Damon's Anti-Fracking Failure

(Berlin, Germany)

Matt Damon has defended his new anti-fracking feature "Promised Land," after Friday's Berlinale premiere drew poor reviews, crushing hopes that the film, which bombed in the US, would find a better reception in Europe.

Damon, who co-wrote the script and stars in the picture directed by Gus Van Sant, said it was getting harder to make "issue movies" and that he was bewildered by critics who found the story of a natural gas executive wrestling with his conscience implausible and incoherent.

"It didn't get the reception that I would have hoped for but that happens sometimes," he said. "I've had movies bomb worse than this one and then make their money back later."

“Promised Land,” which Damon said cost less than $18 million to make, has only drawn about $7.6 million at the US box office since its late December release, according to trade magazine Variety.

Frankly, I think Damon spends way too much time hanging around with low-information activists. On the other hand, they might be learning the ropes from Damon.

Mr. Damon, I suggest it's rather ballsy to think you're smarter than billions of fellow passengers on the planet Earth. Here's a clue. You're not and you need new friends.