Black Actress Update: Hollywood’s Shrinking Box Office

Posted on | December 30, 2011 | 33 Comments

I know if I made money the way Hollywood did, I’d be ecstatic. Especially when you have the most creative accountants in the world who can turn billions earned into “losses”. All legally, of course. That’s what you get for having the US Congress in your back pocket. I expect when their earnings decline even more, they will be asking for public funds to keep the business afloat (See General Motors). That will occur right after they make it illegal for anyone to say or watch anything on the Internet (pending legislative as of now).

But I digress, imagine being able to push garbage at people and compel them to head to a filthy, loud and uncomfortable theater just to sit through crappy schlock for nearly three hours? That clearly takes genius to run this con year after year, week after week and day after day. If they think they are losing money now, wait until everyone can download a film in the blink of an eye and re-create a movie theater at home without the nuisance, annoyance and hassle of a public one.

Nothing To See Here, Move Along

The box office take for Hollywood has been weak: headlines blurb about the lower attendance rates. A money quote from the BBC article:

“It’s unbelievable how bad it is,” said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian.

Are we supposed to weep for them? I thought this would be a bonanza year, since they have defenders, who say that films with too many black people – men and women, not just the guys – wont make money. This was the year of the whitest films around.

I’m usually a movie fiend, but this has been the year where I missed many of the “blockbuster films”, except for X Men: The Lamest Generation and Mission Impossible: Making Tom Cruise Hot Again. There may have been another, but I often forget a film the minute I leave the theater.

Come Back, Again, Ya Hear!?!

This was the year of sequels, remakes, prequels, comic books and animation. Proof of Hollywood’s emptiness.

The top 20 films of 2011, according to Box Office Mojo. I have a page that shows the same content of all the Top 100 films.

1	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2	$381.00	WB
2	Transformers: Dark of the Moon	$352.00	P/DW
3	The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1	$272.00	Sum.
4	The Hangover Part II	$254.00	WB
5	Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides	$241.00	BV
6	Fast Five	$209.00	Uni.
7	Cars 2	$191.00	BV
8	Thor	$181.00	Par.
9	Rise of the Planet of the Apes	$176.00	Fox
10	Captain America: The First Avenger	$176.00	Par.
11	The Help	$169.00	BV
12	Bridesmaids	$169.00	Uni.
13	Kung Fu Panda 2	$165.00	P/DW
14	X-Men: First Class	$146.00	Fox
15	Puss in Boots	$143.00	P/DW
16	Rio	$143.00	Fox
17	The Smurfs	$142.00	Sony
18	Super 8	$127.00	Par.
19	Rango	$123.00	Par.
20	Horrible Bosses	$117.00	WB (NL)

The fresh entries: The Help, Bridesmaids, Super 8, Horrible Bosses, Rio and Rango. So, out of the top 20, roughly 6 of them were “original”, fresh-out-of-the-box material. Heh.

The Non-Mystery of the Twilight Lure

Honestly, doesn’t Breaking Dawn sound like a porn title, or is that just me?

Breaking Dawn In

The funniest thing I’ve read were reports of women having “seizures” at this latest Twilight film, and no one knew what it was. It’s called an orgasm, people. Sheesh. It’s the 21st century and female biology is still a mystery. Um, women like Twilight and Vampire flicks, because of the eroticism. The yearning, withholding and anticipating. He’s a bad boy, and an eternally powerful man who bites and licks the neck, targeting one of the erogenous zones of the female body.

Yeah, “seizures.” Okay.

The Black Actress: Inclusion or Exclusion?

Forgive me for not listing all shows, or movies with a black actress. If you find some with a black actress of interest, please add it to the comments section. Let’s look at the top films of the year and see if that hypothesis is true, you know: less black women (or nice black male actors) equals more money per film.

When I glance at cast credits, I look at the first 5 to 10. They get the most speaking roles, so even if a black actress gets one line and is part of the scenery – to me – that doesn’t count.

Films that include black women in starring roles also (animation doesn’t count):

1. The Help – love it or hate it, we got a film about being maids, in 2011. Thank you, Hollywood. Thanks so much. All we black women can do is still be maids in the 21st century. A black woman is First Lady, but these people have us doing roles cleaning some white woman’s toilet with dignity! whilst pretending that’s got something to do with civil rights. Alrighty, then.

2. Bridesmaids – big hit – from the people that brought us Hangover. Not sure how much of a role she played, but Kali Hawk (love the name) is in it.

Update: Somehow I missed Maya Rudolph, and she’s one of the stars!

Thank you for the tip, Vonnie!

3. X-Men – Does not have a black actress with two black parents, but a half-half of two half-half was in it. So, I flipped a coin and decided to include Zoë Kravitz.

Here’s the bottom 20 movies of 2011 for comparison:

80	In Time	$36.00	Fox
81	Colombiana	$36.00	TriS
82	Sucker Punch	$36.00	WB
83	J. Edgar	$36.00	WB
84	Larry Crowne	$35.00	Uni.
85	The Descendants	$35.00	FoxS
86	50/50	$35.00	Sum.
87	Drive (2011)	$34.00	FD
88	A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas	$34.00	WB (NL)
89	Courageous	$33.00	TriS
90	The Rite	$33.00	WB (NL)
91	Arthur (2011)	$33.00	WB
92	The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)	$32.00	Sony
93	The Adventures of Tintin	$31.00	Par.
94	The Debt	$31.00	Focus
95	Priest	$29.00	SGem
96	The Mechanic	$29.00	CBS
97	Abduction	$28.00	LGF
98	Beastly	$27.00	CBS
99	Winnie the Pooh	$26.00	BV
100	Killer Elite	$25.00	ORF

Anything Else We Need to Know?

An action film with a black actress is a miss, but the black actress as a maid might be up for an Oscar? Oh well.

1. Columbiana – Zoe Saldana. Perhaps she should stick to romances or something. Seriously, no one is going to believe that a 55 pound woman – soaking wet – can kick anybody’s ass.

2. Drive – Tiara Parker – don’t know if she has much of a role.

3. Larry Crowne – Tarina Pouncy – don’t know if she has much of a role.

4. Courageous – Eleanor Brown – don’t know if she has much of a role.

Notice that a lot of the big stars made spectacular flops this year? People are tired of them too.

Some of the bottom films are likely new releases, so those numbers will change for next year.

And that’s all folks….

Happy New Year.

Comments

33 Responses to “Black Actress Update: Hollywood’s Shrinking Box Office”

Shirl
December 30th, 2011 @ 2:31 PM

The last movie I paid to see was Sex In The City in 2008 and I wouldn’t have gone to see that, but I agreed to go with somone to see it.Hollywood sucks lately in the originality and you can forget about diversity. Not much I would willing pay to see.

And on a side note about the Twilight films, I think Kirsten Stewart is one of the most flat, one dimentional atresses I have ever seen. I didn’t realize that was her in Panick Room with Jodie Foster and Foresst Whiticker until it was pointed out. She still has the same expression on her face when she’s in movies. SMH. No range at all.

GoldenAh: Never understood the appeal of Sex in the City: a bunch of old unattractive white women, okay one of them was half-decent, who play nookie with various unappealing, emotionally distant and weird men. I remember watching half-of-two episodes, but I think I’m more of a Seinfield kind of chick.

Twilight ‘s an unintentional parody of the Vampire romance genre. That’s why I like watching it. The first film was very funny – trying so hard to be serious. I give props to the cinematographer, the scenery is beautiful and breathtaking. I’d love to go and see the Northwest.

KS is probably the daughter of a star, director, executive producer or an agent. A lot of these overrated, non-acting, untalented, unattractive, flat-lined zombies are their offspring. No one can get far unless the public loves the actor or nepotism.

KS, Ryan Gosling and Jack Gyllenhaal should make a movie together. I cannot think of three people with less range than them.

Great to hear from you, Shirl, thanks for stopping by.
Daphne
December 30th, 2011 @ 2:57 PM

Goldenah, you had me rolling with this post. So much great, snarky commentary. Like you, I don’t go to the movies liked I used to. Some of that I attribute to getting older, and most mainstream films are targeted towards the teenage/young adult set – particularly male. The “high brow,” indie films tend to bore me, and I ain’t paying $10 to sit in a theater and be bored.

