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Deadly, the new movie centered on the romance and grisly crimes of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka, is still without a distributor in Canada. While Ontario theatre owners are concerned that showing the film will result in a major backlash that includes boycotting and picketing, the producers of the movie are not concerned. In fact, Quantum Entertainment, the Hollywood production company behind the movie says that the intention was never to sell the movie in Canada and that there interest is only in "making as much money as possible".

The movie, which stars Laura Prepon of the TV comedy, That 70's Show, was made with a budget of about $5 million but stands to garner at least $100 million in revenue following its September release.

If the movie does find a Canadian distributor, it will be rated by the government and then it will be up to the individual theatre owners whether or not the movie is shown in their establishments. If the movie fails to find a Canadian distributor, then Quantum Entertainment may arrange with individual theatre owners to show the movie.

Ontario Premier, Dalton McGuinty, is urging people to boycott the movie. "I don't think that legally we can prevent that movie from being shown in Ontario," Mr. McGuinty said. "I certainly will not be viewing that movie and I guess my advice, and my encouragement to Ontarians, is that they would do the same." Consumer Minister Jim Watson said he'd like to see it kept out of Canada.

Movies and television shows based on true crime are commonplace, but the grisly sex slayings of Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French forever scarred the Canadian psyche. Clearly there has been little healing over the last decade since the crimes were committed and the frequent news stories of Karla Homolka's pending release from prison, despite the fact that she is still considered a danger to society, does little to comfort Canadians.

For previous posts on Deadly, see:
Exploiting a Families' Pain for Profit
More on Deadly

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Expat Talkback:

Should the movie have been made?
Should the movie be shown in Canada?

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April 12th Update:

Karla Homolka will not face charges in the drug-rape death of her sister.