Mariah as Deena?

Ok, before anyone tears me a new one, let me just say, this is NOT a "BEYONCE SUX!!" Shoulda, coulda, woulda post. I just want to have a civil, polite discussion.

What do you guys think of Mariah Carey as Deena? I think she would have been an interesting choice. I doubt she was even considered, considering how Glitter bombed. Also, people would have probably complained about her not looking "black enough". Still, Lord knows she has the voice, and the glamour girl look and persona. And I refuse to use Glitter as an example of her abilities as an actress. I can't think of one person who could have been convincing in that piece of crap. With the right material and the right direction, who knows how good she could be? Anyway, it's probably a moot point since the ship has long since sailed, but what are your thoughts?

Hmm, suppose your right, but wouldn't having a more "white" looking Deena make the fact that she was pushed to the forefront of the group make more sense because she was an easier image for whites to embrace? I definitely see what you're saying, but I think it adds an interesting dimension to the story.

Wow, this is a great topic and great discussion. I'm interested to hear what others have to say, considering I don't know DREAMGIRLS that well.

I think that Mariah as Deena could actually have been an interesting choice, but I understand what Margo has to say about the troubles and difficulties that The Dreams have to over-come. Mariah's acting got many many positive reviews for her second film, Wisegirls, where she co-starred with Mira Sorvino. I rented it and she was actually pretty good. I'd love to hear her sing one of the songs from that show. And yes it's true she'd have to hold back immensely to do Deena. Cool topic for conversation though!!

Cheers,

Christopher

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Oh god no... She'd start that high-pitched screeching she calls singing (think: dog whistle), deafen everyone, and probably make the shoot a living hell...

Sure she has an almost shocking range to her voice, but do you have to hit every possible note in every song? Mariah's probably the only singer who can make Whitney look subtle.

"The dogs?!?! Won't someone please think of the dogs?"

Sandra Bernhard's on-off ghetto-diva impression of Mariah is still one of the funniest things I've seen on stage in forever...

Well, her "on-off ghetto-diva" is not what makes her an incredible singer and a great entertainer. I'm looking at her talent and that alone, not her antics or her rumoured diva beahviour, and her talent is why I think she would be good for the part. And why not sing every note? If I had her range I'd milk every song for all it was worth, too.

Mariah's voice USED to be good in the early 90's when she first started. Now, it is just shriking..or hiphop/r&b trills which is probably the most annoying things to listen to together. and that's where her talent has gone. I'd love for her to get rid of the ghetto to capitalize on the urban crowd's money and actually sing real music for once..as well as sing from the spirit and heart and not worry whether she looks good on camera. She is too full of herself and her diva antics ..that it distracts her talent and her big head is in the way. At least Beyonce has a sense of humor about things..although..I think regardless..Beyonce is not my favorite..but a great choice since she LIVED the whole Dreamgirls aspect of things.

But Mariah need to get over herself. She is highly boring and has nothing to offer when you watch her. a complete lack of an entertainer.

I enjoyed her first 5 years..now she's just miserable.

and yes,..Sandra Bernhard's depiction of Mariah is probably the best statement ever made.

I don't know what you're talking about, but Sandra Bernhard's comments on Mariah Carey were blatantly racist and absolutely disgusting, and if Mariah were two shades darker there's no way in hell she'd have gotten away with that crap.

Also?

Mariah in Wisegirls > Beyonce in The Fighting Temptations

I would have to agree with Margo. Dreamgirls is a show in which color-blind casting really can't be exercised.

Vocally, I think she would be great. She would have to hold back in songs that she performed as a dream, such as "dreamgirls", and "one night only"; but I see no reason why character songs like "it's all over" "when I first saw you" & sections of "heavy" can't be sung in her full voice.

As far as acting, I really I don't care to see most pop stars attempt it. It's just an unfair bias I have. Mariah hasn't proved herself worthy of doing any heavy acting, so I wouldn't want to see her take a shot at a musical. I love them too much

so overall, I'm going to say no.


... but this is interesting, good discussion!

Updated On: 8/6/06 at 11:18 PM

She looks white though--heck before I was told she was bi-racial, I never would have guessed in a million years. It kind of defeats the purpose if you're casting a woman who looks white in this role.

That, and personally, I have no desire to see or hear Mariah do anything. Ever. Especially a movie I'm looking forward to.

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 12:00 AM

Her dad was a mix of African American and light-skinned Venezualen, if I'm not mistaken. (They found out more family history once her father passed away a couple years ago, which is why most information out there is sort of garbled.)

That said; if the part is centered on someone looking darker than Mariah, then obviously she's not right for it.

Considering they are the same complexion and Beyonce ripped off alot of her image stylings from Mariah (and J.Lo), I'd say...yes...she could play Deena.

let's also remember that beyonce sells, as for Mariah if i remember correctly despite her overall selling records, Dane Cook sold more albums last year than she did

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