Rupert made a bad choice about being in this movie. He gets drunk, has sex, it just doesn't seem like him.
When the 3rd HP movie came out, I was OBSESSED WITH HIM. Now, people still think I'm obsessed with him. When they hear about this movie, they'll be all, "Ew, you like him?!"
Selfish of me, I know.. I am just very very upset with him.
i don't see what's wrong about the character Ben. actually i think it is great that rupert pick this role!! he's with Julie and Laura, the film is an inde and has been in more international film festivals that i can remember.
also, the character did the drinking stuff in the film, not rupert the actor. rupert is a wonderful actor. his able to play a role that does't like him in real life just proves my point!
can't wait for DL!!!!
"If God had wanted me to be on ice, he would have made me a vodka martini."
[deleted]
Rupert made a bad choice about being in this movie. He gets drunk, has sex, it just doesn't seem like him.
What? You know him personally, then?
It's not that it doesn't seem like Rupert; it's that it doesn't seem like Ron.
I doubt anybody on this board can claim to know exactly what Rupert is like, not to say that he does do those things, because like you, I don't know him. However, and not to generalize, but he is an (almost) 18 year old boy, so...
When the 3rd HP movie came out, I was OBSESSED WITH HIM. Now, people still think I'm obsessed with him. When they hear about this movie, they'll be all, "Ew, you like him?!"
Now, the key word in all of this, is movie. Movie = acting. He's acting out a role. If that is how people will react, then they're just a tad childish, no?
Selfish of me, I know.. I am just very very upset with him.
No, not selfish. Childish. And what the hell are you upset about? That he's growing as an actor and not sticking to the safe role of Ron Weasley? That's absolutely ridiculous. There's nothing at all to be upset about. It's not like he's still the 12 year old from the first film; he's practically an adult now.
If at first you don't succeed, your life is a sham.
In a way, I agree with you. In today's society, people assume that it is "normal" for a teenager to drink and have sex and rebel. I think there are actually more teens in the world who are actually well-behaved. The point is that our society CONDONES the behavior.
Now, while I am Catholic and will disagree with some subject matters and decisions the character Ben makes, it's also based off of Jeremy Brock's life. Therefore, it's not just a made-up story about a kid growing up. But, that's the other thing: It's growing up, as unattractive as it is. Though I don't condone underage drinking, premarital sex, or extreme rebelling, I have seen clips of Rupert in the movie. He's fantastic.
It's not a wonder that in the Harry Potter movies, he was made to be Ron Weasley. He's a natural, spectacular, professional, talented actor. And, quite frankly, I'm disappointed in the HP movies only in that they underuse Rupert, and make Ron to be this goof. They don't seem to give Ron/Rupert the depth that is in the books. So, I'm actually very eager to see Rupert in this role, no matter how risque it may be. Rupert is very talented, and it's nice to see him embrace all kinds of different movies. ANd, from what I've heard about Driving Lessons, Ben's decisions aren't sleazy like many other characters in other movies that involve drinking and having sex.
Also, like others said, even if it was a bit...er...passionate..., no, I'm sure Rupert doesn't go out partying and drinking and sleeping around. I think he's too down to earth and honestly, upstanding for that. But, how would I know? That's simply how he presents himself. But, it's only the character...not the actual person.
At the end of the day, I frown upon underage drinking, premarital sex, and the like, but also, at the end of the day, I know it's a movie: One I'm willing to bet that Rupert Grint becomes Ben so thoroughly that you forget that he's not an actor, you believe he is Ben, just like you do with Ron in the HP movies. Rupert is a phenominal actor, and I'm ecstatic that someone [Jeremy Brock] recognized his talent, saw that he can be underused, and really challenged his potential.
-Shannon
"Here's looking at you, kid." - Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca
Guys you NEED to chill. GAH! I was just saying, OK? I can say what I feel. You're all really freakin'.... never mind. OK, just cool dowwwwn...
shareNobody's freaking out about anything. It's just that you can't expect to give an opinion and not have people argue it. Obviously people are going to disagree with you on this, and they're not going to just sit back and say, "Ho hum, whatever," especially on a board where the majority of people are his fans.
I don't mean for this to sound mean in any way, although I know it's going to sound that way anyway, but if you don't want people to argue your opinion, don't post it.
