The streaming giant Netflix is standing by its decision to include actual deadly footage from a 2013 incident in Quebec its recent breakout original film “Bird Box.”
The film shows video from the 2013 Lac-Megantic rail disaster in Quebec.
During this incident, an unmanned freight train car carrying Bakken Formation crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic, caught fire — and exploded.
As a result, 47 people died and more than 30 buildings were destroyed. It was the fourth deadliest Canadian rail accident of all time.
The Netflix movie used a TV news montage to reflect the film’s eerie concept. Played by Sandra Bullock, a woman and two children travel blindfolded through a forest so that they’re not killed by supernatural entities who force people to commit suicide if they look at the demons.
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Regardless of the tragic nature of the event, a Netflix spokesperson told the Associated Press, “We will keep this clip in the movie. That said, the move has been met with criticism and support.”
Lac-Megantic Mayor Julie Morin was among those unhappy with Netflix’s use of the clip, saying it indicated a “lack of respect.”
“We find that it’s really a lack of respect to use these images as fiction and entertainment,” the mayor said. “It’s hard enough for our citizens to see these images when they [the images] are used normally and respectfully on the news.”
She changed her tone on Thursday, however, after speaking with a Netflix representative.
“They’ve committed to reflecting with their partners on the use of these images so that the situation does not repeat itself,” Morin said in a statement.
“We also felt they were sensitive to our citizens’ recovery. I’m satisfied with the exchange.”
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo asked his Twitter followers if they found the use of the footage to be “insensitive or artistic license?” — and received multiple perspectives.
Netflix won't remove actual footage of a Quebec train wreck from #BirdBoxNetflix . Insensitive or artistic license? Thoughts? https://t.co/2Nk9meVRiU
— Raymond Arroyo (@RaymondArroyo) January 18, 2019
One user named Regina Farrell tweeted, “If you wanted to depict a massive explosion at the Pentagon in your movie, you would never use footage from 911. This event in Quebec caused significant loss of life and is still very painful a mere 5 years later. To use it is disrespectful to the deceased and their loved ones.”
If you wanted to depict a massive explosion at the Pentagon in your movie, you would never use footage from 911. This event in Quebec caused significant loss of life and is still very painful a mere 5 years later. To use it is disrespectful to the deceased and their loved ones.
— Regina Farrell (@ReginaFarrell9) January 18, 2019
Another agreed, saying, “Saw the movie, but I don’t see how it is in good taste. It was a very traumatic event for the community.”
Saw the movie, but I don't see how it is in good taste. It was a very traumatic event for that community
— George Moore (@GeorgeWBushRox) January 18, 2019
However, another commenter argued, “Atrocities happen in every cities all across the world.”
“Are films to be made with a #Mars background?”
Atrocities happen in every cities all across the world. Are films to be made with a #Mars background ?♀️?♂️
— Rocky USA ??? (@rockyJupiter25) January 18, 2019
So far, “Bird Box” has been a major success.
In a letter sent to shareholders on Thursday, Netflix claimed the movie had been viewed 80 million times in just four weeks.
Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.
Tom Joyce is a freelance writer from the South Shore of Massachusetts. He covers sports, pop culture, and politics and has contributed to The Federalist, Newsday, and other outlets.
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