are geeks and it's cool to hear someones opinion.
I guess it's just politics that stir people up. No one says just stick to the news when you give your opinion on who should be the next Cap America.
Can't wait for discussions when the movie actually comes out.
Thanks. It's much appreciated.
Bolden and Davis are hardly prominent Democrats.
The tea party comments were unjustified and irrelevant to the article at hand. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but taking political cheapshots for the sake of it damage the reputation of this site and the staff IMO.
It's not necessary and it's not welcome.
The tea party comments were unjustified and irrelevant to the article at hand. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but taking political cheapshots for the sake of it damage the reputation of this site and the staff IMO.
It's not necessary and it's not welcome.
It's a good story that Kevin Smith Will Finally Visit RED STATE Before He Goes to hit somebody