[Ammi]

Originally Posted by arista

Ryan
because its on SkyArts1HD
they can change anything around
in the name of Art

...strange though that it's not thought that these things can be changed around in the name of art if say Will Smith were to play John Lennon, is the point Arista..and something that has been said all through the thread...a real life white person can not be played by a black actor..so the reverse would be the same...and yet, here we are....

[arista]

Originally Posted by Ammi

...strange though that it's not thought that these things can be changed around in the name of art if say Will Smith were to play John Lennon, is the point Arista..and something that has been said all through the thread...a real life white person can not be played by a black actor..so the reverse would be the same...and yet, here we are....

Yes Fair Points
but on a Art Channel
they would do Will Smith as J.L.

Because its not Mainstream
meaning they can get away with that.
As its more like a Play on Stage
for Fellow Artists to view.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by arista

Yes Fair Points
but on a Art Channel
they would do Will Smith as J.L.

Because its not Mainstream
meaning they can get away with that.
As its more like a Play on Stage
for Fellow Artists to view.

...I'm just thinking about stage plays now and the huge Broadway/West End productions/successes...so Jesus Christ Superstar should have always been an all black cast for authenticity...because Nazareth and back in the day etc, there couldn't possibly have been 'white'...hmmmm, we need to look that up Arista, all of the castings for those since it was first on the stage...I'll have to leave that up to you if you have time because I'm off to work now....have a lovely day Arista...

[kirklancaster]

There is NOTHING more unintentionally hilarious than watching old movies - even some of the great ones - and seeing white actors portraying black characters, or American Indians or Indians etc -- though these were usually minor roles and extras etc.

The exceptions which spring to mind are Marlon Brando in 'Teahouse of The August Moon' where he played a Japanese character, Mickey Rooney, who did the same in 'Blekfast at Tiffanies' , and Jeffrey Hunter playing Christ in 'King of Kings'. There are probably hundreds more but I can't be bothered googling.

Anyway, the point is, that it is ludicrous, and though they may be excuses with some really old films when 'ethnic' actors were 'thin on the ground, it seems that we have learnt NOTHING.

Fiennes is a fine actor, but the whole MJ idea is preposterous and I believe that it is doomed to be tomorrow's 'Mr. Yunioshi' - the Japanese character Rooney portrayed in Breakfast At Tiffanies' -- embarrassing and laughable.