14 DAY TRIAL // Following threats from hackers and / or terrorists, the Sony-funded film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, “The Interview,” has failed to make it into iTunes despite Sony asking for help to sell the movie using a well-established digital distribution platform.
According to widespread reports, Apple refused, or at least didn’t want to rush into hosting the controversial film on its iTunes Store, while spokespeople for the company declined to comment on the matter.
One of 2014’s biggest controversies
“The Interview” is a movie about two journalists – one crazier than the other – who get recruited by the CIA to “take out” Kim Jong-un. The hit is planned as part of an interview that the duo had earlier scored, because Kim Jong-un is a big fan of their show.
A political comedy film, “The Interview” is directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The screenplay is signed Dan Sterling, but the story was put together by both Rogen and Goldberg along with Sterling.
Upon hearing that the movie will portray Kim Jong-un being brutally murdered, the North Korean government threatened action against the United States. The film was edited to make it more acceptable to North Korea.
In November, Sony Pictures Entertainment saw their servers hacked, with the group carrying out the attack demanding that Sony pull “The Interview.” A number of Sony high-ups, along with their families, are said to have received life threats because of the negative nature of the movie planned for release.
A group identified as the Guardians Of Peace threatened terrorist attacks against cinemas that played “The Interview.” Major North American cinema chains ended up canceling screenings, while Sony itself canceled the film’s theatrical release, drawing criticism from the media, people in Hollywood, and even U.S. President Barack Obama himself.
Apple playing it safe?
Sony eventually made “The Interview” available on December 24 via YouTube, Google Play, Xbox Video, and seetheinterview.com, as well as select cinemas on December 25.
It’s easy to assume that Apple has refused to host the movie on iTunes for safety reasons. At the same time, it’s also possible that it simply didn’t want to be rushed into a decision that it might live to regret. There’s no actual confirmation that the Mac maker turned down an offer from Sony.
For who’s asking, the film is available for watching through the aforementioned channels and (needless to point out) has even been leaked to file sharing sites.
