Merrill on Dutcher

The first volley fired in response to Richard Dutcher's controversial comments on Mormon cinema and his own relationship to Mormonism was fired by Kieth Merrill, in a Daily Herald opinion piece published on Saturday April 14 entitled "Dutcher comments showed arrogance." Merrill was responding in a defensive mode to Dutcher's critical comments about the LDS films Merrill produced for viewing at the Legacy Theater. Here's a taste: "The condescending tone and pretentious arrogance of this guy is unbelievable. No self-image problem here. Or is it in fact the opposite? Dutcher's reaction to his own failure and rejection by the Mormon audience has obviously prompted him to take the stance that everybody is out of step but him."

Merrill then quickly posted "Kieth Merrill apology" on Monday April 16. In it he said:

My outrageous and over-reactive response to Richard's editorial in the Daily Herald was inappropriate and wrong. I was wrong in doing it. I was mostly wrong in what I said. There were reasons, of course, but none of them qualify as an acceptable excuse for my bad behavior. I regret my actions and my words. I apologize for my sarcasm, criticism and condemnations. I am sorry. I have asked Richard and Gwen to forgive me.

He closed with, "I wish Richard well in his righteous endeavors and pursuit of cinematic truth." If nothing else, this pointed exchange of comments will bring a lot of attention to LDS cinema.

Comments

[Geoff J]

Good for Merrill for posting that apology. I think it was needed after that kneejerk first reaction of his.

[Kim Siever]

I am glad he posted the apology, but I still have a rotten taste in my mouth after reading the first open letter. I found it amusing that he accused Dutcher of being condescending and arogant.

[Tom]

Dutcher's piece was arrogant, as his posturing over the past few years has been, and it was right of Merrill to point that out. But he definitely went way over the line.

[John Mansfield]

The bit from Dutcher that drew Merrill out was as rude as Merrill's response, though briefer, reading more or less "How do hacks like Merrill, hiding their lack of talent behind 'family values,' find work? I don't know; nepotism maybe." It was still foolish of Merrill to publish on Saturday something he would need to disavow on Monday. But he couldn't help it; none of them can help it. They're artists, so their hearts belong on their sleeves, and their insults back and forth belong in general circulation newspapers.

[Barry Eidenberg]

Here is how I see it...

Call Dutcher's piece as arrogant as you want, but not once did he shamelessly plug any of his work as Heimerdinger and Merrill did. I hope there are LDS filmmakers who take his words to heart and create something fresh and new.

[Tom]

Barry,
Whether Dutcher's self-important posturing is "shameless" is a matter of opinion, I suppose. But he is constantly "plugging" his own work. He tacitly plugs his own work every time he takes the podium to uphold his work and his approach as the standard to which Mormon filmmakers should aspire.

[john f.]

John M., nice analysis -- I think you're right. I was saddened by both Dutcher's words and by Merrill's response. I knew Merrill would instantly regret it.

Dave, thank you for posting on this apology. I hope those who have criticized Merrill based on his words -- which deserved criticism -- can see that this is a sincere apology that doesn't seek to excuse the behavior that is the subject of the apology. This type of an apology, in my opinion, is a sign of a fundamentally good person.

[Seth R.]

Reminds me of the personality spats among the teenagers in my high school drama program.

[Ronan]

I so don't care about all this posturing. It's childish all the way 'round. All that matters is that I have enjoyed Dutcher's movies.

[Ann]

Seth R., once again, you hit the nail on the head. I bow to your insights and your priceless way of phrasing them.

[Kim Siever]

Couldn't agree less, Ronan.

[Matt W.]

Ronan, which did you like more from Dutcher, "Work and the Story" or "The Singles Ward"? I mean, he was a pretty authentic pizza man, But playing himself with a beard in a movie making fun of mormon cinema while at the same time being the worst example of mormon cinema...wow...