I’m usually a movie fiend, but this has been the year where I missed many of the “blockbuster films”, except for X Men: The Lamest Generation and Mission Impossible: Making Tom Cruise Hot Again.

Honestly, doesn’t Breaking Dawn sound like a porn title, or is that just me?

Does not have a black actress with two black parents, but a half-half of two half-half was in it. So, I flipped a coin and decided to include Zoë Kravitz.

*dead*

I hadn’t heard about “seizures” at Twilight showings! But then I do my BEST to avoid any media frenzy surrounding that series. I’m still amazed that grown azz women act a plum fool about a teenage fantasy. Yes, I know at least three co-workers, all over 30, one damn near 50, who are Twihards. One co-worker begged me to go with her to see the second one, but insisted I watch the first movie, so I’d know what was going on. I still give her the side-eye. She knew not to ask me to see Breaking Dawn with her.

I saw Bridesmaids, mainly because I thought it would be a fun ensemble comedy with women (it wasn’t). On another board, I, among a few others, tore the main “protagonist” to shreds with criticism. Good times. Others were not too pleased about it, and I didn’t give a flip. Tired of infantilism being propped up and justified in current films. Kali Hawk has a bit role, but is rather awesome in it. But she antagonizes the wimpy lead in a good way (being excellent at her job), so I’m biased.

An action film with a black actress is a miss, but the black actress as a maid might be up for an Oscar?

That just about sums it up. When The Help was released, there was a fair share of backlash from whites, particularly women (reacting to the backlash from primarily black women), which I found very interesting, especially given that the white Interwebz tends to remain relatively silent on racial matters, save for a few “enlightened” sites. One ignorant woman on a site proclaimed, and I quote:

“And if you’re shedding light on a topic that no one has previously addressed, then what does it matter who writes the book, if the goal is accomplished.”

Because heaven knows, only this white lady author has ever written about black maids and how they were treated during Jim Crow, right? Whoo, the idiocy was in full effect for this movie.

As for the last few films you saw, I haven’t seen them, so can’t comment on the roles for black women. I used to like Zoe Saldana, but she made some questionable comments in Ebony a few months back and later tried to backtrack, and she lost me.

Happy New Year, Goldenah!

GoldenAh: Happy New Year, Daphne!

I’m never certain of when I’m funny, but I really love it when you ladies get me and right to the heart (breaking it down sometimes) of what I’m writing about.

Tell it, Daphne! That attitude of “we aughts ta be grateful”, reminds me of my post, White Women. They really are unable to believe that they are NOT the center of our universe. They are women, but I don’t know how they get to being Prime Ruler and Queen of All Black Women too. The conceit of these WW thinking they know our history, pain, joy, bodies, emotions and mindset better than we do? Wow. That’s why I am not cool with any group of people putting on face paint and saying, “I can be black too.” They would NEVER accept us trying to appropriate what they are by redefining it as something less and insignificant.

I predicted that they would eventually say they were the true force of the Civil Rights movement and that black people stood around looking confused until they did the “thinking” for us. That’s nearly every Hollywood “black history” flick. The traditional approach of whitewashing hasn’t changed a bit. These folks are bold. If we let them, we’ll only have MLK acknowledged, and other black leaders will become a figment of our collective imagination.
Daphne
December 30th, 2011 @ 3:00 PM

As for the last few films you saw,

Sorry, that should read:

As for the last few films you mentioned,
Jubilee
December 30th, 2011 @ 3:49 PM

I may be wrong BUT when a society loses its ‘moral compass’ eventually creativity goes with it. Although not right away: and as far as black women are concerned, there is still racism- many of us are very beautiful and others are jealous of us and makes many look bad i.e. The Help. Hollywood hit bottom but I love the film Courageous which wasnt even FILMED IN HOLLYWOOD

GoldenAh: I hope to see some of the films, when they are available at the library. Otherwise, I’ll miss a few of them. ‘Cause I’m not about giving these folks my hard earned money, unless I really like the folks acting in it.

There was a time (I really feel old saying this), when the doors opened a crack, and we could see some really dark and lovely black women on film. Then the door closed. It’s been shut ever since. I think the reality is that online, and other forms of media, will have to fill the void of entertainment where we see people who look like us acting normally or extraordinary.

Oh, by the way found this online: Foreign Films (others by category) – YouTube is where the future lies and Hulu is not so bad. I haven’t been into Netflix, because there is so much free content online.

http://www.youtube.com/movies or YouTube Movies
http://www.hulu.com/browse/movies?src=topnav or Hulu

Thanks for the comments, Jubilee, and Happy New Year.
Zabeth
December 30th, 2011 @ 6:19 PM

Interesting article. I find some of the numbers intriguing. I saw Drive in theaters twice (loved that movie!), and both times the theater was packed; so its hard for me to believe that this one was a flop. And I don’t remember Tiara Parker ANYWHERE in the film, I’ll have to look for her when I buy the DVD.

GoldenAh: I get the cast list from IMDB. I believe they aren’t particularly ordered by appearance / importance. But she’s in there somewhere. Probably got 2 words in. Shame.

Okay, I’ll check out Drive, but if I hate that film, I’m gonna hold you to account for wasting 2 hours of my life. Just playing.

I like Gosling, even if I think he cannot act. His best role is in: Half Nelson. Shareeka Epps is the true star of this flick. And I liked the movie.

Some movies can seem like a flop. However, this list is based on top grosses: with a short, specific cutoff date and estimated by audience attendance per theater. A film with a tiny budget of $5-15 mil, spends maybe $20 mil in advertising, still makes a profit with $35 mil based on the take at domestic theaters, those profits go up with an international release, and the eternal profits of DVD / Blu-Ray sales, rentals, maybe a theater re-release, and royalties from TV / Cable showings. Gone With the Wind still makes money.

Hollywood makes bank on nearly everything they churn out, unless they spent too much and it truly bombs. That’s why every few years they come out with a Director’s Cut or an Extended Theater release, etc. The film spigot flows forever. Smart actors get a cut of royalties and / or get listed as producer and executive producer. The actors who you hear about dying broke probably signed away their royalties during one of their drug frenzies or was robbed by their unscrupulous manager / agent.

Really great to hear from you, Zabeth. Happy New Year!
sisterlocgirl
December 30th, 2011 @ 8:20 PM

I generally am drawn to action pics, but I DEFINITELY saw Columbiana. How many movies have been made with 55 pound white chicks being shown as kick-ass? Tomb Raider, The entire Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, etc, etc. I finically support films that normalize black women as opposed to the Tyler Perryesque attacks on professional black women, The Help nonsense and other negative roles. Vote with your wallet because in the end all anyone sees is green and quite a few of us have it to spare. Why did I pay money to see Columbiana? Because Zoe Saldana is a black woman who puts herself out there as a black woman period. I’m not certain what questionable comments she may have made in Ebony but I will give her some leeway. I would be interested to know what she said. Just my 2 cents.

GoldenAh: I agree with you Sisterlocgirl, when we see a movie we are voting and displaying our power as consumers. We know Hollywood will continue to make more of the same once they find a gold vein to tap.

I love action flicks too, but I’ll admit to my bias. I only want to see knuckle dragging half-nekked muscular hot and sweaty men fight (like 300, Gladiator) or some cool ass kicking (Bourne Identity, Bond flicks, anything with Jason Statham), not petite little women that a strong wind could blow away. I know this is fantasy, but a part of me is deeply worried that a lot of girls out there (subconsciously) believe they can take on a man twice their size or even the same size and height.

It is much harder to drop kick or break a choke hold than people think. Real fighting is messy dragging, pulling, slapping and punching. It’s not pretty, neat, and folks miss their intended target quite often. A good fight requires vicious surprise – real life doesn’t offer that. I watch some of these “martial arts” moves these women make, and I can’t take it anymore. In a real fight, those little women would be dead in a heartbeat. I have a hard time suspending my disbelief. And when a young woman goes missing, I wonder if it’s because she’s assumed too much about her ability to survive against a determined man.

Hey, but a woman as a sharpshooter, airline pilot, munitions or bombs expert, along with some other skills that require extreme dexterity, I can watch, because it’s believable. I don’t even watch Nikita anymore, because it’s so ridiculous. And the star looks like she really weights 55 lbs.

