News / Entertainment
Federal Judge to Decide Fate of “Alpha Dog” , Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, Justin Timberlake film Could be Nixed
U.S. District Court Judge Gary Klausner has said he wants to see the movie “Alpha Dog” before he decides whether to block its release.
The movie starring Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone, and Justin Timberlake is based on the murder case surrounding Jesse James Hollywood. Hollywood is on trial in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old boy in August of 2000 in California.
According to prosecutors involved in the case, Hollywood kidnapped and murdered the boy in retaliation against the victim’s older brother for a drug debt. Four other individuals involved in the murder have been tried and convicted. Hollywood has pled not guilty to the charges he faces and could face the death penalty if he is convicted.
While the movie has changed the characters’ names, James Blatt, Hollywood’s defense attorney, has tried to block the film from release. Blatt’s contention is that the movie could infringe on his client’s right to a fair trial and paints him in a negative light.
Universal Studios has said that Blatt’s attempt to block the film’s release is a violation of its First Amendment rights.
“Alpa Dog” was screened at the Sundance Film Festival.
