Arpaio protests idea he's model for movie role

by KTAR.com (September 1st, 2010 @ 6:48am)

PHOENIX -- Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is concerned that some reporters believe a murderous character in a new movie is modeled after America's toughest sheriff.

Arpaio saw a review of "Machete" online.

The review by Warner Todd Huston in "Big Hollywood" was headlined: "Machete: Sheriff Arpaio Character Shoots Pregnant Woman -- Welcome to America."

The woman was shot to keep her from giving birth in the United States.

"I don't know where this Hollywood reporter got this from," said Arpaio. "First of all, I'm better looking than Don Johnson is anyway, but I think that's below the belt."

The "Hollywood Reporter" describes Johnson's character, the leader of a group of border vigilantes, as "a kind of avatar for Maricopa County's Sheriff Joe Arpaio."

Danny Trejo, Steven Segal, Michelle Rodriguez and Jessica Alba also have roles in the film, which revolves around a former Mexican federale turned renegade and hired to kill a senator trying to send hundreds of illegals out of the United States.

Arpaio said, "There are certain reporters who take every chance they get to demean this sheriff in any way possible. I am quite sure that "Machete" producers did not have me in mind when they developed this character. But news reporters who disagree with my tactics on illegal immigration willingly and irresponsibly, publicly, link me to a murderous, racist lawman characterized in this film as a means to further their own political viewpoints."

The sheriff said, "I resent it."

Of Segal, Arpaio said, "I just made him a deputy sheriff a couple of months ago here in Phoenix. I was surprised to see he played in the movie, too."

"Machete" opens nationwide on Friday.

Arpaio says, "I'll probably go see the morie or at least get it later on -- order it -- but I don't think it's in good taste, what they're saying about this sheriff."

Director Robert Rodriguez cut a special trailer for "Machete" for Cinco de Mayo, with a message specifically to protest SB1070, Arizona's new immigration law. He hand-delivered his trailer a couple of months ago to film critic Harry Knowles and his film review Web site, "Ain't It Cool News."

Watch "Machete Message to Arizona Trailer":


Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    wrong again teaduldumbs!
    danny772
    Last I checked we in the U.S. still have free speech. Try and follow, take some ridilin or sumptin. Thats the problem, the tea baggers wanna create a kinda Iran'ish motife with are 50 states. My Grandaddy, fought the Nazi, and so will I.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    One movie I won't see
    Chuck W
    Danny Trejo an A list lead actor? The guy sucks. Real resposible story line "a former Mexican federale turned renegade and hired to kill a senator trying to send hundreds of illegals out of the United States" In other words, UNDOCUMANTED CRIMINAL doing what unducumanted criminal do best. If Americans really die from some moron playing the idiot so called hero from this movie all involved with it's making should be held accountable. Another moronic hollywood idiot writer trying to make a political statement. It would surprise me if the guy was an illegal immegrant.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    The fact of the matter is
    eddie c
    That we understand your fear. In a few decades, you will be gone and guess who the majority in this country is going to be? That's right amigo, yours truly and there's nothing you can do about but rant all you want today. Like the wise man said "to foolish words, deaf ears"
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    My favorite Arpaio story :In June 2008,
    abogada987
    Arpaio's friend and campaign donor, Turf Paradise owner Jerry Simms was in a pickle. As reported then, "Problems surfaced again earlier this year when the Racing Department revoked licenses of more than 100 immigrants working as grooms and exercisers at Turf Paradise who could not prove legal status." Did Arpaio do the right thing and go after this criminal employer in order to protect public safety and jobs that rightly belonged to Americans? You guessed it. He went after the Racing Department instead in order to protect his friend. Character counts. Unless your name is Arpaio.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Lead Actor?
    Steve S
    Who would play the mighty Joe? Here are some of my ideas: Comedy: Chevy Chase Drama: Matt Damon Mini Series: Kiefer Sutherland
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