Tapes not public

Stephen Hemelt The Daily Iberian

Director Oliver Stone was a big hit in the late 1980s and early 1990s with boundary pushing movies “Platoon,” “Wall Street” and “JFK,” but what might be the most interesting footage associated with one of his movies in more than a decade rests solely in the hands of the Shreveport Police Department.

Stone’s recent work including 2004’s “Alexander” and 2006’s “World Trade Center” have not resonated with American audiences like previous efforts but that has not stopped the New York City-born filmmaker from tackling heavy projects.

He recently finished shooting “W.,” which chronicles the life and presidency of George W. Bush. No matter how the film is received by audiences, it has already drawn the attention of the Shreveport City Council and the Louisiana attorney general — sort of.

The Associated Press reported Monday that Louisiana’s attorney general ruled the Shreveport police chief cannot be required to turn over video of a bar disturbance that led to the arrests of actor Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Wright and others who were working on the Oliver Stone film in the area.

Brolin, who was featured in last year’s “American Gangster” and “No Country for Old Men,” is playing Bush in the film and apparently let off more than enough steam when filming completed for “W.”

Brolin and Wright, who plays former Secretary of State Colin Powell, were charged with interfering with police after officers responded to a July 12 disturbance at the Stray Cat Club in Shreveport.

The AP said officers were called to the club after a “W.” crew member caused a disturbance. At some point during the arrests, a Taser was used on Wright, and he and Brolin were pepper sprayed. Six film members was charged with one count of interfering with police. Another crew member, Eric Felland, faces one count each of entering and remaining, resisting arrest and public intoxication. Arraignment for all seven in City Court is set Dec. 2.

The Shreveport City Council asked if Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover would release video and audio recordings made by cameras in police cars and microphones worn by police officers who responded to the disturbance.

Unfortunately for movie fans, Assistant Attorney General Emalie Boyce said the material is not subject to a public records request until the case is finally resolved.

“The Chief of Police cannot be required to disclose the video pursuant to a public records request when it pertains to pending criminal litigation ... until such litigation is finally adjudicated or otherwise settled,” Boyce wrote in the opinion.

The council also had asked if the mayor and council members had the right to view the video recording. Boyce said that decision was entirely up to the police chief and such viewing would not make the material available for public record. But Boyce said the mayor and council do not have a legal right to view the material.

It’s pretty obvious the council was interested in the case because of the name appeal. Few would imagine they are this interested in all of Shreveport’s petty bar fights.

The big question was whether Brolin and Wright were still in character as they were arrested last month. It would sure make for good video if they were questioning the actions of the Shreveport police as president of the United States and Secretary of State.