Zoe Saldana As Nina Simone — Page 2

It's not silly to discuss the ways race is being presented in pop culture, because it has an actual effect on the world around us. Pop culture both shapes and reflects our culture.

I think casting Zoe Saldana really does come down to marketing reasons. She is a recognizable name. It's stupid to bank on that since the only film to market itself so far as "Zoe Saldana stars in" was Columbiana and that didn't recoup its budget in theaters. She's been in successful films, but so far hasn't proven herself to be the draw.

I have nothing against her as an actress. I'm one of those cuckoo people who thinks she was robbed of an Oscar nomination for her work in Avatar. She has potential to be a big star, but isn't really at that level yet. Using someone who is a name but not necessarily a draw reeks of a desperate grab for a bigger budget.

There is no shortage of talented actresses who could have played the role without a lot of makeup. If they wanted a bigger name (not necessarily a super star, but one with a recognizable name and interesting career arc), they could have gone with Macy Gray. She's building quite a resume for herself with memorable work in For Colored Girls and The Paperboy. I know all the articles about this film so far mentioned Mary J. Blige backed out of the project for whatever reason. Anika Noni Rose could have been an interesting choice, especially to angle for the "a star is born" marketing angle.

I don't think casting Saldana is necessarily racist. I just think it's a poor choice. I view it in the same category as Angelina Jolie getting darkened up to play Marianne Pearl in A Mighty Heart. It could turn out to be a good film, but the casting is going to overshadow the entire production.

Uh, I was replying to Jungle Red calling this argument silly. Maybe you should also read?