The New York Daily News’ Gatecrasher column has an interesting little piece about Brad Pitt wanting to make a movie out of the ongoing BP disaster in the Gulf. There doesn’t seem to be much substance to the claim though – no one is buying rights to anything, no one is really attached, it seems like someone just thought, “Hey, Brad Pitt has a house in New Orleans, maybe he would make a movie out of this!” That being said, they should definitely approach Hugh Grant about playing BP CEO Tony Hayward. When I was watching the hearings, I actually had that thought – it would be a stunning, career-defining role for Hugh Grant, and he could do a an entitled a–hole really well.
BP stands for British Petroleum, but it may soon be equated with Brad Pitt. Gatecrasher hears the dashing actor is interested in making a dramatic film about the BP Gulf Coast oil spill − not surprising given that Pitt is enamored of the region. Besides owning a home in New Orleans’ French Quarter, his Make It Right Initiative helps communities there rebuild in the wake of Katrina. The one fly in the oil spill is that, so far, the BP disaster is a saga without a hero, which doesn’t make it blockbuster material − unless, perhaps, Pitt or buddy George Clooney stars.
[From Gatecrasher]
Too soon. No one should even be talking about this until they stop the f-cking spill. But as far as heroes go, yes, they are definitely lacking in this reality drama, and if it was made into a realistic drama, perhaps someone could finally draw attention to the BP workers who died because of corporate and regulatory negligence? Maybe they could be the heroes? In which case we’re taking about a large Robert Altman-esque ensemble piece. Or are we going with Thad Allen as the hero? I would cast Michael Chiklis for Admiral Thad Allen.
Tony Hayward on June 17, 2010. Hugh Grant on January 26, 2010. Credit: WENN.
Whoa, Hugh Grant got REALLY old looking since I last saw him. What the hell happened?
I honestly hope that more than a few documentaries come from this one, not just Hollywood stuff. I live in an area very much affected and it’s worse that people think, in some ways. Heck, maybe Brad should do a film if for no other reason than to simply bring awareness. Even if it does end up with a Hollywood spin.
Why do we need a film about it, we are living it.
I think Hugh Grant should be in every movie!!!! I love him!
No one wants to see the Hollywood version of this environmental catastrophe.
I don’t believe that story. Brad and or Angelina’s names are always used to get PR for something. I think they each have their hands full with the Charity/Causes they already support. There are lots of other celebs out there that are usually silent on every issue. Big names. I get tired of the media using these two people all the time. Let some other big name Alister step forward. I actually think it sucks that the two benefits that were held did not make 5 million dollars. If the celebs at the event had given 1 million those benefits would have made over 30 million. Put your money where you mouth is FIRST. Then ask others to give too. But I see why Brad’s name is being used. His name has kept NOLA in the media. And NO BRAD PITT is not the only celeb working in NOLA or helping. but his name has kept the media’s eye on that area. And that is a FACT.
I would rather hear Michael Moores take on it. I have been following this closely, I am sure we all have, and big oil has bought every one from Judges on up. It is sickening.
I think it might be a little too soon for something like this. But if and when it happens, nevermind Hugh Grant, you gotta go with Michael Sheen:
http://scifibr.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/michael_sheen_450x300.jpg
Maybe, I am missing something here but has anyone else noticed that Hollywood seems to be very silent on the oil spill? With a few exceptions not many celebrities are making statements about it. Considering how outspoken some actors are one would think there would be a bigger deal in Hollywood.
Lisa, does it ever occur to you that Brad floats these rumors to keep HIMSELF in the news? And please don’t tell me that if it weren’t for him we wouldn’t be talking about NOLA. Get of the crack and get a life, please for the love of God. And no, Brad Pitt is not GOD.
There have already been two documentaries on the spill and they were very informative. I seriously doubt there will be a movie about this any time soon.
I agree, too soon – let’s see how it ends before we make a movie about, OK Hollywood?
