The context is very important, as in, did she preface the comments with "I think" or with "I've heard people say that", and if it's the latter, did she agree or dismiss? I've got some serious conspiracy theorists in my extended social circle (I'm talking about people who tie medieval secret societies to the US mint and presidential elections, and then somehow wrap 9/11 and JFK's death in with the whole works), and inevitably, I end up questioning SOMEONE'S sanity, whether it be theirs or my own (for listening). But at least those people don't have an Oscar winner's platform. In those cases, I tend to go look for James Woods interviews to cleanse my palate.

I think it's b/c she's French and b/c the French are seen as anti-American and don't help USA policy (and cowardly behavior in WWII - there is hostility b/c but for the Americans, the French would be speaking German today yet they aren't a bit grateful to us).

I'm finding it hard to care about this.

I initially want to side with her. Haven't we all had discussions (though not on TV) where we mention, or even voice/debate an opinion that we don't really believe just for coversation or debate? I haven't said it as such, but could easily imagine saying taking that view in a conversation, but not really believing it.

Meeehh. I tend to reside in the "she's just an actress, who cares what she thinks" camp. But overall, it doesn't bother me either way. I certainly wouldn't boycott a film I'd otherwise want to see just because she may or may not believe in conspiracy theories. And just to throw in a little controversy, I think anyone who would is kindof a tool.

I'm (mostly) with you Arlington, and yet I think that if it'd been an American who said what she did, there wouldn't be this kind of hoopla. I believe it comes down to a non-American giving an opinion about American history that puts America's panties in a bunch.

Quite frankly, it doesn't bother me - everyone is entitled to their opinion (and mine is that she may be a little disconnected from reality). Don't need the hate, though.

I'm sorry, but if the quotes in the story about her beliefs are real, then the apology simply doesn't wash.

How can the quote below POSSIBLY be taken out of context? "We see other towers of the same kind hit by planes. Are they burned? .... And there [in New York], in a few minutes, the whole thing collapsed.... It was a money-sucker because they were finished, it seems to me, by 1973, and to re-cable all that, to bring up-to-date all the technology and everything, it was a lot more expensive, that work, than destroying them,"

Juicy said:
I certainly wouldn't boycott a film I'd otherwise want to see just because she may or may not believe in conspiracy theories... anyone who would is kindof a tool."

Really, Juicy? What if the conspiracy theory were more along "The Turner Diaries" or "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion"?

C'mon. Certain things are beyond the pale, and you know it.

Liz -

I think it bears stating that since many of us here are DC dwellers (or in my case, a long-time dweller, recent ex-pat), I think we're going to have more of a gut reaction to Ms. Cotillard's comments.

Flashes of 9/11 and the subsequent week are still rather vivid in my memory. The plume over the Pentagon ..... The sound of jet fighters streaking over the gridlocked streets ..... The camo-wearing men with their Uzis and Hummers on the street corners ..... Walking across the Key Bridge to my job in Georgetown and seeing an American flag spray-painted over the usual "damn the man" graffiti on the post before the Key Bridge (and WaPo list of victims taped next to it) ..... Freezing in my tracks when an army helicopter buzzed the Key Bridge as I walked across it ..... The National Mall empty on a perfect, cloudless Saturday at high noon ..... Riding on the Metro and it was absolutely silent, except for the occasional sob ..... My department's secretary gone for a week because her cousin - a civilian Pentagon employee - was killed; and all of us (including our non-profit's president) encouraging her to take more time off ..... Some good friends who live only about 1.5 miles as the crow flies from the Pentagon impact showing us the new crack that appeared in their wall sometime during that week (one was working from home that morning, and felt the house tremble while he was watching WTC news coverage).

So whenever someone brings up these conspiracy theories - yeah, I see red and my stomach turns. I'm probably not alone.

When I moved out here to the Midwest, I've had two reactions when I tell people my husband and I were both working downtown that day.

1) Oh god, how scary (or something like that)

and

2) Oh, so were you in on the conspiracy?

It takes everything in me not to slap the #2 variety. They were so safe here in this little town where the tallest building is only 6 stories tall, and some high-rise apartment buildings in DC have a higher population than the entire town.

But then again, they didn't have to drive by the Pentagon and see the gaping hole in its side (because images on TV or in newspapers simply didn't do it justice - it was SUCH a big hole...) It was sad and horrific on TV, but it was impersonal. For us (especially those of us who have friends and family in NYC, not uncommon I think), that was a really, really personal experience.

