Following an impossible and undignified hiatus, Pablum Biolab is returning to fling fetid spats of furious opinion vaguely in the direction of the movie world and rant ineffectually at the world at large.
NOT DISAPPOINTED, BUT DISAPPOINTED
I didn’t watch the Golden Globes last night, nor would I ever watch such a precious hit-parade of vacuous backslapping and glittering pomposity, but I kind of wish that I had now. Not because I’m disappointed to have the missed the tasteless Vegas reject set, or the latest slew of plastic surgey hissed tattle-tale gossip or the simply fabulously expensive outfits. In fact, to steal from the great Tom Waits, you could put all of my desire to watch the Golden Globes inside a thimble and still have room for you and me. And I’m a fat bastard.
WANKING AWAY CASH
Like the Royal Wedding (hurrah!), these sorts of over the top glitz displays of the rich and famous literally wanking away vast swathes of cash just seem totally inappropriate in this climate of austerity when people who previously could just about afford Ipods now can’t even get a loan to buy an Ipod on finance. And also, there are still people starving in this world. There is still a mass of third world debt and masses of people living in plastic bags without a Mac Book Air to call their own and with people wanting to kill them. I know it’s Bono’s job to bleat on about that like some vomitoriously insincere stuck record, and I know we pretend we don’t care about the starving and destitute, but I do feel a little bit sick that some people in London have 2 or 3 Iphones and there are refugees starving out there who don’t even have an old school Nokia to call their own.
Anyway, once again I get distracted by the shiny world of real issues.
CUDDLY ABUSE
What I was essentially saying is that the Golden Globes and all those similar ceremonies are totally removed from the real world and actually are probably harbingers of the apocalypse in the sense that we obviously don’t care about our fellow human beings. Pffft. Change the record.
However, you could almost forget all this by virtue of the fact that Ricky Gervais was hosting the damn thing. Obviously, as a person who enjoys comedy, I have a bit of a jones for Ricky. In a world filled with the dead-eyed torments of Adam Sandler comedies and Jennifer Aniston torture vehicles, he’s continually proved that he has the ability to be a truly funny, sharp-mouthed bastard who genuinely says things. Sure, he’s not quite Bill Hicks, but at least he knows who Bill Hicks was.
And at the Globes, his opening speech unleashed a torrent of cuddly abuse that was as lovely to behold as it was horrible.
Here are some of the best things from that:
- “It’s going to be a night of partying and heaving drinking — or as Charlie Sheen calls it: breakfast.”
- “Everything this year was three-dimensional, except the characters in The Tourist. I feel bad about that joke. I’m jumping on the bandwagon, because I haven’t even seen that movie. Who has?”
- “Do you want to go see Cher? No. Why not? Because it’s not 1975.”
- “There were a lot of big films that didn’t get nominated. Nothing for Sex and the City 2. I was sure the Golden Globes for special effects would go to the team that airbrushed that poster.”
- “Also not nominated I Love You Phillip Morris. Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Two heterosexual actors pretending to be gay. So, the complete opposite of some famous Scientologist… My lawyers helped me with the wording of that joke.”
- “Our first presenter is beautiful, talented, and Jewish apparently. Mel Gibson told me that. He’s obsessed. Please welcome Scarlett Johansson.”
- “Who is our next presenter from such films as Hudson Hawk, Look Who’s Talking, Mercury Rising, Color of Night, The Fifth Element, Hart’s War. Please welcome Aston Kutcher’s dad, Bruce Willis.”
- “Next up, Eva Longoria has the daunting task of introducing the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press. That’s nothing, I had just had to help him off the toilet and pop his teeth in.”
- “I love this next presenter; he’s so cool. He’s the star of Iron Man. Two Girls and a Guy. Wonderboys. I’m sorry are these porn films? Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Bowfinger? Up the Academy. Come on! He has done all of those films, but many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as The Betty Ford Clinic and the Los Angeles County Jail. Robert Downey, Jr.”
- “And thank you to God. For making me an atheist.”
LASHED TO A CRUCIFIX WHILST TENDING TO A BABY
Apparently, he was absent from some of the ceremony after this (the very virtue that it’s called a ceremony speaks volumes of the cultish quasi-religious voodoo of our celebrity infested eyebrains), no doubt being given a good talking to by some do-gooing idiot or being lashed to some crucifix by a rifle weiling pricklet. And when he returned, reports say he was somewhat chastened. Gosh- I wish I’d watched the damn thing now instead of tending to an 8 month old baby.