I support Zoe. I’m fine with her. I’ll see Columbiana eventually. It’s online now.

Thanks for the feedback, Sisterlocgirl. Great to hear from you. Happy New Year.
Vonnie (socialitedreams)
December 30th, 2011 @ 11:52 PM

if we are including half black women, def have to include maya rudolph in bridesmaid as she was the bride! lol

GoldenAh: Why do I keep missing this woman? And she’s so cute too! She reminds me a lot like Raven-Symoné or they could be sisters or mother-daughter.

I think I miss her, because whenever I see the movie poster (not upclose), I see white skin and keep it moving.

I’ll update the post.

Thank you for the input, Vonnie. Happy New Year.
Christelyn Karazin
December 31st, 2011 @ 12:04 AM

It’s so depressing. It’s the same old stereotypes again and again, a kabillion years after slavery. I have to admit I don’t do crowded movie theaters either, except when Maxi Me was salivating to see Breaking Dawn, which was a about the worst movie ever. But…it was fun hanging with the kid.

GoldenAh: I thought it was excellent and awesome when you showcased (plus defending) Issa Rae who created “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl“. I love her humor. She delivers more wit in 5-9 minutes than some of these 22 minute sitcoms.

Nothing beats the home theater. The only pull of a release is the timeliness of it being new. Otherwise, “Meh”.

Great to hear from you, Christelyn. Happy New Year.
trish
January 1st, 2012 @ 9:02 AM

I was forced to see Transformers by my brother in law and long suffering sister lol. I admit to seeing Twilight voluntarily lol. I enjoyed Super 8, Harry Potter, and Bridesmaids. This list represents my entire film experience for the year 2011. I don’t see much changing for 2012. It is somewhat clear that Hollywood has suffered a flight of creativity, maybe it’s time to outsource the writing staff.
On another note, I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas and I purchased your book. Wow!
I loved it. I loved the male lead and the special world you created. Is there any chance a certain warrior could get his own story?

GoldenAh: Transformers II was so incoherent. Oh, my goodness. Criminal how bad it was. I can only imagine your suffering seeing Transformers III.

I am into Vampires and stuff. I dig it. I love Dracula by Bram Stroker. I need a cigarette after that film. And my favorite non-acting actor Keanu Reaves is in it.

I am becoming a big fan of J.J. Abrams. I haven’t seen Super 8, but I was really surprised by Cloverfield. It sorta has that Predator vs Aliens ending. Hint: the sole survivor is never who you expect. I’m almost afraid of praising the man’s work due to the actresses he almost always includes, because of the haters out there. Ya know?

Trish, can I tell you how much that means for you to say that? I write, but I never let myself decide to either release the book or bury it. So, I have to learn to write it, release and let go, or I’ll never get it done. Thank you very much for the compliment. I’ll do my best to get it out this year.

And I love that character too. It’s the truth when writers say the characters have their own lives, we see them, and it’s just us relaying who they are. He is who he is.

Cheers and Happy New Year, Trish.
Daphne
January 1st, 2012 @ 7:08 PM

@ Vonnie –

Good point about Maya Rudolph – she was the main character’s best friend! Can’t believe I failed to mention her! I wish she had a bigger role in the film. Actually, I wish that movie had focused more on the friendships than the self-loathing, pity-partying of Annie.

@sisterlocgirl –

You can find the Ebony comments I’m referring to here. I think where she really lost me was equating having a black President with complaining about how hard it is for black women in Hollywood. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

Her later comments, which I perceived to be backtracking somewhat, here.

GoldenAh: I read the articles. I think I was more amused by it than anything. She says she sorta grew up in Queens and that made her “tough”. LOL. I’m not gonna knock a chick from Queens, but that place was a semi-suburban bougie haven compared to some areas of the Brooklyn / Bronx and Harlem. And she was dancer / ballerina; they don’t have time for all that street nonsense. That tough talking routine from her wasn’t necessary. It just came across as comical. Reminded me of middle class rappers who wanted to pretend they grew up in the projects when in fact their parents had a nice little house in the ‘burbs and worked at decent steady jobs.

I agree with you though: I don’t see the connection between having a black President and finding work as a black actress. Lost me there too.
Mikey Tandino
January 3rd, 2012 @ 9:53 AM

I saw that Transformers III on DVD on Thanksgiving and that movie was six hours long! I mean it felt that way. My uncle went downstairs to take a nap and when he came back, it was STILL on! Needless to say, it was boring.

Iunno who decided that Shia LaBeouf should be a movie star. The last movie I paid to see was Tower Heist and thats only because it had a moderately diverse staff. I really enjoyed it.

I always say the way for Black actresses to get more work is to produce their own quality content. When Angela Basset has to be reduced to doing TP movies and Jumping the Broom, I’m not sure how many other Black actresses stand a chance.

GoldenAh: Six hours long! LOL. Dang, that’s funny.

Shia was a great actor in the movie Holes. So adorably cute! It was a really good film with a surprisingly mixed cast. He was also very good in Disturbia, which was a teenage version of the Hitchcock classic Rear Window.

I see him as more of a decisive – action driven – actor than an emotive one. I don’t see him being able to do serious acting, since there really are no dramas – outside of weird indy flicks – made for people his age, just big blow things up cartoons.

I’ll cut black actresses some slack when it comes to movie making. That’s really a male dominated industry and they hold the key. Not even white women were able to crack that nut, and they spent a long time (decades) whining about being unable to produce and direct the films they want.

Thanks for commenting, Mikey.
introvertedwanderer
January 3rd, 2012 @ 11:16 AM

I liked Shia LeBeouf when he was doing shows on television, way back in the late 90′s/early 2000′s. But I still can’t believe he’s a big screen actor now. I still see him as the character who provides the comedic relief, the way Ryan Gosling used too, but Ryan is an actor who is skilled at his craft though and can take on versatile roles.

Anyway, I think that the only way for black women to really have a prominent role is in either independent film work or to create their own work outside of the major film studio system. There are a lot of wonderful black actresses who just aren’t going to get work in major films or if they do it will be roles that are few and far between. I barely hear about women like Naomi Harris (unless she is in Pirates of the Caribbean series, which I don’t watch), Kerry Washington, Kimberly Elise,etc. These women are just as good or even much better than their white counterparts,in my opinion, especially a woman like Kimberly Elise, but they don’t get nearly as much attention.

Hopefully, Naomi or Kerry don’t show up in a Tyler Perry film at some point because that would just be the end of it for me. Kimberly Elise did Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which might have been ok if Madea wasn’t chewing up scenery, which is why I can’t watch Tyler Perry films for the most part. Instead of focusing on the “right” things in his movies and creating quality story-lines, he inserts Madea and takes the character way over the top, when the character is embarrassing and isn’t needed at all. I gave his Why Did I Get Married movies a chance, and those were just as ridiculous even though Madea wasn’t involved in those. The black women in the Why Did I Get Married series were embarrassing to watch, especially Janet Jackson’s character and another character who drank like a fish and was paranoid that her husband was cheating on her. Embarrassing.

I don’t even go to the movies, anymore, because it just isn’t worth it. The cost of the tickets and the concession stand are way too much. And then after paying for the ticket, the movie is usually mediocre, at best. I usually wait for quality movies to get to Netflix.

GoldenAh: Wow, I didn’t know Shia L. was on TV! Then he’s made a transition that’s usually difficult for a lot of child stars. I know someone who used to be a child actor. Crossing that bridge isn’t easy. I still don’t see any skill in Ryan G., but he did good in about two roles, so I’ll hand him that.

Unfortunately, I think the odds that Kerry W. shows up in a TP flick are pretty high. TP’s getting solid cred in Hollywood, getting “serious” mainstream acting roles, so I suspect he probably has black actresses begging him for work. They may not have the option to snub him. I mean, who else is there for them to turn to? They will have to hurry though. If he’s like most of these black guys who use black women, eventually he’ll move onto the “lighter than a paper bag” actresses.

I’m watching so much free content online, I haven’t had time to see anything on Netflix. I’ve had them on hold, but I may finally cancel my membership.

I saw, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. It wasn’t too bad. Not realistic, but at least there wasn’t any Madea overacting in it. I only watched it to see Adam Rodriguez.

