*The N-word came up during a press junket held this week for “The Hangover Part II.”
Zack Galifianakis’ character Alan drops the racial epithet in the film, and fiercely defended it’s use – as did director Todd Phillips and co-screenwriter Craig Mazin – saying it underscores just how much of “an idiot” his character really is.
“For someone to say that word so cluelessly, it’s funny because it comes out of a place of ignorance,” Galifianakis explained. “And Alan doesn’t know any better; he’s just an idiot. Anyone who would say that so loosely is an idiot. That word can be very inflammatory but Alan is such a dimwit, it’s not excusable at all but you’re making fun of people that would say that word.”
Phillips chimed in: “For me it’s really an illustration of how left-footed Alan is with the world. It’s just what you do as writers, as a director, and as an actor. You exhibit these qualities and have certain tools with which to work. I think that moment there just highlights how out of step and out of rhythm he is.”
Mazin clarified the thought that went into it using such a controversial word: “You don’t casually type that one into a script.”
“The Hangover Part II,” this time set in Bankok, arrives in theaters May 26.
Watch the latest clips below.
And that makes it OK because the RAtard in the movie is saying it?? But I’m still going to see it…Lol!
This is some ridiculousness manufactured by the media. All words have context, including “nigger” — if it’s coming from an ignorant dimwit character in a movie, then what’s the problem? Can we at least let the movie come out before we call Rev. Al? Sheesh—
I thought the clips would support the article, I didn’t need to see a promo.
I just notice that once again, the N-word and “humor” are wrapped together. It wasn’t “funny” when it was used by Jackie Chan in Rush Hour and I can’t seem to find any instances of the K*** word in relation to Jewish people being used in a “humorous” way or to indicate someone highly ignorant or out of step with contemporary mores.
These one-way arguments are tiresome but will continue because we allow the word in our own art.