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‘God Hates Fat’: ‘Red State’ Movie Director Has Nutty Sundance Showdown With Westboro Baptist Protesters

Kevin Smith is an irreverent filmmaker whose first film, “Clerks,” became a cult classic. Now he’s just making a film about a “cult,” and he’s drawn the ire of the Westboro Baptist Church. He doesn’t care. And when they protested the film at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, he mockingly protested them back. Take that.

Westboro probably has some cause to be upset. It‘s obvious to everyone who’s seen only a trailer for Smith’s new movie “Red State” that the film’s “cult” is modeled after the Westboro church and their extreme religious views. Take a look:

For the most part, critics say the film will offend everyone. How can it not when Entertainment Weekly calls it a “bizzaro horror thriller … about a gay-hating minister (Michael Parks) who goes on a blood-drenched rampage against an equally murderous squad of federal agents, with some sex-crazed teens stuck in the middle.”

“Clearly driven by outrage over the anti-gay fulminations of some American Christian pastors, Kevin Smith’s aggressively profane script works startling twists on scare film conventions while also taking the U.S. government to task for its simplistic use of terrorist threats as an excuse to do anything it wants,” a Reuters film review says.

It’s a horror film with sexual content that centers around religious extremists, which leads Reuters to conclude it’s “cleverly contrarian enough to get a rise out of almost any audience.”

Roger Friedman at ShowBiz411.com reviews it this way:

“Red State”–made quickly this past fall–may be Smith’s best work. It looks terrific, has a talented cast including Melissa Leo and John Goodman, and moves very efficiently It’s violent, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. It is surely an indictment of the “red states”–although the red is also about blood. This is a horror film, after all, albeit one with a definite goal and point of view.

In case it’s unclear, everyone will be offended.

But only one audience segment (so far) showed up to protest. That segment was the Westboro members, who brought their infamous signs to the Sundance Film Festival Sunday to protest the movie’s release. Ever the “antagonist,” Smith met them with his own signs. In response to “God Hates Fags,” for example, Smith held up a sign saying “God Hates Fat.” Clever.

God Hates Fat: Red State Movie Director Has Nutty Sundance Showdown With Westboro Baptist Protesters

There was more, as Chris Barrett of Showbiz411.com shows:

[WARNING: Contains some foul language]

Besides upsetting Westboro protesters at the film festival, Smith also angered some distributors by the way he released the film. Smith had indicated he would auction off distribution rights to “Red State” after its Sundance premiere Sunday night, and he brought up the movie’s producer, Jonathan Gordon, to handle the sale.

Gordon told the audience the bidding was open, Smith offered $20, and his producer proclaimed the film sold.

The auction was a stunt to emphasize Smith’s real plans — to release “Red State” himself, without the tens of millions of dollars in marketing money that Hollywood pours into its releases. Instead, Smith says he will take “Red State” out city to city beginning in March.

That means one thing for sure: many more run ins with the Westboro Baptist Church. And if the movie does nothing but aggravate that church, many will hail it as a success.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (92)

1 2
  • FoxholeAtheist
    Posted on January 25, 2011 at 2:13am

    I love how he just stole all their thunder by his mere presence. This is going to be a phenomenal movie.

    Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
  • sgallion1
    Posted on January 25, 2011 at 1:56am

    Another talented (?) mind wasted.

    Report Post »  
  • Cherynn
    Posted on January 25, 2011 at 12:08am

    The leader of the westboro cult is a registered democrat. He ran for office as a democrat and raises money for the democrats. If you check you can find pics of fred phelps and al gore together. He is just another leftist loon proving he’s an idiot. I thought the lefties are from the blue states???? What does this guy have to do with a red state, explain this to me. More misinformation????

    Report Post » Cherynn  
    • Nick84
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 4:49am

      You are right about him running as a Democrat, but I don’t know of anyone who would consider them liberal. If they honestly mean what they say, they sound far far far right on moral issues (although they protest the military, which is more of a left thing). I’m not sure about economically. Part of me thinks they don’t honestly mean what they say and are in it for money or something. Or maybe they are trying to make a point/push the boundaries of free speech? Either way, they aren’t truly democrat or republican, they are just hateful people.

      Report Post »  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:51pm

    I think that their funding comes from another source……………..someone that wants to discredit Christians and the truth to further their agenda. The westboro church and it’s members are NOT Christians.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • boodrow
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:42pm

    If anyone could get under the skin of those WBC clowns, it’s Kevin. Great job Kevin! His films are foul mouthed, but every one of them are on my shelf, as this one will be. He is a very good writer and director, and has evolved a lot since “Drawing Flies.” He always brings a interesting perspective to complicated and bizarre aspects of everyday life. Think i’ll watch “Mall Rats” now!