I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but we cannot even get a decent magazine for black women (see Messence). The odds of good cinema or TV shows relating to us are slim to none. The best bet is to support independent dramas online or wherever we find it.

Thanks for stopping by, Introvertedwanderer. Enjoyed reading your perspective.
Toni
January 3rd, 2012 @ 1:04 PM

I’ve my fingers crossed for the new James Bond movie because not only do we get a black woman as one of the leads…all signs point to her being the new MISS MONEYPENNY!

Read up on the character to know why I’m so excited about this possibility.

GoldenAh: Oh, I’m a big fan of James Bond. I cannot think of any I didn’t like…

See, but James Bond is not an American enterprise. I’m thrilled, but I’m not surprised that the British would do this type of casting. Looking at the history of this series, especially since the 1970s, they’ve never had problems with black women.

But there’s something wrong with American cinema. Deeply wrong. Frankly, I hope the box office receipts continue to decline.

And if Congress passes that SOPA bill, I think everybody should boycott all media for a damn year, if not longer.

I’m looking forward to the Bond film. I really liked the last two.

Great to hear from you, Toni.
Daphne
January 3rd, 2012 @ 11:22 PM

Regarding Kerry Washington and Tyler Perry…

She was part of the ensemble cast of For Colored Girls. Which, unfortunately, was adapted for the screen and directed by Tyler Perry. And it’s a damn shame, because the collection of black actress talent in that film (save for Janet Jackson – I have always loved her music, always will, but she is not an actress) is a rare jewel that we may not see for a long time, if ever again. The movie didn’t do well financially, and I don’t think it was well-received critically, either.

As a random note, I always wondered why, say, Oprah, didn’t put her power, finances, and influence into getting it produced. But then I remember that she was really upset over Beloved. Then again again, she was all hyped over Precious, so I don’t know.

Also, the primary audience for TP productions was unlikely to be interested in the film, anyway. Madea is his brand, that’s what people pay to see, and he’s not nearly prolific enough as a screenwriter to branch off into more challenging material. The irony is that I suspect he truly wants to move away from Madea and do other things, but he’s boxed in because Madea = $$. That’s what happens when you have a gimmick rather than quality of ideas (not to mention American fascination with black men cross-dressing for comedy). I would be very surprised if he can break away from it. You never know, though.

To Goldenah’s point, he’s got Hollywood cred, and since black actresses can barely be cast for indie movies, let alone mainstream ones, I can’t blame the talented ones for turning his way. Unless you can not only produce, but get distribution for your own productions, toiling in obscurity may not mean much, especially if you don’t have the drive for fundraising.

Thank goodness for Web TV, though – at least that’s a vehicle in which, especially once it goes viral, production is considerably cheaper than traditional media, and you have more creative control.

Naomie Harris has been able to avoid Perry’s films, and I hope the next James Bond installment (I love ‘em, too!) will grant her even more exposure. I was never into the Pirates movies, but I’ve seen her in other things, and she’s great.

Finally…Adam Rodriguez. YUM!

GoldenAh: I wonder how I even forgot that Colored thing, because Messence made a big deal out of that flick, even putting all the actresses on the cover. I didn’t watch it, but saw the play on DVD years ago, and read the book a couple of times.

I love Janet Jackson the same way. She’s not an actress, but enjoy her as an entertainer.

TP was in the recent Star Trek remake by JJ Abrams, and I heard he’s been offered the role in some Alex Cross films. Don’t know how true it is, but that’s a pretty wide door he got opened.

If it ain’t extreme pain porn, Oprah isn’t interested. Although I think The Wedding, a TV movie with Halle Berry, was the “softest” thing she did. Not sure why she stopped doing that either. Maybe normal black people isn’t something the “powers that be”, or maybe even black folks, want to see.

Madea is creepy. I wish I was brave enough to delve into the subject of why America loves cross dressing black men, but the possible answers frighten me. I’ll have to remain blissfully happy in ignorance.

Naomie doing Ninja Assassin with Rain was rather incredible. Not for the quality, but for the fact that two non-whites starred in an action film. Hmm, I have to remember to buy the DVD: Rain spends a lot of time “exercising” without much clothes on.
trish
January 4th, 2012 @ 2:39 AM

Happy New Year!
I really enjoyed it. I have heard other writers say the same about characters. I guess it’s a writer’s thing.
Please release the sequel or whatever else is up your sleeve.
There are lots of BWE blogs these days to publicize your writing efforts. It should sell like hotcakes
My sister tried to purchase the book (she saw it on my Kindle) but she has a Nook. Hopefully she can get it from Lulu.
I usually walk out of bad films but I was forced to stay because it was a treat from my brother in law. Lol
However, I spent lots of time in the lobby, on “bathroom breaks”, buying frozen ice cream and in general wasting time outside the screening room. I came in at certain intervals lol. We had a deal with him; he paid for Harry Potter if we saw Transformers 3.

GoldenAh: Thanks for the heads-up about the Nook issue. I thought B&N would have the ebook version. Gotta look into that. Yeah, getting it through Lulu shouldn’t be a problem.

It’s coming along. And thanks again for the compliment, Trish.

I have a feeling – being a glutton for punishment – I’ll be watching Transformers III. Just out of curiosity.
Patricia Kayden
January 4th, 2012 @ 1:08 PM

I was rooting for Columbiana to do better. Wasn’t a bad movie. And nice to see a beautiful Black woman as the lead. Oh well. Looking forward to Ms. Saldana in the next Star Trek movie or the sequel to Avatar.

And while my White friends love “The Maid”, I mean “The Help”, I just cannot force myself to watch it. We’re not maids anymore.

GoldenAh: Happy New Year, Patricia. So good to hear from you!

That movie makes them feel so good about themselves. Could they stand to enjoy a film where the roles were reversed? I doubt it.

I watched Zoe in The Losers, she does action in that film too.
introvertedwanderer
January 4th, 2012 @ 1:32 PM

Oh, yeah, I had forgotten that Kerry Washington was in For Colored Girls. I never really had much interest in watching that, but I did decide to give it a try when it came on Netflix for instant viewing. I watched all of five minutes of it, then turned it off. Any movie that has Tyler Perry’s stamp on it, always seems off to me, whether those movies include Madea or not. There is something about Tyler Perry in which he always seems like he is reaching, so the situations that the characters find themselves in his movies, seem affected somehow. Also, I had to turn the movie off because I can’t stand Thandie Newton’s acting. Her attempt to do any accent outside of her own, is always terrible, in my opinion. I hate to say it but I was surprised that she was included in the film. Some of the movies that she is cast in, just seem like a strange casting choice, in my opinion.

And while I adore Naomi Harris, her accents aren’t all that great, either. As a Jamaican, I wasn’t able to get into her take on the accent. I know she comes from a family in which either one or both of her parents are from the Caribbean, but I didn’t like her take on the patois. I know that the Pirates of the Caribbean series is what introduced her to a lot of people, though.

I know that Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was mentioned above. I really enjoy that series because it is one of the few shows that actually represents who I am as a black woman. I am introverted and socially awkward, although not extremely socially awkward. I’m kind of on the same level as the character Jay in terms of my awkwardness. Black women, blacks, in general, aren’t usually depicted in that way. So I love the fact that almost every character in the series is a minority and that they all have their quirks. I mean, how often do we see these types of characters on tv? Not really. Well, they will cast Asians as the awkward character but the character is usually more of a caricature, while the white characters who also happen to be awkward, quirky, nerdy, are allowed to be more rounded and they get the the story-lines, while the minority characters are the sidekicks.

I think the black actress that I truly feel does not deserve any roles to come her way, would be Halle Berry. And it doesn’t have anything to do with her personal life or how crazy people say she is. For me, it just has to do with her not being able to act. I think that she is supposed to represent what black actresses can achieve, but the fact that she is a one-note, flat actress, while all of the other black actresses that have been mentioned are talented but aren’t perceived to be as beautiful as she is, kind of defeats that representation.

