Ben Stiller made it clear that he wants no part in the White House’s social media pages. In response to a video posted by the administration on Thursday night, featuring clips from various war and action films to seemingly promote U.S. military actions, Stiller directly called out President Donald Trump’s administration. The video, titled “JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY,” included a clip from Stiller’s own comedy war film, Tropic Thunder, released in 2008.
Stiller, aged 60, took to Twitter to express his disapproval, stating, “Hey White House, please remove the Tropic Thunder clip. We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie.” Despite his request, the clip remains in the video as of now.
The White House’s video also incorporated scenes from Iron Man, Gladiator, Braveheart, Top Gun, Superman, Transformers, Breaking Bad, Deadpool, and other films. Various characters’ quotes were included, such as Mel Gibson’s character from Braveheart asking, “What will you do without freedom?” and Christopher Reeve’s Superman proclaiming, “I’m here to fight for truth, and justice and the American way.”
Bob Odenkirk’s character from Better Caul Saul is also featured, shouting, “You can’t conceive of what I’m capable of.” The clips were edited with scenes that appear to depict U.S. military operations, all taken out of their original context.
The inclusion of Tropic Thunder in the video led Stiller to speak out against the use of his work for political purposes. The continued presence of the clip in the video despite his objections highlights the clash between entertainment and politics. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of media and the complexity of its influence.
As the debate surrounding the video unfolds, it raises important questions about the intersection of entertainment and political messaging. Stiller’s response reflects a broader concern about the manipulation of art for propaganda purposes. This conflict between creative expression and political agendas underscores the challenges faced by artists in navigating the changing landscape of media and politics.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.