If at first you don't succeed, your life is a sham.
since when is choosing to do a new type of film a crime? God. rupert needed to do something more serious and mature. its not like ronald weasley ( in the movies ) is that complex a character. this is good for him. he's not going to play ron for the rest of his life and Tennesseegirl, why do you care so much about what other people think?
shareGUYS, CHILL. the girl was surprised to see rupert, supposedly a goofy, innocent guy (as in, because Ron is the only character we know Rupert as), actually playng a normal, f-bomb dropping, wasted-getting 17-year-old. THAT'S ALL.
i mean, i'll bet i'll be surprised to see it too. since im used to seeing this actor portraying an uncouth, whining, bumbling idiot (PS- the hp movies totally dumbed down ronald weasley and i HATE it!), carrying a wand.
she's not slamming our beloved rupert. we dont need to burn her at the stake.
Nobody's burning anybody at the stake. Both you and Tennesseegirl are the ones overreacting. And it's no matter if Rupert is "supposedly a goofy, innocent guy" because Rupert happens to be an actor. An actor ACTS. Do you think because Gary Oldman played Dracula in a film that he goes around stabbing giant crosses and sucking people's blood? Or that because Hugo Weaving played V in V for Vendetta he wants to blow up Parliament?
If both of you are fans of Rupert Grint, then be proud of him for getting the role of Ben in Driving Lessons. At least he isn't being typecast as a wimpy goof-ball the way the Harry Potter series presents his character on film.
And perhaps we saw two different versions of Driving Lessons (I'm in the U.S.) but in the version I saw, you don't see Ben having sex (there's some kissing and the scene cuts), he doesn't go around "dropping f-bombs" (he's says damn and freaking?), and he doesn't get wasted (having a glass of wine on one day and a couple sips of beer on another day doesn't mean getting wasted).
I think starring in this film was a very mature choice on Rupert's part. I, along with many others, enjoyed his performance. In fact, I hope he continues his career, as he is a very mature and talented actor.
I don't hear you criticizing Dan Radcliffe for performing nude on stage in Equius or having a sex scene in one of the non-Harry Potter films he's made...
Then again, I don't have a problem with an actor expanding their horizons like some people do. I apologize if this comes off as harsh, but it's my opinion.
I'm not gunna have a go at you but I just wanted to say that if you are a fan of Rupert, or any actor for that matter then you should appreciate when they play a character that is very unlike them or unlike any character they have played before. To be honest, I get tired of actors that always play the same type of character, it gets annoying after so long. Also i'm sure Rupert has been drunk before and probably had sex too so I wouldn't feel too down about it. How old is he? 18? 19? Gosh he might even be older than that now! I remember his first ever interview on Newsround, awww *wipes a stray tear away*, they grow up so fast!
shareSmall note: I have not seen the film, but I do know that it takes place in the UK. Alcohol is not viewed with such venom as it is here in the US. Also, take a look at this interesting UK Drinking Age Chart:
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/alcohol/alcohol_law2.shtml
Concerning Ben's sex scene, keep in mind that that that sort of physical contact would be a major turning point for the character due to his upbringing, problems with his mother, and his personality. If the film were about someone completely different, there might be something to roll eyes at. Even then, the concept of teenage sexual contact is hardly far-fetched. And if your (not *you*, but anyone) complaints lie in your personal beliefs, it would be well to study the film knowing that Ben holds that same set of personal beliefs but is making a different decision from the one you would make.
It's not a wonder that in the Harry Potter movies, he was made to be Ron Weasley. He's a natural, spectacular, professional, talented actor. And, quite frankly, I'm disappointed in the HP movies only in that they underuse Rupert, and make Ron to be this goof. They don't seem to give Ron/Rupert the depth that is in the books.
EXACTLY.
[deleted]
All I've heard is that he gets kissed!! What's the deal???
shareThank you, Melted. And by the way everyone, this has nothing to do with Harry Potter! I'm not saying all this because he used to be Ron, and now he's not.. I'm saying because I was just semi-shocked he'd do a movie with so many crude things in it.
shareYou have to admit, though, that simply because he chooses to use his talents in a role that includes so many "crude things", as you call them, does not mean that he's not to be admired. In fact, I would say it's all the more admirable that he's stretching his talents to explore and inhabit a new character. Do you stop admiring actors who play villainous roles, where they are cruel or possible murderous? You should take a step back and realize that choosing to play a character does not mean the actor condones everything that character does.
shareare you like really young? or just a prude?
"Welcome, fool. You have come of your own free will to the appointed place. The game's over."
Hah! You all are very... annoying.
CHILL.
I was just posting what I feel, you don't have to stomp your feet.
