Over the weekend, Shia LaBeouf messaged Indiewire on Twitter, linking us to his short titled “HowardCantour.com,” starring Jim Gaffigan as an online film critic named Howard Cantour. We posted it on Monday, dubbing it a “memorable movie that should only serve to encourage LaBeouf to further test the directorial waters.” Later that day BuzzFeed called out the short for its remarkable semblance to “Ghost World” artist Daniel Clowes’ 2007 comic “Justin M. Damiano.”
As it turns out, the site’s observations were spot on.
In the wee hours of the morning, LaBeouf took to Twitter again, this time not to promote, but to apologize.
Copying isn’t particularly creative work. Being inspired by someone else’s idea to produce something new and different IS creative work.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
In my excitement and naiveté as an amateur filmmaker, I got lost in the creative process and neglected to follow proper accreditation
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
Im embarrassed that I failed to credit @danielclowes for his original graphic novella Justin M. Damiano, which served as my inspiration
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I was truly moved by his piece of work & I knew that it would make a poignant & relevant short. I apologize to all who assumed I wrote it.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I deeply regret the manner in which these events have unfolded and want @danielclowes to know that I have a great respect for his work
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
I fucked up.
— Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) December 17, 2013
The actor next appears in Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac,” which Magnolia opens Stateside early next year. For our review go here.
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