Disney’s ‘Christmas Carol’ Disappoints at Box Office, Carrey Slams Capitalism
by S.T. KarnickRobert Zemeckis’s motion-capture-animation version of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol had a fairly blah opening weekend at the North American box office, finishing first with an unexpectedly miserly total of $31 million in ticket sales. Industry insiders had figured the film to bring in up to $45 million.
Disney studio representatives predict that this latest adaptation of the Dickens classic will do well over time, like Zemeckis’s 2004 The Polar Express. My assessment is that the biggest element limiting the film’s appeal in the pre-release period was the annoyingly frenetic and superficial quality suggested by its promotional trailers and commercials.
Jim Carrey’s noisiness appears to be wearing quite thin, and a film that features him as not only the protagonist but also three other characters sounds like far too much of a no longer good thing. Carrey would do well to follow the path of the equally obnoxious Robin Williams and move on to more serious film roles, even if it kills his career. Yes, I’m well aware that Carrey’s occasional serious performances have been pretty awful, but he’s dead either way, and it would be best to die with honor instead of ignominy.
Carrey is following in Williams’s footsteps in one way, however: the making of idiotic political pronouncements. Talking with the Chicago Tribune to promote A Christmas Carol a few days before the film’s release, Carrey released the following burst of political flatulence:
“I was thinking about it this morning, how this story ties into everything we’re going through,” says Carrey, who, thanks to the technology, plays Scrooge as well as the three ghosts haunting him. “Every construct we’ve built in American life is falling apart. Why? Because of personal greed and ambition. Capitalism without regulation can’t protect us against personal greed.. . .
Making certain that many people reading the interview will resolutely avoid seeing the film, Carrey describes the protagonist as follows:
“Scrooge is the ultimate example of self-loathing,” Carrey says, noting that, after playing the title character in Ron Howard’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” he was merely “going to the source” in fleshing out Scrooge.
“Beware the unloved, I always say,” Carrey continues. “They’re the ones that end up being the mean guys. It comes from that deep, spiritual acid reflux within them. With Scrooge it infects his whole being.”
Whereas Dickens presented a reasonably nuanced view of the issues the story brings up, and did so with an appropriate narrative tone, Carrey makes the latest film version sound like a ham-fisted socialist diatribe, hardly a strategy for drawing middle American families in great numbers.
Zemeckis, for his part, avoided making any big political claims about the film. That’s the wise course, and given the already annoying qualities suggested by the commercials and trailers for the film, the last thing his version of A Christmas Carol needs is for its star to blunder around the media with claims that this energetic fantasy is any kind of brief for socialism.
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168 Comments
It was creepy to watch almost real animation with Polar Express, and it's creepy now. If it looked more cartoon like, I would see it.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha… "personal GREED and AMBITION"… ha ha ha ha. I worked with Carey on Dumb and Dumber. Late every day to work, making 20 million dollars. He's got three other fingers pointing in the other direction… Nimrod!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Big Hollywood, Michael Chavez. Michael Chavez said: Disney’s ‘Christmas Carol’ Disappoints at Box Office, Carrey Slams Capitalism http://bit.ly/2EEifW [...]
WOW! Whats up w/these rich folks bitching about capitalism? If you feel that guilty for sleeping your way to the "top",… donate your money to charity, don't blow it for the rest of us!!…I'll do my part to help Jim,..I wont make any plans to have my children or any friends see your movie!….Glad I could help.
It's somewhat sentimental, seeing Carrey revert back to doing what made him famous: talking out of his a$$.
This from a man that went from poverty to worldwide fame and fortune! What is with these people? I guess this is all part of "white guilt' and "rich guilt". Just be proud of your accomplishments – whatever they are – and do good with your money. Give to charities, maybe stop taking so much per film if you are already set for life. Do it for the fun of it. Whatever. But this is just plain old braindead. If I were to become successful and make lots of money, I wouldn't turn around and start bashing the system that got me there!
People that criticize capitalism while benefitting famously from it are either enormously stupid or think that the rest of us are. Shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you, Jim. Capitalism has a funny way of bestowing consequences on people that speak out their behinds without knowing what they are talking about. We have NEVER experienced a completely free market capitalistic system without some regulation. As it is, it's regulated to death and not working as it should. Crack a book sometime, ya might learn ya something.
Could one of the Big Hollywood guys please follow up with Mr. Carrey? Please question the following:
His perk package demands including a customized personal air conditioning system, personal driver flown in from New York, multiple assistants who don't even work on the movie he's on, spending hundreds of thousands on Cg to erase his facial wrinkles (yes, that happened), etc. etc.
This all, of course, subsidized by a studio, which is a publicly held corporation. So some grandmother's pension fund is paying for this.
Or you could also ask him this:
If he's so concerned with "American greed", then why doesn't he ditch being paid through a loan out corporation, and instead pay his taxes like the rest of us?
Go ahead, ask him, I dare you…
I tried doing some research into what ties Jim Carrey had to Michael Moore. When I tried to access Overture Films wiki page…it was convieniently unavailable.
Carrey is obviously being a leftist twit, but his statement isn't that far off the mark — to thinking people, or course.
“Every construct we’ve built in American life is falling apart. Why? Because of personal greed and ambition. Capitalism without regulation can’t protect us against personal greed.. . ."
Our version of Capitalism does have regulation — in the sense of ordered liberty. If I remember correctly, our founders implemented this theory based on Edmund Burke's studies.
The current financial collapse was fueled by the subprime mortgage crisis, but it can be argued that the engine was the repealing of the Glass-Steagall Act, which was implemented to prevent such a systemic crash. That amount of deregulation just gave more power to the bankers, who will get in bed with any party as long as it cements their elitist status.