On another note, I know that there are some black actresses who are irked by the fact that black singers… ahem… Beyonce, are sometimes given roles, instead of them. I think that Nia Long discussed this in an interview a few years ago. I think she even faced some backlash for stating her feelings on the matter. Beyonce, like Halle, needs to stay far, far way from movie roles. Leave the acting to people who have been in the game for a long time and have acting chops, such as Nia Long, Naomi Harris, Sophie Okonedo, Kerry Washington, kimberly Elise, etc.

GoldenAh: I first saw Naomi Harris in 28 Days Later. That blew me away. She was awesome and it was off the hook. And I love zombie flicks.

Yeah, Caribbean accents can be tricky, even when one’s parents are from there.

The actresses you mentioned – I like them – but aside from Nia and Naomi, I don’t recall what prominent or well known works the others have appeared in. Although Kerry is supposed to have her own show coming onto network TV. I thought that would be on by now, supposedly produced by Shonda Rhimes. Maybe it’ll come this spring?

Halle just had a movie come out that was a flop. Can’t recall the name of it. It’s an ensemble piece.

Singers and rappers will always win over professional actors, because they bring an audience that Hollywood can count on.

Great, great observations about Awkward Black Girl. Couldn’t agree more.
Daphne
January 4th, 2012 @ 10:40 PM

Any movie that has Tyler Perry’s stamp on it, always seems off to me, whether those movies include Madea or not.

I agree!

I enjoy the Awkward Black Girl series as well, and as a fellow introvert, I’d like to think we’re less socially awkward, more wired differently. But then, I admit to being a tad defensive about introversion, and how it’s perceived, directly or otherwise, to be something “wrong” or “off” rather than different (especially in women, we’re supposed to be gregarious rays of sunshine, don’t cha know). To me, it’s no different than being left-handed in a right-handed world. Which, I also happen to be, ha. But just like I COULD learn to use my right hand as the dominant hand, it’ll never be quite natural as someone who was inherently meant to be that way.

I assume the future will include more short films in addition to feature films that are web-based, in addition to the episodic series. Hopefully, that will provide even more opportunities for black actresses, directors, and writers to showcase their talent!

GoldenAh: I refuse to let society make me feel “odd”, because I happen to like thinking about things instead of blurting out every thought in my head. Or grinning all the time at nothing, because I am female.

I take comfort in the fact that Michael Dell, Bill Gates and quite a number of other famous (and very capable rich people) are introverts. Ain’t nothing wrong with us. We just need to think things over a bit.

Aww, you’re ambidextrous too! Although I’m mostly a right handed person, I can write with the left, not neatly, but I can do it.

I hope there are more online black programs, and that they have a central place to showcase their stuff.
Daphne
January 6th, 2012 @ 12:52 PM

TP was in the recent Star Trek remake by JJ Abrams, and I heard he’s been offered the role in some Alex Cross films. Don’t know how true it is, but that’s a pretty wide door he got opened.

You’re right. It makes scratch my head over it, since he’s not much of an actor, either. I mean, if he was a better actor than screenwriter/director, okay, I could live with that. Yet…no. Not so much. It has to be his brand – I assume there are a lot of people who would see a movie because they know he’s in it. I’ve never been into his Madea-centric productions, and I decided to try a couple of his other non-Madea films (i.e. Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married). They made my eye twitch, so I think it’s just him and his issues with black women, and middle/upper-middle class blacks, to a smaller degree.

I wish I was brave enough to delve into the subject of why America loves cross dressing black men, but the possible answers frighten me. I’ll have to remain blissfully happy in ignorance.

Same here!

I take comfort in the fact that Michael Dell, Bill Gates and quite a number of other famous (and very capable rich people) are introverts. Ain’t nothing wrong with us. We just need to think things over a bit.

Exactly. Men get away with being introverted a lot more often, though – there is the whole “strong and silent/brooding” archetype, and that (male) nerds/geeks are en vogue these days. I think women are more socially pressured to be extroverted, or else we’re seen as cold, aloof, saditty, bitchy, non-nurturing, antisocial, unapproachable, etc. I love to laugh, I have no problem smiling, and I can hold a conversation…but strangers or people I don’t spend time with likely won’t see that, unless I’m in certain settings.

I’m still amazed regularly how uncomfortable it makes others when I’m quiet. Just yesterday, I had a meeting at work, and one of the managers made a comment about it. She wasn’t mean or nasty about it – she just brought it up at an incongruous moment that made think, “Da hayel?” when she mentioned it.

GoldenAh: I’ve had that since childhood. People want you to “act” for them. Not happening. Take me as I am, or leave me alone. I have a clown at the job who thinks he can “make” me behave the way he wants. He should stop, or he’s going to find himself unemployed soon if he keeps this nonsense up.

That’s us in a nutshell, Daphne. But I have a temper to go along with it.
introvertedwanderer
January 6th, 2012 @ 2:20 PM

In my case, as I mentioned in another post, I am introverted and socially awkward. I do realize that they aren’t the same thing, though, even though a lot of people think they are the same. It’s just that I happen to be both. just like how there are introverts who are outgoing and don’t tend to feel awkward in social situations. A lot of people think that introverts can’t be outgoing. One of the main traits of introversion is that introverts need more time alone to regain their energy. Also, introverts tend to enjoy small groups or one on one situations, instead of being in situations in which there is a big crowd of people.

Like you Daphne, people aren’t often going to see my laughing, silly side unless I’m around people with whom I’m really comfortable socializing. In past workplaces, there was always someone who would always ask me”Are you ok?” simply because I wasn’t talking and bringing attention to myself, like the other employees. That’s just not me. I’ve never been an attention seeker. I don’t like the limelight.

The worst experience for me is being around extremely extroverted people. I used to have one coworker who fit the bill, and she was ANNOYING. I couldn’t tolerate her personality becuase it bordered on narcissism. Narcissists tend to be extraverted , even extremly so. And she saw nothing wrong with how she behaved.

I actually think it’s funny when people think that I am anti-social. It’s like, being quiet/introverted and being anti-social are not the same thing. Anti-social behavior is a whole different ball game.

I feel like saying to some people, no I am not anti-social, but if you keep harrassing me, I might unleash some anti-social behavior lol.

I can understand why people feel uncomfortable around people who are quiet though. It can be disconcerting. Even me, who is usually on the quiet side, may feel uncomfortable when someone else is quiet. I used to read a blog called Living Introverted, by the author who wrote the book Living Introverted, and she had a post about this, in which she admitted to feeling uncomfortable sometimes, around other people who displayed introverted traits that she herself displays. She said that it gave her a reality check about the way other people might feel about her, somtimes. Because what happens, is that you end up getting a “dose of your own medicine” not in a bad way, but it makes you more aware of yourself.
Adrienne
January 8th, 2012 @ 1:44 AM

“This was the year of… comic books and animation. Proof of Hollywood’s emptiness.”

As an artist, I take a little bit of offence at that comment. Comic books (sometimes also known as graphic novels) and animation are just mediums, or at best, techniques, not genres.

Animation is usually looked down upon as not being “real” movie-making, but in the right hands, it is as powerful as any other medium.

People often use animation for junk, because they see it as a good conduit for doing a bad job but still making money (because animation in the U.S is seen and often used as “just a babysitter for kids.”)

And there is a whole universe of wonderful comic books outside of the superhero world that are just as powerful and relevant as any other novel. (See Art Spiegelman’s “Maus”, Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis”, or Max Allen Collin’s “Road to Perdition.”)

In fact, I believe that entertaining, well-designed, and cute images of black girls and women in comics and animation can perhaps have a more lasting and deeply penetrating effect for change. Hand-drawn images especially are often iconic and accessible in ways that no real person could hope to be.

GoldenAh: That’s my role and goal here: to offend everybody. I manage to be successful at it even when I’m not directly targeting said group. I need to fine tune my aim.

Batman’s awesomeness and comeback was, IMHO, solely due to the creative genius of Frank Miller’s work. He is an artist. I think he gave the industry (comic novels and the movie industry) a big boost by writing, as he does, from such an adult, dark and deep perspective. I have some of his other works: like the Japanese warrior and the black woman (Ronin). However, when I used to visit the comic books stores and looked at some of the other materials (from other folks), it came across as kiddie porn for emotionally disturbed men. The story always seemed to be about some old dude with a pre-teen or adolescent girl. Having sex all the damn time. Nasty stuff. I lost interest and never went back to reading any of it.

