Boycott Warner Bros Film "Orphan"

For the sake of sensationalistic headlines and the promise of making money, Warner Brothers has really crossed the line. A horror movie to be released on July 24, 2009, entitled "Orphan" is about to set adoption back a few decades. Those of us in the adoption community are, indeed, horrified. There is such a negative spin placed on adoption that there is concern that many children awaiting families worldwide will not be adopted because of the message portrayed in this film. I viewed the trailer and it is not surprising that it prompted outrage from adoption advocates around the country, adoptive families, and those involved in children's services.

While "Orphan" is a "make-believe" story, it's messages will have an impact on many. There is a line in the movie in which the "orphan", Esther states "It must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own". Imagine how that would make an adopted child (or adult) feel. The basic plot is one of violence and rage and the movie is rated "R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality, and language". It's not surprising that a major movie studio would make a movie with hapless disregard for the children it will most certainly affect, but it has the potential to offend even those who aren't involved in adoption. With the controversy and public discussion of the topic which will most certainly emerge, how do you explain this view of adoption to a child? How do you keep other children from taunting a child who is adopted with the poison message they are being allowed to absorb? Where are Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone, Tom Cruise, Madonna, and other famous adoptive parents when we need them? Where do they weigh in on this? I'd like to know.

There has been a call for a boycott of the movie, which I support. Most major adoption organizations are in agreement and in a letter from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, it is noted that "We are concerned that in addition to its intended entertainment value, this film will have the unintended effect of skewing public opinion against children awaiting families in both the United States and abroad". This is a caustic, unnecessary film which promotes an extremely negative stereotype of adoptees and could cause some serious distress to children who have been or desire to be adopted. It's not enough for Warner Brothers to apologize. We all need to boycott Warner Brothers and this movie in particular. Adoptive parents, adoptees, agencies, attorneys, and anyone who knows or loves someone who has been touched by adoption needs to call, write and e-mail Warner Brothers and flood your local newspapers with letters to the editor. This movie is to be released July 24. Let your local movie theatre know you will boycott them as well. Here is how you can reach Warner Brothers;

Chairman & CEO, Barry M. Meyer
President and COO, Alan F. Horn
Warner Brothers Entertainment, Inc.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522
818-562-3062

Cast: Peter Sarsgaard, Vera Farmiga, Isabelle Fuhrman, Lorry Ayers.

It's very difficult to find an e-mail address for anyone at Warner Brothers (Is this surprising?), so I would appreciate hearing from anyone who finds one. I am outraged by the insensitivity of everyone involved in this film. I guess it's true. Money talks. Don't spend your money on this movie.