Matthew Vaughn on Kick-Ass Censors and Chloe Moretz!

Matthew Vaughn on Kick-Ass Censors and Chloe Moretz!

The director shares his thoughts on those that want to censor the movie and goes into detail about Chloe and the C-word...

By JoshWilding - Mar 19, 2010 04:03 PM EST
Filed Under: Kick-Ass
Source: Times Online

"F*** them all!" says the director when asked how he feels about the self-appointed moral watchdogs who are calling Kick-Ass obscene, irresponsible and reprehensible. Seriously. It will ruin any creativity in this country, if we have to be answerable to them. It’s a free country, and you don’t have to watch it. But there are enough people who like this film to warrant it being made in the first place."

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When asked about the reaction to Chloe Moretz using the C-word in the movie, Vaughn isnt bothered about the negative reaction that some people have had after a clip of the scene was recently released on the internet. "It’s pretty amazing that four letters can have such a powerful effect on people...I would not condone a normal little girl killing people or swearing." He went on to explain that Hit-Girl is like an SAS soldier taking out terrorists and saying, "OK, you c***s! Bam! Bam! Bam! You know taboos have to be broken. And then we move on, and God knows what the next one will be."

"We didn’t want to look gratuitous. We didn’t want to look like we were trying to be shocking for the hell of it." Vaughn went on to reveal that the line featuring the C-word had actually been changed to instead to "assholes" but it was Moretz’s chaperone and mother, Teri, who approached Vaughn and said, "Maybe we should do a take like the comic?" The take, with the C-word intact, Vaughn says, "Was like a mini atomic bomb had exploded. Even later on, in the edit, we looked at all the other takes, and nothing had the same impact."

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MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 3/19/2010, 5:35 PM
Good stuff, I was hoping to hear him comment on those c#nts!
StuckInPanels
StuckInPanels - 3/19/2010, 5:42 PM
hey if her MOM SAID ITS OK then its ok. It's a movie, quit making a big deal out of something. It's a movie thats making fun of everything comic related. Even the idea of sidekick kids being the one doing all the ass kicking. Those a-holes prove how double standard American's are. We say we have free speech but if a kid curses OH MY GOD SAVE THE CHILDREN....jeez....no one tells them to go see these films., live your pathetic lives you fricking prudes and let us watch something awesome and Kick-ass. Vaughn has BALLS making this film the way its intended. ROCK ON MAN....hope you get to direct AVENGERS!!!!
Upupandaway
Upupandaway - 3/19/2010, 5:56 PM
@BlackAirs87: I get what you're saying, but sadly the complainers have free speech as well. I'm looking forward to seeing this film in it's distasteful glory! : )
airbeyonder18
airbeyonder18 - 3/19/2010, 7:12 PM
Still don't agree, if he didn't include so much profanities, this movie would be recieved by a much larger audience.
THEHAWK
THEHAWK - 3/19/2010, 7:14 PM
I really don't have much expectations for this. I really don't think it will be that big a seller as millar thinks it will.
KeithM
KeithM - 3/19/2010, 7:41 PM
@airbeyonder: I find your reasoning a little odd tbh. So you think all the hyper violence would be perfectly acceptable for the masses, but not a simple word that harms no-one? Truly we live in a [frick]ed up world.

@Hawk: and how big a seller, exactly, does Millar think it will be? I don't recall him saying it will be as big as TDK or Avatar, so that's a pretty relative statement. Considering the feedback so far from the press who have seen it, the fans anticipation for it and the reaction of the general audience to the trailers (the 'normal' audience that is, not the loonies who think cursing is worse than extreme violence), I think it will bring back its budget and then some with no problem.
BloodRed
BloodRed - 3/19/2010, 10:21 PM
WOW. It appears that Teri Moretz is a R-E-A-L-L-Y SH1TTY MOM. And Vaughn isn't very responsible either. I doubt he'd be just as comfortable if it was his little daughter being asked by another director to say this line or something similar, like the "it's in the shape of a giant c0ck" line. He'd probably have a f*ckin' conniption!!

There's a reason why something is called an "adaptation." Not everything has to be identical to the source material and yet the end product can still be enjoyable.

I'm all for free speech, and support people in their rights, but it works both ways and I have the right to be turned off and not spend one damn dime.

