This will not be a political discussion.
I was just wondering if Mike Myers endorses or approves of his Autin Powers’ Man of Mystery character being used in a Republican video poking fun of John Kerry.
If so, I just find it a little strange that Mike (a Canadian) would get involved in American politics.
Do you have a link to more information about this video? Does Mike Myers himself appear in it? Is it a clip from one of the Austin Powers movies, or was it done especially for this video?
Here is a link where you can view the video:
http://www.rnc.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=4026
(sorry for not posting it earlier)
Neither Mike Myers nor the character Austin Powers appears anywhere in the video, nor is the name Austin Powers used in the video. Someone doing an Austin Powers vocal imitation provides cheeky comments between clips of John Kerry. How can the GOP do this without violating Mike Myers’ copyright? The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that satirical uses are not copyright infringement.
:straining to avoid political commentary:
“Man of Mystery” has arguably been used enough pre-1997 to be considered in the public domain.
I’d be interested to know if “International Man of Mystery” has been trademarked by Twentieth Century Fox/New Line, and if they have okayed its use.
As far as everything else in the video is concerned, it’s fair game, since Austin Powers is itself spoofing an entire genre of film – the GOP could argue that they are simply spoofing the same genre.
Groovy fonts, hipster music, and faux-English accents do not copyright infringement make, even if most people are going to think “Austin Powers” when they see it.
Us old bastards are just as likely to think Danger: Diabolik. 
Neither “Man of Mystery” or “International Man of Mystery” are registered trademarks, although “Austin Powers” has been registered for several trademarks.
Walloon
You said that
“The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that satirical uses are not copyright infringement.”
Isn’t that the excuse used when somone gets caught plagiarizing?
It’s not plagiarism - it’s a satirical use - it’s a tribute - it’s an homage.
LOL
Thanks!
Isn’t Mike Meyers a Canadian citizen still? Not that it affects any legal rights about copyright infringement (which there aren’t IMO), but I think he may just not care as much
I imagine that “W” is considered no friend of Myers and if Myers could do anything to stop this ad, he would. Since he hasn’t, then, you can assume that it falls under the satire/parody clause of copyright use.
It is a cheap shot, but unfortunately will unlikely be the lowest or cheapest shot we’ll see from either side by November.
Why?
I did a little bit of research on this topic and if nothing else, it seems that “Dubya” is a big fan of the Austin Powers’ movies.
Those sound bites are actual clips from the movies, so I assume there must have been some permission sought from New Line to use them.
The Republicans have been known to appropriate commercial songs for their political purposes (e.g., playing them at rallies) without permission, and have had to stop doing so when the artist (usually a rabid anti-Republican) orders them to cease and desist.
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WRT to the actual ad of portraying John Kerry as a “Man of Mystery”… COOL! I didn’t know Kerry was so cool. I was going to vote for Bush, but now that I see how cool Kerry is, I’m gonna vote for him!
Peace.
Moriah
Now that I think of it, the Republicans made a version of “Soul Man” and changed the lyrics to “I’m a Dole Man” and used it at rallies in the 1996 Presidential Election until the music company threatened legal action
http://www.s-t.com/daily/09-96/09-11-96/a04wn025.htm#XINDEX1
He probably thinks they’re documentaries…
Because I imagine the “W” is the political polar opposite of Meyers.
I have no proof, but my impression is that MM is pretty liberal, but tries to stay away from pushing any political agenda in favor of pushing his career.
I like MM, but that is just my impression of him.
My favorite example being their use at the 1992 “culture war” convention of “The Best of Times is Now” from La Cage Aux Folles.
If we could just get a clip of Kerry saying “Yeah baby!” my opinion of him would go up immensely.