So as not to be accused of plagarism, I should point out that my "cheese eating surrender monkey" moniker was taken from The Simpsons.

With that said, Rosie O'Donnell and Charlie Sheen also buy into the 9/11 conspiracy theories.

I don't really care about what actor/actress says in their personal life, I really only care if they can act. Cotillard can probably rebound from this if she apologizes and makes some sort of donation to the 9/11 families.

I do, initially, want to reserve judgment until learning the context. To utter those words with a preface such as, "Say there's someone out there who thinks the following..." and then discuss what a conspiracy theorist *might* think isn't actually voicing your own opinion. I don't know that Cotillard was doing this, but having not seen or read transcripts of the entire interview, I also don't know that she wasn't, so I'm not apt to get all wound up about it. Reminds me of a recent Colbert Report interview (which was hilarious) with a woman who wanted to stop McDonald's from offering Happy Meals to elementary honors students (she thought a healthier reward would be more appropriate). A quote along the lines of "No, I wouldn't say I want to bring McDonald's down" was comically shortened to "I want to bring McDonald's down." When we're talking about context, we're talking about additional words that may carry just as much meaning as the ones that were reproduced in print in the past couple of days. They may offer a completely different framework for the shorter sound byte.

That said, don't celebrities tend to have entire PR machines who tell them what to say and how to say it? Someone has to coach them on the avoidance of the embarrassing sound byte. So you'd think that someone in the limelight would try to phrase her words very carefully, particularly on such a sensitive subject.

But, then again, I've often considered how the headlines would read if I happened to be someone the media cared about. "Museum curator stumbles home after too many margaritas" or, during the college years, "Ms. Musicgeek passes out at horse race, vows never to drink warm gin again." With the paps and the tabloids out there, ready to pounce on anything thrown at them, it's got to be hard to say much of anything and stay out of trouble.

In short, I think the quote was odd, and if she did, in fact, mean to suggest that what happened on 9/11 was part of a vast conspiracy, then I say, "Get thee to the looney bin." If, however, she was saying something else, meh. So le what? I don't really care.

Totally drummed up and blown out of proportion. We've seen her in other movies (Big Fish, A Good Year), but of course these comments, made MORE than a year ago, aren't being scruitinized until she wins an Oscar.

My take on the whole thing: whatever.

And the French aren't all bad. There were actually a lot of them who did support the USA even though their government didn't. It'd be like saying that every American is for the Iraq war just because Dubya is for it.

Give the girl a break. It was a late-night show and she was probably drunk.

Yeah, 9/11 was personal to my family too, but that doesn't mean I should be shocked if some one else has a different opinion, especially if they live in a different country.

Here's my general response to conspiracies. First, they require massive consensus that is a practical impossibility. Second, they require total silence after the fact - another practical impossibility. Finally, most proposed conspiracies are an impractically convoluted way to achieve the stated goals.

To save her career she has to apologize and make a donation to the 9/11 families? Really? She's an actress, not a world leader. She espoused (or maybe just rattled off the top of her head) a kooky conspiracy theory that thousands of people agree with and has hundreds upon hundreds of websites devoted to it. How exactly is that disrespectful to the victims or families of 9/11 or those of us who were here or in NYC when it happened? I just don't get the outrage, and I don't think that people who believe in conspiracy theories somehow cheapen or tarnish the vivid memories I, too, have of that time. I experienced it the same way no matter who was responsible or what the actual explanation for it is.

All of which is by way of saying: Marion Cotillard is a beautiful woman and a talented actress and I sincerely hope her career will not be harmed by the knee-jerk reactions of a few against those who stray from the official, approved version of history.

Wikijen, I made that comment because that is the usual course of action for anyone who makes a controversial statement, a la Mel Gibson and others. I too tend to think that most of this is overblown, (although I feel she could have found a better 9/11 conspiracy to speak about). All I'm saying is that with politics and the media being the way they are, sometimes even if you do nothing wrong movie studios still make you apologize just to avoid possibly offending anyone. I don't like it anymore than the next person, but thats reality.

why anyone, US citizen or whatever, would make some conspiracy theory comments about the attacks on 9/11 is beyond me?
yeah, she made them a year ago, but does she really think Americans weren't going to be sensitive about it? heck, there are people who are still sensitive about the attack on pearl harbor, the blitz in london, the blitzkrieg in eastern europe.
her comments didn't offend me buy they make me put her in the category of good actress but not necessarily savvy when it comes to making statements beyond her ken.

