I apologize in advance for going on a bit of a rant here (as well as by paraphrasing the revolting Dennis Miller), but Shia LaBeouf is irritating me more than usual with his amazing levels of pretention. So please bear with me in this (probably) illogical summary of Shia’s latest delusion with regard to these photos of LaDouche casually walking through Los Angeles in combat fatigues for no reason at all but to appear like the most “method” actor ever.
Last week, Shia dressed in a contemporary-era Army uniform to visit Fort Irwin with Brad Pitt in preparation for their WWII film, Fury. And I totally get that Shia thinks he’s a “method” actor and whatnot. After all, Shia thinks he’s so method that he felt the need to drop acid and send a sex tape by means of audition for two of his recent movies. Now the dude is completely off-duty and not even close to rolling film on Fury, yet he’s strolling around in Studio City, CA while running errands in requisite combat boots and pants that he’s so lovingly coupled with a “Bud Light” t-shirt.
Sigh. This is where I feel compelled to out myself as a member of a strong military family. Most of the time, I do try to avoid speaking about politics in any online forum, and I especially aim not to do so in a Jennifer Lopez sense; that is, I obviously do not earn $1.4 million while performing for an autocratic despot while claiming a weak excuse “I don’t like to talk politics, to be quite honest.”
If you must know, I usually vote liberal but tend to lean slightly towards the right when it comes to military-centered issues. So these photos of Shia find me contemplating three members of my family who have served in combat. One of them served in the Korean war, one in Vietnam, and one in WWII. The common link between all these men (especially the first two) is that they find it rather bothersome and more than slightly offensive that people (that is, “reenactors”) seek glory in acting out their historic battles on a weekend-warrior basis. And that is precisely how Shia’s “man in uniform” errands appear to me. Am I being too sensitive? Because I see a spoiled, out-of-touch actor who thinks he’s being badass by simply donning a uniform. He hasn’t earned the privilege, and that smacks of “spoiled Hollywood brat.” Yes, Shia will receive more money in a few months than most military men will receive during the entirety of their careers, but Shia hasn’t earned the glory associated with the uniform.
Take it off, dude, until the cameras are rolling.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet
Douche!
that says it all
+1
I can’t find him attractive anymore because of how douchey he is.
@bns, me too. He’s so freaking crazy! Seriously! I guess he wouldn’t kill himself if a film requires his figure to die, so could he please stop being so ridiculously method?
Ugh, grow up you idiot!
I live in the deep South and he looks like most of the guys around here during hunting season. which is all the time since there is always something coming into season.
UTTER rimjaw.
Does nothing for me.
I think it would be one thing if he were just wearing the pants – people do that. But who walks around in desert boots? As if by wearing the uniform he’s going to “really understand” what it means to be a soldier? What a boob.
They’re not as common now, but back in the day, probably 80% of my high-school classmates wore desert boots (back in the day = Australia, early 90’s.)
In fact, they were so popular, I’d only heard them called DB’s. It was years before I figured out that DB’s actually stood for something.
What’s more, he’s out of uniform since it has to be a plain white tee. And you can’t wear it out on town like that….he needs a cover, a shave, a haircut and his shirt.
The undershirt is actually light green and he would also need his blouse, sleeves down, as well as the shave, cover, and haircut.
All of that is beside the point that it is discouraged to wear ACUs outside of travel to and from an army base. My particular unit commander wanted to restrict them to on base only but lost that battle because many servicemembers lived off post and would have posed undue hardship.
Shia is being incredibly crass and disrespectful to the military that kindly hosted him at Ft. Irwin, my old duty station. They took the time out during a training rotation which is purposefully very stressful for rotational training soldiers, to host actors which is bad enough but to pretend that ACUs are just another pair of pants is gross.
It isn’t also a current combat uniform. Those are ACUs. When soldiers are deployed, they wear multi-cams.
But yeah, the pants, umm, okay. But to put them with the boots bloused the way they are normally supposed to be is pretty stupid.
And they look filthy.
Is it just me or do his boot soles look like old Nike trainers? I agine him putting on a stiff pair of new combat boots and whining, “these hurt my feet, can we turn my nasty old trainers into boots?”
They make military boots with Nike soles (except jump boots); my husband refuses to wear anything else.