Well, I doubt it matters to Mr Gervais anyway. He’s achieved what he wanted. He said after presenting this shame-fest last year that he didn’t think he ‘went far enough’ and that this year he guaranteed they ‘will not invite me back.’ He said he was going to ‘go out there, guns blazing, like it’s the end of the world.’ Good. It is.
And the best thing out of all this? The real story? Well, the real story isn’t actually what Ricky Gervais said at all. He’s essentially inconsequential in all this. The real story is the ridiculous response from the (mostly American) press and public, which is as hair-raisingly terrifying in its lumpen brain-addled vitriol and ignorance as it is gaspingly hilarious.
When Flavourwire.com ran its own response to Gervais’ performance (http://flavorwire.com/143181/golden-globes-2011-ricky-gervaiss-top-10-zingers-of-the-night), the story was followed by a wash of crazy response from the wider world, which I present below for your delectation and amusement. They get better the further down you go, as the extreme viewpoints come out and the daggers are drawn. Of course, you can’t take anyone seriously if they don’t take the trouble to spell and punctuate properly.
All of this is properly scary and I’m sure we are all heading into the abyss very soon and will all burn in hell. On this evidence all I can say is: Good. Flame on!
Flaming Regards
Biolab
SOME RESPONSES TO GERVAIS’ PERFORMANCE
katieH • January 16th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
love him! He wrote the jokes for the viewers not the pretentious ‘stars’ in the room. They need to learn to laugh at themselves. Love, love Ricky!
sarah • January 16th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
I thought he was totally mean. I actually turned off the show.
John • January 16th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Missing is his line about Steve Carell: “I hired him to star in a remake of a show I starred in, which he’s now leaving, killing a cash cow for both of us. Please welcome Tina Fey and the ungrateful Steve Carell!”
maria • January 16th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
i thought he was hilarious 🙂
those stars can take it – they have a lot going for em.
Jen • January 16th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I’d never heard of him before tonight and looks like I haven’t been missing out on anything.
Kate • January 16th, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Mean yet hilarious (and true). They’re actors – they’re millionares! they are asking to be made fun of. Those who can’t handle it need to get over themselves.
Jaime • January 16th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
I thought he was very funny. They knew what they were getting when they hired him to host. Too many people have no sense of humor.
Blue • January 16th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Yeah! Did you think Steve Carrell was irritated with that joke or was he taking it in good fun? Also, Bruce looked PISSED when he came out. I prolly wud be too tho…all in all I thought Ricky was hilarious!
Peggy • January 16th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
LOVE Ricky Gervais. What’s so mean about telling the truth anyway? If those star’s over inflated egos can’t take it when someone makes a joke of their lives then they either shouldn’t have decided to try to make it in Hollywood OR they should lead a nice quiet life like the stars that Ricky didn’t make fun of… Love, love, love Ricky Gervais. Also, thank god I’m an atheist as well!
Al • January 16th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Thumbs up Ricky. The “Stars” are really in need of a sense of humor about themselves.
Blue • January 16th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
@Kate “they are asking to be made fun of because they are actors & millionaires” ??? Really?! So, just b/c they wanted to be actors when they grew up, actually followed their dream (so few people dare to even TRY) AND they achieved their dream they are ASKING to be made fun of? I am sorry but I disagree & I think that statement is unfair.
Cal • January 16th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Why is everyone saying “they need to get over themselves” as if the actors who got made fun of stood up and left? Seems like they were taking it just fine.
Gervais just wasn’t funny. An annoying one trick pony.
Ricky Gervais’ #1 fan • January 16th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Ricky Gervais was hilarious. His humor is what that ego-filled room needed.
MKA • January 16th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
I LOVE him. But he is a little racy for the average white bread, Minnesota-nice American.
Goon • January 16th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
All in all the jokes are no worse than you see on late night TV daily. But if they’re in the room suddenly they’re not fair?
Raina • January 16th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Ricky Gervais introduces the next two presenters as a man whose movies have made $3.5 billion and he’s won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes… and Tim Allen.
Hollywood wankers • January 16th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
The joke about Hefner was tops! Good on ya Ricky! “I’d like to thank God for making me an atheist.” I’m still laughing. I like how people are defending these celebrities as if they have anything in common with them.
meatball • January 16th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
I like how Gervais makes fun of all the actors. He said it himself , he doesn’t make fun of things they can’t help. His best dig was the Robert Downey bit.
These award shows are so full of self engrandizement, it’s fun to see the actors being brought down a few notches.
Former Ricky Fan.. • January 16th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Was Triumph the Comic Insult Dog unavailable? He may have been a better choice – they wouldn’t have had to change anything – being as they’re the same size and everything!!!
