Brokeback actor Randy Quaid sues filmmakers

Randy Quaid has accused the producers of giving him the false impression that Brokeback Mountain was a low-budget production and not paying him enough.

29 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

Randy Quaid, the actor, who plays a minor role as the tough and homophobic ranch owner in the Oscar-winning film, Brokeback Mountain, has sued the filmmakers for 10 million dollars. In his suit, the actor claims that the producers had falsely given him the impression that it was going to be a low-budget production that would not make much money. The film, which cost approximately 14 million dollars, has reportedly brought in 160 million dollars in global ticket sales.

Quaid, who plays the role of Joe Aguirre in the movie, has previously starred in "Midnight Express" and "Independence Day." In his suit, he claims that a low-budget film in Hollywood costs between 500,000 dollars and seven million dollars.

The suit was filed in Los Angeles on Thursday and also accuses the producers of participating in money laundering, by obtaining the actor's services on unfavourable art film terms. The producers have so far not commented on the issue.