I don’t have a problem with people wearing combat fatigues. I see them wearing them all of the time. But Shia is clearly trying to make a statement. The boots were over the top.
yea fatigues are one thing but the boots to it to another level. Why wouldnt he wear a WWI uniform if he is doing “method” for the movie. Makes no sense.
I have an awesome jacket with several military emblems on it, and am totally embarrassed when someone asks me what branch I serve in. Still a hot jacket tho.
Re : people wearing combat fatigues.
It usually bothers me because I think people are trying to rip off the tough image without doing the actual work (being in the military). But this reminds me of when I lived near a gay leather bar (don’t ask) where guys walked in with combat boots, camo pants, white T’s and black leather jackets. Oh the Friday night parade while we sat at the cafe across the street. Alt culture at its finest!
Its illegal in my country to wear clothing that could be confused as belonging to the armed forces. Also TOY GUNS. Anyway, for that reason all I can say is rock that ensembel Shia!! Theres nothing sacred about that uniform and the second people spouting that whole “its disrespectful” spiel, you are on dangerous ground. Trust me on this.
Take a deep breath Bedhead!
Plenty of people who have never served wear fatigues and army shoes.
I get that Shia is not greatly loved but he repeats this MO often. Hasn’t he tried his luck on Wall Street while preparing for Money never sleeps? I think he even made good money even if he’s only rehearsed for a part.
^^^^This.
It’s not like he’s playing a doctor and running around town in a lab coat. I don’t see the pretentiousness here. You can’t fault him for trying to get into the character and I know many actors who prepare for a roles months in advance. Unless you want all movie army men to be played by real army men then the anger is unjustified and biased because LeDouche gets no love here.
+….2?
Yeah I don’t get the problem with the fatigues. Sure Shia’s an undeniable douche but I like him as an actor–A LOT. He’s probably not as talented as he perceives himself to be but I still think he has something special and I’m happy to see him doing interesting projects.
*runs and hides*
+3. I actually like the fact that people covet military wear. Better than coveting pants-on-the-ground prison wear!
“Better than coveting pants-on-the-ground prison wear!”
Uh… I would rather someone wear whatever personal style appeals to them which obviously — at least to any rational, thinking human being — does not and should not immediately connote jail time to the viewer than don combat fatigue which do have inextricable ties to the Army, particularly service in the Army…
As a military spouse whose husband is LOATHE to talk about his experiences – one of which earned him a prestigious medal and is, no kidding, in the history books – this really irritates me in a way I find hard to articulate. I’m pretty sure most of the ick factor comes from the fact that LaBeouf strikes me as a talentless and yet somehow self-entitled prick. I doubt someone else with real acting chops doing the exact same thing would be as grating.
Why would this irritate you? Does someone wearing the outfit take away from your husband’s achievement? Your husband is a hero, he served his country and anyone with an understanding of war and how devastating it can be on the soldiers appreciates everything he’s done for his country. What is he doing, by wearing this, that insults that? How does some douche wearing army fatigues take away from that? Especial when his job is to play pretend.
It’s not the outfit you hate but the person inside it. Own it. Shia is doing nothing wrong.
Dude, because playing military costs Shia NOTHING. BEING military costs you and your spouse a lot.
…what?
I’m trying to be respectful here but..it’s a movie role, it’s not like he’s trying to pass himself off as military to get accolades or something-everyone KNOWS he’s an actor.
Eh, ok. After a quick google search I guess there is a backlash against army-inspired fashion. I can see how that could be seen as disrespectful, but I don’t see how that’s the same as an actor wearing a uniform for a role he’s playing.
I don’t know….maybe I just don’t get it because I’m not in the military and if so, I do apologize. Regardless, much respect to those that serve.
But the movie is set in WWII era, right? So wouldn’t it make more sense for him to dress appropriately for that time then the military gear of now? So his ‘method’ acting is pretty lame if that is the case.
BTW, I have no idea why anyone could want to wear military style jungle boots if they don’t have to. They tend to be hot, tight, and uncomfortable, in my experience.
Greenie these days being military is also a CHOICE a soldier makes (and usually one the spouse agrees to) so I don’t really buy the whole ‘pity me it’s so hard’ line there, sorry.
Btw before anyone jumps down my throat my husband is military and he agrees with this stance completely.
Maybe Shia can do a movie where he plays an appealing human being and try going method on that. He’s unbearable and he has completely shattered any illusions. I have no desire to watch him on screen ever again.