I have no opinion unless/until I read the entire transcript of the interview. Of course, it would probably have to be translated into English, which also allows for possible fudging of the original intent.

First, Cotillard's apology takes every page from the PR Bull S**t Damage-Control Playbook: "taken out of context," "regret if my comments offended or hurt anyone," etc. These aren't her words, just the words of some PR flak.

Second, Cotillard's comments are part of a mindless, knee-jerk anti-American philosophy that holds sway in certain circles in Western Europe (and here as well). This school of thought is the flip -side of those yahoos in Congress and talk-radio who came up with "freedom fries" and similar banalities: "Anyone who disagrees with me is evil and capable of the most unspeakable horror." Cotillard takes it to a laughable extreme. Her theory seems to be that the U.S. brought down the World Trade Center and killed thousands of its citizens in order to avoid the high cost of rewiring and other renovations to the building.

Last, should people boycott her movies? She's an actor. As Liz points out, she reads lines that others write. Her comments indicate that she's slightly dim. If we boycotted every movie featuring a dumb actor, we'd boycott every movie. On the scale of offensive comments, her's are relatively trivial. Since Hollywood fawns over the work of Roman Polanski, who raped a 13-year old girl and fled justice, it would be hypocritical to think that Cotillard should be banished for repeating a canard.

I definitely like her less, as a person, after hearing these comments. But I don't really care what kind of people act in the films I see.

Um, and your average actor is, like, really smart and stuff? Hello - Scientology?
I'm not surprised they embrace conspiracy theories; their business is to amuse us and to distract us from the serious stuff of the world. Rarely do they have the time or interest to keep up with the serious stuff. Or to understand it. Further, conspiracy theories are fashionable and trendy in an industry where one must always be on the cutting edge!
Mademoiselle Cotillard may whisper and hint all she likes - as long as she emotes well and shows good acting instincts, she'll have work.

There's no comparison between thinking we haven't been told everything about 9/11, which is so general a statement as to be likely true, and thinking the US blew up the towers to save on remodeling, or that humans didn't really go to the moon. At least she didn't say: if we really went to the moon, where's the cheese?

Her words were not taken out of context, as pointed out above, she went on to explain why it had to be a conspiracy. She elaborated why she believed it was conspiracy, not just commented that some believed in the conspiracy. She should have jsut stopped with, I said it a year ago, let's move on.

After all, she is an actress, not a structural engineer. It is time we stop assuming the people we see on our tvs (sports people too) and movies are experts and start listening to the real experts who have the knowledge and skills to render their opinions.

As cheese-eating-surrender-monkey-moniker-borrower michael was saying, Rosie and Charlie Sheen are also believers in conspiracy theories. So a good litmus test would be to line up actors on either side of the fence - outspoken conspiracy believers vs. non-believers - then check to see if it would change your views on those actors or boycott their movies, etc. If I don't care what Rosie and Charlie think, then why should I care what Marion thinks? Doesn't change my views about 9/11 one bit. It's ridiculous to take offense to comments made by any person whose career is based on getting more attention than someone else. They're actors, it's what they do.

Chasmosaur, I think therapy would help you.

There are actors I won't watch anymore because of ignorant or crazy spewings (Mel & wee Tom come to mind). I don't know if I'll watch Ms. Cotillard or not, I guess it may depend on how crazy she turns out to be. I don't know based on what I read if she was explaining various nutty theories or if it was her very own nutty theory & that makes a difference.

I do fervently believe had this year old interview come to light before the Oscar voting she would not have won Best Actress. Anyone who doesn't has forgotten the uproar last year over Eddie Murphey's Oscar loss.

Eric, is that you? Nin here.

I'm me, but I'm not the only Eric in the world. Who's Nin? I'm the Eric who said a while ago that a mentally ill Spears deserves privacy (even if she's too crazy to want privacy).

When I first read her comments, I thought, there is no possibility that anyone, no matter how dim (or how French) she may be, can really believe that the US Gov't somehow orchestrated the events of 911 in order to avoid an expensive renovation of the buildings. Seriously, is it even possible that someone really believes that???

Like 23112, I also have a (perhaps inordinant) number of conspiracy theorists in my wider social circle and so I have heard any number of oddball theories regarding 911, as well as JFK, aliens and Area 51, etc. etc. I have never heard the "expensive renovation" theory even from the most rabid of these folks! It defies reason.

I have to believe then, that she was really just trying to say that 1) there are things that "they" aren't telling "us," and 2) we don't have any idea what those things are, so they could be any number of things.