    Report Post » boodrow  
  • UnreconstructedLibertarian
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:40pm

    I expected Red State Update, with Dunlap and Jackie Broyles.

    Report Post » UnreconstructedLibertarian  
  • LoisLane1951
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:21pm

    Why is this on The Blaze? Who cares? Bunch of idiots on both sides.

    Report Post » LoisLane1951  
  • B.D. Rogers
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:19pm

    @stevenb.net
    Kevin smith is not an athiest. He is a worshiping catholic. His wife is an atheist . But not Kevin. Kevin has said many times that he knows there is a God because he has a movie career. Educate yourself before making ignorant comments that sounds like a pamphlet from the American Catholic league.

    Report Post » B.D. Rogers  
  • Thunderstorm 316
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:50pm

    Will somone please tell me how westboro is getting their funding? And can it be cut, if it could it would shut them down.

    Report Post »  
    • TJexcite
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:25pm

      Lawsuits against those who will not allow the protests and enablers who file the lawsuits for the WBC. ie ACLU

      But at most there are only 30-50 people closer to 30 in the cult so it does not take that much money. The press makes it look like there are thousands.

      Report Post » TJexcite  
  • Eyeball
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:44pm

    Westboro Baptist members are not Christians, so they cannot be compared to the religious right. they are a bunch of whack jobs.

    Report Post » Eyeball  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:30pm

    This guy‘s signs were as vile as Westboro’s (some of them anyway). Some were funny. I will never see any of his movies. But the point was made. Anyone can make signs that say stupid, meaningless things to combat cruelty. It will drive Westboro crazy. They were laughed at. It felt good because I have seen the satanic pain that group has caused grieving families. Sorry, Lord. :|

    Report Post »  
    • moriarty70
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:24pm

      To put the first sign in perspective, it’s a callback to his fans of a story when Dogma first came out and he went under cover with the protesters. I just wish he included the glitter. As to why he would do this… 1 it’s funny, 2 he’s a self confessed “press whore”

      Report Post » moriarty70  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:12pm

    Yep, gonna miss that blockbuster. Looks boring.

    Report Post »  
  • psycodad36
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:54pm

    I recall when the democrat party was referred to red (states,and such)Just when did the conservative sector of our society become (red)?RED means communist! How have we allowed the dems. to redefine whom we are?as in true BLUE Americans as opposed to the red stalinist lovers that they are?

    Report Post »  
    • CanadianTory
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 1:54pm

      Yeah… As far as I know the US is the only country where the conservative political party is red. I suppose this is just another example of Americans wanting to be different :)

      Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:53pm

    It looked to me as I won’t have to worry about watching this movie either. So I can save my money for other interests.

    Report Post »  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:41pm

    What a missed opportunity! All the crazies were in one place at the same time, and no one thought to drop a giant net on them. tsk tsk.

    Report Post »  
  • Nigel2
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:34pm

    Anything that torments westboro baptist fruitcakes is a winner in my book.

    Report Post » Nigel2  
  • DocPepper
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:10pm

    Free Speech at its best.

    Report Post »  
  • PlanetXenu
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:05pm

    Smith is awesome. love his movies and this ia an example of why. not afraid to speak his mind.

    Report Post »  
  • stephenb.net
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:04pm

    Kevin Smith is a foul mouthed radical atheist who is using the Westboro Baptards to paint Christians as violent haters. I have heard this guy too many times to encourage anyone to watch his vile and vulgar garbage.

    Report Post »  
    • PlanetXenu
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:09pm

      he’s not athiest. you should research people before you judge. :)

      Report Post »  
    • moriseiki2002
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:30pm

      Kevin Smith is a foul mouthed radical atheist who is using the Westboro Baptards to paint Christians as violent haters. I have heard this guy too many times to encourage anyone to watch his vile and vulgar garbage

      Wow thats not hateful at all

      Report Post »  
    • Calabrio
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:38pm

      Kevin Smith is absolutely NOT an atheist.
      In fact, he’s very open and candid about his Christian identity. You make yourself appear quite ignorant when you make such an attack. He’s actually a quite thoughtful and remarkably normal figure. To his happy, loving, stable marriage, through his happy, healthy relationship with is daughter.

