Lars Von Trier Is Still Apologizing

The Cannes Film Festival might have drawn to a close, but the Lars von Trier Apology Tour still has a few more stops to make. Following a statement of support from Iranian Vice Minister of Culture Javad Shamaqdari (!) about the "fascist behavior" of Cannes Film Festival organizers for calling Von Trier "persona non grata," the Melancholia director issued yet another statement clarifying his remarks from last week.

Said Von Trier:

In connection with the Iranian Vice Minister of Culture Javad Shamaqdari's letter to the Cannes Film Festival regarding the 'Persona non grata' stamping of my personality, I feel called to make the following comment: In my opinion, freedom of speech, in all its shapes, is part of the basic human rights. However, my comments during the festival's press conference were unintelligent, ambiguous and needlessly hurtful. My intended point was that the potential for extreme cruelty, or the opposite, lies within every human being, whatever nationality, ethnicity, rank or religion. If we only explain historical disasters with the cruelty of individuals we destroy the possibility of understanding the human mechanisms, which in turn are necessary in order to avoid any future crimes against humanity.

Cleared up? Stay tuned for more from the Von Trier Apology Tour, which may soon arrive in your area.

· In Odd Twist, Iran Slams Cannes Over Von Trier Ban [Deadline]