JohnDoe • January 16th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Ricky Gervais absolutely torched some of the people in (and out) of that room. Best thing I’ve seen this year so far. And a big “LOL” goes out to all you sensitive-types who think he’s being mean to a bunch of ego-driven celebrities.
justsayin • January 16th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
They need to keep inviting Ricky back every year! His jokes were great…celebs basically hand them to him with their redic ways.
Amy • January 16th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Never heard of Rick before, but I certainly hope that I never see him again. I thought he was very obnoxious!
Also, what an uncalled for and cowardly remark to include in the last seconds of the show…….No wonder this world is the way it is!!!!!
Howie Feltersnatch • January 16th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
Ricky was brilliant. Poor little celebrities in their designer clothes handing out pointless awards to each other. They deserve a good ribbing.
the SP King • January 16th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
ricky is the guvnor!!! they definitely dropped him
selene luz • January 16th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
What a bunch of stiffies Gervais tried to entertain. Between the tv audio censorship(are we children?) and the pretentious(mostly) actors, the show was just not what it used to be—remember when there was no such thing as ‘bleeping?!’ I watched just so I could laugh at the unique comedic genius of RG! Aside from his real persona, it felt sterile and contrived. Wish I could just see him laugh every morning, it’d make going out into the world a lot easier.
Zaviar Wun • January 16th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Thank you Ricky; you killed it! This is like Colbert going after Bush at that Correspondents dinner a few years back; the room might have turned on him but for the viewer it made for a bitingly hilarious experience. Glad someone is still fearless enough to not pander to these folks. Ricky speaks the truth, regardless of what Downey or Hanks might say against him (and sorry Downey Jr., but the tone didn’t feel “sinister” to me at all, just honest).
ATHEISTS unite! • January 16th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Best line of the show: “I’d like to thank god for making me an atheist!”
Oh, this guy is great! He should host every award show.
p Short • January 16th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Hollywood and the A list actors do not exist anymore! Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg were actually in the audience listening to this crap tonight????
Lindy • January 16th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Just goes to show you that heavy drinking affects good judgment. Not surprising for an atheist!
elise maiberger • January 17th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Good on you, Ricky. You were brilliant. Hollywood stars, whiny, spoiled ego-maniacs that can’t laugh at themselves. Sorry he didn’t pander to your enormous, frail egos.
Bonnie • January 17th, 2011 at 12:03 am
I think he is funny, but I think those jokes were better suited to a one man show rather than an awards show. And the idea that anyone should have to take someone being cruel about them or someone they care about because they make money or are in a occupation that makes them well known is a ridiculous idea.
Susan • January 17th, 2011 at 12:03 am
He was totally funny, although I squirmed a little bit during the Bruce Willis and Tourist jokes. Ouch! I can’t imagine he’ll be back next year. I loved his last line most of all. If you’ve seen his current stand-up act on HBO, that one makes more sense.
Fleet • January 17th, 2011 at 12:06 am
Amy at January 16th, 2011 at 11:50 pm writes, “I thought he was very obnoxious! Also, what an uncalled for and cowardly remark to include in the last seconds of the show…….No wonder this world is the way it is!”
Yes Amy, the world is the way it is because Ricky Gervais doesn’t believe in God. You delusional, sad, sorry excuse for a human being. The world couldn’t be the way it is because of U.S. foreign policy, lack of financial regulations or the Anglo-Israeli rape of the Middle East. It has to be Ricky Gervais’ fault because he can see the forest from the trees. You are an idiot. Or a typical American. It works the same.
ya big ‘mo • January 17th, 2011 at 12:08 am
Sorry I missed it. Gervais is hilarious. Anyone that thinks these actors are Gods, needs to put down their semen stained copy of People and get a life. Not mentioning anybody in particular, but multiple punctuations are indirectly proportional to one’s IQ.
mq • January 17th, 2011 at 12:12 am
thought he was better last year
Blue • January 17th, 2011 at 12:14 am
AMEN Fleet!
Karla • January 17th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Most of these comments are ridiculous. Why are you all assuming the the actors/recipients had no sense of humor or “Couldn’t take it”? They seemed to handle him just fine. However, his sense of humor tonight would have been appropriate if he were hosting a Roasting of a celebrity. Most of his comments were not at all appropriate for an awards show! Most of all, his last comment thanking God for him being an Athiest was just insulting and stupid. It’s obviously a contradiction in itself and caused him to lose many prior Ricky Gervais fans. I enjoyed his hosting last year but his last remark leaves me feeling very sorry for him. It was just pathetic!