      And his move to go outside the system and self-promote like this is brilliant.
      He’s confident that the movie will gross $30M, easily.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:48pm

      You should watch his movie “Dogma”. Has an AWESOME message about how humans tottaly effed up the Word of God.
      But watch it if it comes on Comedy Central since “profanity” seems to upset you so…

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • HEARDENOUGHCRAP
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 12:03am

      I have never heard REAL Christians use foul language and sexual situations to teach the word of God. I have to applaud Smith’s business accumen, but I doubt he is a Christian. As far as the Westboro Nuts are concerned, consider the source…..you expected what? It is exactly right to call them a cult. We all know that. They aren’t news anymore. I say brush them off and give them no more air time. There are some truths that we all should think about – 1) What we put in our minds, is what we become, and 2) Our character is known by our deeds…not by our words.

      Report Post »  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 2:12am

      I have to agree. Kevin Smith is not an Atheist.

      Report Post » FoxholeAtheist  
    • MrsNix
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 8:15am

      To Heardenough…

      I wonder why, as a Christian, you feel entitled to decide who is a “real” Christian and who is not. All men fall short of the glory of God, and neither judgment nor vengeance belong to you.

      “Real” Christians keep their eyes on their own paper and try to live in a way pleasing to God.

      Kevin Smith’s devotion and conviction are between him and God. If you don’t like his movies, don’t watch them…but your opinion of his filmmaking does not entitle you to judge the condition of his soul.

      Report Post » MrsNix  
    • middleclassprophet
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 11:54am

      Umm, that church is doing fine all on its’ own in painting themselves to be hateful idiots. They don’t need any help from anyone.

      Report Post » middleclassprophet  
    • Hugh Williams
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 3:25pm

      I support Silent Bob!

      Report Post » Hugh Williams  
  • ampatriot
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:00pm

    sounds like they might want to go to towns that westboro will go to for their protest……ahead to greet them.

    Report Post » ampatriot  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:59pm

    As a Christian I am sure this “film” is trash and I would not entertain watching it. But…

    I have to say good on Smith. I like how he sold the film to himself to make the point and also how he put those westboro idiots in their place. This is a free country and he has the right to create whatever he likes and market it. If people like his trash then so be it. Good. Good on him…

    Report Post »  
  • TruthTalker
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:58pm

    That trailer was certainly confusing enough.

    Report Post »  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:56pm

    I’m still trying to figure out why this is on The Blaze.

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:03pm

      Cause it angers the incests @ Westboro + it makes me happy to see them agitated :)

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:40pm

      See Robert’s answer?

      It ****** off the Westie cult.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • saltydawg101
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 5:57am

      lighten up its here cause it’s news and relevant

      Report Post »  
  • J.C. McGlynn
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:51pm

    Anything pi$$ these buttheads off.

    Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • 13thGenerationAmerican
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 10:39pm

      I think the Westboro Baptist’s follow the bible literally

      They believe President Obama is a Muslim who wasn’t born in the US and is the anti Christ. They also believe homosexuality is a sin against God and that’s why God hates the United States.

      On a brighter note though:

      On the subject of neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other violent extremist groups: “We don’t believe in physical violence of any kind, and the Scripture doesn’t support racism. … The only true Nazis in this world are ****”

      Hey, at least they don’t call for violence, just like Glenn doesn’t

      I can’t believe this comment was moderated. So much for free speech and citing the truth. Does the blaze require sources for comments now?

      Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 9:17am

      Lol, I liked the one sign that said “Thor Hates Straights”. I actually got a chuckle out of that one.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
  • middleclassprophet
    Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:51pm

    Westboro Baptist is not a church. It’s a hate group.

    Report Post » middleclassprophet  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 7:55pm

      Finally. Something that we can agree on.

      Report Post »  
    • PlanetXenu
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:03pm

      amen to that

      Report Post »  
    • APatriotFirst
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:04pm

      Any idea where this westboro gets all the $$ to travel all over the country to protest?

       
    • Justthefactsmam
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 8:10pm

      @APATRIOTFIRST from what I have seen, lawsuits…the leader and daughter are both attorneys and sue anyone that get’s in their way…

      Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
    • VanGrungy
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 9:44pm

      they are trying to have history record them as Christians so we are all smeared through name association..
      Happened in Europe too.. they are such obvious tools of the State, it really isn’t funny..
      Why does the Blaze play their game? Don’t call them “Baptist” or a “Church”
      They are the “Westboro Agitators”, nothing more, nothing less..