I never got into Maus. I stay away from Holocaust stuff. It’s the same story over and over again. Like Hollywood movies on the same topic, year in and year out. And as I always say, they’re free to do it, I have no quarrel with them about the topic. I just don’t pretend to have any interest in it.

I have an animation film: Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, the most awesome one I’ve ever watched. The Incredibles is still one of the best CGI films – plot wise and for its humor. I liked Up as well. I thought the first Shrek was amazing.

And I just gave you my exceptions to the general rule: most of the dreck Hollywood produces is lame. It’s not a secret. They’re aware of this themselves. It’s not a flaw, that’s the nature of any business: batting 100% – all the time – is simply not possible.

My point was that not even comic books, animation or CGI films takes that away, because the returns ($$$, interest and originality) are diminishing. That gold vein they’re mining is quite possibly getting tapped out.

I think you’ve might have noticed that around here (on some of these interweb blogs) if we find something worth supporting – it gets the necessary props. I’ll be happy to sing the praises of any artist or auteur who has something worth supporting.

If you think there’s something out there worthwhile to check out: give us some links. I’ll be happy to link to it.

Thanks for stopping by, Adrienne. Glad to hear your feedback. Don’t be a stranger.
Andrea
January 8th, 2012 @ 5:51 PM

I hope SOPA doesn’t pass, because I love seeing movies and TV shows online. The last movie I saw at a cinema was Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. That movie was amazing! I was very impressed with the plot, the new characters and the old ones. First saw it on Christmas eve, then again on Dec 30th. That movie was well worth the price of admission. We all loved it.

I’m glad you reviewed it, GoldenAh. I probably would not have gone to see it at all otherwise. I will also buy the DVD, so that (hopefully) Hollyweird gets the point.

As far as Zoe Saldana’s comments in Ebony and other publications, I believe I understand what she was trying to say.

Many Black people (I know) hate to admit this, but believing that you can’t do something or that you won’t be given a chance at something simply because you’re Black is their biggest obstacle in gaining success, not “the man”.

I remember reading an article years ago in Elle about Zoe and she said that she went out for any role that she could imagine herself in, whether it was written specifically for a BW or not. MOST Black actresses do not do this. Perhaps, they fear rejection. But while they sit on the sidelines or wait for Tyler Perry and other BW specific roles, she’s working with James Cameron and JJ Abrahms.

She has also been rejected for roles because she’s Black, and has talked about it many times — in mainstream mags. She’s trying to inspire Black women to stop letting others mental limitations limit them, and at the same time telling Hollywood producers that they need to stop being racist in casting choices.

I witness this limiting behavior in Black people that I know everyday. They would rather not try than try and fail. If Obama had believe that he could never be elected president, because he’s Black, he would not be president. He never would have tried and succeeded if he had not risked failure. You have to believe in yourself before others will. I believe that is why she mentioned Obama. Most people I know did not believe that Obama could win the nomination or, later, the election, but he did.

She does not express herself very well in interviews (based on what the interviewers choose to include), but considering what she has said over the years — and it’s pretty consistent, I get what she means. When she’s interviewed by Black mags, she tries to keep it all positive, probably because she fears discouraging present and future Black actresses. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Some Black folks are EXTREMELY easy to discourage.

GoldenAh: I am glad you liked it, Andrea. MI:GP was fun and enjoyable to watch. In some ways, it reminds me of Star Trek (with Zoe). Maybe I’ll get both DVDs.

I get what you are saying, but black men get over in some ways that black women will never do, because they are the ultimate protected class of victims. Folks in the media still speak as if black men are the only victims of racism. And let’s not forget the media worked hard to help Obama get elected: he was practically coronated into the Presidency. There isn’t that kind of liberal or even conservative push to see black women achieve any level of support in the same way. Frankly, we don’t even exist to these folks.

I think when it comes to casting, Zoe got a chance with directors who have a history of employing black actresses. I also think she may have been favored as an “exotic” black Latina. I don’t diss her for that, I think it’s part and parcel of what gets her work. In Hollywood, once they like a particular actress, she’ll continue to be seen and heard. Whoopie Goldberg had this kind of good luck at one point. But with the other directors or producers, no matter how many times she (or other black actresses) goes for a role – she’ll never get work. I don’t believe it has much to do with the mindset of black people, that’s just the reality of the acceptable racism of Hollywood.

It’s good that she’s encouraging more to join the entertainment business, yet I think that black women have better opportunities as entrepreneurs, physicians, nuclear physicists, and astronauts than actresses. But that’s my biased and humble opinion.
Andrea
January 12th, 2012 @ 5:50 AM

“I get what you are saying, but black men get over in some ways that black women will never do, because they are the ultimate protected class of victims. Folks in the media still speak as if black men are the only victims of racism. And let’s not forget the media worked hard to help Obama get elected: he was practically coronated into the Presidency. There isn’t that kind of liberal or even conservative push to see black women achieve any level of support in the same way. Frankly, we don’t even exist to these folks.”
~GoldenAh

I agree. But this is only true because men will stand by other men in a way that women are loathed to do. Even racist WM/HM/AM men will go to an action movie starring a BM, if he believes it will be an entertaining movie.

Men, especially WM, support Wesley Snipes, Will Smith and Eddie Murphy by seeing their (sometimes mediocre if not awful) films in droves. The only time WW go to see movies starring BW in droves is if the BW it stars is fat / unattractive, or the role she plays is stereotypical or seems demeaning to BW in general (The Help, Precious, anything starring Monique). If Sanaa Latham (as an example) developed bad acne and gained 100 lbs. she would be a hot commodity by now. Lol.

Also, and I believe I have mentioned this before — in another post, BM are their own worst enemy and ours (BW), so championing a BM poses no risk to the status quo. Supporting BM makes White liberals / closet bigots seem and feel altruistic, without threatening their status in American society. It also helps keep BW and children from succeeding on a much wider scale, since the people distracting them, by creating fear and committing violent acts against them, are BM. For the racists, it’s a twofer — they look “colorblind” / sympathetic to the only people in the so-called BC who matter, while knowingly assisting in the destruction of said community. On the other hand, BW are expert at overcoming the worst circumstances without assistance from anyone, even other BP. Especially not other BP! That makes us dangerous, a true threat to the status quo… Something no AA man will probably ever be, since most believe strongly in the racist stereotypes about themselves and lack the self discipline / self-control necessary to be real contenders on a society wide scale.

I suspect that is the reason most TV shows (scripted and reality) depict BM in a positive light, while assassinating the characters of BW.

“I think when it comes to casting, Zoe got a chance with directors who have a history of employing black actresses. I also think she may have been favored as an “exotic” black Latina. I don’t diss her for that, I think it’s part and parcel of what gets her work. In Hollywood, once they like a particular actress, she’ll continue to be seen and heard. Whoopie Goldberg had this kind of good luck at one point. But with the other directors or producers, no matter how many times she (or other black actresses) goes for a role – she’ll never get work. I don’t believe it has much to do with the mindset of black people, that’s just the reality of the acceptable racism of Hollywood.”
~GoldenAh

I’m not sure how exotic ZS is perceived to be by producers, frankly, she looks no more exotic than any other AA woman. She’s slightly darker than I am, despite her being mixed. And she has facial features and a body type that I see in my own family members. The exoticism could come from her surname…. I have heard for years that some White reporters in the Southwest states would change their last names to something Hispanic/Latino sounding to get work at local TV stations as on air reporters. But those could be false rumors.

“It’s good that she’s encouraging more to join the entertainment business, yet I think that black women have better opportunities as entrepreneurs, physicians, nuclear physicists, and astronauts than actresses. But that’s my biased and humble opinion. ”
~GoldenAh

I agree with that. My current GYN is a very smart, patient and dedicated BW and I feel very fortunate to have found her. BW have also proven themselves very efficient, resourceful and successful entrepreneurs. BW enterprises are more likely to succeed than startups by other groups, including WP. Not coincidentally, shortly after I read an article about this fact in a mainstream mag (either Newsweek or Time, maybe) the articles and TV segments on how educated BW are not getting married or having children started up. Or at least, that’s when I began seeing and hearing about the articles and “news” programs.