Cathy Alterman • January 17th, 2011 at 12:20 am
I don’t hate actors, nor do I think they need to be taken down a peg. Ricky was hilarious! Pure and simple. America, if you don’t like Ricky then you have truly lost your ability to laugh at yourselves. Ricky, I love you and so does any person with a funny bone in their body.
carolfro • January 17th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Gervais’ humor is typically British; you have to think about it for a second or two before you get it. It doesn’t hit you in the face. I think he is hilarious. Other than that, I also think he gotten a little too thin! Needs a little more weight on to be really funny. Sorry.
Kate • January 17th, 2011 at 12:25 am
@blue ok a bit of an overreaction there but I guess I should clarify. Actors who are paid millions to , yes, live their dream have room to be made fun of. So many take themselves so seriosly wihthout any self deprication… Those pol should have fun made at their expense. I don’t know why I’m responding… This is the most idiotic thing to be in conflict over but oh well.
Callie • January 17th, 2011 at 12:29 am
I felt sick after I watched the Golden Globes and I have decided I am not watching any more award shows at all. I thought Gervais was cruel and just rude to many people who are working hard or who have tried to do better with their lives (like Robert Downey, Jr.). Gervais just seems like an insecure guy who needs to make fun of others to make himself feel better, it is not funny. By his last comment in the last few seconds of the show to a home audience filled with many people who believe in God, how cowardly and offensive. I saw a bit of his most recent HBO special and I turned it off when he tried to disprove the Holy Bible. I will pray for Gervais because, as my husband says he is lost as a golf ball in high weeds.
SavedbyJesus • January 17th, 2011 at 12:33 am
Two thumbs down to you Fleet{Enema}. Blue clearly doesn’t understand that Amen is a comment after a prayer. Are you an atheist, too?
I will pray that all of you will accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior before it is too late.
Frances • January 17th, 2011 at 12:35 am
I am a huge fan of Extras and The Office, both full of mean jokes, but mean jokes are only funny when the subjects are in on the jokes (like celeb guests on Extras), or unsympathetic in some way (like David and Gareth on The Office). I felt like so many of the jokes tonight were cheap shots against people who did nothing to deserve it. The worst ones were the ones about The Tourist. Sure, it had issues but to mock it so viciously on a night everyone else was there to celebrate it was not funny and not cool.
Shay • January 17th, 2011 at 12:38 am
Gervais acted like an insensitive douche and no gentleman- isn’t a host meant to be more the latter? I’m not a fan.
kindatiredofmorons • January 17th, 2011 at 12:38 am
Fleet wrote: “Yes Amy, the world is the way it is because Ricky Gervais doesn’t believe in God. You delusional, sad, sorry excuse for a human being….”
Boy Fleet, you certainly put her in her place for being judgmental and simplistic!
Good work, Mr. Gervais, for not giving a crap about how oversensitive so many Americans (especially famous ones) are!
Angela • January 17th, 2011 at 12:42 am
If it weren’t for the British accent this could have ended up much worse. It was pretty uncomfortable to watch. I had to mute the tv when Sandra bullock came on in fear he’d say something about her divorce! The guy doesn’t hold back though so yah gotta give him credit for that.
Deb • January 17th, 2011 at 12:50 am
Very inappropriate. Comments he made about some of the stars were very inappropriate and last but not least, the comment he made about God making him an Atheist, was completely inappropriate. The show was to honor show business and the people involved, not to bash people’s religious beliefs. Won’t watch next year.
God’s Girl • January 17th, 2011 at 12:53 am
How sad that he is proud of being an atheist.
Eric Brose • January 17th, 2011 at 12:54 am
Please don’t bring back Alexa Chung on the red carpet next year. She’s obviously not comfortable around people. She should probably work I.T. instead. Between her off-putting and awkward handling of celebrities followed by Ricky Gervais’s “jokes”, it makes me wonder if there will be fewer that show up next year.
Since I’ve lost jobs in the past, I empathize with how Gervais will feel tomorrow. The introductions of Sandra Bullock and Bruce Willis were especially hideous; neither of them are jerks, but he sure was. Please bring on Carell or Stewart or Colbert or Griffin.
All of them are funnier.
dramatic irony • January 17th, 2011 at 12:56 am
Callie:
He might be the golf ball, but in that case you’re the high weeds, and whereas he’s flying, you’re cluelessly stuck stagnating.
religion isn’t the problem, atheism likewise, its the ignorance associated with both, and more often, the former…his last comment, i believe, was directed not at religion, but at the stupidity and ignorance of the shows audience.
