'I feel terrible about that': Sam Elliott apologises for calling Power Of The Dog a 'piece of s*** Western'

‘I feel terrible about that’: Sam Elliott apologises for calling Power Of The Dog a ‘piece of s*** Western’

Apr 11, 2022

Sam Elliott has apologised for his criticism of Jane Campion’s film The Power Of The Dog, saying he feels “terrible” about what he said.

The US actor had described the Oscar nominee as a “piece of s*** Western” with “allusions of homosexuality”, adding about New Zealander Campion: “What the f*** does this woman from down there know about the American West?”

But speaking during a promotion for his series 1883, hosted by Deadline, Elliot admitted: “I wasn’t very articulate about it. I didn’t articulate it very well.

“I said some things that hurt people, and I feel terrible about that.

“I (said) that I thought Jane Campion was a brilliant director.

“I want to apologise to the cast of The Power Of The Dog – brilliant actors all, in particular Benedict Cumberbatch.

“I can only say that I’m sorry, and I am. I am.”

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‘Friends on every level’

Elliott added an apology for how his comments were received by the gay community, saying: “The gay community has been incredible to me my entire career. And I mean by entire career, from before I got started in this town.

“Friends on every level, in every job description – up until today, with my agent, my dear friend of a number of years.

“I’m sorry that I hurt any of those friends and someone I loved and anyone else by the words that I used.”

Elliott’s original comments about the film had come during an appearance on the WTF Podcast With Marc Maron.

He had compared the film’s portrayal of cowboys to Chippendale dancers who “wear bow ties and not much else” and who are “running around in chaps and no shirts”.

‘He’s not a cowboy, he’s an actor’

Campion had responded to Elliott’s comments by telling Deadline last month: “I think it’s really unfortunate and sad for him, because he has really hit the trifecta of misogyny and xenophobia and homophobia.

“I don’t like that.

“I think he was being a little bit of a b****. He’s not a cowboy, he’s an actor.”

Cumberbatch also described Elliott’s assessment of the film as “a very odd reaction”.

The Power Of The Dog was nominated for 12 Oscars, but won just one – best director for Campion.

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