"By The Goddess": The Official Storm/Halle Berry Discussion

[TheVileOne]

Robots was NOT Halle Berry's project and she was not detrimental to the success of that film. In fact her character in that movie was a fairly insignificant and minor character that didn't really do or say jack.

I still don't see the proof that she is the biggest draw either.

 

[kittykatkr]

the biggest draws are hugh jackman and halle berry.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Robots was NOT Halle Berry's project and she was not detrimental to the success of that film. In fact her character in that movie was a fairly insignificant and minor character that didn't really do or say jack.

I still don't see the proof that she is the biggest draw either.

You've got to be kidding me.

>sigh< You asked for it.

Which of the following names do you think is the BIGGEST household name in America? Choices: Famke. Anna. Rebecca. Halle.

Who is capable of getting both the African American, minority AND caucasian audiences to appreciate/pay for a film singlehandedly? Halle.

Who's face do you think is the most easily identifiable from Hollywood to the mascara that women wear everyday?? Halle.

And which of these actresses is actually capable of carrying whole films on their own? Halle.

Which actress of those 4 acquired GLOBAL distinction as the first Black Woman to ever recieve the leading Oscar for Best Actress? Halle.

Now, add up the total box office draws for Famke, Anna and Rebecca and you'll find your answer.

Solution: Halle tops all of them--even with the miserable Catwoman in the mix.

So...uh...who needs who again???

 

[the a1ant]

The top four X-Men actors, who are well-known, and box-office draws, are:

Patrick Stewart
Ian McKellan
Halle Berry
and
Hugh Jackman

In America, Halle Berry is the most marketable actress, out of the bunch, with Hugh Jackman following through, IMO. In case of advertising, Halle and Hugh were the biggest draw, and the main focus for the posters, etc. In the case of coverage on entertainment shows, Halle, Hugh, and Rebecca Romijn are the ones shown the most.

Overseas, Ian McKellan is the biggest marketable draw, with Patrick Stewart, and Halle Berry (once again) following though.

 

[TheVileOne]

You've got to be kidding me.

Which of the following names do you think is the BIGGEST household name in America? Who is capable of getting both the African American, minority AND caucasion audiences to appreciate/pay for a film singlehandedly. Who's face do you think is the most easily identifiable from Hollywood to the mascara that women wear everyday?? And which of these actresses is actually capable of carrying whole films on their own? Then, add up the total box office draws for Famke, Anna and Rebecca and you'll find your answer.

Halle tops all of them--even with the miserable Catwoman in the mix.

Charlize Theron...she's South African .

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Charlize Theron...she's South African .

Charlize isn't in X2. And sorry, she's not going to draw multicultural audiences.

Fox needs Halle for diversity--she is appreciated by males of EVERY color out there...she's just that universally accepted. Anna, Famke, and Rebecca--though beautiful--have not consistently landed People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People In The World or Barbara Walter's Most Intriguing People Of The Year.

Say what you want, but Fox NEEDS Halle for this project.

 

[kittykatkr]

Halle is gorgeous and everybody I know who sees the movies go partly due in fact cause she is in them and is Storm. A lot of people loved her in X2. She is one of the reasons I liked the movies aswell. The only other popular female in the movie is Rebecca Romijn, a lot of people know who she is. People may recognize Famke and Anna but they do not draw in a huge crowd.

 

[rattlerbrat]

Plain and simple. At this point, Halle needs X-men more than X-men needs her.

*scribbles out a co-sign*

Halle...is appreciated by males of EVERY color out there...

And heaven knows you're only considered beautiful when WHITE men think you're hot! Gee, what an honor!

If Fox needs Halle so badly, why haven't they signed her? Why haven't they said, "Yes, Halle! Anything you say, Halle! You're right, Halle! You want a bigger part and more concentration for Storm, Halle? You got it!" ? This project does NOT need her. The film will coast on the X-Men name alone. And Halle has destroyed Storm so much that ANYONE playing Storm in X3 is only going to attract a small group of people. Point blank: no one cares anymore! Haven't you noticed that Halle only brings up Storm when the press isn't talking about her? It's her trump card! And one of these days, it's going to blow up in her face. I'd rather see NO STORM than Halle playing her again.

 

[Nathaniel_Essex]

i think halle could do the role if it were written better, or maybe she needs to take it upon herself to become better aquainted with the character. anyone who isnt familiar with storm or any other x-character should check out their spotlight on uncannyxmen.net

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

If Fox needs Halle so badly, why haven't they signed her? Why haven't they said, "Yes, Halle! Anything you say, Halle! You're right, Halle! You want a bigger part and more concentration for Storm, Halle? You got it!" ? This project does NOT need her. The film will coast on the X-Men name alone. And Halle has destroyed Storm so much that ANYONE playing Storm in X3 is only going to attract a small group of people. Point blank: no one cares anymore! Haven't you noticed that Halle only brings up Storm when the press isn't talking about her? It's her trump card! And one of these days, it's going to blow up in her face. I'd rather see NO STORM than Halle playing her again.