Obscure Omen • January 17th, 2011 at 1:00 am
I, for one, found him hilarious, and if the HFPA was unhappy with his comedy/jokes, then it’s their fault for inviting him back to host. He’s well-known for his type of comedy, and he’s not going to transform into a “nice” comic overnight. Honestly, stop yelling at Ricky; he did what he said he’d do. He didn’t lie or dupe anyone.
Karla and Db: It’s called humor. Please, invest in it. Thanking God for making him an atheist isn’t insulting or bashing religion, and he’s not an idiot for saying it—he understands that thanking God for making him an atheist makes no logical sense, but he’s parodying the entire “thanking God” bit of speeches. Now, if he said that people who believe in God are stupid? Then yes, that’s insulting. But if you’re taking him seriously enough that you think that that was an insult, I think you may need to calm down and learn how to joke around. It’s as insulting as a Darwin fish. Please get over yourself. If you’re looking for insults to people of faith, how about you focus on all the bigots keeping Muslims from worshiping in peace?
On a general note, can people stop with the atheism bashing? Just respect others’ beliefs and mind your own business. Honestly.
Nadine • January 17th, 2011 at 1:02 am
Good grief people! When did we all become such self centered, egotistical people to where we can’t laugh at ourselves?
So he made jokes of others downfalls. I’m sorry, have you ever laughed at someone falling over? Because I have. So, you’re laughing at others expense, as he was doing this evening.
And when I fall over, and people laugh at me, I’m laughing right along with them. Beacuse it’s FUNNY.
So lighten up. People need to learn to laugh at themselves more. Movie stars are people, like everyone else. As my mum would say, they wipe their own bums just like we do!
disgusted • January 17th, 2011 at 1:06 am
Ricky Gervais was aweful. I happened to turn it on towards the end of the show. His comment about God was way out of line. Terrible. I wouldn’t watch him ever again.
McCoy • January 17th, 2011 at 1:19 am
To all the Gervais-bashers out there. Newsflash : He doesn’t care about losing gigs, or popularity or upsetting celebrities.
Having watched this guy from the start of his career on the 11 0′clock show onwards I am confident in saying he is grounded in reality and is not taken in by the facade of fame & celebrity.
I actually thought he went a bit “Hollywood” for a while there, but tonight he redeemed himself in my eyes and went full Bill Hicks on this celebrity obsessed country.
Well done Mr.Gervai. Nice to have you back 🙂
Amused • January 17th, 2011 at 1:20 am
I second Nadine. I laughed so hard. Love Ricky Gervais. Loved all the jokes, especially the one about Sandra! Don’t you people realize how BORING that show would be without a funny host? People who don’t enjoy Ricky have lost their sense of humor. Or they don’t appreciate dry humor. Either way, their loss. If the HFPA has him again next year, I’ll gladly tune in.
McCoy • January 17th, 2011 at 1:30 am
I remember all these celebrities waxing lyrical about Gervais’ genius off the back of The Office & Extras. Anyone who has seen his work in those should know what to expect.
His monologue in the Extras finale gives plenty of insight into the man’s views on celebrity culture. He didn’t just act it HE WROTE it! Did these people think he wasn’t sincere in that.
Regarding his atheist comment, again, he has talked of I often and mentioned it numerous times in his stand-up shows.
Why the surprise? Why the outrage?
What was so offensive anyway, it was a nice, cute ironic little closer.
No mor offensive than soldiers thanking God for helping them kill other people who are also thanking him. Who’s side is he on anyway???
Martin • January 17th, 2011 at 1:39 am
Ricky Gervais’s humor is very British in that part of its effect occurs through seeing funny things in uncomfortable situations. Gervais poked at the excessive egotism of the entertainment industry, and at the very idea of celebrity. For example, why was his joke about Bruce Willis funny? Because EVERYONE knows that Demi Moore is Bruce’s ex-wife, and that she is a ‘cougar’ married to a younger Ashton Kutcher etc etc…Ask yourself why you know exactly who he was referring to with his scientology joke?–we simply know too much as it is about the lives of celebrities. Gervais took a hammer to the cult of celebrity and I applaud him for it.
BTW, Gervais is not a ‘nobody’ or a ‘one trick pony’. He is the creator of the #1 comedy on TV (The Office) and the most downloaded podcast series ever. He’s had hit movies. In the UK he has created or starred in numerous top-rated TV shows. Thus he is as much a celebrity as many of the people he roasted tonight. He is not a jealous outsider to celebrity-dom, but an insider who is aware of the sheer absurdity that goes along with being a celebrity, and is able to point out this absurdity– as uncomfortable as it may make some feel. Again, I applaud him.