So what Carrey said is right — from a certain point of view. Deregulating the system allowed it to collapse, which opened the door for big-daddy government to come in as the savior and reinvent the system as leftists like Bill Clinton and Hussein Obama see fit. That's a big reason the Community Reinvestment Act was thrown in the Grahm-Leech-Bliley Act: To redistribute wealth.
But, for some reason, I don't think Carrey had in mind the fact that true American entrepreneurship and ingenuity rest in small business. I also get the sense he doesn't believe capitalism is the only vehicle to in which the individual can achieve, and then in turn help others climb the ladder.
There has never been a piece of "work" that Carrey has ever been involved in that I have enjoyed or paid money to see after Ace Ventura and I was 15 when that came out and didn't know better. Regardless of politics (which Hollywood loves to shoot itself in both feet with the biggest factor into why most modern films don't do well is because they are crap. I would take any film from the 30s or 40s ahead of anything that will come out this year or next.
I see that Jim carey is still bitter about not wining an Oscar..so of course he blames all his recent failures in movies on capitalism.
That stupidity of hollywierd is astounding.
Sounds like Al Gore hugging a tree while flying around in his private jet.Do any of these folks get how out of touch with reality they are? I guess it's lucky for them that there are plenty of morons out there that lap it up.Sort of like voting in a socialist as president.
B-movie, B-actor, soon B actor salary and back to after school specials. I guess you don't remember those do you Jim? That's right, you were in one, and you will be again.
Dear Jim:
You're rich. And that's wrong. Please give the money back.
You're greedy. And that's wrong. Please give the money back.
You're no longer worth $20 million per. Please give the money back.
You're a narcissistic entertainer who, if unless I missed something, has never cured anything, gone into battle, invented anything, or saved anyone from a burning house or car.
Now, go away.
Coming from the man who supposedly wrote himself a $10million check as inspiration…and he's telling everyone else about greed?
It amazes me that someone can say something so stupid.
Greed brought us down. Regulation can save us from greed. But who embodies greed? Humans. Who enacts regulation? Humans.
They're saying a human failing caused the problem, so giving fewer humans greater control will, of course, fix it. Obviously this makes more sense to the collectivist than broadening the control pool and thus mitigating risk … ah screw it.
I work for a non-profit childrens' organization. I am sure that Mr. Carrey will be happy to make over his royalty check to us, as he wouldn't want anything as nasty as money to soil his otherwise spotless hands. And I just KNOW that Jenny McCarthy will find his newfound agrarian poverty a huge turn-on. Chicks dig the unwashed guy who lives under the freeway!
Oh but Jimmy, you're too modest. YOU are the ultimate example of self-loathing.
Perhaps we start regulating Hollywood salaries?
Nah, I'm even against that (though I might make an exception or two).
Neo: Actually most of the mortgage meltdown was due to A+ mortgages. Subprime mortgages only made up 6% of the total mortgage failures.
Lame movie. Wall-E (a robot) and Remy (a rat) both had more believable emotions than Zemeckis' Scrooge. Zemeckis has a blind spot a mile wide, and this time it's going to cost him. At least I hope it does.
As for Carrey, he's a typical Hollywood moron spouting typically hypocritical inanities. Move on, people, nothing to see here.
Never did like any of his movies. More curiously, what did happen to Robin Williams?? Something died inside of me after watching Mrs Doubtfire. Something about that movie made me cringe and after that I couldn't stand to watch him anymore.
Even if it's free, I still won't see this movie. At $12 a ticket, Jim Carrey can kiss my ass.
Gee. I hope that Disney made enough money to cover the special AMTRAK train (http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/articl... that they leased and took around the country promoting the film. it had to have cost them big money. But then again, maybe Disney/ABC need a "loser" to use at tax time.
Lemme get this straight: You're saying the current financial collapse was caused by DEregulation?
Um, "thinking people" are aware that gov't intervention led to the rise of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, the loosening of lending policies, the term "too big to fail," and perverse incentives that rewarded risky behavior.
Left alone, markets correct themselves long before disastrous conditions develop. Politicians, who can't resist meddling, only postpone the day of reckoning, which makes it that much worse. The choice is frequent small corrections or infrequent huge corrections. But for politicians, there is no choice, as exercising control is their raison d'etre.
I thought I was the only one who didn't like Mrs. Doubtfire! Made me queasy. That awful woman-how could she promise to "love ect" 'til death and then accuse him of feeding the kids moldy food and behave the way she did? And him getting a job as a cross-dressing grandmother? I know I'm not pc, but if you're too open minded your brain will fall out.
Carrey is demonstrating a trait shared by all liberals. Selective hearing. They have the ability to not hear anything that they are saying, which explains their disbelief when confronted with what they've said. I hear it's a gift.
A lot of Jim Carey's movies are good enough for cable/netflix. Pay to see, no. As a human being, he seems to be an idiotic hypocrite, but I gave up years ago respecting actors as people, except for few.
What's going on here? Are you (and the writer) defending greed? Are you oblivious to the effect it has on the world? Yeah, I really just don't understand the angle on your comments. Seems counterproductive to me. I mean, really, almost… OK, what's the outcome you would like from the angle you present? In what way is your perspective on this issue a positive for the world at large, anyone, even yourself? I'm taking a long time here, because i really just can't wrap my head around your mentality. Please help me to understand, really. Are you an agent of evil? I know that sounds crazy, you don't have to point it out, but look at yourself. Anything you'd like to do to effect the world positively would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
It's ok to have a 40 million dollar private jet. Millions of dollars worth of Real Estate. Butlers, Chefs and Staff to cater to every whim. How lucky you are to live like a King Jim. Jokes. An empire built on Jokes. The real joke is I have never seen the "Jim Carrey "Hospital Wing" or "School or Shelter for the Needy and Homeless". I Haven't bought a bottle of "Jim Carrey Salad Dressing or Popcorn" that helps charities. What is this talk about greed? In some ways your life has become a life that defines the word itself.