Why haven't they signed Patrick, Ian or Anna for that matter? Her not being signed is inconsequential with regards to this point. In fact, that she is still in negotiations proves that Fox is keen on having her back--they've already said so, and so did Lauren Shuler Donner.

As far as destruction of the character, I'm going to say this again:

If one has seen Queen, Gothika, The Dorothy Dandrige Story, Monster's Ball, Losing Isaiah, Their Eyes Were Watching God--really any of Halle's darker dramatic roles it's apparent that she is more than capable of bringing true fire to any role. It's what's she known for. Even critics will give her "sheer feistiness" in their reviews of the debacle Catwoman.

The way Storm was portrayed thusfar in the films is clearly in the direction and the script. The lines they gave her were terrible, and her delivery of them was directed to match. While I'm not in the Hollywood industry, I've studied it enough to know that actors--while able to bring some creative input to a role--are mostly at the mercy of a director when it comes to what kind of vibe they portray. Halle is well aware of the Goddess/Warrior/Leader that Storm is, and that's why she's constantly been at odds with Singer to get the character to be more in line with the comic's counterpart.

You might stop to consider: From day 1 Halle has said that she "admired the character because she is a strong Black Woman."(direct quote) Now, Halle has always played "strong black" female characters convincingly before and since X-Men. So why the hell would she abruptly stop doing what she does so well ONLY in the X-Men franchise?????? The answer?

Director. Writing team. Simple.

I've read the scripts...and they called for this "meekness", which shows that either the writers, editors, Singer--or all of the above--didn't understand the Storm character in the first place.

One that has seen Halle in dramatic roles outside of Singer's will readily agree that Halle herself was "out of character" when playing Storm.

 

[TNC9852002]

i think halle could do the role if it were written better, or maybe she needs to take it upon herself to become better aquainted with the character.

From the articles in which she speaks of Storm, there's no reason to think that she doesn't know what Storm is now all about...Before and during X-Men 1, she only knew what they told her about Storm...Wasn't it Bryan Singer who told the cast not to go reading the comic books so they can learn more about their characters or somethin?

-TNC

 

[rattlerbrat]

If one has seen Queen, Gothika, The Dorothy Dandrige Story, Monster's Ball, Losing Isaiah, Their Eyes Were Watching God--really any of Halle's darker dramatic roles it's apparent that she is more than capable of bringing true fire to any role.

You're...serious?

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

You're...serious?

Like a heart attack.

 

[rattlerbrat]

Wow. If that's your idea of good acting then I honestly don't know what to say. I wouldn't be able to argue with someone who loves the small of feces, either.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Wow. If that's your idea of good acting then I honestly don't know what to say. I wouldn't be able to argue with someone who loves the small of feces, either.

>sigh<

Still crude and dismissive, eh Rattler? And here I thought some time apart from eachother would heal the wounds in our relationship at SHH. What was I thinking?

Back on topic: there's a reason why Halle is the one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. There's a reason why critics and audiences are drawn to her. And there's a reason why she is the most successful black actress of our time. Somebody out there likes her. And something tells me that it's millions upon millions of "somebodies" too.

So no...you wouldn't be able to argue with all of them.

 

[rattlerbrat]

>sigh<

Still crude and dismissive, eh Rattler?

I don't see anything crude or dismissive about my statement. I'm saying that if you honestly believe that your examples constitute "good acting", then I can't even argue with you. "Crude and dismissive" would be asking you what 4th rate exposure to movies you've had and saying something like "If you think Halle is an example of a good black actress, then obviously the only thing you've seen black women do onscreen is porn." I'm trying to be neutral to your tastes here.

And here I thought some time apart from eachother would heal the wounds in our relationship at SHH.

We have no wounds and there is no relationship.

Back on topic: there's a reason why Halle is the one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

Yup. Because white men like her.

There's a reason why critics and audiences are drawn to her.

Since when? Look at her Rotten Tomatoes score - Halle has ALWAYS been pissed on by critics. Massa's Balls was a fluke.

And there's a reason why she is the most successful black actress of our time.

Successful, yes. Talented? Not by a long shot.

Somebody out there likes her. And something tells me that it's millions upon millions of "somebodies" too.

So you're saying that fame and talent are equalivalent? Because ALL good actors are famous, right? And Hollywood has NEVER produced hacks?

And if Halle Berry were my skin tone, she'd be selling real estate.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Moving on...

 

[rattlerbrat]

Please do.