And for those of you uptight about his atheist joke, if you don’t understand the irony you ought to turn off the TV anyway and pick up a book.
Horrid • January 17th, 2011 at 1:50 am
Being a rude asshole to me is only funny, maybe, at a comedy show. It was embarrassing and difficult to watch and just way too harsh. Really, being mean is just not funny (unless you have sadistic issues)! And mean and cruel is what he was. Yes, maybe some of these movie and t.v. stars may be egomaniacs, bitches or jerks, but this is a show about honoring the art of acting, writing, creating and producing, and to those of you who hate these folks because some of them have become rich doing what they do, then quit watching these shows! I hope they will be more careful selecting the host(ess) in the future. Yuck!
Horrid • January 17th, 2011 at 1:52 am
And by the way, do ya think Betty Ford might be a very good idea for this guy!?! Yep, probably.
McCoy • January 17th, 2011 at 1:57 am
In reply to Horrid:
I NEVER watch award shows. I only watched this one because Mr.G ervais was hosting it, and I am very glad I did.
Marie • January 17th, 2011 at 2:07 am
I think he’s a total a/h. To take the liberty of conveying his personal hatred toward God at the close of the show with an atheistic comment was really disrespectful of the majority of this nation and many others watching. Gay, straight, Christiain, Jew…this is a country who’s currency and coins say’s, “In God We Trust”. Who the hell cares if he is an atheist and what is the Foreign Press thinking if they tolerate that B.S. No need for anyone to hear about peoples political or religious choices just because they are hosting a show, but it is idiotic and unacceptable to make a comment like that. He had the nerve to talk about antisemitism when he spoke of Mel Gibson and then turned around and kicked dirt in the face of people who believe in God by getting his last word in. Humor is one thing, I think he is mean-spirited. Shame on the HFPA if they have him back.
Susi • January 17th, 2011 at 2:17 am
Ha ha ha! Oh dear, squirming when I watched some of it, but still, that was true to form and hilarious and every comment had truth to it – he just said what everyone thinks but is afraid to say. It was kind of mean, but hell, they have people kissing their arses 24hours a day, I think they can take a little roasting. He commented on their foibles, it’s not like he said “Blah Blah has a big nose”, or “a fat arse”.
Oh and to all of the poor offended Christians out there, sobbing over his atheist comment, he didn’t insult your religion, he was making a funny comment on the “Thank you God” speeches so common at awards shows (more often music awards shows though). They drive me nuts. Like God has something to do with them winning or what they’ve received in life? If God is responsible for those things, then he/she/it is ALSO responsible for babies born with AIDS, children being raped, illness, death and deprivation on a massive scale. The ridiculous “Thank you God” speeches are insulting to people whose lives aren’t wonderful.
RG took a chainsaw to the egotism and self-aggrandizm of Hollywood and he was brilliant at it.
McCoy • January 17th, 2011 at 2:21 am
How can he “hate” god? He doesn’t believe in one and that’s all he said.
Would it have been offensive if he’d said he DOES believe in a god, if not then why is it offensive to state he doesn’t believe in a god, or that he doesn’t like the taste of chicken or that he doesn’t enjoy watching baseball.
How can you get upset because someone tells you they DON’T believe in something?
Do yu believe in Allah? Zeus? The Tooth Fairy? If not is it offensive to say so?
Obscure Omen • January 17th, 2011 at 2:22 am
Okay, Marie. Let’s do this.
1) So now it’s terrible to be an atheist? That’s definitely American. Or was I wrong and was America NOT settled as a haven for the persecuted religious minorities? Or that the First Amendment allows for the freedom of religion? Or that the Constitution and none of our government-making legislation contain any reference to God?
Being an atheist isn’t disrespecting other religions. Comments like the one you just posted do that well enough on their own.
2) Our currency didn’t always say “In God We Trust.” That didn’t appear on the coins until a good 70+ years after the US was founded, and it wasn’t put on our dollar bills till the 1950s. So, no, you can’t just claim that the US is a country built on God and Judeo-Christian religions, because the Founding Fathers went out of their way to make sure such language wasn’t present.
3) It’s a joke. Get over it. Just think of all the comedians who mention how they’re Jewish or Catholic or whatever during their routines—FOR COMEDIC PURPOSES. It’s no different than that. As I said before, what he said was no more disrespectful or insulting to the religious than the Darwin fish.