There's also a call for a certain amount of taste. Was this a taboo that really NEEDED to be broken?!? Did it really bother Matthew Vaughn that this hadn't been broken yet? What if the book had her doing a striptease or a lapdance on some guy? Would he have broken that taboo as well??

And why stop there?!? How about if the comic had her going down on some dude?? What??? Is the taboo of an 11 year old doing that out of line?? Shouldn't they break taboos and stay faithful to the book and include that too?? Would you actually support that???

It's a downward spiral people. These lines are unnecessary and Vaughn's desire to shock and his attitude in defense, are reprehensible. It's one thing for Millar to write it, (objectionable maybe to some, but the book has a limited audience and kids aren't affected), but it's an entirely different animal to recreate it word for word and to let some little girl cross that line. Her mom, and Vaughn, have just cheapened her.

Regardless what her mom said (she's even worse in this situation, as most showbiz parents have little or no soul), if Vaughn can go home at the end of the day and be happy that he asked a little girl to use that word, then he has some serious problems.

Osiris
Osiris - 3/19/2010, 10:25 PM
I love how he isn't submitting to those a-holes, make the dang movie the way it was intended to be made..... screw all those sheep who think that a lil girl swearing is beyond belief what reality are they living in. this isn't the 70's anymore kids swear all the time, they're gona do it when their parents aren't around anyways so why try to put a silencer on em, you can't stop em but you can teach em when it is appropriate to do so.
KeithM
KeithM - 3/20/2010, 12:16 AM
@BloodRed: Your extreme 'downward spiral' examples are moot - Millar didn't have her stripping, or giving someone head (although Scorsese had an underage prostitute in Taxi Driver and that's ok is it?). If he did, then he probably wouldn't get published and wouldn't have a movie being made - under age sex is not an issue here, so don't try make it one in an effort to 'prove' your point (and tbh that says more about your 'mindset' thinking along those lines than Millar's or Vaughan's - who didn't...).

[foo foo] is JUST a word. The less "taboo" it is, the less power it has. It's only shocking if you want it to be... and if it was good enough for Chaucer and Shakespeare (and Larry David)...

Osiris is spot on - 'real' kids swear all the time (although I don't know any who kill gangsters with swords tbh). Back in the day here in the UK we had a program called Grange Hill about a comprehensive school. There was a comedy sketch at the time whose punchline was "Grange Hill - the only school in Britain where the kids don't say fcuk"

Your fears about the morals of the world collapsing over harmless words in use since the 11th century is misplaced. Worry instead about people getting inured to violence perhaps, or even better, worry about real things to worry about, like what your congressman/mp is doing in your name, unjust and illegal wars, global warming, corporate greed, real violence towards children... not a 'naughty' word used in an adult orientated movie.

Also your characterisation of Chloe's mother is presumptuous and offensive. You don't know her. Who are you to tell these people how to bring up their kids or to judge them in any way? Who appointed you moral guardian of the world?

I thought it was funny myself. LOL'd I did. Though the "it's in the shape of a giant cock" was even funnier.

Edit: "foo foo"!? I find that MUCH more offensive than c u n t... :D
BloodRed
BloodRed - 3/20/2010, 12:50 AM
No Keith, YOU'RE WRONG. My examples aren't moot because I stated them as real possibilities.

Millar didn't include them, but how would you feel if he did??? You failed to address these issues and see the argument as a whole.
Point blank: Where do you draw the line?!? Would you feel okay with those examples if Millar had written them as such??

Any characterization about Chloe's mom is my OPINION. I made that opinion based on what was reported here and it seems like she doesn't fully care for her daughter's mental well being. Just because children are cursing more and at a younger age, does that make it okay?? Should we just throw in the towel and give up on teaching respect, civility, social responsibility, etc???? Her mom is very irresponsible at least and very trashy and vile at best. (Way to show her to be a nice, young lady, Teri!!)

"The less "taboo" it is, the less power it has. It's only shocking if you want it to be....."
That sounds like the same argument for n*gger. And yet, that word clearly offends people and it's usage, especially by blacks themselves, hasn't empowered them, only dragged down their culture as a whole and how they treat one another. Words do mean SOMETHING.