You really have to laugh at Jim Carrey. Not that he's funny, because he's not anymore. But that he can preach capitalism's flaws from his multi-million dollar homes. Jim–want to say something worthwhile? Sell it all and go hand it out in the inner city to single moms. Until then, shut it. Incidentally, my family will rent exactly zero of your movies and certainly won't pay for a ticket to see your films. Might make you greedy, this box office success…
Why do we care what rich and spoiled hollywood types have to say about anything? Here's another remake because they don't want to pay for a real story. How many times can we see this story without gagging. I can imagine the meeting…"Hey Mortie, how'z about we do the Scrooge thing again with that new animation we got?". Groans all around. "We can get Jim Carrey, he's great." Groans. "OK"
Jim Carrey ceased being funny the moment he left "In Living Color". The reason he was comedic there is because ILC was a politically incorrect show. That's what made it hilarious, they made fun of EVERY one, not just state idealogically approved whipping posts. Funny, indeed, the way all careers sink when these mental midgets assume an aura of self importance and use their "status" as "stars" to espouse their inane diatribe.
Carey, we are on strike. You are all overpaid non-talent celebrity. So, why would we pay to see you? I am waiting for you to announce that you are giving up all your millions for the little people…Chirp..chirp..I am waiting.
Jim Carrey's career, like that of Will Farrell’s, has already run its course. That hyper “crazy and outrageous” is a tired old act. There's no there, there!
Sorry Jimbo, gonna skip this bore fest
Zemeckis should have gone with a more likable actor with less "crazy" baggage.
I saw this movie and liked it because it didn't dumb down or downplay or "politically correcticize" all references to Christmas, kept a very great deal of the novel's rich dialogue, and was an extremely cool thing to watch. Eye candy? You bet. But good, too.
Another reason I like it is that Hollywood movie critics are panning it. I suspect some actually weren't impressed and didn't like it. And that's fine; I respect that. Most of them say that it "lacks a soul." But I actually suspect many of the elite Hollywood critics are bothered by the soul it does have: as a modern adaptation of A Christmas Carol that unapologetically mentions the word 'Christmas' many times to the exclusion of other holidays and is unabashedly dedicated to spreading the redemptive, transformative message of this classic Christmas story.
Liberal critics say that C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia was just a fantasy adventure story devoid of Christian influence. Doesn't make me dislike the source material, though. Same thing with Carrey's words and this movie. Fun stuff.
So Jim Carrey stars in yet another movie no one wants to see and blames capitalism for poor box office? Mind you this does not take into account it is a story everyone has seen and heard and I need to see it again like I need a hole in the head and I work doing computer animation.
Sorry but wasn't it capitalism that made him all his millions to begin with? And even worse, Does he think under some other system more people would go see his latest crapfest? Under Obama socialism are we going to be required to see crappy Jim Carrey movies? Will we go to jail for not doing so, like not buying health care?
It's that acid reflux of his own soul, not to mention his greed, that has rotten Jim's brain cells.
I'm all for regulation. I say we start with celebrities who feel they deserve 10-30 million dollars for a few months worth of work.
Out of all the movie version of this book, and yes, I think I've seen all of them, including the silent ones, this one is the worst and I've only seen the coming attractions. It's take a trillion dollars, PAID TO ME, tax free, for me to watch this ghastly film.
Hahaha, threadwinner.
Hahaha. Thread winner.
I suspect the above posts are written by someone who didn't get the part or for some reason holds a grudge!
The movie was fabulous – great Dickens story, wonderful music, a message for all who can see beyond their vain little worlds. Those called Ignorance and Want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I felt like I was on a Disney Land Ride! And departed the theater feeling enlightened!
Yeah, Neo, you're giving Genius Jimmy waaaaaaaaaaaay too much credit.
The Glass Steagall Act was put in place after the depression so investment banks, commercial banks, and insurance companies remain separated. This would prevent a large systemic collapse.
Clinton repealed this with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley act. This merely made the collapse more severe and systemic. It didn't have to be this bad — measures were in place to prevent such events from occurring. Clinton passed the act because a Citi exec who gave money to his campaign pushed for it.
So you see … the government was conspiring with a large bank — that's the antithesis of capitalism — it was my point.
If you ready my post, you'd see that I attributed the collapse in large part to the rise of redlining and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
There has to be rules to promote competition — it's that simple.
Remember that time when Jim Carrey was doing movies and shutting the hell up about his douche drinker politics? Yeah, I miss that time.
Having seen this movie, FIRST I would not recommend it to kids. There are a LOT of scenes to give them nightmares. The dead Marley in the casket at the start of the movie was just for starts. wouldn't recommend for anyone under a teen for those scenes alone. My girlfriend screamed at certain scenes, and we both have grown kids so we aren't young.
Having seen most of the versions because my mom is a BIG fan of the scrooge movies, this was the worst one I have seen. There only really good thing was SOME of the 3D. However, I felt that it was a toy that they were playing with and like a new toy way over did it. IF you watch it notice how often they have snow to get the 3D effect. There are a lot of other examples but I won’t give away them all.
Continued…
IF you ignoring the stupid comments of a millionaire about greed.
Then ignoring the actor that doesn't even seem to remember the movie he was in. He refered to Scrooge as unloved. Unfortunately, he was WRONG. His father changed while he was a teen. Then he was WELL taken care of by his boss. He was also loved by the woman that let him go because his heart had turned cold.
I personally would NOT recommend this movie. Especially to those that really like Scrooge. I give it 1.5 stars and that just because there were some good 3D parts.
