The German government has banned a film crew from shooting on its soil, not because of the movie's subject matter - the infamous bomb in a briefcase attempt to take out Hitler - but because of the leading man's religious orientation.
Surely not? Why would cuddly liberal Germany make such a show of definitive bigotry? Because the star in question is Tom Cruise and the religion in question is Scientology.
A spokesman from the German Ministry of Defence said that although the Government supported the film and its premise it could not suffer Cruise's involvement, as he is an open, "member of the Scientology cult". As that statement suggests, Germany does not recognise Scientology as a genuine religion, choosing instead to view it as a money making cult.
I agree with Germany's analysis but think it's a tad harsh to prohibit the making of a film purely because one of the cast members is a brain washed moron with more money than sense. But I suppose in weighing it up - Hollywood revenue vs. Scientology infiltration - Germany has decided the risk of promoting the idea that we are descended from a race of persecuted aliens older than the universe, was just too much.
Can't blame them, we've all heard horror stories of innocents sucked into Scientology (a friend of mine has relatives who really were taken in by that lot) and it's hard to feel much sympathy for set of beliefs that have only been around for 50 years. Time to drag out a favourite quote:
"Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion" - Journalist and Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard
There's debate as to the veracity of this quote, I find it too apt to resist.
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3 comments:
It does seem a little harsh to stop a film been shot just because of someone's beliefs.
Also rather controversially you can argue that many members of the mainstream religions are brainwashed too. With so many conflicting religions and a lack of any evidence it ultimately comes down to what you believe and every religion tries to influence peoples beliefs to varying degrees.
Absolutely...I tolerate "mainstream, organised" religions as long as they do likewise...most religions, however, contain modernists who are capable of seeing faiths as metaphorical, psychological tools for benefit (whilst still asserting the belief in their God and everyone else's).
Scientologists are a different breed however (and the whole space battle, descended from crabs bollocks is waaaay too much) - like I said, I know people who've been taken to the cleaners (in every respect, left with no money, family or support) by those guys.
Scientologist are a bit extremem, but regardless it shoudn't come into play because ofa movie being filmed! People have too much time on their hands!
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