'Ender's Game' - Will You See It Despite the Controversy?

Ender's Game Controversy?  Yep, though Lionsgate has minimized the noise, there is a bit of a controversy underneath it all surrounding the upcoming sci-fi fantasy action movie, Ender's Game.

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I'm in a quandary of sorts about Ender's Game, starring Harrison Ford and Asa Butterfield.

I read the book a while back (brusimm.com: enders-game-review) and absolutely loved it.  It was an incredible read with an incredible ending.

I was pretty excited when I first heard that they were making the book into a movie.  And back then, I was not aware of the controversy in some circles regarding author Orson Scott Card.  In fact, I only knew that Card cranked out one heck of a story and it changed my view of sci-fi forever.

I also didn't realize until just around 2013 Comic-Con, when the potential of his appearing at the event in San Diego generated some interesting press.  And that press has me confused.  Confused if I want to support the movie production or not after that. 

First up... the story is great science fiction, and that in and of itself, as some would argue, is reason for seeing and supporting the movie.

But then there's this subtle movement to make a statement about Card's beliefs.  (I won't even pull up the religion card.  A person's beliefs are their beliefs, regardless of what venue they use to express them.)

The issue some groups are having is Card's constant homophobic comments and lobbying against equality.

If you look around the web, Card has quite the history of dropping comments about his beliefs and his opposition to same-sex marriage.  Further web research indicates that he is also an active member (and financial supporter) in the National Organization for Marriage.

He recently been quoted to comparing President Obama to Hitler, while others also seem to think that Card connects homosexuality to child molestation.

It doesn't help that he's rather strong worded in his beliefs.

"I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn.”

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Lionsgate has attempted to distance themselves from Card and is making efforts to let people know that they do not support Card's perspectives.


A Related Lionsgate Press Release:

As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from ‘Gods and Monsters’ to ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and a company that is proud to have recognized same-sex unions and domestic partnerships within its employee benefits policies for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage.

The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form.  On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message. Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for ‘Ender’s Game.’

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I'm conflicted by his beliefs versus the great story and potential entertainment of the movie.

Every person has the right to their beliefs and opinions.  But people are worried that the money he makes off the film will go into supporting his beliefs, thus bolstering the battle against the freedom of choice.

Not to mention that his beliefs ruffle my own beliefs in letting people having the freedom to do what they choose to do with their lives, regardless of what it is.

One's belief or lifestyle should never be obstructed by another's set of beliefs.  PERIOD.

Hence, I don't know about seeing this movie.  Then again, a boycott of the movie, as some are suggesting, not only might "hurt" Card, but also hurts folks who are dependent on the income off the monies this production makes at the box office.

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In the end, I will probably go see Ender's Game this Friday.

But if you are starting to question your own perspectives on seeing the movie, then what I've done below is try to collect various links from different sources so you can see for yourself what's being said. (I tried to keep these links to mainstream sites that cover Hollywood, leaving out the rest of the agitated noise.)

{thewrap: how-summit-responds-when-orson-scott-card-compares-obama-to-hitler}

{herocomplex.latimes: enders-game-boycott}

{hitfix: lionsgate-response-to-enders-game-author-controversy}

{.huffingtonpost: call-off-the-enders-game_boycott}

{huffingtonpost: orson-scott-card-racist-obama}

Or do a Google search for Ender's Game Boycott if you want to see for yourself what else is up.  This search alone has some other good perspectives from both sides of this battle.

In the end, I don't think the box office numbers will be impacted enough.  Those who have issues with Card and his beliefs will feel better with themselves that they did not contribute, while others will come away with the probable awe that the book left me with.  (That's if they did the movie right.)


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