Back In 1998 The Movie "Enemy of the State" Predicted Everything.

 

WNU Editor: One of my regular readers pointed out to me that this 1998 movie predicted what the NSA is capable of doing today. I did see the movie then .... and I watched it again tonight. OMG .... I have a different perspective after 15 years .... I did not take the movie seriously then  .... but knowing what I know now .... this movie is prophetic on so many levels.

CIA: No Torture Scenes In The Movie Please

Censorship: The CIA asked the writer of Zero Dark Thirty to alter a scene so that the film's protagonist, CIA agent Maya, played by Jessica Chastain, does not help torture a prisoner, a newly released memo reveals

Torture Scenes In Zero Dark Thirty Were Cut Or Altered At The CIA's Request, Declassified Memo Reveals -- Daily Mail

* Original opening scene had CIA agent Maya helping torture a prisoner
* CIA requested this was changed so she only observes the torture
* Second torture scene involving dogs cut entirely following CIA request

U.S. intelligence pressured the writer of the film Zero Dark Thirty to alter or remove scenes of torture from the script, it has been revealed.

The blockbuster film about the killing of Osama Bin Laden, dubbed a 'publicity coup' for the CIA and Obama administration, had scenes cut or rewritten at the request of the agency.

It was already known that the filmmakers had been provided with secret information about how the raid was planned, but the latest revelations show the extent to which spies shaped its narrative.

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My Comment: Everyone is worried about their image .... and in today's hyper-political world who would blame the CIA.

Does Iran Want Oscar Winning 'Argo' Director Ben Affleck Hanged For War Crimes?

Oscar winning 'Argo' director Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck Could Be Hanged For War Crimes: US Intelligence Expert -- Press TV

Is Argo “just a movie?” Or is it a disguised intelligence operation - maybe even a war crime?

These questions may soon be answered in court. Well-known French lawyer Isabelle Coutant-Peyre has met with Iranian officials planning a lawsuit against the makers and distributors of the controversial film.

Mohammad Lesani, General Secretary of Monday's Hoax of Hollywood conference in Tehran, announced, "Argo is made by three film-producing companies in Hollywood...the Islamic Republic of Iran is going to sue all those who have been active in the anti-Iran domain, including directors and producers.”

If the makers of Argo are deposed under oath, they may be forced to reveal that their film -- like the fictitious film-within-the-film -- is a covert operation disguised as a movie. One of America's leading experts on covert operations believes that Argo is the propaganda project of an intelligence agency or agencies, and that its purpose is to convince the American people to go along with Israel's plan to drag America into a war on Iran.

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My Comment: Press TV is an Iranian news service website .... and they clearly are not fans of the movie Argo.

A Look At Hollywood's Version Of Women Who Hunt Terrorists

From ‘Homeland’ to ‘Zero Dark Thirty’: A Look at Women Who Hunt Terrorists -- Maggie Hennefeld, High Brow Magazine

While strong female protagonists have been all but invisible in conventional war genre films (Jarhead, Hurt Locker, Black Hawk Down, Restrepo), a new sub-genre has cropped up that puts women at the center of military defense politics. From Alias and Salt to Homeland and the Oscar-nominated Zero Dark Thirty, we have witnessed the emergence of a contemporary screen obsession with watching ass-kicking female CIA agents hunting the world’s most elusive political terrorists.

With the public crisis of conscience precipitated by news coverage of waterboarding, drone strikes, and other brutal interrogation tactics, it is no wonder that patriotic dramas have enlisted strong, fair-haired female protagonists to make America's “War on Terror” look sexy again—and not just sexy, but human.

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My Comment: Spy chicks are always hot .... and this year's batch are super hot.

