Affleck film used in debt ceiling debates

During Tuesday's debt ceiling talks, House Majority Whip McCarthy (R-Calif.) showed a clip from the Affleck movie "The Town" in an try to motivate Republicans to back House Speaker John Boehner's debt plan.

 

This takes place in the movies

A 2010 critically acclaimed film was both written and directed by Ben Affleck, the movie is called, "The Town." In the scene McCarthy chose to play, Doug MacRay, a financial institution robber played by Ben Affleck, entreats a friend played by Jeremy Renner to help in a revenge act. "I need your help. I can't tell you what it is. You can never ask me about it later," he says. To which his friend replies, "Whose car are we gonna take?"

What was the film really saying?

Some people didn't think very highly of this movie. Some saw using the snap as endorsing strong arm methods to achieve the GOP's goals.



Alexandra Petri, Washington Post humor columnist stated, "Great. With inspirational tactics like this, who needs detractors?" Petri went on to suggest scenes from movies as diverse as "Up" and "the Godfather" that she felt made analogies every bit as sensible as McCarthy's strategy.

Outcomes were not to awful

Apparently the move did have some impact. The film even got support from Florida Republican Rep. Allen West, who's noted saying, "I'm ready to drive the vehicle."

Filming again? A possible venture

Currently Affleck is filming "Argo," in Turkey. Argo is about the Tehran hostage situation. "I don't know if this is a compliment or the ultimate repudiation," said the actor. "But if they're going to be watching movies, I think 'The Company Men' is more appropriate."

Information from

Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/27/ben-affleck-the-town-republicans-debt-debate_n_910776.html,



Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/post/the-gops-debt-ceiling-movie-night--the-town-really/2011/07/27/gIQAWPTDdI_blog.html,



Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ben-afflecks-town-plays-role-216083