Michelle Rodriguez to Star in Gender-Reassignment Revenge Thriller

[Spaceman Spiff]

I don't get the focus of the outrage. Is it the plot, the subject, the casting, what?

I thinks it's two things. 1) That a forced gender reassignment surgery is used as a plot device. 2) That the crime organization can (presumably) quickly and easily give (well, force in this instance) somebody a gender transition.

 

[jamail77]

That's my point they are [presuming] based a 50 word plot synopsis.

That 50 word synopsis gives enough clear detail to what is going on. This character is out for revenge because of this surgery. This character didn't want the surgery. What possible details could we be missing out on that doesn't make this sound over the top and undermine actual transsexuals who go through this and actually do want this? Actually, now that I think more deeply about it there's more to it than just undermining transsexuals. There are gay people who have been forced into gender reassignment surgery by family members and authorities in the past as well. Many of them are still around. It's as [user]Spaceman Spiff[/user] said (with added personal opinion details by me in []s)

I don't get the focus of the outrage. Is it the plot, the subject, the casting, what?

I thinks it's two things. 1) That a forced gender reassignment surgery is used as a plot device [poorly. I don't deny this could be done right/better]. 2) That the crime organization can (presumably) quickly and easily give (well, force in this instance) somebody a gender transition. [You know.........instead of just do what crime organizations usually do and kill the person or torture or blackmail or something

Correct me if I'm wrong...but doesn't being "double-crossed by gangsters" generally end with the person ending up in an ambush and being shot at by 60 guys with tommy guns? You know...a scenario that actually ends with the person being at least presumably DEAD? I just can't think of a scenario where "gangsters" would double-cross someone by...making them undergo an unwanted sex-change...

*sigh* People ask for more movies that aren't just based off books, comic books, or 80's tv shows/movies...and this is what we get.

Lovely.

And people wonder why I hate Hollywood and movies in general these days...

This. There better be a good reason for this, otherwise it's pure outrage bait.

It's Hollywood: There rarely are good reasons for this.

 

[Albino Boo]

That's my point they are [presuming] based a 50 word plot synopsis.

That 50 word synopsis gives enough clear detail to what is going on. This character is out for revenge because of this surgery. This character didn't want the surgery. What possible details could we be missing out on that doesn't make this sound over the top and undermine actual transsexuals who go through this and actually do want this? Actually, now that I think more deeply about it there's more to it than just undermining transsexuals. There are gay people who have been forced into gender reassignment surgery by family members and authorities in the past as well. Many of them are still around.

Fine that your opinion but you have to remember it's only your opinion. You are not the moral arbiter for everyone else. The whole gamergate/ men's rights nonsense is only tiny minority of people with zero credibility with anyone beyond the argument. If you want to influence stop being OUTRAGED all the time. Its the easiest thing in the world to ignore slogans shouted on twitter.

 

[Redryhno]

Sounds like a silly movie with a silly premise with an action backdrop and Michelle Rodriguez is involved. Count me in. If nothing else, it's going to be a laugh and a half.

 

[jamail77]

Fine that your opinion but you have to remember it's only your opinion. You are not the moral arbiter for everyone else. The whole gamergate/ men's rights nonsense is only tiny minority of people with zero credibility with anyone beyond the argument. If you want to influence stop being OUTRAGED all the time. Its the easiest thing in the world to ignore slogans shouted on twitter.

When did I not pretend it wasn't my opinion, that I was the moral arbiter for everyone else? I said it gives clear enough detail to what is going on. However, I did not say people couldn't take that as they want to. Stop assuming things about people. I even said there are right ways to do a plot like this, but you clearly did not read that part of my post. I don't even care that much believe it or not; my long posts and detail of criticism come from the fact I LIKE discussing these things ironically. I'm more critical of how over the top it sounds than over its possible tone deafness because, as I said, there are right ways to do this. Besides, it's not going to have that much of an effect when you get down to it even if that doesn't mean the criticism isn't still valid.

I don't know why you bring Gamergate and MRAs into this; nobody has said anything about that, but whenever these situations come up someone has to bring them up I suppose despite their minor relevance at best and lack of mention.

Again, stop assuming things about people: I'm not outraged all the time; I'm just explaining where the criticism is coming from and how it has merit whether you agree with it or not. That doesn't mean I'm raging. I'm not typing in all caps here, I'm not advocating any slogans, I'm not calling the people behind this movie or Hollywood evil people that should burn in hell, I didn't even say whether GLAAD approached this right (In fact, I think they were a bit too hyperbolic about it). Sounds like we have very different definitions of outrage or you just like projecting things onto people in these arguments because you've developed a caricature of people who disagree with you on these things.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

I'll base my reaction off of the movie itself, not the slacktivist outrage over a synopsis with no basis in what the movie actually contains beyond a write-up, no evidence and not actual footage = we don't fucking know.