From the story, her quote about the moon landing appears to be that she questioned that information. Well, OK, so do a great number of people. And, there is honestly just no way to actually KNOW if the moon landing was real or not since we weren't there and only saw it on TV...to me that is not such a far fetched thing to say or to believe.

While not a conspiracy nut myself, I do think that it's important to question information, the source of information, etc. Particularly in this age of spin where even the major new networks put obvious bias in their "reports," and the masses are expected to, and often do, just eat up whatever they are fed.

Although for the record, I personally do believe that we landed on the moon AND that the Earth is round...and that a bunch of misguided religious fanatical lunitics killed thousands of people in NY and DC without the aid of the US government.

Whew, I am not feeling entertained...I almost miss the daily dose of crazy pop tart.

"Whew, I am not feeling entertained...I almost miss the daily dose of crazy pop tart."

It's all the Illuminati's fault.

Sorry Eric. Obviously, from your total lack of humor, I have the wrong "Eric". And, what does Britney Spears have to do with this thread?

Are all your pets called Eric?

Um, those of you who keep saying that you'll reserve judgment or that her words were taken out of context should go and READ ALL HER WORDS. It's pretty clear that she actually believes that the planes that crashed into the WTC did not bring the buildings down. She explains that by saying that other planes crash into buildings and don't cause them to fall. (Yeah, our engineers were shocked by that, too, but then they began to do the calculations, looked at the temperatures caused by the jet fuel burning, and realized, "Holy crap!!!").

She's absolutely part of that leftist, wacko European line of thinking. And, no, most of you who consider yourselves liberals would not fit in with them over there. To be a liberal in the U.S. is being a centrist or conservative in Europe. (Conservatives in the U.S. is like being a right-wing nationalist in Europe.)

Anyway, she's a nutjob. I wouldn't be surprised if, in her head, she blames Israel for 9/11.

My mistake, Michael, I misread your comment about an apology and donation as a suggestion. You're right that it seems to be the required path to redemption for celebrity misstatements, just like rehab is the path for celebrity DUI/arrest/video of crack-smoking. Which says nothing good about us as a society, if we're forever willing to forgive all on the basis of insincere lip service, does it?

She deserves the heaps of scorn she is getting. If her quotes were taken "out of context," let's hear her explanation of the proper context. What did she really mean to say? The only way to rid our culture of ridiculous and pernicious ideas is a full airing of ideas. The best way to address odious speech is more speech.

If you miss your dose of daily pop-tart, try going to "People.com" and play "Guess Whose Baby Bump?" Bleah!
Maybe that would make another good phrase: She's got a Pop Tart in her toaster.

I've always been annoyed by the people comparing the B-25 bomber (a WWII era prop plane) that hit the Empire State building to the fully fueled 767s that hit the WTC. It's like comparing a Honda Civic hatchback to a Peterbilt.

To Anon at 12:53 PM

LOL - You know, as soon as I published that, I thought I sounded like a bit of a whack job.

I'm not obsessed with 9/11 - it's not like this stuff consumes my every day thoughts. It just pops up in flashes when 9/11 comes up, which isn't very often.

I was downtown that day, one of my best friends at my job was in the Capitol Building that day, and my husband (then fiance) also worked in a high profile building and was out of touch for about 6 hours. I also had friends in NYC who worked in the WTC (thankfully, they all got out or didn't make it into work that day).

It was a sucky day, and a sucky, emotional week that followed. That kind of thing does stick with you - no less than a Baby Boomer who still remembers where they were when they heard JFK was shot. I don't feel scarred or that I suffer from PTSD or that it was a turning point in my life. But stuff like that stays with you, as it's so out of the ordinary. My former therapist would agree ;)

After a month or so, I was back to normal just like most people, complaining about the screwed up traffic from blocked off roads, as well as the increase in metal detectors because it screwed up my day.

(Actually, I was also shaking my head over the anthrax scare and the huge, bright colored flyers they had in our company mailing room...I still have one on my bulletin board because it amused me. All part and parcel of living/working in DC...)

I've just been unfortunate enough to encounter 9/11 conspiracy theorists out here in my new home. When people ask where I come from (as my accent is a dead giveaway I'm not of upper Midwest-Norske descent), I am subsequently accosted by the occasional conspiracy theorist who thinks that because I spent most of my life in DC and worked in federal buildings, well, I MUST know all about the secret government plans to blow up these buildings. *snort*

Trust me - these people are enough to piss any reasonable person off who is just trying to enjoy a holiday party or business networking event.

