Real-Life Tragedy: The Controversial Footage in BIRD BOX Netflix Refuses to Cut
Bird Box was December’s surprise horror hit, and the mayhem that ensued from the resulting #BirdBoxChallenge kept the film relevant way into the new year. Now, the film’s producers are in the news again, this time for using footage of a real-life tragedy that many claim is, at the very least, insensitive.
Related Article: Someone Did the BIRD BOX Challenge While Driving & (Obviously) Crashed
In the film’s opening sequence, we see images of explosive panic on the television in Malorie’s studio; though it’s happening far away overseas, it foreshadows events that will soon unfold around her. While this is a pretty standard plot motivator (one we’ve seen in plenty of other films), the footage used in Bird Box is from a real tragedy, and those involved are not amused.
What we’re shown is actual, archival footage of a deadly 2013 train crash in the town of Lac-Mégantic in Quebec, Canada. When the images were recognized by the town’s current residents, many of whom still have horrific memories of the event, Netflix was asked to cut the offensive footage; the streaming giant has so far refused.
In response, Lac-Mégantic’s mayor, Julie Morin, released the following statement:
“We find it’s really a lack of respect to use these images as fiction and entertainment. It’s hard enough for our citizens to see these images when they are used normally and respectfully on the news. Just imagine, to have them used as fiction, as if they were invented.”
It certainly adds a sad (and unnecessary) element to Bird Box, one that seems quite easily remedied. I’ve got to admit, I stand with Lac-Mégantic on this one. I’m a fierce opponent of censorship in any form, but this feels more like an issue of respect and empathy. It looks like Netflix needs some. The video above from our friends at Looper flushes out more of this story’s intricacies.
Synopsis:
When a mysterious force decimates the
population, only one thing is certain — if you see it, you die. The survivors
must now avoid coming face to face with an entity that takes the form of their
worst fears. Searching for hope and a new beginning, a woman and her children
embark on a dangerous journey through the woods and down a river to find the
one place that may offer sanctuary. To make it, they’ll have to cover their
eyes from the evil that chases them — and complete the trip blindfolded.
Bird Box is directed by Susanne Bier; Eric Heisserer penned the screenplay based on Josh Malerman’s novel. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, and John Malkovich.
What do you think about Netflix using actual disaster footage in the opening sequence of Bird Box? Should they cut the controversial footage? Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
