Alec Baldwin To Produce Barney Frank Documentary
The last we heard from Alec Baldwin, he'd vowed to leave public life amid the controversy and subsequent cancellation of his MSNBC show last fall which resulted from his use of an anti-gay slur. Now, he's back in the news and has announced his involvement in a film project about a high-profile gay man.
According to Deadline Hollywood, Baldwin will executive produce Compared to What: The Improbable Journey of Barney Frank, a documentary about Barney Frank. The film will reportedly profile the former Massachusetts congressman "as he discusses the role his homosexuality played in his campaigns for social justice."
Compared to What will play at the Tribeca Film Festival next month where Baldwin will also participate in a post-screening Q&A alongside Frank.
Baldwin also claims that the former congressman is someone whom he admires:
“Barney Frank is a personal hero of mine,” he said in a statement. “His legacy in Congress – and his historic importance as the first openly gay and married Congressman – important for our country.”
Compared to What will premiere at Tribeca on April 27, 2014.
Wow, that's quick. He will produce a doc that will premiere mere four weeks from now? How far along is this film already? Is he just putting his name on something already completed? Still, a nice gesture if he's putting up $$$. I hope he still gets anger management training, though.
Posted by: Kenny | Mar 29, 2014 9:28:08 AM
how can baldwin executive produce a film that's showing next month at a festival? something's not right.
Posted by: normadesmond | Mar 29, 2014 9:59:05 AM
Correction: Baldwin writes a check and become Exec Producer of film already in the can.
Posted by: Qj201 | Mar 29, 2014 10:37:51 AM
There already was a Barney Frank documentary. It's pretty good. Let's Get Frank is on Netflix streaming.
Posted by: Matt | Mar 29, 2014 11:54:21 AM
pardon my ignorance of the film industry, but the story says Baldwin "will executive produce..." That would imply, to me, that the film has not yet been made. Yet, the story also says the film will play next month at the Tribeca festival.
Would someone with knowledge of the industry please explain?
Posted by: aga | Mar 29, 2014 1:11:18 PM
Pardon me again! I should have read the comments before posting. Another question now, is that really how one becomes an executive producer, QJ201? An executive producer just pays to have his/her name added to an already completed film? How much does that cost? Maybe I could executive produce all the Oscar winning films from the past year or two and become a Hollywood power player. lol
Posted by: aga | Mar 29, 2014 1:13:53 PM
Turd is word that is now used on TV.
Posted by: slappy | Mar 29, 2014 1:58:29 PM
Alex Baldwin is obviously a man who cannot control his temper and is someone who repeatedly says things in public that he regrets saying later. Having noted that, he has consistently supported gay rights through the years in a very loud and open fashion. His being involved with this film reflects that history. That should count for something, and the gay community should cut him some slack.
Posted by: RonCharles | Mar 29, 2014 2:49:06 PM
@RonCharles, I guess in Hollywood if you say you support gay rights you then get a free pass to portray gay Scoutmasters looking to molest young boy scouts on Saturday Night Live skits.
Posted by: Brian | Mar 29, 2014 2:58:06 PM
@roncharles -- If Baldwin had said 'I was angry at someone and said stuff I thought would hurt them. But it hurt other people as well. I understand that and I am sorry and will try not to do it again' then I think most of they gay community would have been quite willing to give him some slack. I never heard anything like that come from him.
Posted by: Charlie | Mar 29, 2014 3:05:47 PM
Redemption by checkbook.
Posted by: Bonaparte | Mar 29, 2014 3:41:37 PM
Alec's a lover not a hater. We love you Alec. Don't listen to the these hysterical queens. They just need a minute to untie their panties.
Posted by: Pancho Lopez | Mar 29, 2014 11:34:09 PM
The mental illness rampant in the gay community (nutured into being by hate) is on full display by those attacking this good man. Sane adults realize this Baldwin is a friend of the gay community.
Posted by: rjp3 | Mar 30, 2014 10:25:59 AM
RJP3 - the only mental illness on display in the gay community is from someone who advocates that HIV is caused by too much partying...
Posted by: D.R.H. | Mar 30, 2014 11:10:37 AM
Yeah, Alec Baldwin is such a wonderful gay rights activist. Who could ever forget his hilarious portrayal of the creepy gay Boy Scout leader who lusted after teen-aged scouts on Saturday Night Live?
With "friends" like these.....
Posted by: Rahm | Mar 30, 2014 11:53:09 AM
I understand that the studio responsible for this film is headquartered in Utah. Any money spent on this film will be pumped indirectly into the pockets of those who funded prop. 8 in California. The studio, when I registered dissatisfaction over their relationship with Mr. Baldwin, told me to overlook his homophobia. They lectured me with Gandhi's words, if you can believe that!
Posted by: C.F. Girard | Mar 30, 2014 6:47:17 PM
the sad truth is in Hollywood some gays are toxic queens. I have met many of them.
Posted by: really | Mar 30, 2014 7:27:23 PM