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Miller: “I don't think I'm qualified to be the community censor”  See also:Oppose Larry Miller's Keynote  GLBT Leader Calls for Boycott of Larry Miller's Business Miller Also Accused of Censoring Transgender-themed Movie Heath Ledger Calls Utah Mormons “Hilarious, Very Immature” by Jason Clark January 2006 LDS mogul Larry H. Miller pulled the plug on a screening of Brokeback Mountain, which had been previously scheduled at the theater he owns in Jordan Commons, south of Salt Lake City. Based on a short story by Annie Proulx, Brokeback Mountain revolves around two cowboys who grow up in violently homophobic environments and must keep their same-sex relationship secret for 20 years. According to a story in The Salt Lake Tribune, Miller was unaware of the theme of the movie when interviewed by a radio reporter the day before the screening. "I don't think I'm qualified to be the community censor," Miller said during the interview, defending his decision to show the film. But less than two hours after making that statement, he did exactly that, canceling the screening and reneging on the licensing agreement. The cancellation came too late to be noted by the Friday papers. "This is the first time I've been slapped in the face with what I believe to be closed-mindedness," said Carol Adams, who drove to Miller's MegaPlex 17 only to find that the film was a no-show. "Not showing this film says bigotry and fear." Ultraconservative Mormon pundit and Utah Eagle Forum president Gayle Ruzicka praised Miller's decision and called him "my new hero." Equality Utah board member Jane Marquardt told The Salt Lake Tribune the decision is disturbing because Miller's theaters are showing movies with graphic violence. But Marquardt also sees a bright side: The gay-friendly Broadway Theater, in downtown Salt Lake City, will likely get more business. "I hope [Miller] doing that will encourage more people to learn more about what it's all about," Marquardt added. |
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