Black Looks Upset By Jolie’s Portrayal of Mariene Pearl?
The SF Gate has written a short piece explaining that the blog Black Looks is upset that the role of Mariene Pearl is not being played by a mixed-race woman or by a fully black woman. Here’s the article (via):
The casting of Angelina Jolie as the mixed-race wife of late journalist Daniel Pearl in the new movie “A Mighty Heart” has been heavily criticized by black rights groups.
Make-up artists are believed to have used special cosmetics to darken the star’s skin to match that of Mariane Pearl — but campaigners believe a real-life mixed-race actress should have been given the part.
Blogs on BlackLooks.org read, “I had assumed that the days when white actors took on the roles of black people had long passed away …
“There are mixed-race or black actresses who could have done a damn good job in this role.
“You can’t tell me that Halle Berry or other women of African descent wouldn’t have been a better choice — what is taking place here is an act of arrogance and whitewashing by people who think that because they are super-rich they can be anything they want.”
They chose not to link to the article on Black Looks (um, does anyone there know blogosphere etiquette?), and after 20 minutes of scrolling through the site (back to mid Sept), I couldn’t find it so I am just linking to the homepage. If you find it let me know so I can update this post.
As far as the merits of arguing over whether or not she should have been played by someone that was the same race as her (ie not black, by the way), I won’t go there. However, I’ll point out that Mrs. Pearl specifically looked for someone who could bring that movie to life and she chose Brad Pitt as the producer. He chose the beautiful and talented Angelina Jolie to play the roll. Detractors can argue til’ they are blue in the face, but that’s how it is. Mariane Pearl is said to be thrilled that Jolie is playing her. Let’s remember that since it’s her story, maybe she knows who is best to play her role.
Also, don’t get offended at her tasteless portrayal. Here are two white women who should be ashamed of themselves.
UPDATE: Portishead says:
SF Gate wanted to make it look like blacklooks was a Black Rights group when its nothing except a blog.
Also most of the comments were in favor of Angelina as Mariane Pearl.
Tags: Angelina Jolie, Angelina Jolie Pictures, Pitt ProjectsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Angelina Jolie, Angelina Jolie Pictures, Brad Pitt, Pitt Projects
26 opinions for Black Looks Upset By Jolie’s Portrayal of Mariene Pearl?
Brad&Ang Fan
Oct 11, 2006 at 10:52 pm
Howdy All,
Here is a link to the actual article…..be sure to read the comments. As a 38 yr. old black woman, I am ashamed of the actual post as well as some of the hateful, tactless remarks made by some. Luckily there are many who fit my description who where also disgusted. I only wish I had the opportunity to express my “opinion” on the blog. I personally, am no more disappointed on the casting of AJ in the role than I would have been if they used Halle Berry, or aged her a few years and used the late Eshter Rolle. Bottom line, a good thespian will create the illusion that they are the actual person they portray. AJ is a wonderful actress, capable of the most intriging transformations on screen….playing MP is not a for reach for her. I have watched Othello portrayed by a white man, Annie performed with an all black cast. When the movie finally premiers, I don’t think anybody will be thinking, anything other than what a wonderful, courages, strong, determined and spiritual woman that Mariane Pearl.
http://www.blacklooks.org/?s=jolie
portishead
Oct 11, 2006 at 11:29 pm
The most interesting part of the whole thing is when the admin shut down the comments section. Its seems that the article from SF Gate was written to start controversy where there really isn’t any. This is what the admin of blacklooks wrote in the comments section:
Sokari
October 11th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Ok fun over - I have had enough - Comments closed!
This blog is not a Black campaign organisation nor is it a Black rights group nor is the spokesblog for the whole black global community. This whole nonsense just shows what a sloppy bunch of people run the tabloid news here and in the US that they cannot get even the basic facts right.
SF Gate wanted to make it look like blacklooks was a Black Rights group when its nothing except a blog.