Ha! Co-sign.
O man he went like that on Base? That’s seems terribly offensive. I think that a lot of child stars tend to disconnect early on. They lack the development that leads to empathy and outward thinking. i can believe it didnt even occur to him that it would be offensive (as clearly nobody has told him yet, not even Brad) just like nobody slapped Justin upside that head and sead “somebody has to USE that bucket Dummy”
I think a lot of it has to do with how young actors growing up in the industry are socialized (or NOT socialized). They do tend to live in a bubble.
Sadly, I know non-actor people who are like this.
I can’t stand Shia, either, but this is no different than the idiots that wear camo as a fashion statement. I rage every autumn that army jackets come back into style.
But maybe I’m just the bitter daughter of a Vietnam veteran.
Hasn’t he burned all bridges? When is he going away? He’s just a disgrace. He’s just awful on so many levels.
I don’t think you’re being too sensitive Bedhead. Especially since Shia decided to make that beer tshirt part of his “uniform. ” Most soldiers I know have been drinkers but come on. And the reason Shia is so “method” is because he has no acting technique whatsoever. In other words, I don’t think Shia’s method is actually Method, if you get my meaning.
I’m late to this party. Why do we think he’s a douche?
I wonder if things are a bit different here in the UK? I wouldn’t look twice at someone wearing combats. I’d just see it, if I noticed it all, as a fashion choice. I think my husband would too, and he’s an 11-year vet of the British army.
I said something similar down-thread (just from an Aussie perspective not a British one). You must have posted while I was typing … I’d have just added to your comment if I’d seen your post.
I’m definitely thinking this is a country-specific thing.
Yeah, I would probably not notice the combats/boots combination. The dressing up to go on base is a bit odd though.
The douche moniker started a few years ago I believe when Shia was observed on more than one occasion being drunk and acting like an ass in public. That’s what I remember anyway, but I’m sure there’s more to it, and some Googling would probably clarify. Hope this helps!
He’s probably “in character”, you know, since he’s such a method actor and all.
If he is in character he needs to put on the rest of his uniform and take off his non regulation shirt. He’s such a douche.
I think you’re all overreacting. I really can’t see anything offensive at all. Well, it’s not the best fashion choice for sure, but it’s not the end of the world. Besides, lots of rock and metal stars and fans wear that kind of military stuff.Probably they are insulting all your veteran relatives, too. Please, get a grip.
HEY. You are entitled to your opinion, Bedhead is entitled to hers. You don’t have to like it, or agree but the “Veteran Relatives” comment smacks of disrespect. THAT is not cool.
Ok, I take it back. Sorry for that.
+ I didn’t mean to be disrespectful to veterans in any way. \and even more – I also have a family memeber in the army\. It’s just odd to me how can such grand statements be made out of these small details and how can people get offended by such things like civilians wearing military boots.
I come from a military family and spent ten years in the army myself. It doesn’t bother me at all but then again, I live in the south. If I go ten miles outside of Raleigh I see that a lot. It’s more redneck than anything.
Im in Tx I see guys dressed in camo weekly. I wear medical scrubs sometimes to run errands and have never worked in healthcare.
Yeah, it’s just super common in the south. The boots look hot to me (temperature wise) but he’s not really hurting anyone. It’s sort of like he wants to play army with the cool kid.
and I’m not a Shia fan–don’t really even know who he is.
I’m in the South too, see hunters and paintball guys dressed like this everywhere, grew up with kids wearing green fatigue jackets (it was the 70s), including John Lennon, and there’s really no better kit than this when hacking through tick-covered woods.
That said, He seems douchey mostly because there’s no obvious practical reason for him to be dressed like this except to look like a tough guy. And people can always wear similar yet non-regulation boots and pants and have the same coverage. But maybe he just wasn’t aware anyone would care. And maybe he knows now.
I have a pair of men’s army surplus pants I wear around the house and running errands, they are loose and comfy and nice during the summer rolled up into shorts. I dislike Shia but what’s the big deal?
I have one long sleeve t that is a camo print. I never realized it might be offensive to some. Really, there are other uses for camo wear than the military. As others have said, for hunting etc. I live in a military town and it’s everywhere. You can buy desert boots and camo anything at the local supply store. You don’t have to show military ID or anything to buy it. We bought my stepson a military pocket knife for Christmas. Would that be considered offensive? I’m curious, because I really don’t know.
