Mel Gibson has made headlines once again for his candid remarks regarding his collaboration with musician Bono on the film *The Million Dollar Hotel*. This pairing of a two-time Academy Award-winning actor and a renowned musician raised eyebrows due to its unexpected nature. However, Gibson’s blunt critique of the film when it was meant to be promoted has added to the perplexity of this collaboration.
Background of *The Million Dollar Hotel*
The origins of *The Million Dollar Hotel* trace back to the late 1980s. Bono conceived the idea during the filming of U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name,” where the Rosslyn Hotel appears in the backdrop. More than a decade later, the film entered production, with the title derived from the hotel’s nickname.
- Script and Production: Bono co-wrote the story with Nicholas Klein, who penned the screenplay.
- Executive Production: Bono served as an executive producer, and U2 contributed three original songs to the soundtrack.
- Cast: The film features Tim Roth, Milla Jovovich, Peter Stormare, and Jeremy Davies in prominent roles.
- Cameo Appearance: Bono makes an uncredited appearance as a lobby dweller.
- Gibson’s Role: Mel Gibson appears as an FBI agent and also produced the movie through his Icon Entertainment company.
- Director: The film was directed by Wim Wenders.
Critical Reception
Despite a star-studded cast and intriguing premise, *The Million Dollar Hotel* was poorly received by critics. Surprisingly, it even won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Ahead of its Australian release in November 2000, Gibson described the film as “as boring as a dog’s ass,” an unfiltered remark that quickly made headlines.
Gibson’s Controversial Comments
Gibson later expressed regret for his remarks, stating that they occurred after an exhaustive day of interviews. He acknowledged, “It just slipped out,” and regretted labeling a project he produced in such a negative light. He reflected on the hard work of everyone involved, admitting, “I really regret saying that,” and that he had sent “a lot of apology letters about it.”
Conclusion
Gibson’s critique of *The Million Dollar Hotel* underscores the challenges of open candor in Hollywood. While his comments might resonate with some, they also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between honesty and professionalism in the film industry. As both an actor and producer, Gibson’s reflections on this collaboration with Bono highlight the complexities of creative partnerships in cinema.