 

[Albino Boo]

Fine that your opinion but you have to remember it's only your opinion. You are not the moral arbiter for everyone else. The whole gamergate/ men's rights nonsense is only tiny minority of people with zero credibility with anyone beyond the argument. If you want to influence stop being OUTRAGED all the time. Its the easiest thing in the world to ignore slogans shouted on twitter.

When did I not pretend it wasn't my opinion, that I was the moral arbiter for everyone else? I said it gives clear enough detail to what is going on. However, I did not say people couldn't take that as they want to. Stop assuming things about people. I even said there are right ways to do a plot like this, but you clearly did not read that part of my post. I don't even care that much believe it or not; my long posts and detail of criticism come from the fact I LIKE discussing these things ironically. I'm more critical of how over the top it sounds than over its possible tone deafness because, as I said, there are right ways to do this. Besides, it's not going to have that much of an effect when you get down to it even if that doesn't mean the criticism isn't still valid.

I don't know why you bring Gamergate and MRAs into this; nobody has said anything about that, but whenever these situations come up someone has to bring them up I suppose despite their minor relevance at best and lack of mention.

Again, stop assuming things about people: I'm not outraged all the time; I'm just explaining where the criticism is coming from and how it has merit whether you agree with it or not. That doesn't mean I'm raging. I'm not typing in all caps here, I'm not advocating any slogans, I'm not calling the people behind this movie or Hollywood evil people that should burn in hell, I didn't even say whether GLAAD approached this right (In fact, I think they were a bit too hyperbolic about it). Sounds like we have very different definitions of outrage or you just like projecting things onto people in these arguments because you've developed a caricature of people who disagree with you on these things.

I simply explaining that to you, like in gamers gate, the vast majority of people don't care and will never care about trivial matters like this. Its pointless excise in virtue signaling that only backfires against those that do it.

 

[Major_Tom]

"And now we will do this really expensive and complicated procedure just to fuck with you! Ha!" It reminds me of that one time when a prankster mechanic converted my car to rear-wheel drive. That was really annoying.

 

[JemothSkarii]

Looks... kinda enjoyable in a schlocky way. I'd watch it. Although it'd kinda be like watching Face/Off without Travolta or Cage. Don't really know much about Michelle Rodriguez either, but I'm not a big movie person. If Face/Off can pull off their bullshit plot with magic tech, I'm guessing that's what they'll pull here... with like... black market lasers.

Also, the word 'Revenger' bothers me.

 

[M0rp43vs]

You know I was apathetic to this movie until you said it was Face/Off with genitals, then part of my brain went "this might be some stupid, over the top schlocky shit... I kinda wanna watch it now".

But then I remembered it was Hollywood and they'd probably play this stupid premise straight and deadpan and what little enthusiasm fizzled out.

 

[OreoDoublestuff]

You know, there's a teensy little change they could make to this and it'd be a great idea. Have Rodriguez play an FTM who is forcibly de-transitioned (that is, being forced from a man back to a woman). This allows the gangsters to do something more sensible and inflict possibly the worst psychological torture on their particular victim and gives Rodriguez a perfect action-movie-excuse to go on a rampage.

 

[AstaresPanda]

But hey, at least women in Hollywood are finally receiving the blockbuster, protagonist roles they deserve, right? Right?! Anyone?!!

Ok, in all seriousness, why does anyone "deserve" a Blockbuster role? I'm serious, this is Hollywood, there are literally thousands of people (male and female) waiting tables and trying to make ends meet hoping for their big break in acting, why do any of them not 'deserve' big roles any more or less than Carey Mulligan or Zoe Saldana?

I just don't get this weirdly selective outrage regarding gender % in certain industries. No one seems to care that women make up a tiny minority of oil field workers and chemical engineers, and no one seems to care that men make up a tiny minority of elementary school teachers and Nurses, yet somehow when Hollywood isn't 50/50 it's a cause for mass hysteria.

Or the fact that male POrnstars make less then female pornstars, but thats not the point lol feminests gotta cherry pick their shit to get outraged about. ronda rousey said it herself, when asked a dumb ass question about women ufc being small next to men ufc and earning less. Simply put....money talks. This shit is getting really old, such a fored movie idea.

 

[Redryhno]

You know I was apathetic to this movie until you said it was Face/Off with genitals, then part of my brain went "this might be some stupid, over the top schlocky shit... I kinda wanna watch it now".

But then I remembered it was Hollywood and they'd probably play this stupid premise straight and deadpan and what little enthusiasm fizzled out.

Hey, you saw how people reacted just to the premise. Can you imagine how they'd react if they played any part of it off as some kind of joke?

 

[Baresark]

1. At what point does it seem like a good plot point where someone is given a sex change against their will? I just think it sounds incredibly contrived.

2. I've about had it with these bullshit complaints though.

We are at a crucial moment in the public's understanding of transgender issues, and stories like these have the potential to undermine the progress we've worked so hard to achieve.

