Earlier this week, Shia LaBeouf had the Internets buzzing after he released his short film, HowardCantour.com. The movie stars famed comedian Jim Gaffigan, who plays a film critic. The trouble is not so much the film itself, but that it bears a striking similarity to a comic titled Justin M. Damiano, which was released in 2007.
The short film and comic both begin with the main character narrating the story with the same opening line:
“A critic is a warrior, and each of us on the battlefield have the means to glorify or demolish (whether a film, a career, or an entire philosophy) by influencing perception in ways that if heartfelt and truthful, can have far-reaching repercussions.”
Shia’s film mimics the comic again in a second scene, in which the main character has a conversation with a freelance critic. The dialogue in the short film is nearly identical to that of the comic. According to Celebuzz, there are several more instances of this throughout LaBeouf’s work.
Naturally, once the Internet caught wind of his copy-cat-ways, it wasn’t long before Shia was called out and forced to apologize. Shia tweeted his sincerest apology, stating that he was inspired by the comic and “got lost in the creative process.”
Copying isn’t particularly creative work. Being inspired by someone else’s idea to produce something new and different IS creative work.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
In my excitement and naiveté as an amateur filmmaker, I got lost in the creative process and neglected to follow proper accreditation
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
Im embarrassed that I failed to credit @danielclowes for his original graphic novella Justin M. Damiano, which served as my inspiration
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I was truly moved by his piece of work & I knew that it would make a poignant & relevant short. I apologize to all who assumed I wrote it.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I deeply regret the manner in which these events have unfolded and want @danielclowes to know that I have a great respect for his work
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
Unfortunately, it seems he even borrowed his apology from someone else – at least part of it. A section of LaBeouf’s apology appears to have been lifted from a post written on Yahoo Answers four years ago. The user writes:
“Merely copying isn’t particularly creative work, though it’s useful as training and practice.”
“Being inspired by someone else’s idea to produce something new and different IS creative work, and it may even revolutionize the ‘stolen’ concept.”
Shia later shared this short message on his Twitter:
I fucked up.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
SOURCE: CeleBuzz | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