      I expect the Blaze to change the conversation by being accurate in it’s reporting..
      I hope my suggestion is taken seriously, I believe it’s of utmost importance that history is recorded objectively..

      We all know they aren’t Christians..

      Doesn’t anyone find it odd that they would be allowed into a far far, far far far leftist ‘festival’ ? Unless those leftists knew the Agitators were trained props and fluffers…

      Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • niagra
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:00pm

      It is a hate group it always has been. I went to school with their children and they were mean evil kids. I drive by there SH#* hole compond all the time. Watch what you do around them they videotape and record everything and then you are in court. they always have video cams with them. bunch of miserable f%&k#ng people who need to stay at home,shut up, and be happy they are allowed to live in a free country

      Report Post »  
    • KsFlash
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:27pm

      Fred Phelps ran for Governor of Kansas a number of times as a Democrat; he is not conservative. I do not know if he is also a Progressive or not. He did not do well in the Governor’s races.
      The Phelps’ use a lot of Federal Grants for some funding.
      They all seem to be quite intelligent as far as mental I.Q. goes.
      Fred at one time had a radio program that was quite interesting; he did some good work for the community, and he had some good ideas.
      I wonder how he fell into the “deep end”.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:43pm

      Man I LOVE me some Kevin Smith!! Can’t WAIT to see this flick! And Michael Parks and John Goodman??
      This is gonna be awesome.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:58pm

      Hey, WBC…know what God REALLY hates? Those who presume to know his mind. Says so right thar in the Bible somewheres…

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • Proud American in Buffalo
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 12:18am

      It the KKK with a Pastor., What a bunch of….

      LOSERS!!!!!

      Report Post » Proud American in Buffalo  
    • The Patriot
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 8:11am

      STOP giving this group press you, are just helping them!

      Report Post »  
    • ltb
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 9:52am

      KsFlash
      Posted on January 24, 2011 at 11:27pm
      Fred Phelps ran for Governor of Kansas a number of times as a Democrat.

      —–

      I did not know this, but it doesn’t surprise me. As despicable as the Phelps family is (I wish people would stop calling that family a church), the counter protestors looked just as bad by stooping to the Phelps’ level. What I would like to know is why real churches don’t organize counter protests when this family shows up. Having authentic Christians sing hymns to drown out the hateful noise of the Phelps would be a much better response than showing up with signs that are just as sophomoric as the ones used by Phelps.

      Report Post » ltb  
    • Cherished Emblems
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 10:57am

      Westboro Baptist is NOT a church. And Kevin Smith is NOT a talented film maker. ALL of his movies SUCK! I’ve seen him live at a Hollywood awards show, and he is NOT funny…he is fat though!

      Report Post » Cherished Emblems  
    • hologram5
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 1:09pm

      @APatriotFirst
      They get the money from all the lawsuits they win over first amendment and assault cases they file. His entire brood of inbred fools are all lawyers.

      Report Post » hologram5  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 2:16pm

      Yes you are right about this one, they are not Baptists, just a hate cult.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 2:23pm

      I disagree. If they claim to follow Christ only Christ can decide otherwise. As Christians, whether you agree with their specific sect or not, you must take them at their word.

      Believing in Christ is what makes you Christian and these people certainly believe in Christ.

      As much as it pains me to say it – they are are Christians.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • rpp
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 3:52pm

      I am not sure what group is worse. Fred Phelps and his ilk from WBC or Kevin Smith and his anti-religious followers.

      Report Post » rpp  
    • Derfel Cadarn
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 7:51pm

      All religions are hate groups by their very nature,they are ignorant ,inflexible ,intolerant and capricious. They promote one group (the chosen) above all others,this is not a formula for peace and love that is very effective.

      Report Post »  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on January 25, 2011 at 11:32pm

      VOTEBUSHIN12, Christians? Don’t know if they claim to be christians or not, but Jesus said that you will know them by their works, and they seem to be of their father the DEVIL. Everything they do seems to be evil, period.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • readthearticlesofconfederation
      Posted on January 26, 2011 at 11:19am

      dosen’t Kevin Smith have weight problem I mean Silent Bob is a skinny guy

      Report Post »  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on January 26, 2011 at 3:07pm

      DERFEL CADARN, I beg to differ, Jesus said to love you neighbors, love your enemies, do good to those who do bad to you, ect. Doesn’t sound like hate to me. As Christians we are human, and not perfect, but we must always try to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, and to betters ourselves with Gods’ help. Thank you

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
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