Uwe Boll, the director behind the controversial film 'Citizen Vigilante', has publicly denied accusations of being a Nazi, following the movie's ban in Germany. The film, which features Armie Hammer in a significant return to acting, has sparked considerable debate not only due to its lead star but also for its themes of extreme violence and its depiction of crime perpetrated by immigrants.
Boll's defence comes after the German rating system declined to classify 'Citizen Vigilante', a decision he described as deliberate censorship. He asserted that the film was deemed to be inciting violence against migrants, a ruling he unsuccessfully challenged legally. In an interview with The Telegraph, Boll expressed his view that questioning certain societal or political narratives, such as conservative viewpoints or government spending, is increasingly being labelled as extremist.
'Citizen Vigilante' sees Hammer portray a character named Sanders, who resorts to vigilantism in response to violent crimes he attributes to immigrants. This narrative has been a central point of contention, contributing to the film's ban in Germany, where the director suggests it can now only be viewed by importing Blu-rays from neighbouring countries like Austria or Switzerland.
For Armie Hammer, the film represents his first acting opportunity in five years, following a period marked by serious allegations of rape, sexual misconduct, and cannibalism in 2021. Hammer has consistently denied all accusations, and a Los Angeles prosecutor decided not to file criminal charges in 2023. His previous high-profile projects were halted, and he was dropped by his agents and publicists during the fallout. Hammer has spoken about his emotional reaction to securing the role, indicating his desperation to resume his career.
While 'Citizen Vigilante' is set for release in the United States, it currently has no UK distributor. The controversy surrounding the film, its director's statements, and Hammer's return to the screen highlight ongoing discussions about artistic freedom, censorship, and the responsibility of filmmakers in addressing sensitive social and political issues.
Boll maintains that his intention is to 'smuggle politics into genre movies', viewing 'Citizen Vigilante' as a thriller rather than a documentary, and hopes audiences will engage with its narrative.
Source: The Telegraph