Haven’t seen the new Seth Rogen film Observe and Report, the Paul Blart: Mall Cop sequel — (what? It’s not a sequel? Weird! What are the chances?). But there’s some controversey over its dark nature, including one scene in particular — the alleged “date rape” scene.
See this discussion with Rogen and Faris here on EW.com.
Can one make a judgment without seeing the scene in its context? Some are trying. For those of you who would like to try, the (R Rated) trailer’s at the bottom of this post. The scene is at the end of the trailer. Apparently, Faris’ character gets wasted (to the point of throwing up a little). Cut to: Rogen humping away on her limp form – presumably unconscious. Gasp, right? Wait for it, wait for it… Rogen realizes she looks unconscious, stops with a concerned look, and then she asks (eyes still closed) “Why are you stopping, Mother Fucker?” Cue the laffs! Har Har!
Hmmm. So, she knew what was going on, right? And Rogen was concerned when he thought she was unconscious, right? And she apparently actually wasn’t, right? She was all wasted, had sex with her eyes closed. Maybe even fell asleep. It’s funny because it’s true, right?
Anyone here ever fall asleep during sex (drug induced or otherwise)? I’ve been close (not with you, honey). And frankly, some of the best sex I’ve had has been after a bottle or two of wine. And I hear the sex on Meth is pretty amazing too (heightened awareness and all that).
Some say that a woman under the influence by definition can’t give consent. I’m not a woman, but I’m also not sure this is gender specific. Do we just say that a woman (or perhaps anyone) simply can’t give consent if under the influence? Is every kid that has a hit of X at a rave then hooks up being raped? Every person who goes out on Prom, gets schnockered and then laid being raped? Every bride or groom retiring to the Honeymoon suite after getting loaded at the reception being raped? Hmmm… if so, that means I’ve been raped a few times, too.
I don’t want to be a dick about this. Don ‘t hate on me. Somebody help me out, here!
So here are the Q’s: Is she unconscious in this scene? If so, is Rogen’s character taking advantage, or stopping because he’s concerned about taking advantage? Assuming she’s not unconscious, but a consenting drunk, is that rape? And to keep things kinda movie centric, what responsibility or obligation do filmmakers or actors have on representing the subject?
SIDEBAR: Watched High Plains Drifter the other day. Watched Clint (or “The Drifter”) drag a woman into a barn, throw her down, hike her skirts while she fought and yelled at him to stop, fuck her for about 90 seconds (all the while being voyeured upon by a little person), then climb off her and walk away. I think he even said something like “You could use a good smacking around”.
Okay. The floor is open.