And really, no one needs a dramatic film about it. A documentary might be good, but let’s focus on cleaning up before some film company tries to make a buck off of it.
It is too soon and I’m sure in a couple seasons from now HBO could cover it on Treme and do it more justice than Brad Pitt would anyway.
I agree with you Melanie…Michael Moore all the way!
@ Melanie
Does it ever occur to you that the problem isn’t just Big Bad Big Oil?
It’s the toxic mix of Big Government and Big Business.
The problem is a result of greedy, stupid, and power-hungry politicians who have all the power to regulate equally greedy, stupid, and power-hungry businesses.
@ Westcoaster: Do you think a lot of Hollywood type people have a lot of stock in oil? I can’t figure it out either.
Tess, It has occured to me. The Judge who just allowed drilling again without the saftey valves in place proves it.
@ Westcoaster and Melanie
Think I can help you with this little mystery.
Big Hollywood is speechless because they don’t have W in the White House anymore as a target for their irrational hatred.
So now they say NOTHING. Useful to compare the silence now to the “outrage” in the wake of Katrina.
Tess, this has to go beyond political party lines. This is a disaster. What? We are supposed to toe the line while the gulf coast fills into a tar pit? Nope, I don’t believe that it not all about money, and I will go even further to say that I believe that “Big Oil” (and its constituents) wants that coast just for drilling, hence the lackluster reaction to Katrina.
He is such a liar!
He drives motorcycle. He flies around the world.
He is such a big liar!
The whole Jolie-Pitt clan is a liar!
Melanie,
If you’ve ever visited any of the former iron curtain countries and seen the environmental degradation they suffered under socialist/communist regimes, you will not be so quick to see only evil in big business and capitalism.
Fluffy Kitten Tail:..
I am with you there.
It makes me so mad to see what has happened I cried. It is sick to see oil and dead/dying life a few blocks away from my house. And yes I am helping.
On a side note.Where are all these f*cking celebrities like Clooney,Brangelina, Julia Roberts, Diaz, Sean Penn and Leo DiCaprio? Where are all those televised charities that they did before? Kathy Griffin did one but where are these so-called environmental concerned stars taking phone calls to ask for donations on national TV? This is a ecological disastor that is going to shift the ecosystem that will affect generations. What the Gulf is not that important, but every other country is.
Pathetic and hypocritical if you ask me.
@charity… perhaps you should put down the pipe and read more carefully.. I NEVER SAID Brad was the only reason NOLA was in the press. I made a point of stating that was not the case. because I knew someone like YOU would jump on that point. Brad does not need to generate press people like you are quick to follow everything he does. AND no one with a brain called this man GOD>.you need to get a grip. And take the hate stick out your as*.
The story is a rumor nothing more. NO different than the thousands of others that came before and will come after. I appreciate that he and MANY OTHERS cared enough to try and do something. NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS..NO GODs.. just some people trying to give back.
WHY do you and others have such a problem with that. Next time read more carefully.
@Taya- So sorry you have to witness this awful thing first hand. Sending prayers your way, and thank you for helping. If I lived closer, I would so be right along side you!
I hate the thought of any living creature suffering. My hats off to all those that volunteer their time to preserving and rescuing those poor creatures and trying to clean up some portion of this horrible disaster!
I agree with Tess!
Big Hollywood is speechless because they don’t have W in the White House anymore as a target for their irrational hatred.
So now they say NOTHING. Useful to compare the silence now to the “outrage” in the wake of Katrina.
The silence is deafening.
I want to see those responsible at BP hauled before court. The accident happened because they ignored existing safe practices and standards in their quest and greed to get the oil as fast as possible. Had they followed their own guidelines and not taken shortcuts, it wouldn’t have happened.
Jesus, time has not been kind to Hugh Grant.