Also most of the comments were in favor of Angelina as Mariane Pearl.
http://www.blacklooks.org/2006/07/a_question_of_colour_or_is_it.html#comments
IndianPad
Oct 11, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Black Looks Upset By Jolie’s Portrayal of Mariene Pearl?…
Black Looks Upset By Jolie’s Portrayal of Mariene Pearl? posted at IndianPad.com…
Lucy
Oct 12, 2006 at 12:29 am
If Mariane Pearl specifically selected Angie, she is the expert since it is her life story. No more arguments. With this controversy, in a way it is promoting the film already. I thought I read somewhere that this movie will be shown on HBO by Plan B not on regular theaters. I could be wrong.
libra 21
Oct 12, 2006 at 1:02 am
I wonder if this issue will arise if it’s Jennifer Aniston doing the part. It seems with the media she can do no wrong. I am really afraid there’s a group in the media very determinded to destroy this family. They will jump at every negative issue just to velify them. This is really very concerning. What did this family did to them to deserve this.
viva brangelina
Oct 12, 2006 at 1:58 am
Yeah.. why do people (haters) keep protesting about it, while the real mariane pearl gave Angie her permission to PLAY as HERSELF in a movie ABOUT HER LIFE?
is it becuz angie so far did good for the character or what?
Sara
Oct 12, 2006 at 6:20 am
Gwyneth is campaigning for AIDS children (http://www.keepachildalive.org) in that ad.
“I AM AFRICAN campaign is photographed by Michael Thompson and features such legends as Iman, David Bowie, Sting, and celebrities as Liv Tyler, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Each and every one of us contains DNA that can be traced back to our African ancestors.”
http://www.keepachildalive.org/projects_campaigns.php
Sara
Oct 12, 2006 at 6:31 am
The ad with Gwyneth is a part of Keep Child Alive (http://www.keepachildalive.org) campaign trying to raise money for AIDS children in Africa.
“I AM AFRICAN campaign was photographed by Michael Thompson, and it features such legends as Iman, David Bowie, Sting, and celebrities as Liv Tyler, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Each and every one of us contains DNA that can be traced back to our African ancestors.
Just think for a moment how you would feel if the drugs to keep your child alive were out of reach, knowing that they are available in other countries, but not to you and your family.”
http://www.keepachildalive.org/projects_campaigns.php
Robyn
Oct 12, 2006 at 7:23 am
Sokari, thanks for that. I’ll update the post :)
Matilda in Stockholm
Oct 12, 2006 at 7:23 am
What I find really arrogant is to disrespect the choices and opinions of Mariane Pearl herself. If she’s okay with Angelina playing the part, then that should be the end of the discussion.
Robyn
Oct 12, 2006 at 7:34 am
Sara, I would feel horrible. I am with you 100% there.
But why create an ad campaign that causes anyone of color to recoil? I agree that we all share ancestors from Africa. However, there are so many ways they could have raised interest in this topic. Now the discussion is one of racism, and not one of helping children and families.
I am actually one of those people who think GPaltrow does care for others. However, this was not an ad that highlighted anything other than her obvious naivety to race relations. I would have been much more moved to see her holding an African child with a pleading look on her face. That tugs at my heartstrings and makes me want to open my checkbook.
This ad just makes me mad. There is something to be said for tastefulness…
Angel
Oct 12, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Whoever wrote the article, did stir up some SHIT!
Some people need to wake up and smell the roses. Truthfully, sometimes, m-o-n-e-y talks, bullshit walks! Besides if they were to listen twice as much as they talk,(we do have 2 ears, and 1 mouth), AJ is 1/2 French - now that’s a mixed race there, dud? It’s just plain IGNORANCE!!!
Angel
Oct 12, 2006 at 1:24 pm
p/s I am an Asian, then why can’t Mariena Pearl be an Asian? I bet SF Gate did not see this coming!!!
libra 21
Oct 13, 2006 at 12:33 am
This is one of those Angelina bashing, pure and simple. I can’t think of anyone that suited to play the role except Angelina that’s why Ms Pearl was pleased.