I’m also curious about this! The army surplus store was my favorite place to shop when I was a kid, I loved combat boots and camo tees. My grandfather was a veteran and used to take my father there to shop when he was young, also. Never heard it was disrespectful.
i really look at Shia as confused and harmless.
Yeah…my maternal grandfather served in the Korean War, my paternal grandfather served in WWII and one of my great uncles (grandmothers much younger brother) was a POW-MIA. Not offended at all. Shia is a mega douche though not denying that!!
But then again I’m from Baltimore and all you see during football season is people wearing purple camo (Go Ravens!) so maybe I’m desensitized…
I too think it’s the boots that make it look like he’s playing dress up, and along with the beer shirt push it into questionable territory.
His “method” crap is so annoying, especially because he makes such a big deal about it and won’t just do it quietly. I guess we’re supposed to think he’s some grand artist? He just comes off like an a-hole.
The classic Lawrence Olivier “Why don’t you just try acting?” applies well to him.
he looks so much better without the jesus haircut.
What on earth is a jesus haircut?
I agree 100%!
I was in the military and don’t find this offensive… he’s a actor… douch.. but an actor…
Sometimes different cultures surprise me. I’ve never heard of anyone getting offended by a civilian wearing camo pants. I’m from a military family, but Australian, not US (much smaller military, the entire culture is different).
You can buy entire uniforms at your local Army surplus, right? If the armed forces happily on-sell the stuff, it can’t be that offensive, can it?
there are plenty of places to acquire military uniforms…
when I was on active duty I couldn’t wear cami’s to the grocery store… not acceptable as a Marine… but what I noticed is the people who have never served or do not come from military families aren’t familiar with these regulations, and I don’t fault them for it
I am one of those people which you describe 😉
So you can’t wear cami’s to the grocery store?? Wow. And is that just because it’s seen as disrespectful? What are some of the other regulations?
I honestly had no idea…feeling dumb.
in terms of uniform alone the regulations.. for marines anyway.. are really detailed..camis must be worn with a web belt with no more than four inches extending past the buckle boats bloused pt shirt is only acceptable under shirt.. if one marine on base has sleeves down all marines on base have sleeves down.. it goes on and on and on….
I would never expect a civilian to know this… why the hell would they??! so I’d never be offended by his dress like this… besides they are comfy functional and it’s amazing what you can get in the pockets LOL
“if one marine on base has sleeves down all marines on base have sleeves down.”
Really? It doesn’t go by chain-of-command or anything? Like if one marine simply has their sleeves down then the rest have to follow?
Amazing the discipline. I wouldn’t last a day..I suck at following directions!
well yeah (sleeves) it comes down chain of command… just quickly trying to explain how ‘uniform’ and detailed 🙂
Oh ok..no I get it. Sort of…haha…
Should be interesting to see how Brad Pitt likes working with him…
Who wrote this article? what´s wrong about wearing combat fatigues?
I used to like him a lot until I started seeing more of the person he’s become. I thought of him as so relate-able, but now I just think of him as distant and aloof. He comes across as an actor who looks at acting as a “job” and not as a real person. He’s just not sexi to me anymore AND he NEVER smiles! 🙁 Why Shia… Why?! 😛 but yeah, I have to admit, I’d probably still do him-as long as he smiles the whole time. 😮
i can’t believe shia has brought me out of lurking…i wanted to with the first article. regarding that a lot of times when celebrities come to a unit, the unit will give them a full uniform with their badges etc so it was actually a nice move of him to put the whole thing on. the pictures this time don’t offend me either. granted the hubs would never (nor could he) wear half a uniform to do errands, but i don’t think it’s that big of a big deal. a lot of civilians do it as posted above. maybe he’s trying to get as comfortable as possible wearing it- boots especially. for reference..hubs has been in 13yrs (7 more to go!) and he’s super particular about ppl in uniform – but soldiers not civilians. a sloppy soldier pisses him off to no end
Is he trying to be method? How odd that he’s wearing a Bud Light t-shirt with the fatigues & boots.
Bedhead, I share VERY similar views. And fame seeking chaps my ass to no end. It’s not limited to reenactors either. The military is a hot button trigger for me on many levels, so I’m going to quietly exit and go back to work. And try my best to not show my cards.
