Clooney caught in crossfire as war breaks out over latest film
Former friends behind 'Men Who Stare At Goats' draw star into bitter row over credits
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Geraint Lewis/Reuters
John Sergeant was credited in the book by Jon Ronson, left, but was not mentioned in the film of the book, prompting Sergeant to write to one of the film?s stars, George Clooney, right, to air his grievances R
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The writer and journalist Jon Ronson must have been thrilled when he learned that George Clooney and Ewan McGregor were to be cast in a film inspired by his book, The Men Who Stare at Goats.
But, in advance of the nationwide premiere of the movie this Friday, Ronson's moment of glory is in danger of being tarnished by claims of betrayal by his one-time best friend and fellow documentary-maker, John Sergeant. Sergeant, 51, who has worked with Ronson for years, has accused him of "airbrushing" him out of the story, and is now seeking redress by taking his gripes straight to George Clooney, dragging the actor into the row.
He claims he spent two years in Los Angeles, from November 2001 to 2003, researching and gathering material for the TV series Crazy Rulers of the World, which was broadcast on Channel 4 in 2004, and from which Ronson's bestselling book was spawned. He says he found key figures on which the story was based, and persuaded them to speak on camera.
Ronson's work is a non-fictional account of the American government's attempt to harness paranormal abilities as part of a top-secret military programme. It is understood that Ronson signed a contract which allowed him to write a book based on the series and that the film rights were then sold.
Sergeant told The Independent: "I worked intensely through 2003 and 2004 on it." He said that, had the material remained within the context of a documentary, he would happily have let the matter go.
"I never formally agreed for the material I unearthed to be used in other media," he added, "and I was extremely uncomfortable when it was, especially when I was airbrushed out of things. Ewan McGregor is playing this character who finds the story. [Jon] presents that person as [himself] but really, it is me."
The film tells the story of a reporter (ostensibly Ronson) played by McGregor, who comes across a man named Lyn Cassady while searching for his next big story. Cassady, played by Clooney, claims to be part of an experimental US military unit which includes a band of "warrior monks" with the ability to read the enemy's thoughts, pass through walls and kill goats simply by staring at them (hence the film's peculiar title).
While Sergeant was credited in the book – which Ronson dedicated to him, and which included an afterword commending his research and guidance – the film makes no mention of his contribution. The film-makers state that the work is "inspired by Jon Ronson" but do not acknowledge Sergeant in any way.
Ronson declined to comment for legal reasons.
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Comments
I wonder if the notedly self-deprecating Mr. Ronson would care to comment on this story in yesterday's 'Independent' (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-ente
It seems that 'Goats' is - how to put this - not quite all his own work. And that much of it was done by his producer and researcher John Sergeant who was subsequently 'airbrushed' out of the film version of events.
There is, of course, no suggestion that this was done in order for Mr Ronson to pocket as much of the cash as possible. Nor to claim credit where it was not due. Such allegations, were they true, would no doubt result in a new phrase being banded about media-land, where such sharp practices are a way of life: "Sorry mate, you've been Ronsoned!"
Will an investigation take place.
Will he dare give account of his actions?
Is there more to come ? Does he think this was too easy ?
I've known John Sergeant too long to mention and heard his doubts and disappointment for too long also. I am glad he has taken , finally and with some regret after personal appeals to Ronson failed, this decision to publically denounce such betrayal.
Marcus Corbett
You're right. The more I think of that, the more reprehensible I find Ronson's actions.
At the same time, Ronson/Sergeant were largely following in the footsteps of author Jim Schnabel, who in the mid 1990s in a Channel Four doc and a book (as well as an Independent on Sunday feature) had already presented much of the same basic material on US govt. sponsored paranormal research (the Stubblebine story, the Christy McNichol anecdote, the CIA's interest in Uri Geller, the link to MKULTRA, etc., etc.). But you would not know this from reading Ronson's book or seeing his documentary, would you? Schnabel has posted on this at http://jimschnabel.com/journalistic-plu
Still, unseemly enough. Can't the man just make modest restitution to his ex-friend and get on with things?
Also, Cheap Rom Gold I didn't find any of the secret levels on the snowy island. The shinies don't show up against a white Rom Power Levevling background. Can you tell me which paddocks to look at more closely?