That is even more contrived than the actual plot of the movie. The vast majority of people can easily separate fantasy from reality, no one is going to confuse this movie for a documentary or biopic about transgender assassin. The public understands it just fine when it comes to how we are all supposed to perceive it. They are beautiful and brave human beings that are well beyond criticism as humans as they are the latest protected class in western society. No one is going to be confused by this. No one is going to think this is real or that this represents transgender people.

3. At what point does the whole system of thought breakdown when it comes to the idea that there needs to be this magical 50/50 ratio of all things sex/gender related. I'm not arguing against more movies of all varieties where women are the protagonist. But the issue isn't JUST movie studios. Studios do crumby things, it's undeniable. They could devote more money or give more chances to movies with strong female protagonists, but in the end they are for profit companies. But they aren't the only problem. Good luck getting your movie noticed outside the film festival circuits when it literally costs millions for your movie to get noticed in advertising alone. Theatre companies charge top dollar to get your trailer in front of a new movie. Lots of states require heavy union involvement with movie production skyrocketing production costs. Famous actors/actresses demand top dollar for their involvement in even small films.

The whole system is broken and we get people who demand that this one party take on every cost for this magic 50/50 ratio.

 

[Gordon_4_v1legacy]

The plot sounds likes shit on toast, but that's hardly exceptional for action movies - I just don't get why the character has to be forcibly operated on: they could have done it so the MC borrowed money from the mafia to pay for the operation and the mafia, not being bastions of tolerance, would probably react poorly to finding out what it was used for and beat the MC to a bloody pulp and then boom: revenge action film away!

The plot they chose just seems needlessly tactless. But it's the first action movie with a transgender protagonist so I'll give it a whirl; maybe they will make something meaningful out of it.

 

[happyninja42]

I think the outrage might be because of the portrayal of the sex change as a form of torture/punishment on the guy. Implying a negative connotation to the transgender concept. Maybe I read the article wrong, but it seems to be that this is an unwanted gender swap, forced upon the guy. Not a story about how someone who might happen to be transgender, is dealing with their life as an assassin. So yeah, if that is the context, I can kind of see their gripe with the plot.

 

[M0rp43vs]

Hey, you saw how people reacted just to the premise. Can you imagine how they'd react if they played any part of it off as some kind of joke?

I know. It was just a very quick gut feeling thing. To be fair,I can't see anyhing this movie can do that won't cause an uproar. Even if it didn't come out, people would complain that a movie with a transvestite can't come out.

 

[hazydawn]

I just don't get this weirdly selective outrage regarding gender % in certain industries. No one seems to care that women make up a tiny minority of oil field workers and chemical engineers, and no one seems to care that men make up a tiny minority of elementary school teachers and Nurses, yet somehow when Hollywood isn't 50/50 it's a cause for mass hysteria.

Because popular culture has a pretty big influence on people. And maybe because females and males alike would like a better representation. I'm also starting to get sick of it in video games. What person am I playing? Oh, another kick-ass white male. Big surprise.

That is even more contrived than the actual plot of the movie. The vast majority of people can easily separate fantasy from reality, no one is going to confuse this movie for a documentary or biopic about transgender assassin. The public understands it just fine when it comes to how we are all supposed to perceive it. They are beautiful and brave human beings that are well beyond criticism as humans as they are the latest protected class in western society. No one is going to be confused by this. No one is going to think this is real or that this represents transgender people.

I think you give people too much credit. I'd say about half of any poluation is retarded, and another 1/4 barely above that. You just need to look at opinion polls from various countries on different issues that should be (in my mind) clear-cut answers.

 

[Redryhno]

I just don't get this weirdly selective outrage regarding gender % in certain industries. No one seems to care that women make up a tiny minority of oil field workers and chemical engineers, and no one seems to care that men make up a tiny minority of elementary school teachers and Nurses, yet somehow when Hollywood isn't 50/50 it's a cause for mass hysteria.

Because popular culture has a pretty big influence on people. And maybe because females and males alike would like a better representation. I'm also starting to get sick of it in video games. What person am I playing? Oh, another kick-ass white male. Big surprise.

So what you're saying is...you don't care about representation, you care about marketing and appearances...even if I understand the "Steve" annnoyance and share it to a degree, pretty much every game involving a kick-ass white male has a world that's built around him that's much more the focus of the story and setting.

 

[hazydawn]

So what you're saying is...you don't care about representation, you care about marketing and appearances...even if I understand the "Steve" annnoyance and share it to a degree, pretty much every game involving a kick-ass white male has a world that's built around him that's much more the focus of the story and setting.

I have no idea where you got all that from. I care about having different experiences. The story and the setting are influenced by the protagonist, it's a crucial part. That's why kick-ass white male typically has some female love interest throughout the story. There are just too many parallels. It's true, that story, setting, and how fleshed out the character you are playing is, are more important. It's just something that's started to draw my attention, call it a pet peeve.