And yes, I'm young. 6 years old and I have a strong opinion on this movie..
*Rolls eyes*
sorry you just sound like some god fearing bible basher who doesnt want an acotr they like to be assciated with the good (or in ur case 'bad') things in life
"Welcome, fool. You have come of your own free will to the appointed place. The game's over."
I've seen this movie.
I think this movie was a very good choice (acting wise) for Rupert.
I don't feel that he's done anything to disrespect himself (in ways that were stated in the first post.)
I can understand the concerns of the first poster (some of the comments to her were a bit harsh.)
However, I think that the first poster should not let what she's heard about the movie form her opinion of whether Rupert (as an actor) has done something to degrade himself.
____
Ben, in my opinion, doesn't get drunk in the movie. (Perhaps, a bit giddy, but I don't think so.)
The sex scene, is strictly implied. And there are consequences (not from the act it self, but from a promise he made to Evie (that had noting to do with sex.) But, also it's a coming-of-age film of sorts, so his character crossed a threshold.
The words are God.Is.Love from the bible quote "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."~(1 John 4:8) Not, God.Is.Good. His poems tend to have biblical references in them.
___
I suppose what I'm saying is, see the movie first before coming to the conclusion that Rupert has made a mistake, for I'm sure you will change your mind about that.
This is not your typical boy goes crazy rebels against his parents, drinks get's laid kind of movie. This is a movie about an extremely repressed boy who has to decide for himself his path in life. He's almost literally being pulled between good and bad influences (sometimes the supposed good influences are bad and sometimes the seemingly bad influences are good.) He's striving for balance and this is what this movie is about. Him finding his own way through the muck. Him finding out what's right for him and actually (because it is realistic) making mistakes along the way.
Rupert made a really good decision. Really he did.....:)
sorry you just sound like some god fearing bible basher who doesnt want an acotr they like to be assciated with the good (or in ur case 'bad') things in life
HEHE crazy fan girls
Ha Ha Haa...Ah Haaa...Ha Ha Ha Haaa...Hmmm....Ha Haaa....NEWS!
Wait a second. You're six-years-old?
shareHardy, hardy, har.
shareOh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.
You wrote: "And yes, I'm young. 6 years old and I have a strong opinion on this movie."
If you aren't six, I thought you were saying you were; I didn't mean to insult you.
If you are six, I was just trying to clarify; I didn't mean it as an insult.
Either way, I wasn't trying to offend you. Sorry.
Sarcasm.
The rolling of the eyes at the bottom was a hint ^_^
oh.... well i'm an idiot. you can't go through life without having your stupid moments. : )
shareWell, think about it. Even as "Ron" he's gonna do some grown up things. Ron and Lavender spend most of book 6 making out in dark corners.
I can understand your initial shock. I mean you see him as Ron Weasley for so long...it's hard to imagine him as anything else. You just have to warm up to the idea. I think...if he wants to break out of the mold of being Ron Weasley for the rest of his life, he's gotta do the kind of movies he wants to. I can't wait to see it. It's playing at one theatre here starting the 17th.
I've seen the movie, and I didn't find the drinking, sex and F-bomb to be depicted as crude. The movie is about a shy boy's rite of passage. It's actually pretty tender, and Rupert plays Ben as a sweet kid learning to stand up for himself. I didn't find it to be crude in the slightest. Now, the drinking and sexuality in "American Pie" is crude.
In "Driving Lessons," it's not.
I think Rupert was wise to stretch his legs a bit with this movie.
"Semi-shocked?" What are you his mother now or something? I found this movie one of his best. Not only does he grow as an actor, but he also gets some more respect. I mean seriously in the Harry Potter movies he's just the little follower of Harry. In this movie he makes his own descions and learns from them. In this film he can actually be taken seriously as an actor. I actually found his behavior in this film somewhat normal to a seventeen year old teenager.
sharei think that he is trying to break of that character you relate him to. everyone sees rupert and says "hey it's ron from harry potter." that is the only thing people see him as. with this role he gets to break away from it...which is good. it is just going to be weird because it is someone i have been watching since they were very young and now they are all grown up...not bad...just different. i am actually very excited about this movie and seeing ruper break out into his own.
p.s. tenessee...if your friends say that just because of that movie then they are kinda lame. you can like whoever you like no matter what role they pick.
The Phantom was so emo!!!
PAUL BETTANY FOR JOKER!!!!!
i fink it was a gd move 4 him, caz its diff n itll help prevent him from being typecast
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