The French are odd, period. That's why there's Cannes, so they can celebrate their kookery over there and we can dabble therein or not. Ellen Page was robbed. Pass the fries..with ketchup.

I think it's funny that she brings up the building in Madrid that "burned for 24hours." This is true, there was a fire in the building and it did burn for quite sometime...a PLANE full of gas didn't hit it. The idea that the US government would put down buildings and kill thousands of US citizens in order to avoid a renovation is complete crazy talk. If that's how we do it, are we going to start blowing up bridges now that we found out last week they need repair. My head is spinning.

The best way to address odious speech is more speech.
Posted by: Chris | March 4, 2008 01:48 PM

I would like to nominate Chris for comment of the week. Yup.

And, possum, I said *almost*, no need to make me want to stick pencils in my eyes!! :)

oops that anon at 2:37 was me forgetting myself.

Whatever happened to freedom of speech? If she happens to believe in some sort of conspiracy, thats her prerogative, none of us should be dictating to her what to believe or say. All of you condemning her for her beliefs seem to be following the Cheney-esque way of handling things: either you agree with me or you are a terrorist supporter. its really quite disgusting.

Oh, so now we have to agree with you or we are terrorist supporters. You contradict yourself and look stupid in the process

She is allowed to have an opinion no matter how stupid, inane, or wrong-headed. While I don't think she was quoted out of context, Will Smith recently won a suit where he was. He had allegedly said something to the effect that Hitler was good guy. The full quote makes clear that he really thought the opposite.

sorry 'bout that...I misread your quote. I get it now (it's what Cheney would say). My apologies.

It's all a plot against Cotillard.

Whatever happened to freedom of speech? If she happens to believe in some sort of conspiracy, thats her prerogative, none of us should be dictating to her what to believe or say.

Posted by: Is this the US? | March 4, 2008 02:39 PM

I think we were more making fun of her & calling her an idiot for what she believes and says.

And yes, since this is the U.S. we are allowed to have an opinion of her pin-headed opinion.

Apologies to Nin if my comment came across as sarcastic. She asked, in effect, if she knew me. Since several people post under the name Eric, I identified myself by a post topic I had been engaged in. What's so complicated about that?

Um, for you not-so-bright ones out there, the freedom of speech is not something that the rest of are trying to squelch. The only way to squelch freedom of speech is to use the government to hold it down. Otherwise, we are just as free to point out how stupid, idiotic, warped, or politically odious someone else is. Really, are some of you so obtuse that you don't understand the difference?

I can't see how any of this should be the least bit offensive. She says we weren't told everything about 9/11. That's her opinion, and it's hardly unique. She doesn't say America deserved it, and she doesn't disparage the victims or survivors. Reading some of these comments, I get the impression some people are just looking for things to be angry about.

Christopher - i completely agree with you. Some of these people on here who are hammering her are probably the same people who STILL believe cheney and that iraq had WMD and was responsible for 9/11.

Where do you draw the line between a healthy skepticism of the 'party-line', as it were, and a conspiracy theory? It sounds easier to do than it acutally is in practice (just like a conspiracy!).

Funny thing is, the things both party-line and conspiracy stories leave out are precisely what makes each of them sustainable over time: bureaucratic and historical ignorance. This was as true of the Savings and Loan scandal and Iran-Contra, as it is of 9/11. All have significant chunks of bureaucratic ineptitude at their core...and all have generated explanations that range from the sane a well-reasoned to the nut-house variety.

The 4 murders of the leading Left figures in the 60's?...Now that's a conspiracy.

Anyway, it was Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick.

Enjoy...

Anyway, it was Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick.

Enjoy...

Posted by: DCtoPhillyAndBack | March 4, 2008 03:17 PM

****************

I thought it was Debbie, in Dallas, with Mr. Hardwicke?

Christopher and Shakes, you're both way off base with your comment. Here's what she said:

"I think we're lied to about a number of things," Cotillard said during an interview with a French television program, singling out the World Trade Center attacks as an example of conspiracy by the United States government for political ends.

"We see other towers of the same kind hit by planes. Are they burned? There was a tower, I believe it was in Spain, that burnt for 24 hours. It never collapsed. None of these towers collapsed. And there [in New York], in a few minutes, the whole thing collapsed."

The 32-year-old French actress jeopardized the good will created by her Oscar win by suggesting that the towers, planned in the early 1960s, were an outdated "money sucker" that would have cost more to update than to destroy.

"It was a money-sucker because they were finished, it seems to me, by 1973, and to re-cable all that, to bring up-to-date all the technology and everything, it was a lot more expensive, that work, than destroying them," she said.

