THE JOUKER

Latest Gerard Butler action film pokes fun at the English

Gerard Butler's character in Plane appears to harbour a dislike of a certain nation
Gerard Butler's character in Plane appears to harbour a dislike of a certain nation
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The National:

HOLLYWOOD actor Gerard Butler has worn himself into a comfortable niche as the burly, unshaven action hero.

In recent years he has played a hitman, a former military commander turned satellite designer, and, now, a commercial pilot.

His latest film – imaginatively titled Plane – sees the Paisley-born actor play his usual role as the gun-toting big man with a heart of gold.

However, Butler’s archetypal Scottish character appears to have a new trait: resentment of the English.

Before Butler’s character, Brodie Torrance, pilots the flight that is destined for misadventure, his co-pilot – Samuel Dele (played by Yoson An) – asks if he studied in England.

Torrance responds: "Hell no. I wouldn't lower myself to that."

Later, when reminiscing about his career as a former RAF pilot, Torrance complains in a peculiarly shaky Scottish accent that “all the sexy assignments went to English folk".

Finally, in a nod to Scottishness so blunt it may very well constitute a headbutt, he asks his daughter (played by Haleigh Hekking) to prepare him "homemade haggis, neeps and tatties" on his return home.

But given the fact that his daughter lives in Hawaii – a place not known for its plentiful supply of the humble neep – one fears that Torrance’s request may go unfulfilled.

Will disparagement of the English become a new cornerstone of Butler’s act? The Jouker will be tuning in to find out.

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