SYLVESTER STALLONE – "PERSONA NON GRATA" IN TURKEY
Marlena Hovsepyan
"Radiolur"
27.12.2006 16:16
These days the Turkish society has chosen a new target. Turkish society
learned from media that world famous actor and director Sylvester
Stallone is going to shoot a film based on the "40 Days of Musa Dagh"
novel by Austrian writer Franz Werfel.
Editor-in-chief of the Istanbul based "Marmara" daily Rober Hatechian
informed "Radiolur" about the moods dominating in Turkey.
"One should accept that Stallone is very popular in Turkey with his
"Rambo" and "Rocky" films, and the Turkish society felt a sudden
disappointment, hearing the story," Hatechian said.
Turkish directors urge the public to send electronic letters to the
famous actor, they have even publicized Stallone’s e-mail. Turks are
calling on the actor to refuse from this anti-Turkish idea, saying
that it will greatly damage his reputation in Turkey. Sylvester
Stallone has not responded to any of the letters yet. If Stallone
yields to the pressure of Turks, he will probably become a national
hero in Turkey. If he ignores the calls he will be hated.
"Stallone will hardly take these letters into consideration, moreover
when he feels the support of the Diaspora, says Rober Hatechian.
By the way, this story served a s reason for critical publications
against Franz Werfel.
"Many books have been published about the Armenian Genocide in
different sites of the world, and the Turkish society has always
been saying that these books are based on lie and have been written
for propaganda aims. The same is said about Franz Werfel’s book,"
Hatechian says.
After successful completion Stallone’s film will again become a topic
of discussions in Turkey, everything is still ahead. The most that
may happen is that the film will not be screened in Turkeot Stallone
will be declared a persona non grata in the country. However, let’s
not forget that Stallone is loved not only in Turkey, therefore the
popularity of the film is undoubtedly guaranteed.
It’s worth mentioning that rumors say that the idea of shooting a film
on the basis of Franz Werfel’s "40 Days of Musa Dagh" was inspired
by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governor of California has promised to
render his support.