Jim Carrey’s I Love You Phillip Morris Gets Shelved
By Krystal Clark
The distribution history of the Jim Carrey film I Love You Phillip Morris has been rocky and sordid. Even though it has a major star as its lead (along with the amazing Ewan McGregor), Consolidated Pictures Group has decided not to release the film at the end of this month as planned.
If you haven’t heard of I Love You Phillip Morris we can’t really blame you because it hasn’t been at the forefront of a major marketing campaign. The movie is a prison-love-dramedy written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Bad Santa) that centers on a devout Christian man with a wife, a steady job, and the perfect life (on the surface) who after a horrific turn of events lands in jail and finds his true identity. He falls in love with a cellmate who’s name is…you guessed it Phillip Morris (McGregor).
Today a spokeswoman for the film stated that the April 30th release date was no longer valid and a new date hasn’t been scheduled at this time. That pretty much means Phillip Morris has been shelved and the amazing performances of its cast will never see the light of day.
When it’s all said and done this decision was based on fear regarding the public’s reaction to the film’s sexual content. ScreenCrave’s Senior Editor Mali Elfman has a logical and direct theory on why she thinks Phillip Morris got canned.
I think the reason it’s being pushed is because the film’s about a Christian man turning off the path and finding his salvation not in Jesus but in Phillip Morris’ ass.
That’s a pretty hardcore way to put it but she’s right. The distributors probably can’t fathom the logic of someone leaving their beautiful wife for another man. It’s a sad revelation because the film did run the festival circuit and has had several international releases in countries like France, Russia, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Italy. What’s up with the good old U.S. of A.? Why can’t we get it together?
How many films have we seen that feature lesbian relationships between A-list actresses that get nationwide releases? To this day that type of pairing is seen as an acceptable fantasy but the moment two men get involved it turns into a morality issue. They’re not trying to force guys off the straight (literally) and narrow and onto the beaches of Miami to find a boy toy. They just want to tell a story and entertain, that’s it.
Do you think they should have shelved I Love You Phillip Morris? Why do you think they did it?
Friday, April 9, 2010 11:50PM
why? because it is a gay movie? are we still in 1900s? what's the problem????
Monday, April 12, 2010 3:23PM
[...] were probably afraid of having a homophobic stigma attached to their company. Like we stated in the previous post, how many films have we seen that highlight lesbian relationships and get nationwide releases? We [...]
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 10:58PM
I completely agree with you on everything…but what A-list actresses have played lesbian couples (before they went on the A-list)? I can only think of Monster and The Hours, and those fall under the same category that America accepts: the suffering gay. Where are the happy gay couples, gay or lesbian? That's the question, and Phillip Morris is trying to be the answer.
Monday, May 17, 2010 12:20AM
It's a free country but it's hard to see a movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan going down on each other. They can distribute it at their own peril.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 1:32PM
"It's a free country but it's hard to see a movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan going down on each other." Then you probably shouldn't go see it.
As for me, I am a straight male who is completely secure with his sexuality. And I am pissed that it isn't released in the states. I'm a huge fan of Ewan's especially after Big Fish, and the trailer for this movie looks awesome.
Let us see it!!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 9:05AM
Iam all the the gay comunity but I agree with the dude that says its hard to see Jim Carrey butt fucking a guy. I started watching the movie and I couldnt stomach down watching two guys fucking, nor do I like seeing girls going down on each other. I guess its just a matter of what your used to. I have a lot of gaysfriends and love them and respect them. But seeing two guys fucking even for a couple of minutes seems too hard core for my tast. And no am not some repressed homo iam a girl who loves guys.
Sunday, May 23, 2010 8:08PM
How do we contact to get this movie released?
Thursday, May 27, 2010 5:00PM
This is so frustrating. I've seen everything I can about it, and it looks like a brilliant movie, and the fact that it's based on a true story makes it so much more intriguing. Release the film already, people! Throw away your closeted insecurities and realize you will probably make a lot of money on this one. I know i'd see it at the theaters more than once, and buy the DVD.
Sunday, May 30, 2010 2:00PM
then you kids should download it…..hehehe. Great movie!! loved it!!! If you are careful, you will see Jim, not been a great gay, I'd say Ewan makes it great, he looks so inloved and pure, as for Jim, he's such a great actor, and does it, at his own way. In the end is just about love, like Jim says at his interviews. If one sets the idea of some homosexual scenes, you'll have a great time, great movie!
Sunday, July 11, 2010 4:35PM
man we saw it and it cracked me up! Jim’s so fucking funny. In Italy I dont think it hit the theatres so I didn’t know anything about it. i saw jim on the dvd cover and thought it was one of his usual routines aka Ace Ventura. Man was I shocked-And I’m no homo but watching the scene where he’s buttfucking the Scottish guy was totally unexpected and really shockingly funny.. Anyway I think it should be shown. The movie deserves to be credited and viewed as educational and entertaining.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 4:26AM
hey!….i dont believe in any kinda turning or watever…….actors in the movie hav done their best n its a very very good comedy…..the story is good performances r awesome…….n here we dnt hav to focus oly on the gay stuff!…all in all i feel sad that it didnt go up…..but indeed a very good!
Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:41AM
This movie is plainly a bloody good yarn! Jim Carrey delivers an outstanding performance, and Ewan McGregor, as sweet, sweet Phillip Morris, justifies the incessant stunts that Carrey pulls for his lover. If there is man on man sex, and if there is that Christian reference, it is all necessary to provide us with the good story that it is. If you're offended because you're Christian, don't go watch it. Just go watch some banal mainstream stuff that's approved by the lord!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 11:42AM
[...] because of what some consider “controversial” content. The release date kept getting pushed back and it couldn’t find a U.S. distributor –until now. Roadside Attractions have stepped [...]
Friday, October 8, 2010 10:25PM
Great talent, flushed down the toilet.
Friday, October 8, 2010 10:36PM
Undeniably great, talented actors, and probably great filmmakers. Why was this film shelved in the US of A? Because we are a nation founded under God–the God of the Christians. The God who loves every person dealing with homosexual attraction, and he weeps over those who struggle with this issue and offers help to those who will get honest about what they know to be true deep down. This belief system showcased and legitimized through comedy in such a powerful way would only be tragically damaging to "open-minded" individuals misguided by those who teach homosexual attraction is actually a logical, sensible product of nature. (Seriously? Weren't you paying attention in human biology?) This film was quite frankly prayed right out of distribution in the United States.
Thursday, November 4, 2010 11:36AM
I am a 25 year old female. …. Hearing some of you say you are a straight male and that you would love to watch this makes me feel a lot better. I don't know why I am having issues within myself right now. Maybe due to my own insecurities? (in the past I had a bf tell me he was gay.) Now I have a bf who claims he is straight like you, and he loved this movie. It bothered me that he liked the movie and thought it was "cute." Now in the back of my mind I keep wondering if he is gay or Bi? I wish these fears of mine would just go away.
Thursday, November 4, 2010 11:40AM
thanks for saying that
I was worried my bf was gay when he said he loved this movie. lol
Thursday, November 4, 2010 11:42AM
I feel this same exact way. I am a girl, who had many gay friends. So I've been wondering why it's sometimes makes me feel a little sick to my stomach when I see the sex scenes?
Saturday, January 1, 2011 8:00PM
If you aren't into viewing male bodies at all, I could kind of understand how two of them on the screen might gross you out. Lots of straight girls and guys don't find the sight of a man's body attractive. Its just your own personal thing I guess.
I felt neutral toward the sex scenes, and I am a straight girl who enjoys male nudity.