"Act of Valor"-some people say its propaganda

So the new movie Act of Valor comes out this Friday. Whos gonna go see it? I deff want to. But as I drove to work this morning the radio show I listen to said that alot of people are calling it possible propaganda. They also said that the actual SEALs that were used in the movie are not getting paid anything at all for it.

This artical that I found
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/20...ets-seals.html
Also says that none of them are which I find kinda sucky. "The SEALs were not paid for participating, and the action depicted was part of standard training exercises, according to the Navy."

I can undestand where there coming from somewhat but no money at all....come on now. If it were any other actor/actress you know they would be. Debate as you want, what do you think?

I am really looking forward to this movie and am going to be approaching it as more of a documentary movie. I really can't believe the seals didn't make any money for this movie at all. They should be getting atleast a little something for the movie and their time.

Still can't wait to watch it though.

I'm looking forward to the DVD release because lord knows my gf won't go see it with me.

They didn't get paid? That's a load of bs.

They could have said no if they were worried about getting paid. No one held a gun to their head and said "do this for free"

Looking at it makes me want to join the military but I keep hearing its nothing like that

They reason the are not getting paid is because this is a recruiting movie. "Hey look how cool it is to be a navy seal!" They will probably have recruiters outside the theater when it finishes.

Not that I am against the military. I greatly respect anyone that chooses to serve. I am just saying call this movie exactly what it is.

Originally Posted by DylloS

They could have said no if they were worried about getting paid. No one held a gun to their head and said "do this for free"

Although this is a very good point Ihave a feelin that this isnt the case. If it was, with the way that stories are told and articles are written. they would have said that they declined an offer

Originally Posted by DylloS

They could have said no if they were worried about getting paid. No one held a gun to their head and said "do this for free"

Exactly what I was going to post. I doubt they were offered money, and then jipped out of it.

Originally Posted by lakedude90

Although this is a very good point Ihave a feelin that this isnt the case. If it was, with the way that stories are told and articles are written. they would have said that they declined an offer

Perhaps it's more like the NCAA and they're not eligible under Navy rules.

they were on the job as is... this was being filmed as a documentary to begin with and ended up as a full blown movie.

maybe unlike some, they dont care about the money and are just doing it for all the other right reasons?

Originally Posted by jmcdolej

They reason the are not getting paid is because this is a recruiting movie. "Hey look how cool it is to be a navy seal!" They will probably have recruiters outside the theater when it finishes.

Not that I am against the military. I greatly respect anyone that chooses to serve. I am just saying call this movie exactly what it is.

Good point. I am all for it as well I just don't like how salesy it's become.

Of course it's propaganda. Of course it's a recruiting tool.

You thought otherwise? Hell, the major that approved the movie is on record stating that the the film will be a great recruiting tool.

It's been pretty impressive how the newspaper advertisements turned into small TV ads, then into almost short films (Marine slaying dragon commercial), now we are literally using movies to recruit like we place Pepsi cans in movies.

I'll watch, cause I like movies like this, but I won't be surprised if the script writing includes recruiting language and the end credits show a phone number and website on how people can apply.

Do I agree with it? No. I think it's deceptive. A couple of my Marine buddies spent some time recruiting and I'd hang out at their office. The sh!t they'd promise people to get them to sign up was ridiculous.

PS: Black Hawk Down used Seals too

Originally Posted by JonJon

I think it's deceptive.

How can it be deceptive if it's so blatantly obvious? You seem to contradict yourself:

Originally Posted by JonJon

Of course it's propaganda. Of course it's a recruiting tool.

You thought otherwise?

How do you feel about movies like Mission Impossible and James Bond? They're not intentionally trying to recruit people into the CIA/MI6, yet I imagine some walk away from their movies with a new found interest in those organizations.


Furthermore, why shouldn't they be allowed to recruit?

I guess a question to think about is.....How close can the film industry get to things loke the DOD until someone pops and says "hey now, you just crossed the line"

What Jonjon said....

My kid's school conveniently provides "Agenda" notebooks that have a holographic image taking up the entire front cover. It is a giant advertisement for the National Guard - for 10 year old kids, handed out to every single student and is one of the main things they have with them the entire year.

Ironic that it is on the cover of their "Agendas"

Sad.

Of the two friends and one cousin I have that served as SEALs, the most fitting summary statement I've heard was that "it was an honor to serve and a horror to remember."

Originally Posted by Drex

What Jonjon said....

My kid's school conveniently provides "Agenda" notebooks that have a holographic image taking up the entire front cover. It is a giant advertisement for the National Guard - for 10 year old kids, handed out to every single student and is one of the main things they have with them the entire year.

Ironic that it is on the cover of their "Agendas"

Sad.

Any kind of promotion aimed at kids in school is a touchy subject.

What did your kid think when you threw the notebook away or taped something else over the cover?

All you have to do is line up another org, company or person that will pay for the notebooks without any messaging at all, or with messaging that you find more acceptable. I'm sure the school will be happy to inform the NG they don't need their money anymore.

Not even going to come close to the authenticity of this masterpiece. I wont waste my money.

I'm with jonjon on this... Of course this is propaganda. Doesn't make it bad or wrong though. If you disagree with the message, you are perfectly free to not give the theatre and production company your money.

It's also a company that's riding the wave of special warfare fever we have after bin Laden was killed, and with the current rage in video games being the SW community.