I don’t know. He has been training with a unit in LA or somewhere. So maybe he is trying to break the cloths in so they are comfortable and feel like his own. I don’t see a problem.
I have many many family members that have served in EVERY war. I’m not offended. He is an actor. nothing more nothing less. Just an actor walking around.
Let me add; if it is for research then take off the shirt.
If it is because he digs the pants, take off the boots.
Pick the pant or the boots, but never both at once unless u r military.
Exactly the point I think people are trying to make. Camo pants are sold everywhere, especially in sporting goods stores. They’re great because of all the pockets. With the boots though, that takes it to another level as trying to appear like you’re in the service. And that’s just false.
I’m the wife of an Army vet and I have to agree with everyone else: ONE piece of military related clothing is one thing. People wear the pants or a jacket all the time.
But adding the boots to it, with the pants all tucked in and everything, but with a Bud Light shirt? And he’s not military?
Yeah, that bugs. He’s not breaking any rules or anything, but he’s a douche for wearing that. Does he think he’s a soldier? Or does he like pretending? Why doesn’t he really sign his ass up and see what it’s really like if he’s so method?
Of course,he’s a little douchetastic. Honestly, I think he’s just a dirty hippy/hipster who only owns three pairs of pants. Pretty soon we’ll see him pumping gas wearing these pants as cut offs. I don’t think he’s being method or even thinking . It was what was on the floor that pasted the smell test.
I wouldn’t mind the military wear on an ordinary day (I think it is a fashion look that a lot of people – esp guys – like to wear), but I get the annoyance at Shia in this particular setting. He’s totally doing it because he thinks he’s a real soldier now and that is offensive. Of course, I find him annoying in general, so I may be biased 😉
I’m in the same boat with most. Wearing fatigues is one thing but adding in the boots and undershirt(minus the advert) are something else entirely. I’m sure he’s just wearing it like that because it’s comfortable and “authentic/cool” and no thought to what it signifies. *sigh* As the saying goes “stupid isn’t stupid does”.
You are definitely not being too sensitive.
I feel the need to out myself as someone who studied acting for a long time, and say that both Stanislavsky’s Method and the Americanized version of it that caught on with film actors in the US have nothing to do with playing dress up to run your errands.
By itself, the pants, or even the boots wouldn’t irritate me. It’s his pompous attitude that drove him to dress like that that grates on my (and, I suspect, everyone else’s) nerves.
He’s one of those celebs who actually wasn’t an ass at the beginning…but is just so damn insufferable now.
I dont think anyone should wear them on the street unless they earned the right. Its borderline crime to wear a police uniform, if not very very frowned upon. Leave those to the soldiers, and on the job. And the bud light shirt..with combat fatigues? Gross.
to me they r a fashion statement. like they r just pants, cool pants at that. ppl around here wear them and it isn’t a big deal. i don’t think he means to offend. seems like he just sees how cool they look and wanted to wear them. a lot of ppl wear camo. a lot of ppl wear military jackets, air force shirts, etc bc they r just cool pieces.
Why is Dennis Miller revolting?
Camo was an incredibly common thing for guys to wear where I grew up. It was associated with hunting more than the military.
But this is Shia LaDouche. Assuming that everything he does has a douchey reason is likely the correct way to go about it.
he is a great actor.
He’s filming a movie where he plays someone in the army.
He’s trying to co-op someone else’s mojo, that’s why it’s so irritating.
He’s got on the pants, the belt, the boots and a Bud Light t-shirt – offensive and douchey To me. I come from a military family & wearing one item would be a fashion statement, wearing a number of them isn’t. And pairing it with a beer t-shirt makes it extra douchey.
Normally I don’t even think twice about civilians wearing military uniforms, but something about him in them really bothers me. It’s as though people usually wear them for comfort or style, but I feel like SL is playing at it and that bothers me.
I’m a military wife, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and my family’s military heritage goes back generations further than that… It doesn’t bother me. You can walk into any resale shop and pick up a uniform. As long as he’s not walking around wearing the rank and patches, claiming to be a Soldier – I don’t care. I don’t really think many soldiers would either. I mentioned it to my always rational even-keel husband, and he shrugged. He said it doesn’t take away from his service or what he’s done, and it’s not like Shia is stealing someone else’s valor. So… I can see why it would bug some. I’m very proud of my family’s military heritage, but just because someone is offended by something doesn’t make it wrong.