However, I also believe it is in the best interests of BW as a group to have and support positive images of us in the media. Which means actresses, news reporters, talk show hosts, etcetera. Unfortunately, some of the most successful BW in these fields are very poor examples of BW (I’m thinking of Sherry Shepard (?) of The View right now).

It’s interesting to note that although WW do the most bitching about media images of women, they are the first ones to cut a fat WW down. And I don’t just mean Crypt Keeper-looking Joan Rivers.

Example: About 5 or 6 years ago there was an article in TV Guide about Kelly Ripa. She said that when she was on a soap opera years before, she became pregnant with her first child but the producers didn’t want to write it into the storyline, so they hid her pregnancy. Some woman wrote her a letter saying, “Eat a carrot you fat cow!” What do you think the odds are that the author of that rude letter was not a WW trying to protect the image of WW?

GoldenAh: Andrea, you make an excellent point about men supporting each other, even if racist. Look at how white men have accepted the domination of black men in sports where they used to be excluded. They will be fair and evenhanded about even the most stupid and obnoxious BM players.

That’s why when I write about movies, I exclude the “black people = black male actors” slant, because I could easily say we were included in every top grossing flick. But the black male token costar or actual leading star is assured a role today. He gets work. The same cannot be said for black women. That’s why Zoe sounded a bit off in those interviews.

The first time I saw someone identified as a sorta black Latina in a film was Rosie Perez. At the time as a “breakthrough” movie maker Spike Lee was one of the first to start replacing black women with lighter, “brighter” or paper bag actresses. What’s funny is how quickly Rosie said she wasn’t black. But if you want to know where this trend of replacing black women (in black productions) with others started you can always trace it back to some black male(s). We see it in the music business, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force might have been one of the first. I remember she said they were specifically looking for a Spanish / Latina.

And you are right, Andrea: I also believe it is in the best interests of BW as a group to have and support positive images of us in the media.
Daphne
January 13th, 2012 @ 10:20 PM

Really late in my response, but here goes:

@ introvertedwanderer –

Regarding being quiet…I should have specified my perspective was primarily focused on the office environment. If I’m at my desk, working, and not saying anything, I don’t see the problem. It’s one thing if I’m quiet and unproductive, or if in group settings, I’m quiet (I’m usually engaged in meetings and requisite group gatherings). But none of that is the case. For those with whom I am close, being quiet isn’t an issue because 1) I’m more engaged with them, and 2) they accept me for who I am. Corporate America, save for certain professions, is largely an exercise in extroversion: in order to advance your career, you have to play the game. I’m a lot better than I was, and I’m sure there are many introverts who are masters at playing the extrovert. I’m not one of them, and probably never will be. Has it impacted my career path? As a factor, I would say yes, but I made peace with that several years ago. Not that it’s the primary reason, but I do believe it is a factor.

But I agree with how annoying it is that antisocial and introversion are conflated, when the former is a psychological disorder and the latter is not.

@ Goldenah – you’re not the only one with a temper!

@ Andrea –

Regarding Zoe Saldana, you make some valid points. And to be fair, I’ve not read previous interviews, so I’m unaware of what she may have said in support of black women.

That said, when I read her comments, the first thing that came to mind was, “Well, it’s certainly easy to have the attitude of Why discuss the difficulties of black women in Hollywood? when you’re the go-to Black woman of the moment.” Zoe has hit her stride in her career, and that’s great. But to be obtuse about black women in film coincidentally while you’re riding high isn’t a good look. I don’t expect any black actress to make that her public platform and personal cause (I completely get that it’s not politically expedient to be public about that), but don’t play Boo Boo the Fool about it, either.

Anyway, that’s how I interpreted her Ebony comments, and when someone pointed out her references to racism in the other linked article, I didn’t understand the cognitive dissonance on her part. I still don’t, but I can understand why others’ mileage can vary.
Didi
January 15th, 2012 @ 8:41 AM

Late to this but your psot had me in stitches especially the ‘seizures’ occuring during Breaking dawn, lol!
Brilliant post and great analysis of the movie industry; I enjoyed your unsentimental take. Lets face it, its a dog-eat-dog world out there and actors need to eat black or white. So while I generally detest all things Tyler Perry I will not knock actors for going after roles in his movies. It’s not as if anyone is beating their doors down..
Having said that the only movies I saw on that list were Rio, Rango, Up and Colombiana. Some of these animated movies are fantastic and way better than most with actual humans..really.
Colombiana because I support black female actors as much as I can and if they are paired with a hot male lead even more!Otherwise as I have grown older I am now careful to put my money only where support for BW has been shown. It’s not always easy but I manage.:)
I am no fan of Tom Cruise since he went a bit odd after getting together with Katie Holmes but you know what, I am going to re-think this ‘cos you’re right- he has used BW in his films twice at least which is pretty supportive the way I see it. Also Luc Besson will always get my money henceforth for using minority (mostly BW) women in major movies and of course his beautiful wife is a BW.
I am so intruiged by Ninja Assassin after your mention, Rain is very attractive but has not been on my radar before. I know this is sooo shallow but I have to ask before buying it-do he and Naomi have any ‘intimate’ scenes? Yeah, I live love scenes, so what?:)

GoldenAh: I wish! I wish Ninja Assasisin had some smoking hot sex scenes with Rain, but alas, I think there was a mild smooch at one point. But they do spend a number of times rescuing one another, and it has a sufficient amount of action. Not top notch, the plot is “meh”, but it is nice to see a BW in the lead.

Oh, I agree animation can deliver better films, although I find the eyes creepy when they try to make the characters life-like.

Glad I made you laugh, Didi. And thank you for stopping by.
Didi
January 15th, 2012 @ 8:42 AM

Sorry, I meant to write:
‘Yeah, I like love scenes, so what?:)
Spell check needed, lol

GoldenAh: So do I!
introvertedwanderer
January 15th, 2012 @ 8:59 PM

Ninja Assassin is one of the few action movies that does not have sexually intimate scenes. A lot of people were disappointed by that, and chalked it up to the fact that a sex scene didn’t occur because of who the two leads were, in the movie. While watching the movie, I was definitely hoping for a couple of scenes. Oh, well. Rain and Naomi had great chemistry, though, and I enjoyed just watching their characters talk to each other, and there are a couple of nonverbal moments that really show their chemistry. I also liked that in an interview about the movie, Rain had some nice things to say about Naomi, when asked about her.

Rain is such a cutie pie. He’s the one that got me interested in Blasian relationships. Before that, I had noticed Asian guys, but he really made me take notice.

To go back to Kerry Washington, I read that her show Scandal is supposed to start airing in April. I also thought that it was going to be on already.

Did anyone see the latest episode of Awkward Black Girl. I’m so happy with who Jay chose to be with. I thought both guys were great, but the guy she chose is the right one for her, in my opinion.

GoldenAh: Haven’t seen the last episodes of ABG yet. So no spoilers from anybody!!!

Yes, they did have good chemistry. The dialogue and banter was cute. I’ve watched Rain in a few Kdramas online, the most recent being, Runaway: Plan B. He’s quite playful and has a sense humor. A rather good actor too, rather versatile, and it seems like his English is getting better.

I’ll keep an eye out for Kerry’s show….
Andrea
January 15th, 2012 @ 9:19 PM

@Daphne

I can understand, not having read previous ZS interviews, how you might interpret her response to be dismissive of other BW in Hollywood. But I feel that she would be better off not even answering such questions in the future.

I find it suspicious that the only people in Hollywood who are asked in every single interview about the struggles of their race and gender is Black women. Not even BM are asked these questions in EVERY single interview (whether Black owned media outlets or mainstream). And BM get 10x as many acting jobs as BW. Makes one wonder, is there a correlation?

Also, no one ever asks Will Smith, Wesley Snipes, Terrence Howard or any other BM actor why they don’t insist on BW co-stars in their movies. Or question why, when they do see fit to hire a BW, she’s often a one-dropper who looks whiter than some White folks.