Why 'Zero Dark Thirty' Will Not Win This Year's Oscar For Best Movie

Why 'Zero Dark Thirty' Crashed Just Outside The Compound -- Richard Lawson, The Atlantic

At last night's SAG Awards ceremony, Ben Affleck's Argo was given the Best Cast prize, all but ensuring, in many people's minds, that the film will win the Best Picture trophy at the Oscars next month. The last SAG award of the night is usually a good predictor of that Oscar category — they've matched up six out of the last ten times. That Argo, an almost universally well-reviewed film, is getting this kind of awards treatment isn't exactly a surprise, but its late-season trouncing of another film certainly is. Meaning, what happened to Zero Dark Thirty?

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My Comment: I rarely talk about films in this blog but I am a movie junkie .... and I have seen all the films that are in contention for this year's best Oscar. 'Zero Dark Thirty' is this year's best film .... and while I do understand that many are in disagreement with the film's portrayal of torture .... I looked at the film from a point of view that I know that it is not a documentary .... that this is a film geared for entertainment. But I also know that Hollywood does not see things this way .... and more to the point .... they are hostile to those who differ and/or contradict their political biases and agenda. 'Zero Dark Thirty' contradicts their message .... and in recognition of that expect zero Oscars for 'Zero Dark Thirty' next month.

The Pentagon Interview Behind 'Zero Dark Thirty'

The 'Dynamite' Pentagon Interview Behind 'Zero Dark Thirty' -- National Security/Foreign Policy

Michael Vickers 'delivered' for the movie.

"We'll take 10-15 minutes?" asked Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, the duo behind Zero Dark Thirty, the controversial film chronicling the hunt to kill Osama bin Laden.

"I could stay as much as 45 minutes," replied Michael G. Vickers, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and DOD's highest-ranking civilian intelligence official. The conversation became the transcript at the heart of ZD30. Also, because of the extreme dearth of official documents released, this is the most illuminating and descriptive official U.S. government account of Operation Neptune Spear available. "Fabulous," said Bigelow. "Dynamite," said Boal.

To read the rest of the official documents on the raid that killed bin Laden, visit the National Security Archive's Zero Dark Thirty file posted today.

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My Comment: A fascinating read on the hunt for Osama Bin laden .... read it all.

Even though a lot of information has been released since the death of Osama bin Laden .... a part of me senses that the real good stuff is still classified, and will remain classified for the next few decades.

Is 'Zero Dark Thirty' A Victim Of Politics When It Comes To Oscar Nominations?

Oscars 2013: 'Zero Dark Thirty' Is Undeserving Victim Of Politics -- L.A. Times

Critic's Notebook: Kathryn Bigelow should have gotten an Oscar directing nomination for 'Zero Dark Thirty.' But unjustified criticism by three U.S. senators waylaid that.

If you're keeping score this Oscar season — and who isn't? — chalk up this year's nominations as a victory for the bullying power of the United States Senate and an undeserved loss for "Zero Dark Thirty" in general and director Kathryn Bigelow in particular.

Yes, "Zero Dark" did get five nominations, including best picture, lead actress for Jessica Chastain and original screenplay for Mark Boal. But that was only one more than for the ineffective "Anna Karenina" and nowhere near the 12 picked up by Steven Spielberg's front-running "Lincoln."

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My Comment: What .... politics in Hollywood!!!! Say it a'int so.

A 'Tongue-In-Cheek' Wish List For Possible Hollywood Films On The CIA

The CIA's Greatest Hits -- L.A. Times

Blood, torture, assassination and death — beyond the exploits in 'Zero Dark Thirty,' there are other CIA plots and fiascoes that would make compelling cinema.

We got Osama bin Laden — and now we'll be getting him again on cinema screens across the nation, as "Zero Dark Thirty" hits neighborhood multiplexes. Lauded and criticized, that film's the talk of the town. Is it also the first of a new genre? If so, here are my five nominations for other CIA films.

