While Lars von Trier’s Nazi comments prompted the Cannes film festival to declare him a persona non grata (Latin for “crazy crackers non trainwreck”), apparently Lars von Triers Cannes ban wasn’t enough of a hint for the Melancholia director to shut his pie hole. “I have to say I’m a little proud of being named a persona non grata. I think my family would be proud,” von Trier told festival journalists. “What I said was completely stupid but I am absolutely no Mel Gibson.” Hmm, a famous cinematic figure repeatedly making highly offensive, arguably anti-Semitic comments? It all sounds pretty familiar to us. If Jodie Foster rushes to Von Triers defense, we might have a Groundhog’s Day-type situation on our hands.
However, despite von Trier’s half-hearted attempt to apologize (“It’s a pity because (Jewish festival head) Gilles Jacob is a close personal friend of mine,” he said), the risk of a Lars von Trier Mel Gibson comparison was apparently not enough to make the director shut up about Hitler. “What I meant was I could imagine what it was like for Hitler in the bunker, making plans. Not that I would do what Hitler did,” Lars said, trying to explain his comments. Okay, that’s it von Trier. You’ve said your peace, now let’s just…oh come on! “Because even if I was Hitler – and I must now state for the record I am not Hitler – but even if I was Hitler and I made a great film, Cannes should select it,” said Von Trier. Wow, it might get so bad, Mel Gibson will have to distance himself from a person making outrageously bizarre comments. We are truly through the looking-glass, people.
[Photo: Getty Images]
