Director Uwe Boll faced harsh criticism during a Reddit AMA session intended to promote his latest film, Citizen Vigilante, featuring Armie Hammer, known for its contentious themes and a polarized reception.
Film and Criticism
Boll, recognized for B-movies like Alone in the Dark and BloodRayne, engaged with fans on Reddit on Friday, only to encounter sharp criticism. Citizen Vigilante has been panned by critics, holding a six percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting with a 93 percent audience score. The film, centered around Hammer's character targeting criminals, many depicted as migrants, has stirred debate.
Fiery Exchanges
The AMA took an abrasive turn when a participant questioned Boll's persistence in filmmaking despite a track record of poorly received movies. Boll's blunt response was, “To top them all.” Tensions escalated when another user referenced Boll's past derogatory comments about actors and questioned his alignment with right-wing ideologies, to which Boll curtly affirmed, “Absolutely,” in German.
Defending Casting Choices
Questions about casting Armie Hammer, given his past controversies, were met with Boll's praise for Hammer's acting ability and fit for the role. Some exchanges were more civil, but Boll expressed frustration with the overall tone, accusing many participants of being stuck in the past and overly critical of his work.
Promoting His Films
Boll urged the audience to watch his films, such as Postal (2007), Rampage (2009), and Assault on Wall Street (2013), claiming that Amazon ratings reflect true audience opinions. He implored critics to view his work without bias and ended his participation by encouraging them to watch soccer instead of wasting his time.
In related news, Citizen Vigilante made headlines when Elon Musk temporarily allowed it to stream for free on X, following its ban in Germany due to fears it might incite violence against immigrants. Boll has hinted at a possible sequel after reporting digital success.
This project is one of Hammer’s first major roles since his departure from WME in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I would have done a fucking cat food commercial. I just wanted to work again.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/uwe-boll-rips-citizen-vigilante-critics-armie-hammer-1236640602/