The problem is, there are situations where complaining publicly actually helps you, but this is not one. It’s like with BW who are obsessed with finding a “good BM” and complain about it like it’s their day job. It just makes them look less desirable to their target audience.
Daphne
January 16th, 2012 @ 7:16 PM

Introvertedwanderer –

I saw the AWBG finale – I think she made the right choice. From what I recall, in the beginning, Fred was not only NOT showing romantic interest, but kinda sorta involved with Nina. So even if there was no White Jay, I thought Jay deserved better. White Jay never held back in his pursuit, and they seemed to have things in common. Fred was nice, but he was also late. That’s how it goes sometimes. Though, based on the initial Youtube comments I read, some Fred fans were irrationally upset and accused the production team of pandering to White Jay fans. Um, okay.

I might have to check out the Kerry Washington TV show. I don’t watch TV nearly as much as I used to, so I’m pretty selective about what shows get my time. This may sound crazy, but I prefer movies because they have a beginning, a middle, and an ending. They END. TV shows don’t know how to end (let alone tell a story), so there are all of these unnecessary elements that try my patience. So I rarely watch anymore. With movies, 2-3 hours tops, and it’s over.

I feel that she would be better off not even answering such questions in the future.

Andrea, I don’t know if it’s a matter of not answering such questions so much as knowing HOW to answer them when posed. If it were me, I would have a stock response, and give it every.single.time the question was posed, no matter how many times it’s asked or turned over and under to get a response. Perhaps the media would get a clue and stop asking it.
Introvertedwanderer
January 16th, 2012 @ 10:44 PM

@Daphne, Although I never really had an issue with the character of Fred, you are right, he was late at being proactive with his feelings for Jay. The interest was there from the beginning but it took White J coming into the picture for him to step up more. However, I do chalk some of his hesitation up to him being awkward like some of the other characters. What I like about White J is that he was proactive in spite of being awkward and not getting everything right.

I know what you mean about television series, but I also tend to feel the same way about a lot of movies. It’s rare these days that find a movie that I really enjoy. The two recent tv series that I liked were Prison Break and Lost, even though Lost did have its spotty moments, and I didn’t really like the final season. But I think for series, I’m going to try to find more gems online, like ABG. It’s funny, whenever I’m on Netflix, which is where I tend to watch movies/series, I end up just watching older series like The Twilight Zone. That’s more appealing to me than a lot of the stuff that comes out now. Otherwise, I look out for independent films that might be interesting to me. I still want to see Shame. Last indie I saw was Hunger, which was also from McQueen.
introvertedwanderer
January 16th, 2012 @ 11:48 PM

I forgot to add that tv series get cancelled very quickly these days. They are lucky if they get half of a season to build an audience. A lot of them are gone before viewers even have a chance to digest the very first episode. A show has to be very special to get the green light for a full season, and even then a second season isn’t promised.

I was actually very surprised that Jada Pinket Smiths show lasted for three seasons. I wasn’t surprised when it got cancelled because the writing was awful, and I don’t know if Jada is self absorbed but everything was about her character so the show didn’t have any balance. She was the central character so it made sense to give her more screen time but almost everything was about her character.

The worse part is that the show was on a great cable channel, TNT, which has a reputation for great shows, like Southland. Im so happy that Regina King is on that show.

GoldenAh: It’s tough when you get interested in a show and it disappears, especially when the writing is good. I think that’s why I like foreign shows. There is a definitive beginning and end. I don’t know if American TV will ever change to a fixed schedule. Lost seemed like the last show to do that, although it was incoherent by the very end.

I wanted to see those shows, but haven’t had the time. If the writing is bad as you say for Hawthorne, I doubt I ever will. I like cop dramas. I didn’t know Southland was still on. Gotta see if I can get the series DVDs at some point.
introvertedwanderer
January 18th, 2012 @ 12:23 PM

I think I am going to start giving more foreign series a chance. The ones that I have given a chance so far are a couple of the shows from the UK, but I didn’t stick with them past a couple of episodes. Even though most of American tv shows aren’t on a fixed timeline, the one thing about some cable channels is that the shows on those channels are a lot shorter, so there isn’t any time for filler content in the episodes. I watch Sons of Anarchy, and the seasons are very short, about ten episodes. Southland is the same, and so was Hawthorne.

I originally got into Hawthorne because I like watching medical dramas once in a while, and I figured I’d give it a chance. Jada created the show, starred in it, and also it seemed like her character, “Christina Hawthorne”, had only been in interracial relationships. Also, Michael Vartan who is like the go-to guy for interracial relationships in series, was also a main character, “Dr. Tom Wakefield”. While watching the second season, I quickly came to the conclusion that the problem with the show was that it did not know how to balance storylines, and once Christina and Tom stopped dancing around each other and actually became a couple, the show did not focus on their relationship. A lot of people loved the couple, but were disappointed in the lack of focus. The show, in terms of storylines, really went off the rails, during the third season, which was the last season. Even though the interracial aspect of the show was never highlighted and was never intended to be a big deal, which I respected, the show still did miss a chance to show an interracial couple being in a loving relationship while also still having some normal drama. So if anyone decides to get the series mainly for the relationship between Tom and Christina, they will most likely be disappointed in how the couple is written and the lack of attention on their relationship.

GoldenAh: When it comes to foreign programs it takes a while to enjoy or get into, because sometimes I wonder why people put up with certain social norms. But you get used to their customs and the stories start to make sense. You watch an American show and people tell each other off about anything, but the rest of the world isn’t like that about certain topics. So it’s interesting to see what they struggle with.

Thank you so much for your review and summary of Hawthorne. It’s very good. I think you point to something writers for TV shows never like to do: explore a normal healthy relationship by letting the characters grow and develop with one another. Instead they prefer to show people going through adolescent sexual attraction, quarreling over nothing, and then moving onto the next partner. That can be more boring than showing a normal couple dealing with regular ups and downs. The longest lasting shows with the highest ratings had the most stable loving couples….

You are right about cable programs. Right now that is where the quality is at. I love the short episode format, and they seem to have an agreement to let a show have a last episode as opposed to frustrating us by abruptly ending it.
Daphne
January 19th, 2012 @ 8:49 PM

Goldenah – apologies for my January 16 post! I didn’t see where you asked for no spoilers! I know it’s too late, but still…my bad!

What are your preferred foreign shows? I recall Korean dramas mentioned in earlier post.

introvertedwanderer –

About Fred and awkwardness…you have a point. Still, it seemed to me no initial romantic interest was there because he had no problem with Nina being all up on him and…didn’t she kiss him? And he didn’t resist? Granted, Nina was aggressive. And Fred seemed like a nice guy who probably didn’t want to hurt her feelings. OTOH – he didn’t make the effort early on to clarify things with Jay, either. This ain’t high school, where glances and wistful looks signify interest. Being awkward and initially lame (in a cute way!) didn’t stop White Jay from being active in his pursuit (particularly since Jay didn’t exactly give off “I’m interested in you” vibes at first). He took a chance, and it paid off.

I liked the way it played out, especially since it seems like women in general, black women in particular, are urged to go CSI and set up a metaphorical lab to analyze any and all signs and nonverbal cues to interpret if a man is interested, and give him as much leeway as possible. I don’t think being flexible is unreasonable, but I also believe that NOT expressing your interest is really the same thing as not being interested, in terms of demonstration. End game, it’s all the same.

Thus, I interpreted Fred not being interested until he saw White Jay about to get some lip lovin’ with Jay!

I tried to watch Hawthorne, but I couldn’t get through an episode. Granted, it was season 3, so perhaps that’s why. Michael Vartan has become the TV poster boy for interracial relationships, eh?

GoldenAh: Not a problem. Pretty much everyone mentioned who she picked by time the last episode came out. It’s like trying to avoid who won the superbowl or the presidential election.

Although I admit to being a bit surprised, I figured there’d be some pressure to pick Fred. ‘Cause like you say, White Jay went after her, and Fred was playing high school games. Hate that ish.

Those Korean dramas have grown on me. And the guys are so damn fine. My languages skills are still stuck in kindergarten, but it’s not hard to tell what’s going on by the expressions, gestures and behaviors of the Korean actors (there are English subtitles, but I know not everything they say gets translated). I find the quality to be really really good. I like British works too: like Misfits online and whatever I can get from BBC – via DVDs, if I get the time to watch ‘em.

As for ABG, I want her to package that show on DVD. I know I’m asking for a lot, but to support her work, I’d buy it. Together, the whole thing probably is as long as any movie.