So, Christopher and Shakes, basically, she's suggesting that the U.S. government was somehow involved in some conspiracy (before or after the fact) to blow up the WTC in order to save money because renovating the WTC would have been too expensive.

This isn't offensive to you? Clearly, she's insulting SOMEONE, if not many people. I mean, she's suggesting that 3000 people died because SOMEONE thought it would be cheaper to blow up the WTC than renovate it.

Moreover, she must also believe that the planes were hijacked and flown into the WTC (and Pentagon, though she doesn't explain where that fits in) as a cover for . . . something else. Maybe C4 explosives strategically placed throughout the building?

Basically, she's insulting anyone in the government by suggesting that they mass-murdered all those people on 9/11. On top of that, her whole using-planes-as-a-cover theory is just stupid. Oh, and her beliefs about the moon are even dumber.

Cheney - is that you posting under Ryan again?

Well, I don't think it's a European thing, quite frankly, given the numbers of Americans who have pushed the whole conspiracy theory. The only vids I saw on the purported conspiracy were American-english speaking. I think Cotillard sounds like a gullible person who probably is not good at thinking for herself, but she is an actress and not required to understand -- well, much of anything, frankly. I thought her Oscar was deserved based on her acting, and I still do. Don't expect so much from celebrities.

I don't love her opinions, but they're her opinions, so I'll let it slide. Like Liz mentioned, as much as I hate it, Cotillard's hardly the only one to buy into those conspiracy theories. I've come across my fair share of Americans who say the same.

I think the bigger issue is most definitely the timing. I think the point plenty of people and media are missing is the timeline. How can she "jeopardize the good will created by her Oscar win [in 2008] by suggesting" something in 2007? She's not using her Oscar as a platform to broadcast her opinions. She made a comment to French media and a French public when she was more or less unknown to the American public. I think the All About Eve comparison doesn't apply in this case.

She has apologized, it was taken out of context, she is French, talented and gorgeous. Give her a break.

I'm with Chasmosaur on this one - though I'm lucky enough to have not run into any conspiracy crazies.

If I really disagree with what an actor does, I go out of my way to avoid their work (Cruise, Gibson, Polanski are all examples already cited). This does make me less likely to check out her movie. On a semi-related note, did you know that guy from "Fear Factor", Joe Rogan, is a "moon landing was a hoax" conspiracy buff? Not sure of his views on 9/11, but I wouldn't be shocked if he thought that was fake, too.

Other than a preface of "Some people but not me believe that", I'm not sure in what context her comments would have been anything other than stupid.

That said, I'm not going to boycott her movies over this. It's just one misstep. When she approaches Rosie O'Donnell level, then we'll see.

I agree that we're likely a little oversensitive about it here, because it hits close to home.

She was asked, and gave her opinion - no matter how idiotic it was. But one doesn't go to actors to get academic validation, usually.

Now, if she was actively pushing the conspiracy to the greater public, I'd have a problem with her, otherwise I just see her as misinformed.

And don't forget, Richard Belzer is a huge conspiracy theorist. I've seen him on Alex Jones's public access show a few times. But I still like Det. Munch.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion including this dimbulbfrenchactressbroad.

What I don't get is the denial of the obvious not only by her but others who believe it was a govt. conspiracy- why would the government be involved in destroying privately owned buildings because they were an "outdated 'money sucker' that would have cost more to update than to destroy". What does the government stand to gain from this action?What about the attack on the Pentagon and the downing of the plane in Pennsylvania that occurred on the same day- what was that, a front to enable the destruction of the WTC buildings?! Not to mention the most heinous thing of all- the killing of 2000+ persons so someone could save money?!If these wacky theories were ever proven to the American people, the government could risk anarchy- why would it do that?

Before speaking (especially when making infammatory assertions about one of the most tragic days in history), I would beg these twits to think and have at least an intelligent explanation for their theories.

An actor's, radio-show host, TV host, or author's opinions don't really affect my world view--as a college graduate (which most actor's are not), I feel fully able to form my own judgments/opinions without their help.

Does her ranting about these supposed conspiracies US make me hate her? No. Does her ranting these supposed conspiracies make me less inclined to join her fan-club...sure. But the only 'actors' I actively boycott are those who are stupid, self-promoting, and have no talent. (LiLo comes to mind).