If c*nt means nothing to you and it's just "naughty" I do hope you use it frequently in front of your own mom, sisters (if applicable), to any and all women that you come into contact with and yes ALL children as well, since "real kids curse all the time" and since it's not a big deal.
You can just tell them that they need to worry about other things and recite your list of harrowing problems that grip our world. I'd like to see your face after using this "naughty" word. I don't think you will have much left of it and your balls will no longer be intact.

And Keith, if you would raise kids in the same fashion, then you also are warped and don't see the big picture and I'm sure you will have some real winners on your hands. Good luck with all that, 'cause you're going to need it.
KeithM
KeithM - 3/20/2010, 1:55 AM
@BloodRed: But Millar DIDN'T include those elements, so it is MOOT! Just because you stated them as "real possibilities" doesn't make it so. In fact it clearly WASN'T a real possibility. Millar's sick, but he's not a pervert as far as I know... (unlike you apparently. You need help!) But for the record, I draw the line at under age sex. Ok? Under age swearing I can deal with. I was a youth worker for 15 years so I had to really...

I also have a son - 26 years old as it happens, and while I do think he swears a little too much, he doesn't do it in 'polite company' and is a good, well rounded and happy person. I'm very happy with the way I've raised him thanks. Tell me I'm a bad parent to my face. I dare you. You don't know me, you don't know my son. You ask where I draw the line? Right here. You're crossing it.

The phrase "in polite company" is key here. Kids swear in the playground and amongst themselves and out in the world and there's nothing you, I or The President can do about that. What we CAN do is teach them proper behaviour in general, morals and right from wrong. As long as they (and I) get that part right, then I'm not so concerned about the occasional use of a swear word.

However, this is a movie, for adults. Not children. It's pretty clear from the trailer and rating that if you're the type to be concerned about cussing and violence that this isn't going to be the movie for you.

What that has to do with the upbringing of my - or Mrs Moretz - children I simply fail to see. There's "fiction" and there's "reality". I can separate them quite easily. Can you?
MatchesMalone
MatchesMalone - 3/20/2010, 7:26 AM
KeithM = logical

BloodRed = c#nt
Kablamo
Kablamo - 3/20/2010, 8:10 AM
It's not illigal to say c*nt, just inapproriate, it is illigal for underage sex, there two completely different points. The point of this article is that Vaughn stook to the source material, shown a young girl swearing and its upsetting people, they'll get over it.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 3/20/2010, 8:28 AM
haha, yeah I think Bloodred is kind of missing the big picture here. Censorship is the real downward spiral. And all those "what ifs" are classic reactionary bullshit. We are talking about what ARE'S not what ifs. A child saying c#nt is shocking..to some, not so much to others, either way like Kethm pointed out, its just a word. Obviously by saying that, it doesn't mean that word crosses over into polite conversation.manners can be kept separate from a conversation on censorship surely? Just because I find nothing wrong with Hit Girl saying it in an R rated movie, doesn't mean I'm going to run around screaming into my mothers face..one is real, one is a movie..so many times the people who speak out against so called "moral corruption" in films blur them together.
BloodRed
BloodRed - 3/20/2010, 2:57 PM
Keith, you have a 26 year old son? Dude, HOW OLD ARE YOU?? You gotta be pushing 50 if not over it.

"Tell me I'm a bad parent to my face. I dare you." You sure aren't acting like that much, much older age. I dare you? You sound like a f*ckin' grade schooler. How about I double-dog dare you??

You're looking for a fight that isn't there and over the internet at that.
I don't give a sh1t about you or your idiot son. And yeah, if you're son is like you, then he's probably just as messed up. Yeah F*CK YOU TOO. You crossed the line by stating I was a pervert, so go f*ck yourself you f*ckin' douchebag. This is how you're spending your golden years?!? Arguing with people that you don't know from behind your computer?? You are a f*ckin' loser.

You backpedaled on "real kids swear all the time" to now it's the "I'm not so concerned about the occasional use of a swear word." Which is it?? By that reasoning, you aren't comfortable if you heard kids swearing all the time??? Make up your mind douche.

It's obvious that the movie isn't for kids, though some crappy parents will bring them regardless. What's sad is that they can get kids to portray these roles and it's their parents that put them in the position.

Anyone can list examples where kids are doing something offensive or being abused, etc., but it's possible to infer something that is happening and another thing to graphically show it. It's called being a responsible filmmaker.