Well,thanks for the warning. Its any wonder I've all but stopped ging to,or renting movies. I don't like seeing human billboards for jerky causes I loath,on the big screen–or in my home. My wife ,and I have a mental Black List of performers we will not view;the list grows longer by the day,and from my experience,we are not alone in our sympathies.
Happy to.
A certain amount of greed, as Gordon Gecko might say, actually IS good. Edison, Bell, Ford, Wright Bros. — all famous for absolutely revolutionary, world changing technologies. And I've got news for you. None of them did it for "the love of the Fatherland." They did it because they wanted to get rich. And get rich they did. It just so happened to improve the living conditions of the entire world while they were at it.
Yet another Hollywood snoozer to avoid like the plague.
Go to http://www.jimcarreyonline.com and let him know how stupid he is. We need to start letting these freaks know we are the reason they are where they're at. If you can't get through there google jim carrey and try to find someway to email the bastard.
Never did get the Will Farrell thing. Aren't most of his scripts a fill-in-the-blank project? Never seen one of his pix.
We've always enjoyed the Patrick Stewart version. He's a very good actor and the whole film is quite believable, and, to my mind, provides a much more believable ending.
As you were…
There were a *few* funny moments in Dumb and Dumber. A few more in the Ace Ventura movies. But mostly, I found all those movies predictable, sophomoric and unnecessarily crude. Cable Guy? Ouch…Carrey is lucky he got ANY work after that turkey. Homer Simpson could write a better movie.
We actually had discussed seeing this film. But Carrey's blather, combined with the info posted here that it's not kid-friendly, means we'll be skipping this one.
Thank you Jim Carrey for helping me to make up my mind to NOT go see your movie. Instead, I'll take the money I'll save and find the dvd version of "Scrooged" with Bill Murray and Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present who kicks Bill's axx during the movie! Hysterical with corny happy ending.
Go to http://www.jimcarreyonline.com and let him know how stupid he is. We need to start letting these freaks know we are the reason they are where they're at. If you can't get through there google jim carrey and try to find someway to email the bastard. I'm sick and tired of these a$$holes from Hollywood trying to act like their $hit don't stink. Give your money away and stop depending on the working class folks to take care of the world Jim!
“Beware the unloved, I always say,” Carrey continues. “They’re the ones that end up being the mean guys."
Quite insightful there Jimmy, do you realize yet that most of us now realize you suck?
He hasn't been funny/relevant in 10 years. That is a fact.
Amen, excellent post! I used to love his movies but don't need his activism and lecture for destroying the capitalist system that made him successful,. Jim, maybe we'd like some success too! What other economic system will allow an "everyman"a little success? Why do these extremely wealthy liberals want to deny ordinary citizens the chance to become "a little wealthy"? Notice there is never any promotion of private charity or non-compulsory giving…only … why the government with its inefficient delivery of "charity" is the way to go. Sorry for the rant.
ha ha, good one…. sarcasm, right?
Since when do Americans care about what a washed-up, overrated, shouldhaveneverbeen Canadian Socialist has to say? What an idiot! Protect us from greed? WTF?
Since the evil Capitalist machine exploited poor Jim by making this movie the least I can do is avoid it. </sarc>
Really though, I wouldn't bother pirating this stinking pile.
In animation circles that's called the Uncanny Valley. You get to a certain level of realism and it becomes off putting, so real that you can see all the things the animation doesn't mimic. If its less realistic, it actually is more believable. About Toy Story level seems about as realistic as its safe to go.
That has to be the best description I have ever heard of the problem…
Throw "Beowulf" and any of a few "Final Fantasy" films in there, too..
“Beware the unloved, I always say,” Carrey continues. “They’re the ones that end up being the mean guys. It comes from that deep, spiritual acid reflux within them. With Scrooge it infects his whole being.”
So how's it affecting you, Carrey?
Oh, and BTW, I refuse to see a Christmas movie before Thanksgiving. I hope the poor showing is due to others wanting Christmastime WHEN IT'S CHRISTMASTIME!
Sigh. When do we get the celebrity that says, "Capitalism? All for it! Millions of people choose with their own dollars to see my movies, and hopefully they like the movies and I make a lot of money! How great is that? What a great country!"
Well, capitalism didn't help him this circumstance. Everyone kept their money in their pockets and didn't see his movie.
Because that's how capitalism works. He didn't offer me anything worth paying for.
Jim Carrey complaining about greed and personal ambition? That's the funniest thing he's done in years. He came to America because his dreams and ambition were too big for his native Canada. He and his wife are both the fortunate recipients of the best rewards this country has to offer the (sometimes) talented and ambitious. And greed? He took 4 roles in "A Christmas Carol," leaving 3 other actors out in the cold and out of work. Enjoy the good times, Jim, while I remember "Duck Factory," "In Living Color," and skip "Christmas Carol."
It seems to be a fan made site (and looks cheesy/cheap enough to be one)…I'm gonna guess he has nothing to do with it, and doesn't check in on it. Don't crap on some poor fan's cornflakes just to get at Carrey.
It only did so-so business opening weekend because it's too far away from Christmas..Do you really think that kids want to jump into a Christmas flick while they still have a half of a bag full of candy from Halloween left..?..Plus they haven't begun thinking about Thanksgiving…It may run out of steam before December even gets hear…or…it may take off then ..who knows…
carrey – another hollywood millionaire bitching about the culture and system that made him rich
must be another one of the – he has his millions, so to hell with anyone else getting any – obama America haters
Carrey – another hollywood millionaire bashing the American culture that made him reach
just like his idol – obama – the #1 America basher
Why can't Carrey just move on like Jerry Lewis did and only be seen and heard doing some tele-marathon thing once a year. I just wish I could get paid millions of dollars and then tell folks how awful it is.