The most troubling thing about the whole issue is not her moronic opinions - it's that anyone looks to actors or actresses or other empty-headed celebrities for guidance about politics, history, health, morality or any other important issue. Her opinions aren't important (at least, to anyone but her, just as your opinion or mine isn't necessarily important to anyone but ourselves) - that people give celebrities' opinions inordinate weight is important, in a quite alarming way. We should seek the opinions of the educated and the expert, not of the botoxed and anorexic.

Dear B.B.:

Us simple folks without a lot of fancy book learnin' are sure glad that college edjumacated folks like you can form your own opinions. It's good to know that nobody with a college degree could ever be ignorant or gullible, otherwise we'd have nobody to tell us how to think!

Liz-

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Arthur--I'm sure he's making LOLs in the great beyond! All the best to you, Mr. Liz, and Page.

"So, you tell me -- is this a drummed up attempt to tarnish Cotillard's image?"

Yet another conspiracy theory. I wonder how many angels could dance on your head?

Proxl: Really, Juicy? What if the conspiracy theory were more along "The Turner Diaries" or "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion"?

Eeh, still wouldn't care. I'm not an easily offended person. And, I'm just talking about watching a movie not having her babysit my kid. "Beyond the pale"...whatev.

So, wait a minute, because I think Marion is an idiot and her conspiracy theories are both insulting and just crazy, I must be an arch-right wing Republican????!!??? Um, how are the two related?

You see, I'm a liberal Democrat. But just because I'm a liberal Democrat doesn't mean I'm going to start lying or making up sh**. I think there are plenty of things wrong with Bush and Cheney. So, why would I need to make up any more stuff? In fact, I would argue that it weakens liberals' case for getting elected if they start lying and making things up about their opponents. If you really believe that your set of principles of governance are better, then you don't need to invent anything.

Really, Shakes, you're an idiot.

I really don't think it matters what she thinks. She's a fine actor, not a politician or policy wonk.

Also, I'm wondering who translated her reply on the French television show.
There can be a lot lost in translation.

If she did say that, it's regrettable.

However she doesn't deserve to be relegated to the dustbin of foreign-film.

Also, I went to the Paris Derniere Web site and it turns out that that program was a Marion Cotillard special (I think she had won an award for the Piaf film or something).

All the site gives us is the breakdown. No video: http://www.paris-premiere.fr/cms/display.jsp?id=p2_536124&occId=p2_533983&source=p2_536151

The idea that a year-old French interview in which Marion Cotillard ruminated about theories on 9/ll should create a scandal is nonsense. This is the most brilliant and engaging of the "new generation" of film actors, and everyone in Hollywood wants to work with her. Opinions on politics are just as pertinent to acting as opinions on morality or global warming. Half of my friends have political opinions I think are looney, and I still love them. I suggest Mlle. Cotillard seek out some of those whom she met in Hollywood recently for insights.George Clooney is politically engaged; Sharon Stone is very smart and been abused by the press; Angelina Jolie lives in a real firestorm of criticism every time she walks out of the house. Any of them, and many others, could provide help not only on how to handle this dust-up, but also to adjust to Marion's new status in her profession. This old interview was brought forward at the beginning of March by an anti-French British tabloid, and if you look at the Net, it's still being pushed primarily by the British press. I guess that's what Marion gets for winning the BAFTA over two Brits, one Canadian, and one Australian -- the press went looking for somethinhg to discredit her. The girl has already apologized; it's stupid to continue listening to the dark side of American life -- the France haters, the namecallers,the artist haters, and so on.

To say that you do not believe a government has given you all of the information is understandable. To say that 9/11 was a hoax is absurd. It's like saying the holocaust didn't happen. I'd like that lady to say that to the face of someone who lost a loved one in the 9/11 attacks and then see if it was a hoax to them...

Her comment was tactless and ignorant and she absolutely should expect backlash.

Look as long as she spoke in French it does not count. Lost in Translation you'll...

Marion is the babe.

Someone needs to give her that issue of Popular Mechanics which debunked all of the ridiculous conspiracy theories one by one. But put me in the camp of "How could anyone be so stupid", but I'm not going to join in the French bashing. I've met many lovely Frenchmen and women that disproved the "rude Parisien" stereotype, and I'm not getting on that us vs. them bandwagon.

She's been mentioned in the same sentence as Charlie Sheen and Rosie O'Donnell. Isn't that punishment enough? Oh, the humanity.

Marion Cotillard did to America's 9/11 what Kelly Pickler did to Hungary.

I'd like to point out that over 50% of the American people believe that Saddam Hussein had something to do with 9/11, which is no less inane than any of the various conspiracy theories floating about.