Let's start with the CIA's 1953 coup against Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh, whose democratically elected government had nationalized the country's oil industry. It couldn't be oilier, involving BP in an earlier incarnation, the CIA, British intelligence, bribery, secretly funded street demonstrations and (lest you think there'd be no torture in the film) the installation of an autocratic regime that went on to create a fearsome secret police that tortured opponents for decades after. All of this was done in the name of what used to be called "the Free World." That "successful" coup was the point of origin for just about every disaster and bit of "blowback" — a term first used in the CIA's secret history of the coup — in U.S.-Iranian relations to this day. Many of the documents have been released, and what a story it is!

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My Comment: So Tom Engelhardt wants a serious film on the CIA that fits into his political prejudices .... LOL .... good luck.

The Entire Dark Knight Movie Trilogy In Three Minutes (Video)

Video: Watch The Entire Dark Knight Movie Trilogy In Three Minutes -- Wired 

Director Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, which concluded last summer with The Dark Knight Rises, is probably one of the most well-executed comic book hero franchises in recent memory. So good, in fact, that every now and then it’s nice just to have a little taste – even when there isn’t time to watch all three flicks back to back.

 Luckily, the folks at Screen Rant have done us all a solid and crammed all of the best moments from the three films into one three-minute clip (above) for those who need a Bat-fix, even when there isn’t a lot of Bat-time. Three movies. Three minutes. One great way to bask in the world of Bruce Wayne.

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My Comment: Hmmm .... makes me want to watch all three films tonight.

U.S. Senate Investigates CIA Contact With ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Producers (Update)

Zero Dark Thirty: Senate Committee Reviews CIA Contact -- BBC

The US Senate Intelligence Committee has demanded more information about contacts between the CIA and the makers of Oscar favourite Zero Dark Thirty.

Kathryn Bigelow's film is a dramatised account of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the 2011 mission which killed him.

In a letter to Acting CIA Director Michael Morell, three senators said the film-makers could have been misled by information provided by the CIA.

The film has been nominated for four Golden Globes.

Ahead of the US elections, Bigelow's film was accused of being a propaganda tool intended to assist President Barack Obama's re-election campaign.

The US release of the film was subsequently put back until after November's election.

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More News On The U.S. Senate Investigating Whe CIA Contact With The ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Producers

Zero Dark Thirty: Lawmakers say CIA may have misled filmmakers -- ABC News/AP
'Zero Dark Thirty' Critics In Congress Step Up Pressure On CIA -- Huffington Post
Senators to investigate CIA contact with ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ producers -- MSNBC
Senators: Did CIA tell ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ filmmakers torture led to bin Laden? -- McClatchy News
Did Zero Dark Thirty have secret links to CIA? US Senate vows to find out -- The Guardian
U.S. Senate probes Zero Dark Thirty filmmakers' CIA ties -- CBC
Senate probes Osama bin Laden movie 'Zero Dark Thirty,' report says -- Politico
Senators Have Some 'Zero Dark' Questions for the CIA Director Now -- The Atlantic
Zero Dark Thirty: US Senate committee reviews CIA contact -- The Nation

U.S. Senate Panel To Investigate Links Between The CIA And The Filmmakers Of "Zero Dark Thirty"

Senate Panel To Examine CIA Contacts With "Zero Dark Thirty" Filmmakers -- Reuters

(Reuters) - After the Senate Intelligence Committee's chairwoman expressed outrage over scenes that imply "enhanced interrogations" of CIA detainees produced a breakthrough in the hunt for Osama bin Laden, the panel has begun a review of contacts between the makers of the film "Zero Dark Thirty" and CIA officials.

In the latest controversy surrounding the film, Reuters has learned that the committee will examine records charting contacts between intelligence officials and the film's director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal.

Investigators will examine whether the spy agency gave the filmmakers "inappropriate" access to secret material, said a person familiar with the matter. They will also probe whether CIA personnel are responsible for the portrayal of harsh interrogation practices, and in particular the suggestion that they were effective, the person said.

The intelligence committee's Democrats contend that is factually incorrect.