Scrooge has been made to death. No one is ever going to top George C. Scott on this one. Oh Jim can you laon me a few bucks to pay my health insurance and buy me a new car? Just asking.
I suppose he is the pot calling the kettle, black.
Hollywood's clowns are overpaid. Perhaps their affinity for government oversight would disappear if their salaries were limited. Put someone in front of a camera and they suddenly think they are an expert on all things..the narcissism is nauseating.
Thanks Mr. Carrey I'm glad you spoke up. I was thinking of going to see this version, it's one of my favorite stories, even though I was sure it couldn't hold a candle to the version with Alastair Sim playing Scrooge. But after reading your comments I won't. I won't be spending anymore money on anything you're in again either, knowing how you really feel about all that greed going around. Something has to be done, and I'm sure you agree deep down.
I am so sick of the Hollywood elite trying to tell the rest of us 'peons' how to live, while they sit in their ivory towers and think they know everything better than us…from Al Gore and his stupid 'global warming' to the idiot 'folk singer' her name escapes me…wanting everyone to use just one sheet of toilet paper to Bette Midler wanting someone to do away with Glenn Beck! These people will be their own downfall with their stupidity!!
Right, so because there is so much unemployment, and tragedy, and we are all feeling depressed and could use some entertainment to make us feel better, he should work for free for the good of us all. When are we going to quit listening to the court jesters as if they were competent and learned.
I like your phrase-ology.
People ….People…. People (tone sad) Please give Mr. Carey a break. There is no prerequisite for wisdom in order to be a "successful" actor today. Nobody ever said they were all wise people. In society today, the celebrity is looked upon for advice by our own people and it's our own fault. Surely thousands will see his comments and dismiss him entirely from any future movie purchases (like me). We should feel sorry for him for being so incredibly stupid…..for about 10 seconds. Then take him to task for entering the arena in which he is surely disadvantaged. What a maroon! I could have used a better word, but it's a family show.
I'm all for trying socialism in this country on two conditions: we do it in small increments and we start with Hollywood. I'm so tired of hollywoodies preaching against capitalism and promoting things like universal care. They make millions per movie, hundreds of thousands per episode. It all goes into their sub chapter S corporation, which then buys the houses, cars, meals, airline tickets, clothes, etc and then passes down a salary to the actor/producer/director. So all of them are "cheating" on their taxes, as they would claim others do.
Let's socialize Hollywood. All actors, agents, producers, directors, singers, music groups, etc will now work for scale based, not on talent or performance, but age and years experience. A nice flat fee.
Or, if they don't like that idea, how about a tax of 100% on all income over 250,000 to pay for the health care system and eliminate the subchapter S corps and limited partnerships. let's see how liberal these dingbats really are when it's their income and lifestyle.
Most of these actors do not have an original thought and can't speak intelligently without a script in front of them. It's kind of like a teleprompter only smaller.
But aren't these celebs supposed to be "green"..Sounds like he has a pretty big carbon footprint.
"You're a narcissistic entertainer who, unless I missed something, has never cured anything, gone into battle, invented anything, or saved anyone from a burning house or car. You make more money burping every day than most studio workers do in a year…or ten"
Can we send him back to his mothers womb for a do over. Libs are good at do overs. Or so I've heard.
[...] Big Hollywood » Blog Archive » Disney’s ‘Christmas Carol’ Disappoints at Box Office, Carrey …. [...]
Gee, imagine that. An actor demonstrating his complete ignorance on all things economic by saying something really stupid. There is a reason these guys work from a teleprom…oops…I mean script.
I know it. That's why when they do speak without benefit of a script, they embarrass themselves and everyone around them.
That's true. There's no time to enjoy the fall anymore, forget about it if you want to celebrate Day of the Dead- Santa Claus leaps out at you from the grave you are visiting.
I must always watch "Arsenic and Old Lace" before Thanksgiving, and this year, they didn't give me any time before they shoved another Scrooge at me.
Anyone else remember the story of his $20Million that he wrote and put in his Fathers casket? Seems the greed bug isn't a bad thing when you're broke, but make a few million then you're screwed.
That could be why I'm so fond of Robert Downey, Jr.'s presentation of Tony Stark.
"I love me some monies!"
Just to show Jim how Capitalism works; I did not like his comment despite the fact I like the story. Therefore, I will not pay one penny to see it. Multiply me by millions who read his stupid remark (as well as shared it with others) and I'm confident Disney will have to spend multi-millions more to, (if possible) correct the damage caused by his big mouth. Hopefully, this will devalue Jim's future marketability costing him and the studio that pays him a potential fortune. Aint Capitalism great!!! You have to pay for your mistakes.
He is the pot and the kettle, and both are rusty and full of holes.
I wouldn't say that they did it primarily to get rich, but they all certainly felt justified in receiving the fruits of their labors.
If he thinks capitalism needs to be regulated, let's start by regulating the salaries of movie stars and actors (not necessarily the same thing).
Carrey – GFY
A guy who is worth millions and is dating former Playmate Jenny McArthy AND is in a "CHRISTMAS" movie…is going to attack Capatalism???? Holy CR*P!!!! We have entered Bizarro world.
I check out DVD's from my local public library. Doesn't cost me a thing, except for a $2.00 per day fine for overdue DVD's. They have a lot of the classic old movies from the '30's up through the '70's and even some of the newer stuff (I watched "Thank-you for Smoking" this past weekend – loved it).
The guy makes Adam Sandler look good.
And capitalism slams Carrey. Fair enough.
