Just like other eccentric characters who follow fame and fortune, Shia Labeouf has been thrust into pop culture by his various controversial statements, events and what seem like off choices on his part. We take a look at a few of them below.
Freestyle Rapping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3reOzLRCVU
This is one of the more recent things that the internet has been ridiculing the actor for, a video being released of him freestyle rapping (poorly) while gesturing wildly, topless with his rat tail swinging in the breeze.
“JUST DO IT!”
In Labouf’s “inspirational video” he offers such insights as “don’t let your dreams be dreams,” “yesterday, you said you’d do it today,” and “JUST DO IT!” It’s definitely worth the watch if you have a minute and a half to waste.
Howardcantour.com
Quite arguably the moment that started his descent into the odd, Shia Labeouf released his directorial debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the short film gaining all round critical acclaim. When this was released online a year later however, many realised that the film had a striking resemblance to an indie comic that has been released by Daniel Clowes much earlier. Labeouf claimed that he hadn’t plagirised Clowes but had been inspired by him being being “caught up in the creative process.”
Staring Out A Guy Riding A Motorcyle
Last year, a man uploaded a video caught on his helmet cam which showed Shia Labeouf pulling up to his vehicle before staring him out. The clip isn’t long, but there’s a weird intensity to the way the actor stares out the innocence rider.
Nymphomaniac Audition
Lars Von Trier’s controversial film did surprisingly well at the box office and was able to pull in some impressive reviews. That being said, Labeouf’s form of audition was slightly unorthodox, taking pictures of himself in the nude and sending the director a videotape of him and his girlfriend in the act. He must have been doing something right because it got him the role.
The Paper Bag Incident
Not only did the actor decide to wear this bag on the red carpet at the Nymphomaniac premiere in Berlin, but when he was being asked questions by reporters, he responded that he was a bag and therefore must only be asked bag questions.
What do you think about Shia’s new place in the cultural zeitgeist? Do you think he gets too much flack for just being how he wants to be, or is he just a complete weirdo. Let us know in the comments below what you think about Labeouf’s actions and his newest films. Maybe he’s redeemed himself in your eyes.