I also wondered why many celebs have not spoken up about BP? Where’s Sean Penn? Maybe, it’s fatigue as we’ve had one disaster after another in the news. Or, is it because many of them are Obama fans? The Republicans are trying their hardest to make this spill seem like Obama’s fault. Maybe, they don’t want to get caught up in the politics? It’s so much easier to say “help those Haitians” than to say “down with BP.” Hmmmm . . .
wonderful, so when celebs help people bitch, when they don’t help people bitch…anyway deregulation led to this problem… blame your fucking government and BP since they caused this problem hold BP and the government accountable for their reckless inactions …drill baby drill remember that line
Deregulation definitely led to the problem. And that happened long before Obama took office, even before W.
Larry King raised some money for the Gulf, and as far as celebrities go, who knows if they’ve given or not. It’s not like their required to state it publicly. As a matter of fact, I like it better when they don’t.
Angelina has never done a telethon so why should she start now.As for Brad he doesn’t need to generate interest. He trims his facial hair and there were hundreds of stories about that .
If this catastrophic oil spill happened when Bush was president all those Hollyweird phonies would be screaming their heads off and calling for his impeachment.
I think part of the lack of celeb response is that unlike Haiti for example, it’s not an immediate life or death, pain and suffering disaster, it’s more economic and environmental. Plus there’s someone responsible for this disaster, and that someone has billions and has said they’ll clean up and repay. In no way trying to minimize what’s happening, but simply a suggestion as to maybe why many aren’t rushing to donate or hold telethons.
But realistically, there are people and environmental groups who really need help NOW and it would be nice if more celebs (esp those who pride themselves on connections to New Orleans and the Gulf region) were more vocal about it – there are some doing it, but they aren’t big names and don’t get the press for it that others do.
Of course, no one needs to wait for their lead, online it’s easy to find ways to help. Last week I found about 5 different environmental groups to donate to.
Stephen Colbert’s Colbert Nation has teamed up with braf.org for the Gulf of America Fund, you can also find the link at the show’s website.
It’s an interesting thought; however, this man made “hot mess” is still an ongoing saga that has yet to be thoroughly resolved. If Brad Pitt is seriously considering this venture, he should take a “wait and see” approach before he commits any resources to it.
I suspect the reason many “high profile” people are not becoming actively engaged is because they know BP has “deep pockets” and it’s their responsibility to clean up their own mess. If I’m not mistaken, the laws in place mandate that they do so.
Imagine that. Brad Pitt profits while “helping”. And before the Loonies crucify me, yes. I know he’s donated as well, but he strikes me as the type who does nothing without some kind of return. Never liked the guy. Won’t start anytime soon.
I’ve always found it funny that celebrities with more money than they know have the audacity to ask us for cash. They prance out on their high horse talking about how they’ve “donated their time to a worthwhile cause”. Gag. Get the checkbook out, you selfish bastards, stop spoiling your already spoiled children and start helping in a real fashion.
As much as I can’t stand Penn, at least he’s walkin’ it.
Oh please no. Somebody in hollywood benefitting from this horrible situation? Nothing makes me more nauseated. Can’t they just help behind the scenes without making it all about them???!!!???!!! I really hope this isn’t true. Or else it’s just one more reason to dislike Pitt and his ridiculous circus family.
People need to get a grip. There’s no movie. I can’t imagine any studio would have interest in it. A documentary is more realistic but still farfetched. Why would Brad start a rumor that makes him look bad? Wouldn’t it make him look better if he made a donation or went to NO? Or even simpler stand outside so that paps can take his picture.
Who’ll play Obama?
The invisible man? Some chronically absentee leader shirking his duties (Obama could play himself in this scenario).
Or considering he’s now actually golfed more than W ever did, and partied with everyone including a Beatle as if he were a modern day Nero fiddling while Rome burns, perhaps Tiger Woods could use the work and show the President how to really “swing” (as if he didn’t know).
Obama’s Katrina is killing the coast. But hey why get down there and lead when you know Hollywood will stay silent on your utter lack of leadership.
Jeez could Brad look any more doofusy in that top pic? Bleeech!!