DAY SIX  November 8, 2005
SORRY, HATERS Turns an Eye on Rapacious American Consumption
by Laura DeBrizzi
Writer/director/producer Jeff Stanzler covers a lot of territory in 86 minutes. SORRY, HATERS is not a feature for the casual audience member who enters the theatre only wanting to have questioned precisely how much butter satisfies as a topping for his extra-larger popcorn. In short order, Stanzler, who also helmed the 1992 feature JUMPIN' AT THE BONEYARD, utilizes September 11, 2001, and events thereafter as the active supplement to the begrudged perspective held by his main character, Phoebe (Robin Wright Penn). And, although the filmmaker confesses SORRY, HATERS can be viewed as a new kind of 9/11 film, it's more of a think piece in that the tragedy itself is not dissected as much as the destructiveness of the American psyche in the year 2005.
To Stanzler, some Americans, quite simply, can become victims as a result of those intangibles we cherish as a nation: power, wealth and beauty. Phoebe is one of those people. And when this successful executive at a cable music channel takes a ride in a cab driven by Ashade (Abdel Kechiche), an Arab Muslim, an explosive series of events ignites.
Stanzler--a man who defines himself as "fairly politically-minded," but who also laughs easily and possesses a calmingly affable personality--is very clear on the genesis of Phoebe's self-loathing. But make no mistake about it--he does not see the character as a "bad person." No, Stanzler sees Phoebe as lost. "You can watch 10 minutes of MTV or any music channel, practically, and feel unattractive, unloved and poor," he notes. Maybe MTV's LAGUNA BEACH should come  with something a little stronger than a parental warning.
The filmmaker laughs at the mention, especially since another of the network's programs is used as a prop of sorts in SORRY, HATERS, and eventually lends itself as the film's title.
"When you watch (the movie), you'll see that SORRY, HATERS is a show named after a program on MTV that I probably shouldn't mention... MTV CRIBS," Stanzler divulges with a hearty laugh. For those who don't know, MTV CRIBS showcases the homes of celebrities; it's a modern day twist on Robin Leach's LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS.
"The network wouldn't let me use clips from the actual show. I had to go and shoot stuff myself," Stanzler notes. "We actually got Fred Durst (lead singer of the band Limp Bizkit) to do one, and he was great about it."
"Not that long ago, I learned that a 'hater' is someone who is jealous of what you've got," Stanzler continues, "and I thought, 'What an interesting term! You're not successful until somebody hates you for your success.'"
Given this definition of a "hater," Stanzler took it to the next level and applied it to everyday American life--one deeply drenched in reality shows, endless and petty celebrity gossip, and the ritualistic consumption of hip hop clothing lines and seasonal, $200 sneakers. "The most striking thing, to me, about how we live today is that no matter how much someone has acquired, it's still possible that one could feel passed over or underappreciated in a big way," he explains.
"Because of my wife, who happens to be African, I've spent a fair amount of time in that country, and when you're there you begin to realize just how much excess we have in every facet of our lives (here in America), even among those people who are middle-class," Stanzler adds. "To me, this begged a story, especially because of the number of people who are lost in the guise of how we're supposed to live..."
"And this is what is wrong with who we are, and why a lot of people are pressed to acquire things and become things that they really don't need. If anything, Phoebe, doesn't want to lash out at those people, she wants to lash out at why she's not one of them."
Because of Phoebe's extreme nature, Stanzler considers himself blessed to have a talented actress like Wright Penn embody the character. "Robin has such an inner glow about her that even when she does things that are anything but heroic, it seems that people feel for her," praises the director.
He is equally enthusiastic about Kechiche's performance as Ashade. "Abdel only directs now--he's a great one actually--and he more or less came out of retirement for me," boasts a grateful Stanzler. "I was approached by a bunch of actors who would've done an accent, but I felt it was really important I cast someone who was not only a great actor, but a real Arab Muslim."
Stanzler's insistence has spurred serious contemplation among moviegoers who have viewed SORRY, HATERS. As an example, the filmmaker relays a slew of rudimentary remarks he's heard in response to his work: "Some people feel sadness. A lot of people feel that there is a satirical element. Others say it is harrowing. All of them are correct. Whatever you feel is a success for the picture."
And what of MTV's reaction upon realizing that one of its most popular programs is labeled somewhat socially toxic? "They'll have to deal with the comparisons," says Stanzler with a laugh.
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