'Able-bodied' Actors playing Disabled characters

[Mach2Infinity]

I've decided to post this in the Politics section because invariably this does cover identity politics and representation/diversity in the arts/entertainment world and who should be cast for which roles.. I imagine at least some posters here are aware of the controversy over Bryan Cranston being cast as a quadriplegic character in the film The Upside rather than a disabled actor - often referred to as 'cripping up'.

This BBC article covers this story and related stories about actors facing backlash for taking on roles that they were deemed 'unsuitable' for. Adam Pearson a UK based actor/journalist/researcher has been quite vocal about this on social media and the mainstream media and you can see his argument in this Guardian video.

Adam has been in the UK media prominently last year, particularly over the casting of Charlie Heaton as Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) as he wasn't even approached for the role.I have a few disagreements with Adam over this issue. Particularly his position on whether he believes non-disabled actors should play disabled characters despite what he's says. I don't buy cripping up as being equal to blackface because the former is done with respect and portrays an aspect of a character whilst the latter is rooted in racism and caricature. But I respect him immensely for his convictions, experience and activism for disability rights and issues. He does have a point when it comes to how the audition/casting process seemingly shuts out potentially suitable disabled actors for perceived commercial reasons. And I do believe that better representation is needed and that there's a need for greater involvement in the casting and writing process as much as in front of the camera. I just don't favour the inevitable 'solutions' proposed which is a quota system and eventual typecasting.

Do you think that representation should take precedence over 'artistic freedom'? If mostly 'able-bodied' actors play disabled characters, does this take away the precious few opportunities awarded to disabled actors? What solutions are there?

 

[AResistor]

SHH thread: Breaking Bad star defends playing disabled character

 

[Schlosser85]

Actors should be able to play any roles they’re convincing as. When you start putting restrictions on what actors can play, you’re compromising the purpose of acting and the artistic freedom/integrity.

 

[Mani-Man]

Actors should be able to play any roles they’re convincing as. When you start putting restrictions on what actors can play, you’re compromising the purpose of acting and the artistic freedom/integrity.

Yeah thats what i think too.
But part of me also thinks that for example a role of a person that cant walk should be played by a person that cant walk because there are actors out there with this handicap, actors who have a small pool of roles to choose from because of their disability to begin with.

Of course the very first thing that people look for is talent, if that actor can play this role convincing no matter the color, gender or anything.

Its one of those situations where im in the middle of such a topic because i understand the reasons of both sides of the debate.

 

[Lighthouse]

No one should be barred from playing disabled characters, but its not unfair to call out Hollywood for its narrowminded approach to hiring and casting. All to often they are more than happy to go to their stock of pretty cis white people to play any LGTBQ, disabled or autistic characters. They would still do whitewashing if they weren't called out on it.

 

[Mach2Infinity]

Apologies @jolldan I missed your thread on this. I'll post my thoughts in yours instead. Thanks all for the contributions, great points from all.

 

[Boy Scout]

Actors should be able to play any roles they’re convincing as. When you start putting restrictions on what actors can play, you’re compromising the purpose of acting and the artistic freedom/integrity.

As an actor, I agree with this. There are exceptions, but for the most part, being so strict about who can play what defeats the entire point of acting.

 

[jolldan]

Apologies @jolldan I missed your thread on this. I'll post my thoughts in yours instead. Thanks all for the contributions, great points from all.

No worries mate half the threads I post on here already turn out to have been done already lol.

 

[Mach2Infinity]

No worries mate half the threads I post on here already turn out to have been done already lol.

Haha thanks man. I'm in good company then