WASHINGTON – “American Sniper” dominated the box office over the long holiday weekend and has been nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Jason Hall).
But as you might expect, its subject matter — America’s most lethal sniper racking up kills over four tours in the Iraq War — sparked plenty of debate on Twitter.
Actor Seth Rogen, whose movie “The Interview” sparked controversy with North Korea, stirred Twitter conversation with these remarks:
American Sniper kind of reminds me of the movie that’s showing in the third act of Inglorious Basterds.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 18, 2015
I just said something “kinda reminded” me of something else. I actually liked American Sniper. It just reminded me of the Tarantino scene.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 19, 2015
I wasn’t comparing the two. Big difference between comparing and reminding. Apples remind me of oranges. Can’t compare them, though.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 19, 2015
But if you were having a slow news day, you’re welcome for me giving you the opportunity to blow something completely out of proportion.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 19, 2015
As you might expect, the biggest Twitter buzz swirled around documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, who tweeted his disdain for snipers, but stopped short of criticizing the movie directly:
My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren’t heroes. And invaders r worse
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 18, 2015
Hmm. I never tweeted 1word bout AmericanSniper/ChrisKyle. I said my uncle killed by sniper in WWII; only cowards would do that 2 him, others — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
Oh, and Iraqis are called “savages” throughout the film. — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
So ppl want me 2tweet something bout American Sniper? Great acting! Powerful message. Sad ending. There. My FB post: https://t.co/By4leT6b67 — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
Sorry to have to state the obvious again: Invading a country that hasn’t attacked you is illegal & immoral. History will judge us harshly. — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
RT @jeffgibbstc: “People attacking Michael Moore don’t know him. He seeks out and hires vets and they never have to pay at his theater.” — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 20, 2015
RT @jeffgibbstc: “When we invade and kill 100,000 based on lies we are not heroes. Hate speech toward @MMFlint is really guilt and shame.” — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 20, 2015
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