I really enjoyed the O segment.
I also think that Jake is being honest. The first time, He hadn't read the story, didn't know anything except the screen play and if he was 16 then and is 24 now---that is some years back, I can see why he wouldn't have anything to do with it, it would have killed his carreer back then.
He and Heath both were brought into the movie because of the quality of the screenplay, and the fact that they both trusted Ang to do the movie and their characters justice.
This movie could have been just as bad as Jake originally feared about it IF it would have been in the wrong hands. That is why it was around for years and NO one would actually try to make it.
these four actors are all under 27 and suddenly placed under every scrutiny that our society can throw at them---just exactly how do you think most mid 20 year olds would handle all that hype??
I think these are outstanding young actors and doing a great job of trying to stay grounded and true to themselves while everyone wants them to BE something. Promote something, Give something. I can see why they get bored with the same questions, and people trying to pull them in one direction or another. They made this movie over 18 months ago and
they are not the characters they play! They also are not trying to make a stand on any idological adjenda---they are trying to promote an entertainment movie, with questionable content for mainstream America--I think they are doing one heck of a job, esp. considering they all have other irons in the fire, and have other movies to promote too.
I agree that Jake's statements can be taken differently by different people, but there is an awful lot of pressure surrounding this movie, and if they would have known about all the controversy, and all the viewpoints---I can see where they would have felt too much distraction to do the job right and be hesitant to take up something like it again too soon. It would have been tough for them to act natural if they would have realized how under a microscope their every scene would be.
I thought Oprah did a good job of letting them be entertaining, and still keep the focus on the movie, and NOT get all the mid American conservatives that watch her every day upset.
The promotion the movie got today is irreplacable. Where Oprah goes, most of middle America is willing to follow.