In fact, I would say that I am much more offended by the Hussein allegations being believed than any of the conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories can usually be justified or refuted based on the evidence presented. The Hussein reference is 100% unprovable, because the only "proof" that has been presented is the absence of evidence to the contrary.

It's a flat out lie, yet we would rather focus our frustration on Marion Cotillard and the Dixie Chicks, rather than where it truly belongs.

Our country is so fu*ked up.

To Alexandria at 7:55 am, who said, "I'd like that lady to say that to the face of someone who lost a loved one in the 9/11 attacks and then see if it was a hoax to them..."

See, this is what I don't get. Are the people who lost loved ones on 9/11 somehow deserving of more or less respect depending on who did it? What if Osama bin Laden himself had piloted one of the planes--should someone who died as a result of it receive more respect or be entitled to more money from the 9/11 fund? I realize that this is close to home for some people and I'm not being disrespectful, but it's a senseless tragedy, period, and the methodology is, frankly, irrelevant. I wouldn't expect my family to mourn me more if I died in a terrorist attack than any other random, senseless way. Let's all back off a little from the knee-jerk reactions provoked when anyone, anywhere mentions 9/11 and try to gain a little perspective.

I don't really know/care what Ms. Cotillard's education/academic background are but, with a few notable exceptions, most actors aren't the brightest bulbs on the porch. Their job is to look good, be able to memorize dialog, and emote. So why do we care about their opinions on everything including politics, spirituality, global monetary policy, structural engineering, environmental issues, etc? Why give any credence to any thought uttered on any subject other than the only one on which Ms. Cotillard has any claim to qualifications? The answer is, we shouldn't.

That said, I can't fully divorce my feelings for the person from my feelings for their work as an artist. This is one reason I prefer not to know much about artists (actors, musicians, writers, etc.). If I know someone beats their spouse, it is difficult not to have that thought intrude on that tender love scene I'm watching on screen. If I know someone is a Holocaust denier, it is difficult to totally buy their portrayal as a benificent and giving human being. I need to be able maintain a certain distance.

Oh, and I still think the French (especially Parisians) are jerks.

This is really a non-story.

If Cotillard's comments had come after her Oscar win, that would be a story.

What happened here is, this woman wins an Oscar, so someone goes out and starts digging dirt. Typically American behavior.

This is so stupid.

Cotillard is young; give her a break. She's also a brilliant actress. Some Amercans may be outraged but in the end, Americans are forgiving, at least those not of the Rush Limbaugh type. I just wish Cottilard's pseud0-apolgy had gotten more news than her faux paux.

I don't think doubting Conspiracy Theories about 9/11 is the same as doubting the event of 9/11. As to the first one--doubt-away my sister--I'm with you on that. As to the second one, I think her rebuttal more than indicates she has no doubts about the event.

Dears American's friends,I would like to say to you ,not to attach too much importance to the remarks of this small frenchwoman who listen to a little much certain speechs of a small share of our country,some anti-american's primary education;French love you,my family,gratefully,in first

Dears American's friends,I would like to say to you ,not to attach too much importance to the remarks of this small frenchwoman who listen to a little much certain speechs of a small share of our country,some anti-american's primary education;French love you,my family,gratefully,in first

You know, the sad thing is that so many Americans are still looking for an excuse to hate the French. Michael Moore and Rosie O' Donnell have been saying the same nonsense for years, but when a French woman says it, OMG! The French are all ungrateful sobs! Seriously, its sad how so many Americans are closet, hypocritical bigots. We can't insult the Arabs because there are to many of them, but since the French have no organization representing them here, their fair game. Disgusting.

"So, wait a minute, because I think Marion is an idiot and her conspiracy theories are both insulting and just crazy, I must be an arch-right wing Republican????!!??? Um, how are the two related?"

You could be a republican posing as a democrat,Ryan. Its the internet, and no one knows who or what you really are. If your liberal however, than how do you explain this:

"She's absolutely part of that leftist, wacko European line of thinking. And, no, most of you who consider yourselves liberals would not fit in with them over there. To be a liberal in the U.S. is being a centrist or conservative in Europe. (Conservatives in the U.S. is like being a right-wing nationalist in Europe.)"

Thats the first time I ever heard a liberal use the phrase "leftist wacko". Any many people already consider American conservatives as right-wing nationlists.

"Oh, and I still think the French (especially Parisians) are jerks."

differentalexandria, bigots like you don't think. They let others do the thinking for them.

We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.

User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.