Does THE LOVE GURU inspire hate?
The advance press and marketing for the forthcoming Mike Myers opus THE LOVE GURU has been nigh-inescapable. His smug, goofy visage has stared at me from half the posters in San Francisco’s mass transit stations, and the TV spots for the film are everywhere.
I’m not sure the world needs another helping of this kind of thing. On the surface, it basically looks like another Austin Powers film in different drag. Myers as a mugging, winking, oversexed grotesque? Check (though he’s moved on from poking fun at swinging London to demeaning Indians). A pretty female face on an actress not talented enough to distract attention from Myers? Check (they got Jessica Alba). Verne Troyer along to serve as the butt of incessant dwarf jokes? Check.
Stephen Colbert’s in it as a sportscaster, presumably to try and give the thing at least an impression of intelligence. It still appalls me that he refused (through his assistants) the chance to reprise his role on THE VENTURE BROS., but the fact that he’s fine with appearing in this instead speaks ill of him (a higher paycheck was doubtlessly a factor).
I won’t link to a trailer for THE LOVE GURU or show you an image from it. I’d hate to think I was doing anything to help publicize the movie, and besides, it’s not like press from the thing is hard to find these days.
You know what, watch 36 CRAZY FISTS instead. It’s free.
June 13th, 2008 at 10:57 am
You’re asking if The Love Guru inspires hate. Now, I admit I am not South Asian, and my first impression upon hearing of the movie was from a resident of California’s perspective.
I took it as a jab at the phonies who live here and proclaim to be Shamans all while hitting on the women who meditate with them and scamming money off their friends so they never have to work again.
That might sound harsh, but I’ve got a strong b******t meter and it goes off all the time out here. I’m not opposed to honestly trying to be a better person and expanding your mind, but the amount of scams are off the charts!
IMHO, I didn’t see it as jab at the Hindu religion.
I must say, the movie looks like crap from here so it doesn’t really matter because its going to bomb anyway.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:39 am
So, here’s the deal. Anytime someone Non - South Asian takes on an Indian accent in a Hollywood production it comes across as a spoof. This wouldn’t be the case if there were movies where South Asian actors were given good roles. The same goes for all people of color in Hollywood productions. We have a handful of Black, Asian, Latin and South Asian actors who are showcased in Hollywood.
If you look at the UK - you’ll get a much more diverse cast of actors, without the stereotyping because there are a huge diversity of roles offered.
I mean, let’s be real here - race in America is still a huge issue. Just take a look at the discussions around the US Presidential race…
June 13th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
huh?
who would use love guru?
it isn’t real
but i believe in it
June 13th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
yeah, it looks like ‘grotesque’ is the right word. even the trailer is a bit painful to watch. I agree with Marcy– I don’t think the Meyers character is “spoofing” South Asian culture, he’s parodying Americans who think they are somehow enlightened and informed about things they aren’t. but even as a plain Californian the fake absurd accent is a little discomforting.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I think aorin is on to something: from what I’ve seen of the movie I saw it as more of a dig at people who buy into the latest snake-oil fad simply because its from ‘an ancient culture’. That being said, there is a very thin line between humor and insult, and without seeing the film it is hard to distinguish where Mike Myers lies. I personally prefer my humor to push the envelope; the basis of humor is making light of something or someone. This is not to say that I think that humor reinforces or encourages hate or prejudice, but at some point people need to step back and realize that there are many more pressing issues in our world than being offended by a Lorne Michaels comedy. I am lucky enough to have been born as a white male, but I don’t think that disqualifies my opinion on the subject.
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Karma will come to get you.
Mike Myers comedy the Love Guru only made $14M this past weekend. Get Smart put him out to the pasture.
1 Get Smart $39,155,000
2 Kung Fu Panda $21,700,000
3 Incredible Hulk, The $21,556,660
4 Love Guru, The $14,000,000
5 Happening, The $10,000,000
6 Indiana Jones Kingdom Crystal Skull $8,414,000
7 You Don’t Mess With The Zohan $7,200,000