These Hollyweird people are in full meltdown. The industry they are in is crashing because of their big mouths. They just can't believe that the majority of American think there are crazy spoiled children. Let's just keep not going to their movies and buying the DVD'S. They are starting to really lose it. I for one would love to see the full meltdown. Oh yeah DON'T WATCH THE OSCAR SHOW. Would love the ratings to be say 1 LOL
I can't take this lack of self awareness & hypocracy from these hollywierd types anymore
Instead of going to see this movie, I think i will take my family to some local theater production and support something in my own backyard.
[...] Jim Carrey seems to be channelling his inner Friedrich Engels here: [...]
"'Beware the unloved, I always say,' Carrey continues. 'They’re the ones that end up being the mean guys.'"
- You mean like Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Maher, Wanda Sykes, Seth MacFarlane, Chris Matthews, Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann…?
Give me the George C. Scott version anyday!
I loved "Scrooged" also, but Carol Kane has to be the most annoying personality to ever come out of Hollywood. Well…next to Robin Williams…
Boys and girls, can you say projection?
The best adaptation of the Dickens classic, bar none, was "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol." It was sweet, funny and surprisingly poignant. Not only that but it proved that as a comedian and an actor, Quincy Magoo could run rings around Jim Carrey.
I'm no fan of socialism at all, but unless I'm missing something, the quotes only seem to address regulation of capitalism rather than implementation of socialism. Certainly, Carrey's comment still falls into the realm of a hypocrisy of the kind that only rich celebrities can afford. I'm just not convinced that Carrey's waving the red flag here as much as engaging in a more general progressive notion favoring regulation.
Unless people are suggesting we return to complete lassiez-faire capitalism of the kind seen in the late 19th century, the comments could probably be read with a little more generosity. Indeed, they're not far off from the sentiments of many conservative Christians who are troubled by unchecked personal ambition and the love of money.
Carrey's problem is that he's hypocritically romaticizing regulation of a kind unheard of in Hollywood, not that he's rallying the proles.
I am so god damn tired of these people who demand 20 million a picture to read words that others write, live in several palatial estates and then donate 1% of what they make to charity. Capitalism made these people rich and now they say it is no good? Stop buying ANYTHING these people do, from music to mooooovies.
Here we have a Hollywood Actor that makes more money, then most people see in a lifetime, condemning everyone else for being greedy. If Mr. Carrey along with all the other Hollywood types that tell us how to live, would donate 95% of their income to charities, and live like the rest of us, they'd have a little more credibility. But I don't think you'll ever see that happening. Like all the other "greedy" people in the world, they wouldn't do it, because they think they earned it.
My husband and I watched the studio release as we always review Holiday entertainment before all the kids and grandkids come for Christmas together. We'll go back to the outstanding George C. Scott rendition and other oldies like the original 1966 Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and of course Christmas Story. Lots of great fare here without the political baggage which is not allowed in my house during the Holidays as I’m still a kid at heart.
As far as Jim? My large family has merely contributed the last dime to his wealth. When there is never ending financial security like one sees in Hollywood coupled with the self delusion of faux import you can see where greed and money do strange things to people. I would have hoped Mr. Carrey could have kept his mind but didn’t so Mr. Carey,this movie is time I'll never get back and with all due respect GFY…..
Tina
I'm right there with you Jimmy baby, and let's start regulating all of this capitalist greed right now – starting with actors. Let's limit ANY actor's maximum compensation to $100,000 per movie. Great idea Jim, and I'm glad we can count on your support in this "reduce the greed" effort. And since you're a man of your word I can't wait to see you publicly proclaim your support in this effort when you sign on to your next picture.
You da man!
Good luck with all of that.
Hey there,
The/your idea of Socialism to begin in Hlywd, I think, has ALREADY begun. Hence, the idea, of the State of Calif grabbing 10% off the top of what folks make each week – all for the good of the State of Calif! (Am I really understanding this idea, grab, correctly?) The state is taking, a tax free loan from all who pay State taxes?
2) Many, many movies, are no longer made in Hollywood or in CA, but here & there + overseas.
In conclusion, yes I do like your idea of why not let those who make the big bucks, be "froced" ? to let 80% or more slip thru their fingers so "the little people" can use it better, & the polictians can divert it best.
Jim Carrey moves to the US from Ontario,Canada where he grew up because there never is much going on for actors in Canada.The entertainment industry in Canada is beyond pathetic.All the actors,musicians,screenwriters,flim students have to move down south to make something fo themselves.He makes it in America,making $20 million a picture,because of a capitalist system,now he is trashing it.Jim,you could have stayed in Canada,living on welfare,acting in ten minute clips all the time,for free, for high school students and flim students who want a 'favor' to complete their assignments.You could have been auditioning hundreds of times a year for for stage plays that pay nothing,just for exposure,rarely getting any parts anyway.You could have been lucky once in while to negotiate with Telewelfare in Quebec,the National Film Board in Ontario for C$2,000 or if you're lucky C$14,000 for some crappy 'homegrown movie.Instead you ran to America where you made all this money and became famous.Oh,how terrible America must be.
I cant` belive the hypocrisy here.Al Gore makes a hundred million,he flies private jets and has a convoy of gas guzzling limos,SUVs and Hummers following him everywhere he goes.Yet,everybody except himself,needs to stop flying,we make too much money,we need to stop consuming so much,we need to cut back,we are all greedy monkeys.We need to drive 'green' cars but Al gore doesn`t have one himself!None of them do.
Jim Carrey is making all this money and he`s telling everybody that they are greedy.Celebrities fly all over the world for 'conferences' where they decide that the rest of us are runing the planet,we need to stop flying,eating too much,driving too much,making too much money and stop having children.None of these airheads do what they tell evertybody else to to do,everybody else should do what they say,except themselves,the hypocrisy is astounding.
Maybe I'll watch it on cable…So we'll have to wait how many weeks?
