'The Fall Guy' writer defends controversial Amber-Johnny joke in film
What's the story
A controversial joke in the Hollywood film The Fall Guy recently ignited a debate due to its perceived insensitivity toward domestic violence.
The line, delivered by Hannah Waddingham's character Gail Meyer, references Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's tumultuous relationship.
Critics on social media argued that the joke trivializes the serious allegations of domestic violence that have surrounded Depp and Heard in recent years.
Now, the film's screenwriter Drew Pearce has explained the reasoning behind the joke.
Film synopsis
First, read 'The Fall Guy' plot and controversial joke context
The Fall Guy, currently in theaters, stars Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers, a stuntman who leaves his career and relationship behind after a stunt goes wrong.
He is persuaded to return to work 18 months later by producer Meyer, played by Waddingham.
A subplot involves Seavers being mistaken for an intruder in the trailer of his girlfriend Jody Moreno.
After seeing the hodge-podge trailer, Meyer says, "It's like Amber and Johnny were just in here."
Pearce's defense
It was meant to show Meyer is a villain
Pearce said that it was intended to reflect negatively on Meyer's character.
Pearce told THR, "No decent human being would ever make a joke about that subject, and Gail's character is clearly not a decent human being."
"She's our villain, and she says horrible things, and this is just one of them. But just like what I hope continues to happen in our industry and others, Gail is ultimately held accountable for her worldview and her behavior."
Reasoning
'Everyone is entitled to their reaction'
He further argued, "As with all of our characters, Gail included, we wanted them to feel authentic, warts and all."
"Sometimes sh—-y people say sh—-y things, but a character's opinion in a movie is not the same as the perspective of either the film or the people making it."
"[However], when a filmmaker puts a line in a movie, they have to anticipate how it will make the audience feel, so everybody is entitled to their reaction too."