And if you think that Millar is sick, then you support sick people?!? What does that make you??? Ass.

@MatchesMalone - yeah you're real keyboard tough guy too. Go back to popping your bacne.


ElBeaster
ElBeaster - 3/20/2010, 3:11 PM
I HATE CENSORSHIP!

Not because It cuts out words from the media, but because it doesn't cut out enough. I watched a show on tv the other day that said "p#ssy" and "rug muncher" and censored out "ass hole." Who makes these decisions? The people who decide censorship are completely out of their minds stupid. Soon people will be allowed to say anything on tv and it will take all the meaning out of those words. Because those words do have meaning, and when used correctly, they can be used as an art form to convey a message. Just pick up Preacher.

And the movie is rated "R" for "gratuitous language." So children are not allowed in the theater without an adult.

And you can't say the N word in the same as the C word. It just doesn't make sense. Racial slurs are said on tv all the time and they turn children into racists, they really do. Carlos Mencia has a far greater effect on kids than Mark Millar.

And kids are going to swear like idiots no matter what. Only a small majority will appreciate what the intelligent writers are doing. But the C word doesn't inflict hate on an entire group of people.
ElBeaster
ElBeaster - 3/20/2010, 3:20 PM
"I hate censors. Also you're a f*cking douche bag."

"I hate people who involve themselves in internet fights. Also you're a f*cking douche bag."

It's impossible to have an intelligent conversation with you if you aren't even going to attempt to be decent. We all have the right to our opinion, but it starts to get a little trollish at a point. I know not everyone was respecting your opinion either, but that doesn't mean you start attacking people. I understand where you're coming from, but some of the things you're saying don't make too much sense.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 3/20/2010, 5:50 PM
If you guys have an interest in film censorship in America then check out a doc called "This Film Is Not Yet Rated". Its basically an under cover investigation into the MPPA, the secret society of clueless, brain washed drones that decide what you can and can't see in a movie.
ElBeaster
ElBeaster - 3/20/2010, 8:51 PM
I'll be sure to see that cuz you told me that your favorite series are Preacher, Sandman, and Transmet. The first two were already my favs, but then I picked up Transmetropolitan and it rules. So thanks, I trust your judgement
KeithM
KeithM - 3/20/2010, 9:07 PM
@BloodRed: Funny how someone who says they hate bad language so much can't seem to communicate without it eh?
BloodRed
BloodRed - 3/21/2010, 12:49 PM
Keith, I never stated that I hate bad language, just about it coming out of the mouths of little children, especially when coerced by their parents to do so. Pay attention to detail.
KeithM
KeithM - 3/21/2010, 2:56 PM
I've no intention of paying attention to anything you say at this point. You've shown yourself incapable of holding a mature conversation. You are judgemental, presumptuous, ignorant and hateful. I'm done with you. Move on.
johnnyself
johnnyself - 3/21/2010, 9:05 PM
It's a movie! At the end of the day, it is a highly paid FILM with "ACTORS" and "ACTRESSES". They are given a role and are expected to fulfill that character. And Mrs. Teri is a wonderful mother and a sweet person. Don;t judge somebodies role as a parent just because of a couple lines the daughter makes. If that was the case, then you should have a 100's of posts on every actor and their mothers on here also.Because last time I checked there have been 1000's of movies with children in there using swear words. I mean it's a film? Remember that it is a MOVIE! They are sweet people and christian. Let's not start name calling! And by the way, if your child was in a movie with the role of a "ass-kicking" super hero, would you really make it a big deal? My guess is NO. Because that;s what they do, they ACT. It's their job. Leave it alone and keep "name calling" and ridiculous posts out of it. [= love you guys!
BloodRed
BloodRed - 3/21/2010, 9:14 PM
Johnny, you're saying that her mom is wonderful & sweet BECAUSE......????? What? You know them personally?? Even if that were the case, she's still immature and is doing her daughter a serious disservice. I doubt that Chloe would know what these words are/mean and if she does already at a young age, then that is truly sad. And when she asks exactly what it is she is saying, what the words mean, what then? It's irresponsible because Chloe wouldn't seek out a role like this herself, it's her parents that push the child to be in these films, whether it's a parent living through the child's success as a way of making up for their own insecurities/failures in life or by simply using them as a meal-ticket.