Jim, bubala, you are a commodity, we (public) are consumers, if we don't like what you do OR say we stop consuming you…..and your movies will be duly rewarded with a trip straight to the Betamax pile at the local Wherehouse Video store!
maybe ol' jim will go back to his cocaine days of self loathing…to give his money back to the ungreedy capitalists.
I'm sure that Carey would be making as much money making films in the old Soviet bloc or Havana. Between him and Michael Moore, I don't know who's the bigger hypocrite/idiot.
Oh please,they will start calling it a witchhunt,this is 'unamerican',unjust and they will complain that you are just jealous of their money,'get a job',that they are sick and tired of 'losers' complaining about other people`s money.They will add that people don`t want to see others succeed and is is unfortunate,they did not steal the money.They will also say they 'earned all their money' and let 'studio executives decide' and it`s about time people stopped concerning themselves with somebody else`s money and the lives of celebrities.Also,don`t foget that they will tell you that 'communism is never an answer',it`s discredited and it destroys 'productivity'.
That is exactly what they will say and of course,they will be supported by the media whose million dollar salaries would be threatened too.Hypocrisy knows no bounds in hollywood.The Democrats too will agree,so will the sheeple,Republicans and conservatives would create an uproar about the govt inteference,so there you go.Its funny right?I know,hehe.
Confucious say: Overrated actor who bashes capitalism wont get much capital in the future.
[...] the Chicago Tribune via BigHollywood.com, here’s Carrey promoting his new film A Listless Failure A Christmas Carol: Charles [...]
Not at all. I couldn't disagree with the man more. As Ace Ventura he used to do a routine where he bent over & talked out of the seat of his pants – which is what he seems to be doing here. I don't get how he can say something like this when he was one of the first comedians to demand $20 million for making a movie. He's made a fine living off of wealth. If he was truly opposed, he could have sworn off those bloated paydays.
Perhaps the Canadian Mr. Carrey should go live there and exchange his dollars for Canadian ones. While there he could pay the taxes his fellow countrymen pay and wait for months just for a check-up. Such a hypocrite! Of course, what baffles me are the people who actually turn to actors for political insight.
The folk singer would Sheryl Crow,I bet she doesn`t even do that herself.One sheet of toilet paper?What does she use,30 ply toilet paper?I saw her on tv saying that,for some reason,I couldn`t stop giggling.
[...] Christmas Carol” did poorly at the box office over the weekend (which was noted here). The Canadian-born comic (?) explained: “Every construct we’ve built in American life is falling apart. Why? Because of personal greed [...]
Carey is the walking embodiment of a tool. I've never heard him speak outside of his act but I'd hoped he wasn't THAT dumb….too many dummies in that over rated industry.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Since when do Christmas movies start the first week in November. It is crazy. I certainly don't want to watch a Christmas movie yet.
And I have nothing to add about Jim Carrey that hasn't been said except that I actually liked at least two of his serious movies (like Truman show and Majestic). Don't throw too many eggs my way. I don't like his comedies though.
That's because Jim Carey knows:
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE APP'D
http://naturalfake.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/the-r...
Another Canadian comes to America, get rich, then blasts the U.S. Go home!
Did I miss your *sarcasm* or [/sarcasm] in that post?
Or were you serious?
Because if you are serious … you can't be serious. These folk making stupid amounts of money for acting – bashing greed is worse than Howard Hughes saying "if god intended man to fly he would have given him wings"?!
How is being a gargantuan hypocrite out of yourself positive for you, the people you know or society in general?
I'd love to continue this discussion if you really believe what you are saying – and only partially because I have a hard time believing anyone who can type complete sentences can believe such drivel). I usually only get replies on posts I post (otherwise I'll never keep up_ so reply to me here I'd be happy to discuss anything like this with you.
screw charity, I've got painful medical problems and a family to care for. Give it to me – it'll be put to good use.
carrey grew up in a poor family, even slept in the car. you would think that would build character, but bein in canada that builds a victimology . poor jim eh ?
what an ungrateful sop. put the mask back on buddy, get a pair.
Hmm, isn't Carrey from Canada? If he hates unregulated capitalism so much why didn't he stay there and make movies. From what I hear the movie business is very regulated there, and he could have received much less money for his work, all for the good of society. Yet he went to Hollywood instead to pull in $20million for one picture. Hypocrite much?
I seriously doubt that Carrey has a very good grasp on what capitalism actually is.
Jim Carrey is one of the best comedians of all time. Don't hate on him cause you write for a shitty ass blog.
Doesn't like capitalism. Well, then I won't waste any of my evil capitalist dollars on his crap.
I guess Jim won't mind, then, that I am skipping his movie this Christmas season.
Well, can you blame Jim Carrey? Not many of the Hollywood crowd can be accused of being independent thinkers. Child molester protectors, yes, intelligent… not so much.
I think the world view of "personal greed" through Carey's eyes is because he wakes everyday to a world he lives in (Hollywood) which is disconnected from the rest of us. There are some very good people in Hollywood, well grounded and very generous. But, quite a many, from what I've seen, are ugly and greedy from the heart outwards. If he lived in the real world he would see it differently. He almost sounds like he is asking for an "Actor Pay Czar" to be appointed. Be careful what you ask for, Mr. Carey. How many actors in the land of socialism and communism really survive or make a living?
Vote with your wallet
And made of paper
Politicians want to control things. Liberal ones want to control everthing.
Yeah..but she was perfect for that part..Bill's character looked like he really wanted to punch fairy dust off her face! lol. I can't think of one Bill Murray comedy I don't like…his dramatic stuff, hmmm, not a huge fan. I guess it's because I'm waiting for a funny wisecrack to come out of his mouth.