4) Are you really comparing antisemitism to a passing joke—a parody of the infamous “thank you, God,” speeches—about his lack of belief in God? They are not comparable. Perhaps if he’d said that religious people should be persecuted or are below the “almighty atheists,” then yes, you could make that call. But it was a passing comment made purely for comedy that didn’t single out a single religion or even put God in a negative light.
Once again: It’s a joke. Get over it. Move on. If you want to find something that’s really disrespectful, focus on how much bigotry there is against Islam in this country. Get back to me once you sort that out.
This may seem a bit over-the-top, but the double-standards that exist when talking about religion really get to you after a while. And the painful amount of ignorance.
Mutual feelings • January 17th, 2011 at 2:25 am
I do think Ricky was funny and pushed the onvolpe and said some mean but true things, but some were not necessary they were inappropirelte and uncalled for. The part about thanks to God for him being atheist not only had not thing to do with the golden globes but it didn’t make sense. Even if you are a cretian religion or aren’t that was not called fo,r I don’t care what you believe for anyone that should not have been said. Religion should not be brought up at a public thing like that and your opinion on it should not be announced.
Kate • January 17th, 2011 at 2:26 am
Ricky Gervais remark about “I’d like to thank God for being an Atheist” should have been BEEPED. It gave no one a chance to respond, not even the audience who attended. I for one will NEVER watch the Golden Globes again as it was the responsibility of the censors to bleep, beep or cover that type of comment… had he said the N word, something about Muslims or some other ethnic derogatory statement that surely would have been covered by a beep. Anytime when you present a statement like that when nobody has a chance to respond is a truly cowardly act – he shoved his beliefs down everyone’s throat…what’s wrong with our society that it is OK to put down God – HE is on our money, the constitution, our Government was founded on Christianity and whether you are a strong Christian or not this still shouldn’t be alright. And Ricky being British should not be an excuse either. Like I said, I won’t forget about this, and will NOT watch the Golden Globes next year or anytime after that. I will however, share my comments with all I know and those I don’t !! Take a stand Americans, this is OUR COUNTY which was founded on faith and belief of GOD
NorCalTopaz • January 17th, 2011 at 2:35 am
I’m not an uber-sensitive, Bible-thumping zealot. With that said, there is various types of humor and there is crossing the line.
Ricky Gervais crossed the line on more than one occasion on tonight’s Golden Globes and kudos to Robert Downey, Jr., Tim Allen, and the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press for witty retorts.
Ricky Gervais is a true ass*&le without a cause. He wishes he had one iota of the talent of a Whoopi Goldberg or a Billy Crystal.
McCoy • January 17th, 2011 at 2:37 am
RE Kate’s comments:
Can you say IRONIC??? LOLOL
The Fitness Enthusiast • January 17th, 2011 at 2:39 am
“I love this next presenter; he’s so cool. He’s the star of Iron Man. Two Girls and a Guy. Wonderboys. I’m sorry are these porn films? Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Bowfinger? Up the Academy. Come on! He has done all of those films, but many of you in this room probably know him best from such facilities as The Betty Ford Clinic and the Los Angeles County Jail. Robert Downey, Jr.”
Woah, that was a tad bit harsh.
RR • January 17th, 2011 at 3:09 am
Loved Ricky Gervais. He was completely fearless in a room full of hacks and egos. Classic last line.
Mutual feelings • January 17th, 2011 at 3:11 am
@Kate I completly agree with you they should have beeped it out but it happened so fast and was at the very end I don’t think they new it was coming or else they would have
Islamic Women Clothes • January 17th, 2011 at 3:16 am
How sad that he is proud of being an atheist.
Kate • January 17th, 2011 at 3:22 am
@NorCalTopaz nor am I an uber-sensitive, Bible-thumping zealot. Thank you for your comment.. I just get so tired of that type of thing being ok
Also thanks, Mutual Feelings.. it’s nice to know some find this type of statement unacceptable oh and isn’t there that 2 sec. or so delay for censoring? Just a thought – perhaps they should find more on the ball censors ???
Sara • January 17th, 2011 at 3:26 am
This country was founded on religious freedom…not just Christian freedom. People are also allowed to believe in God or not believe in God. And if you’re really being a good Christian then let his comments or behavior strengthen your personal testimony of your personal belief as opposed to passing judgment on someone you don’t know. And I just can’t see how it was cowardly…he will face the wrath of such statements for the rest of his career if it were really that big of a deal, not just that night. I’m not condoning all of his comments, but get a grip. If you want religious freedom you much also allow others in this country to have it as well. Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Pagan, or Atheist!
craig • January 17th, 2011 at 3:30 am
I think that hes a discrimative superioristic punk. im surprised no one bashed him back on stage, like they were too stupid and did not know what to say. if he wanted to call me out like that i would bash his face in on stage.