Pearl
Oct 13, 2006 at 7:51 pm
You know a matter of color is basically on the outside.Good people are good people no matter
what color they are and vice versa, bad people are
bad people no matter what color they are.
Speaking as a woman of color who was raised in the South and had very bad, as well as good experiences when dealing with white people.I made a promise to myself I would rise above that evil
and be a better person.
I still deal with racism, but I still rise above it.
All I ask is that Ms. Jolie play the part well.
Put your heart and soul in it and imagine how it would feel if someone killed your love one.
And I believe no matter what color you are, that pain would be unbearable.
Human emotions have no color. We all laugh, express joy, express pain, wonder what our purpose in life is and want to love and be loved.
It is called living.
Robyn
Oct 13, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I agree. I think it’s neat that they’ve taken this woman (Mrs. Pearl) and chosen an Oscar-winning actress to portray her, regardless of skin color.
Shannon
Oct 14, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Well…I’m not a fan of Hollywood using white folks for black people roles. We have a heard enough time getting decent roles without them giving away parts to people who aren’t even in the same race. However, as a black woman, I wasn’t even sure what race Marianne Pearl was and I think Jolie actually looks like her as a white woman.
The thing is I think MP is actually LIGHTER than AJ…LOL.
So…it’s no sweat to me. I don’t know abou that Paltrow campaign, but that one with Moss is atrocious and in bad taste.
Shannon
Oct 14, 2006 at 2:44 pm
I mean AJ looks lighter in the pictures than MP does in real life. But…their skin tones are not that far off. I’m pretty “high yella” and my mother could pass for white because she is mixed.
Still, I don’t see what the big fuss is. NOW…if they had cast someone who looked nothing like her or tried to pass MP off as a white woman that would be something different.
Gee…I’m pretty chatty today :)
vicki
Oct 14, 2006 at 3:52 pm
pearl, so beautifully put.
Fame Cost
Oct 19, 2006 at 10:11 pm
I am a black women and proud of it. I am also of mixed blood. I do not really think anyone but Brad Pitt had the final decision on who would play this part. Personally, I could care less because regardless of how you look at it, I doubt it was much about ability but who had control of the money. Also, what is so important about another white actor leaving his wife for another actress. This kind of crap goes on everyday.
Lucy
Oct 24, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Fame Cost,
Brad has control of the “money” alright but remember that Angie is also an Oscar winning actress if “ability” is the issue of what you are referring to that is more inportant. By the way, I am reading Marianne’s book as we speak. Trivia: Marianne is part Dutch, Cuban and African race born in France. Angie is part French, Native American Indian (Iroquis) and German race born in Los Angeles. Both Angie and Marianne speak French.
Gina
Apr 30, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Angelina is going to eat this role up, just like she did in “Girl,Interrupted.” People can say what they want to say (as they always do), but when it comes to bringing the drama, pain and emotion, nobody can bring in like Ms. Jolie–black or white.
By the way, is Mariane Pearl black?
Lucy
May 2, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Gina,
Marianne Pearl is a combination of Cuban, Dutch and other races I forgot since I read her book a year ago. She is only part black.
HOTTEST COUPLE EVER
May 2, 2007 at 8:37 pm
#22 Gina…ITA. Angie is a top-flight actress.
I, for one, do not have the slightest problem
with Angie playing this role. Marianne Pearl made a very good choice. Go Angelina!
Gena
May 3, 2007 at 5:31 am
I am a Black-American and do not find offense to Angie doing this. Why is it ok for blacks to play a role that was written for whites but whites can not do the same!!! I saw Angie will do good! Plus the author MP supports it!!! Black America stop the negativisms, we have enough other real problems to focus on.
HOTTEST COUPLE EVER
May 3, 2007 at 3:46 pm
@25 Gena..Thank you! ITA
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