Thanks for saving me $50 — I won't go see the multimultimultimillionaire, pampered Hollywood, Canadian exile Hollywood anti-capitalist.
I wonder if everyone on the movie set made the same salary as Jim Carrey? What did that camera guy make? I suspect the multiplier was Jim Carrey's salary was 1000 times the "regular guy".
Jim Carrey is worst than a capitalist — you can't get your money back after you watch a bad Jim Carrey movie, but he gets to make $20 million a movie regardless of how bad it is. Heck, that's Goldman Sachs money.
Well, Mr Carey won't have to worry about Capitalism's evil from me. I won't be going to see this horrid movie. Hey Jim, pound sand.
He denounces greed, but I'm guessing he took his millions from the movie all the way to the bank.
*sigh* This is depressing. I actually like Jim Carrey and a good handful of his movies. Well, there goes another… at least I saved 10 bucks. Oh shoot! Does constitute as personal greed?!
*sigh* This is depressing. I actually like Jim Carrey and a good handful of his movies. Well, there goes another… at least I saved 10 bucks. Oh shoot! Does that constitute as personal greed?!
99% of celebrities seem to have Marxist product sodden radical left liberalism by numbers stamped into their brain along with their first $20 million. Colonel Robert Neville blogspot com.
Jim Carrey dropped out of high school when he was 16 years old, but he thinks he's qualified to lecture people on social and economic systems?
Well thanks, Jim, for once again proving that financial success doesn't automatically indicate intelligence.
[...] for making faces in front of a camera, yet Carrey, the star of “A Christmas Carol,” is taking a whack at capitalism. There is some delight over at Big Hollywood that “A Christmas Carol” was a box-office [...]
“I wrote myself a check for ten million dollars for acting services rendered and dated it Thanksgiving 1995. I put it in my wallet and it deteriorated. And then, just before Thanksgiving 1995, I found out I was going to make ten million dollars for Dumb & Dumber. I put that check in the casket with my father because it was our dream together.”
Jim Carrey
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-10-Million-Dollar-C...
Yep… Capitalism SUCKS! Jim, please contact me for my bank account information. I'd like you to share some of your income with me since it is such a burden to you… making the money in a capitalist nation and all!
Wow. For someone who DEMANDS $20million for a few months work, endless and ridiculous perks, treatment to show they're better than other people, and all the rest of the Hollywood this & that, etc., he really comes of as the TYPICAL HOLLYWOOD HYPOCRITE here. What a jackass.
I wanted to see the movie in 3D, thought it would be fun and it was, "sort of". I went to pay with my charge card and the attendant said "that will be $32.00". I was stunned because it was only two of us seeing this movie in 3D! $16.00 dollars each!! I thought, "better be good". I liked it but it was only "ok" on the 3D. This was in So. Cal.
I asked my daughter what she paid to see it in 3D in Montana and she only paid $10.00! What's with that? That is very subjective pricing by the movie theaters and obviously ripping people off. Any thoughts on price differences from state to state for the same movie?
When you say repealing of the Glass-Steagel act I presume you mean the repeal of certain provisons within the Act that restricted financial diversification by the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. The 1999 Act didn't deregulate anything. Regulation of financial institutions continued the same way as it had prior to the act. It actually expanded regulation by directing the Federal Reserve to have oversight over the newly diversified Financial Holding Companies
Anyone who understands risk reduction understand that diversification is more stable than concentrated risk. The financial firms that failed like Lehman were the least diversified and the ones that survived like J.P. Morgan, were the most diversified. Equate it with an insurance company; a company only offering earthquake insurance in California will be bankrupt when the big-one hits.
Economist Thomas Sowell explains it well, sub-prime loans and the housing bubble were the root cause of this crisis.
http://www.amazon.com/Housing-Boom-Bust-Thomas-So...
Joseph
IIt's too bad that Jim Carrey has said these idiotic things, but I don't think it should stop people from seeing the movie. Despite his own views, the movie actually makes the opposite point–against the government helping citizens. It stays beautifully true to Dickens and does not cover-up it's Christian ties. Worth paying for in my opinion.
Carey gets $20 million a flick 'cause he can cross the line into insanity without appearing too threating to the audience thus taking us to someplace new – someplace quite surreal and whacky.
It's all based totally on his rubber band face – remove that with animation and you got SQUAT!
Maybe less – at most, a familiar voice – but that's only worth $150k tops.
Agreed. The movie was excellent. And with several weeks to go before Christmas, it should hold up well (as indeed it did this weekend, according to Deadline Hollywood). Sorry, Mr. Karnick, but I have to disagree with you — there's no real grounds to argue that it "bombed."
[...] “Every construct we’ve built in American life is falling apart. Why? Because of personal… [...]
I love seeing the message of what Christmas is really all about being spread. Not just in movies, but now books. I have recently read author Rocco Leonard Martino's satire, "Cancel Christmas." While reading, we are reminded that the “Greed is Good” philosophy needs our vigilance in a world that should care for the needs and rights of the individual. He offers hope in a distressed world.
http://www.cancelchristmas.us
[...] actor Jim Carrey railed against “personal greed” after collecting millions to record the voice of Scrooge in this [...]
"Capitalism without regulation can’t protect us against personal greed.. . ."
WTF? Is this guy serious?
Like Michael Moore with money falling out of his pocket and he chastises those that wish to rise above the doldrums of being a clock puncher. His comment is dripping with hypocrisy. "Get rid of capitalism now so only the rich can be rich and the middle class and poor will never rise up to our posh lifestyle…
well I loved the movie and the 3d and am looking forward to more..those who point fingers from their "never was" chair can bite me..
[...] actor Jim Carrey railed against “personal greed” after collecting millions to record the voice of Scrooge in this [...]
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