Sick of This Ignorance • January 17th, 2011 at 3:33 am
“Atheist” isn’t a filthy word. A parody of the exhausted “thank you, God, for _____” part of acceptance speeches isn’t a curse. It’s also not anti-religion or anti-God; it’s not meant to harm, hurt, insult, bash, or disrespect. It’s a parody. It’s humor. It’s supposed to be witty and amusing.
Now, if you didn’t find it funny, witty, and amusing, well, that’s your opinion. But some people did.
There is absolutely no reason for it to be beeped out, even if our country were a “Christian country.” (For more on that, you can always read up here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F9CNxKva2g9A_RcQIXuSWCvFQ8RpolXpO1tNhgYN3Ec/edit?hl=en. Yay for knowledge.) Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. It’s not degrading or crass, so there’s no grounds for censoring anything. If it appears degrading, it’s a matter of your own perception, not of what was said and meant. It was meant to be a witty parody; that’s it.
Thank you for your time.
Rita • January 17th, 2011 at 3:43 am
He was the only reason I tuned in to this. I haven’t seen any of the movies, don’t care about any of the stars (except maybe Robert De Niro), and he was hilarious. Thanks, Ricky! Excellent standup!
Rita • January 17th, 2011 at 3:46 am
For those upset about the ‘atheist’ remark, that’s part of Ricky’s standup routine. He’s an atheist and proud of it. Good for him! Should he hide in a closet? Get with it. It’s 2011. Plus, it’s funny.
kat • January 17th, 2011 at 4:19 am
I absolutely bloody love how many people are upset at the atheist remark!
Why don’t you all google the word SATIRE before you blow your lid over a little comment that really affects you in no way whatsoever?
Ricky was trying to piss you off, and it worked, because religious people are sickeningly predictable.
Truth • January 17th, 2011 at 4:22 am
First of all, the entire award show was a promotion for teenage fags and its okay to be married to the same sex and raise kids. Ex: “Glee”, “The Kids All Alright”. Now kids who barely know what they like and don’t like are forced into this new world. Thinking “maybe I was born this way”. Sure, still not scientifically proven… Also, does anyone’s bible, religion or whatever spiritual history says same sex marriage is ok? Therefore, his atheist comments were minor to what religion, etc is supposed to represent. He was just vocally direct, not smoky mirrors about his opinions and irony. All done as a “joke”.
Overall, my point is that the whole world is full of contradictions and very suspect. Including this fake show, honoring many who slept their way to the top, doing evil and hateful things to get where they are, using men to create babies to be single mothers, stealing husbands, adopting for publicity, treating everyday people like crap (which most of them once were and still really are). All types of stuff and we only see the results as if “talent” makes it okay. Stop praising these tainted folks, most didn’t get this far without the things mentioned above. Was Ricky’s performance right or wrong? Heck all this crap is **%# just different toilets.
Don’t drink the kool-aid!
Source: It’s no secret to those inside the business.
Excellent • January 17th, 2011 at 4:24 am
Thank you Ricky for putting a dent in the egos of these self-absorbed celebrities! This was the first Golden Globes I’ve tuned into and it was hilarious because of him.
And to all those offended by the atheist comment… This country wasn’t founded on religion, ONE of the principles it was founded on was FREEDOM of religion. That includes choosing to or not to believe in god. Thank you Ricky for being a proud atheist and not hiding what you believe. Plus, his comment wasn’t a bash on religion or god, as others have said. It was just an ironic, funny comment about how people always thank god at the end of speeches. So god bless you to all in this comment thread who understand humor and can take a good joke. 😉
craig • January 17th, 2011 at 4:49 am
looks like eveyone jumped on the ricky bandwagon. dudes not that smart, and made the award show look stupid. others on the show didnt do nothing either because they had no guts. i guess the whole world can watch and see how stupid the white people look again.
Host Ricky Gervais Rocks Golden Globes | Neon Tommy • January 17th, 2011 at 5:12 am
[…] Flavorwire has put together the top 10 Gervais zingers of the night here. […]
UraKunt • January 17th, 2011 at 5:15 am
Ha ha ha.. You’re fucking insane Kate and all you other fundies… What are you even doing watching tv? Shouldn’t you be home schooling your children or picketing a funeral somewhere?
AnneW • January 17th, 2011 at 5:49 am
Most of his jokes were mean but I’m sorry I kinda laughed at some.
Pablum from the (bio)Lablum 