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My Comment: I am not surprised by this witch hunt. The U.S. Senate Democrats know the power of Hollywood, and are disturbed that there is a scene of torture in a movie that undermines their carefully crafted public position that torture was not responsible for the the intel that helped the intelligence community to track down Osama Bin Laden. They want someone's scalp, as well as making sure that this does not happen again. My two predictions .... even though this is just a movie and not a documentary .... (1) a CIA official or two will be dragged out and forced to publicly repudiate the torture scene in the movie and state that the makers of the film obviously did not listen to them .... and (2) the movie's director (Kathryn Bigelow) and screenwriter (Mark Boal) are going to have trouble finding work in Hollywood in the future.

One final note as to why this "investigation" is disturbing .... the last U.S. senator that went after Hollywood in such a fashion .... and make no mistake about it but U.S. Senator Feinstein is going after the makers of this film and those in the CIA who helped them .... was this person.

Is Hollywood A Threat To American's Navy SEALS?

As many as 10 films about Navy SEALs are in theaters or production, including Zero Dark Thirty (above). (Columbia Pictures)

For Navy SEALs, The Biggest Threat May Be Hollywood -- Daily Beast

They can handle al Qaeda and the Taliban. What worries America’s most celebrated fighting force is the lure of Hollywood’s siren song.

Long after the sun had dipped behind the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, on a moonless night four Navy SEALs fast-roped down from a Chinook helicop­ter onto an isolated ridge. It was June 27, 2005, and the elite team of American warriors was on a kill or cap­ture mission—code-named Operation Red Wings—in the heart of Taliban country. Their target was a tribal fighter named Ahmad Shah, whose attacks had taken a high toll on U.S. Marines in the area.

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My Comment: Hollywood is not a threat .... but .... much of the secrecy that the US SEALS have 'enjoyed' for many years is about to come to an end.

George Clooney Explains His Arrest At The Sudanese Embassy

George Clooney Explains His Arrest At Sudanese Embassy -- The Telegraph

After his release from a Washington DC police station, George Clooney talks about why he was protesting and what his girlfriend will make of his arrest.

Speaking after his release Mr Clooney said he hoped that what he had done would draw attention to what is happening in South Sudan.

“There are people dying there every day. Thirty four people were killed in a month and a half in one village alone. That's from random bombing of civilians,” he said.

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More News On George Clooney's Arrest (And Release) While Protesting The Plight Of Refugees In The Sudan

George Clooney released after protest-related arrest [video] -- L.A. Times
George Clooney released following arrest at Sudan protest in Washington -- Washington Post/AP
George Clooney released on bail after embassy arrest -- BBC
George Clooney released after arrest at Sudanese embassy protest in Washington -- National Post
Clooney released after paying $100 fine -- The Australian/AP
George Clooney arrested: how his protest could help Sudan -- Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: He has magnetism .... and he is using it extremely well by focusing it on the tragedy in the Sudan.

George Clooney Arrested At Sudan Protest In Washington

George Clooney Taken Away In Handcuffs After Being Arrested At Sudan Protest In Washington -- Daily Mail

George Clooney was today taken away in handcuffs after being arrested at a protest outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington.

The 50-year-old actor, his father Nick and a number of other protesters had been given three verbal warnings by police not to cross a police line outside the embassy before being taken into custody.

They had accused Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, of provoking a humanitarian crisis and blocking food and aid from entering the Nuba Mountains in the county's border region with South Sudan.