And N-O, you're WRONG, I wouldn't let my child be in a film that had them being used in such a manner and exposing them to things way before they're ready. As a responsible person, I wouldn't tell my kids that it's okay, "Don't worry honey, it's only words," in the first place. There are plenty of films for kids that don't involve this kind of b.s.

Keith, on the contrary, you had nowhere to go in this argument because you are beaten. You couldn't rebut anything that I wrote, so you just ignored it and then used a lot of false adjectives to describe me.

School's out, chump.
Mixbreed
Mixbreed - 3/22/2010, 5:31 AM
I...Will...see.....this.....movie!!!!!!!
TheJester
TheJester - 3/22/2010, 7:12 AM
blah blah blah morals, blah blah blah., it's wrong, blah blah blah.


STFU.
ElBeaster
ElBeaster - 3/22/2010, 1:05 PM
Those adjectives are a perfect description of how you've displayed yourself to be in this post. Sometimes people are just so myopic that no amount of reasoning will do any semblence of good, so you just have to cut your losses, call it a day, and find people to have intelligent conversations with.

And it's mature roles like this that show a child's acting abilities. If they can play a part that should be beyond their age, then it will show that they are a great actor. So this movie is going to make her a star. And it is impossible to know how her parents are raising her. Maybe they told her that the movie is pure fiction and that she is not allowed to words like that, or maybe they didn't. All kids are going to hear those words at a very young age regardless and it is up to the parents to put them in context. But either way, you can't possibly know.
johnnyself
johnnyself - 3/22/2010, 6:02 PM
um YES in fact i DO know them personally . So scratch whatever you just said. Ok Ok Ok Im not gonna lie and say I dont get what your saying, because I do. But if THAT were the case, then all movies that involve kids cussing should be played by adults? No. don't think so. Besides the whole movie isn't cussing. It's not like she is cussing EVERY SINGLE LINE? And it's not the parents what so ever. If an opportunity comes knocking on the door , "Oh wait I have to say some bad words"??? pssh and turn it down? YEAH RIGHT. She's 13 . A middle school level? Im pretty sure all teens know what these words mean. You are acting like we live in a Sheltered planet where all kids are unexposed to the REAL WORLD. Like I said B4, I get what your saying, but really? seriously? calling someone a SH1TTY parent? Ok well the drop off age for a "kid" is 19. So Michael Mintz Plasse AKA "Fogel" in superbad is tychnically a "kid" and he cussed a LOT! Oh and what about. And the Goonies. Hello? full of kids, the movie is a CLASSIC. Like I said B4 it is just a movie. who are you to judge the parents?
johnnyself
johnnyself - 3/22/2010, 6:05 PM
PLUS...she is living in a house with 4 brothers her whole life? I'd have to say she is PRETTY mature for her age.
AMPworx
AMPworx - 3/23/2010, 2:45 PM
although basic cable is starting to get a little bit more outtahand these days for children scrolling through the channels(just my personal opinion,I am entitled to it)... I still say if you dont like whats on t.v. change the F***ing channel!!! But when it comes to movies , I say: people if you if you are easily offended by vulgar language,sex,violence,gore,etc.. then DONT PAY 10 F***ING DOLLARS TO GO SEE FILMS THAT YOU MOST LIKELY WILL FIND OBJECTIONABLE!!!! as for me the KICK-ASS movie will definately be seeing some cash from my pocket. the red band trailer had me laughing out loud!!!
metaphim
metaphim - 3/25/2010, 7:10 AM
Ok, I know I'm chiming in a little late here, but it does seem that Mr. BloodRed both A:Has never seen any of the interviews with Chloe where she states that she would never say any of the things she says in her movies. (Its not the first movie shes used string language. [See: 500 Days of Summer where she says to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character, "Look, just don't be a p**sy"]). and B: It's a movie. Its not real. Its fiction.

Also, nowhere did it say that her mom "coerced" her into saying anything. To quote the article:


"...who approached Vaughn and said, 'Maybe we should do a take like the comic?' "

She seems to know the difference between reality and fiction. As is apparent in her interviews, Chloe seems to know the difference between reality and fiction. In fact, what you may not know, her parents are actually probably a bit more conservative than you realize.

But... I've said my piece on the matter. Thank you for letting me rant.
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