Randy Quaid sues 'Brokeback' producers

muchlove · March 23rd, 2006, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Randy Quaid Sues Over 'Brokeback'
Actor claims producers defrauded him

By TMZ.COM STAFF
(Mar. 23) -- Randy Quaid has filed a lawsuit claiming he was done in by producers of 'Brokeback Mountain.'

TMZ obtained a copy of the lawsuit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming producers falsely represented the movie to him as \"a low-budget, art house film, with no prospect of making any money.\" Qauid claims the representations were a ruse from the beginning. 'Brokeback' has grossed around $160 million.

Quaid's suit claims that in 2004, he met with director Ang Lee, who offered him the role of Joe Aguirre. The suit alleges that Lee told Quaid: "We can't pay anything, we have very little money, everyone is making a sacrifice to make this film."

The suit does not specifically state how much Quaid made, but it does claim that the defendants "were engaged in a 'movie laundering' scheme designed to obtain the services of talent such as Randy Quaid on economically unfavorable art film terms..."

The suit asks for $10 million in damages as well as punitive damages. It also seeks "restitution for all ill-gotten gains."

TMZ

Grimmlok · March 23rd, 2006, 11:53 PM

that's a joke, right

muchlove · March 24th, 2006, 12:03 AM

He's just pissed that they didn't pay him very much, and then the movie did well. But... you know, you need to figure that shit out before you agree to do the movie. He knew Ang Lee was directing it... it's not like Ang makes crappy little movies. It had big stars in it, controversial subject matter.... do the math, buddy.

hello · March 24th, 2006, 12:09 AM

Ang Lee knew what the potential was and could've written in a percentage of the box office receipts or whatever for Mr. Quaid.

Grimmlok · March 24th, 2006, 12:21 AM

Yeah, or Mr. Quaid could have negotiated for it.

hello · March 24th, 2006, 12:30 AM

well, since there is probably extra money to give quaid for his performance in the film I think they should give it to him.

muchlove · March 24th, 2006, 12:57 AM

I thought he did a great job in the movie... he probably deserved more than he got.

hello · March 24th, 2006, 01:24 AM

See, it would've benefited Ang Lee to give Quaid more money after he saw that the profit was going to be insane just for the sake of Karma, but noooo Mr. Lee has to be forced to do what is honorable and just. Tsk, Tsk.

feliciakb · March 24th, 2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

Yeah, or Mr. Quaid could have negotiated for it.

Couldn't agree more. Maybe he should fire his agent for not properly representing his interests? Anyway, I don't think anyone involved knew for certain how much of a success the film would be.

Voodoo Child · March 24th, 2006, 02:37 AM

I am probably the only one who doesn't have any interest in seeing this film!!

pacific breeze · March 24th, 2006, 02:49 AM

It's not up to the director. The producers negotiate fees and backend deals. There is a lot of creative accounting in Hollywood. Movies that have made more than a $100 million somehow never turn a profit when it comes to handing out the dough.

feliciakb · March 24th, 2006, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo Child

I am probably the only one who doesn't have any interest in seeing this film!!

Nah, I haven't seen it and probably won't. I've heard so much about it that I feel like I've seen it already.

olivia720 · March 24th, 2006, 04:46 AM

Uh, this tool doesn't have a case.

And incidentally, isn't this going to give him a really bad rep? Oh I can't wait to hire randy quaid and possibly get sued if the movie does well!!

AliceInWonderland · March 24th, 2006, 02:52 PM

whatta dumb bitch!

the highlight of his career was the National Lampoons vacation movies