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More News On George Clooney (And Others) Being Arrested At the Sudanese Embassy In Washington

George Clooney Arrested At Sudan Embassy In Washington (Video) -- the Telegraph
George Clooney arrested in planned protest at Sudanese embassy -- The Guardian
George Clooney arrested, handcuffed, outside Sudan embassy in D.C. -- MSNBC
George Clooney Arrested at Sudanese Embassy -- ABC News
George Clooney arrested in Washington protest -- USA Today
Clooney, others arrested in protest at Sudanese Embassy over claims of humanitarian crisis -- Washington Post/AP
George Clooney arrested outside Sudanese embassy in Washington, DC -- CBS/AP
George Clooney arrested in Sudan protest -- CNN
George Clooney arrested at Sudan embassy -- BBC
Geroge Clooney arrested at anti-Sudan protest in Washington -- Reuters

My Comment: George Clooney wanted publicity for his cause .... well .... he got it in spades today. I have to give him kudos for his work .... he is putting his "money where his mouth is".

George Clooney Testifies Before Congress On Sudan War Crimes

George Clooney Urges Lawmakers To Act To Resolve Violence In Sudan -- Washington Post

Actor George Clooney brought his star power to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to call for stepped-up action to resolve ongoing violence in Sudan and stop a potential humanitarian disaster.

Clooney traveled last week to the volatile border region between Sudan and South Sudan, where he filmed what he said was the aftermath of attacks by Sudanese government aircraft and ground-launched rockets that have driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, many of them into caves in the central Juba mountains.

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More News On George Clooney's Testimony On Atrocities In The Sudan

George Clooney warns US Congress of South Sudan disaster -- The Telegraph
Grizzled George Clooney testifies on Capitol Hill about war horrors he witnessed in Sudanese mountains -- Daily Mail
Clooney testifies on 'constant drip of fear' in Sudan -- CNN
Clooney on Capitol Hill: “The Constant Drip of Fear” in Sudan -- ABC News
George Clooney testifies before Congress on Sudan -- CBS/AP
On Capitol Hill, George Clooney Testifies on Sudan -- New York Times
2nd African YouTube video stars Clooney in Sudan -- AP
Clooney testifies to Senate, alleges ‘campaign of murder’ in Sudan -- The Hill
Clooney takes Sudan horror film to Washington -- Sydney Morning Herald
George Clooney goes to Washington for Sudan -- Toronto Star
Clooney uses star power to spotlight humanitarian crisis in region between Sudan, South Sudan -- Washington Post/AP
George Clooney: Sudan committing "war crimes" -- CBS
Clooney accuses Sudan of war crimes -- Washington Times
Clooney Claims He Narrowly Escaped Rocket Strike in Sudan -- FOX News
George Clooney under fire in the Sudan: 'Everyone just started running' -- MSNBC
George Clooney draws a crowd at the Senate -- Washington Post
Clooney's Sudan Crusade -- MSNBC

Now For Some Weapons From Hollywood

Weapons Take Center Stage in The Expendables -- Popular Mechanics

The all-star action-hero cast of The Expendables would be nowhere without massive firepower. Popular Mechanics talks to the guy who made it all happen.

As a defensive end and linebacker in the NFL, Terry Crews spent every Sunday slamming into 350-pound football players without fear. But when he signed on to play Hale Caesar in The Expendables, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, he was intimidated—and not just by the all-star cast of action heroes. "With Sly movies, there are cases of things that kill people, and it's like, 'Dude, I don't wanna touch that!'" says the former Old Spice spokesman. "There were all these different weapons of mass destruction: bombs, squibs that explode and knives and blades that I'd never seen before. And with the explosions, there was so much fire! That's not CGI. I would check to see if my eyebrows were still on half the time because you can feel the heat just go through your face."

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My Comment: Mindless entertainment .... just what the doctor ordered.

A Part Of Hollywood Meets British Soldiers

Sylvester Stallone Meets Real-Life Iraq War Hero Johnson Beharry At The Expendables Premiere -- The Daily Mail

He's played some of cinema's greatest heroes from boxer Rocky to war veteran Rambo to comic book law enforcer Judge Dredd.

But last night, Sylvester Stallone came face-to-face with a real-life hero - Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry.

The actor was delighted to meet L/Cpl Beharry who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Iraq in 2005.

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My Comment: Action heroes and real soldiers .... an always interesting mix.