DISQUS

Cole_Abaius · 10 months ago

You know it's funny because I got into an argument a while back with a friend who said that he wouldn't ever cast a black man as Hamlet because there are no black Danes - it wouldn't be realistic. He also said he'd never cast a white man as Othello.

At the time, my group of friends was split on whether it was racialist or not. Now it seems like we're arguing that the opposite is racialist - that if you don't cast an Indian in an Indian role or a black man in a black role (like, say, Othello) you're being racist.

I understand the context, but it's fairly fascinating to see that switch. When will non-traditional casting just be seen as an artistic choice instead of something exclusionary?

nicky_cavella · 10 months ago

QFT same thing with the prince of persia film. i mean johnny depp is going to play an indian in LONE RANGER, i mean they casted a SPANISH person in DESPERADO instead of a REAL MEXICAN. same goes for the SELENA film. casting a PUERTO RICAN instead of a REAL MEXICAN.

Cole_Abaius · 10 months ago

But it seems like a damned if you do situation. Traditional casting is racist because it's narrow minded. Non-traditional is racist because minority characters don't get minority actor counterparts. I'm not sure what the solution is.

Adam_Sweeney · 10 months ago

I remember an acting teacher telling us about her work with a production of Othello featuring Patrick Stewart that was exceptional. So there are times that it can work. I just don't like to see actors chosen strictly for their name, especially if it disregards the heart of the material.

watchdog · 10 months ago

"When will non-traditional casting just be seen as an artistic choice instead of something exclusionary?" A: Probably when there is more balanced and inclusive casting overall; when you start to see not just whites and blacks in major leading roles but more of everyone of every kind on TV and in film.

Back in the day, if the character was ethnic, the actor playing the role was white. Nowadays, if the character is ethnic, the actor playing the role is black. Black has become the catch-all "ethnic" in films especially. If a production doesn't want to seem exlusionary, they throw a token black character into the ensemble. It's even starting to get ridiculous. Now they'll have a cast that's almost 50% black (the other half being white, of course). TV seems to be changing to a more diverse palette with things like Heroes and Lost but overall, there's a long way to go.

Adam_Sweeney · 10 months ago

I think that's a great point, watchdog. It seems like we are literally seeing our casting choices literally in black and white. It's no coincidence that Lost and Heroes are two of the most entertaining/popular shows on television. Diversity is a good thing. Now, if only Hollywood would paint the canvas with all sorts of colors. It's time to give larger roles to people of all ethnicities. Look at Slumdog Millionaire. It was fantastic.

Nevernude · 10 months ago

Aw Hell Naw!

TL_is_now_TJL · 10 months ago

I think Will should take a break for a while.

Tha_Chubbsta · 10 months ago

I mean...if his spawn can be the new Karate Kid...anything is possible, I guess...meh...

Aleric · 10 months ago

Ok, dump the Racist theme, this is Will Smith. The man who rewrote "I Am Legend" to make himself the good guy when the main character is technically the bad guy. If they cast him as Nemo, which I will not pay to see, he will alter the script to make himself be the savior of the world.......again. It's really getting old.

Arou101 · 10 months ago

Meh.

That's all I really have to say bout it.

kendall Weddington · 10 months ago

I just read a powerful article about Will Smith at www.ebmpublishing.com. The article was wonderfully written and showed a different side of him. It discussed in detail his approach to life and commitment to improving the community. It’s an engaging, thought provoking article that gave me a new found level of respect for him.

Martin Lawrence · 9 months ago

Will Smith has to be the most overated actor in Hollywood. Wake up and don't ruin another classic. Cast him in Bad Boys 3 or so other rubbish where he belongs