For anyone else: if you want to believe that Halle Berry is a critics darling, then check this outhttp://www.rottentomatoes.com/p/halle_berry/. Halle's only decent films are ones where she is a minor player (with the exception of Monster's Ball, of course). I mean, it's fine to like the woman, but let's not throw facts to the wind.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

From the articles in which she speaks of Storm, there's no reason to think that she doesn't know what Storm is now all about...Before and during X-Men 1, she only knew what they told her about Storm...Wasn't it Bryan Singer who told the cast not to go reading the comic books so they can learn more about their characters or somethin?

-TNC

That's correct. In addition to the fact that he had to fight with Fox about adding Storm to the roster in the first place (Fox wanted diversity but Bryan said he didn't care for the character).

But it appears that some of the cast members, including Halle didn't exactly take his "orders" to heart. She obviously educated herself and her comments reflect it.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Please do.

For anyone else: if you want to believe that Halle Berry is a critics darling, then check this outhttp://www.rottentomatoes.com/p/halle_berry/. Halle's only decent films are ones where she is a minor player (with the exception of Monster's Ball, of course). I mean, it's fine to like the woman, but let's not throw facts to the wind.

The "fact" of the matter is that Halle Berry has landed the role of Storm.

Period.

She's had it now for six years and b1tching about it is not going to change that reality. Bashing her relentlessly is not going to impact her signing that dotted line, nor dampen Fox's and the fan's enthusiasm to get her back.

By the way, www.rottentomatoes.com is but one source of critiquing. There are many, many others, the most important of which are found in the movie-going public itself.

 

[rattlerbrat]

Says a lot about a man when he breaks his own word in less than an hour.

The "fact" of the matter is that Halle Berry has landed the role of Storm.

Period.

So?

She's had it now for six years and b1tching about it is not going to change that reality.

But it makes me happy. And honestly? That's all that matters.

Bashing her relentlessly is not going to impact her signing that dotted line, nor dampen Fox's and the fan's enthusiasm to get her back.

You mean Halle's enthusiasm to get the role back. I haven't seen Fox do much of anything. And it's been that way since '03, I believe.

By the way, www.rottentomatoes.com is but one source of critiquing. There are many, many others...

*SNORT* RT.com accumlates nearly every written professional movie review of Hollywood films and takes the average score. It is not a "small collection" of reviews. You can turn your back on the facts all you want to, but the bottom line is that Halle Berry has NEVER been a critics favorite.

...the most important of which are found in the movie-going public itself.

Right. And Halle's Storm performance has been ballyhooed by the fans just as much as the critics. The only people who think that Halle makes a good Storm are Halle fans - and only a select group at that. Hell, I've heard the most RABID Halle fans say "this role simply isn't for her". That does NOT reflect on Halle as an actress - I'm sure Angela Bassett couldn't have done Dorothy Dandridge, either. Nona Gaye would make a lousy Foxy Brown. Gina Torres would never be able to carry Betty Shabazz. It's KNOWING this and KNOWING when to walk away (Catwoman, anyone?) that could possibly save you from being a laughinstock.

What I'll never understand is why people who call themselves Storm fans are so *quick* to defend a woman who only plays the Storm card when it's convinient for HER. When Catwoman was filming, Halle SAID that the role of Storm was no longer her priority. So why kiss her ass?

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Interesting to note this too: Queen isn't even rated on Rottentomatoes, and The Dorothy Dandridge Story isn't even listed. These pieces of work are what really launched Halle as an actress to reckon with...and yet they are not represented here. Only the Hollywood "pop confections" are.

So like I said, I wouldn't rely so heavily on that particular collection of reviews.

 

[rattlerbrat]

Interesting to note this too: Queen isn't even rated on Rottentomatoes, and The Dorothy Dandridge Story isn't even listed.

They're television flicks. No need to put them there. Maybe Halle should stick with the small screen, since nearly all of her so-called strong performances are there.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Says a lot about a man when he breaks his own word in less than an hour.

You edited your post. I responded to the edited portion, because it was the only thing worth replying to.

So?



But it makes me happy. And honestly? That's all that matters.

Actually, no it doesn't matter...at all. Why? Because neither Fox, Halle or any of us really give a damn. And that's a fact.



You mean Halle's enthusiasm to get the role back. I haven't seen Fox do much of anything. And it's been that way since '03, I believe.

Several reports on this and other sites have said that Fox is keen on getting her back, and writing a script that will cater more to the character.


*SNORT* RT.com accumlates nearly every written professional movie review and takes the average score.

Her most controversial films are not taken into account at all. And even if they were, exactly what kind of people do you think are reviewing these films anyway? Those that can actually relate to the struggle??? Save it.


Right. And Halle's Storm performance has been ballyhooed by the fans just as much as the critics. The only people who think that Halle makes a good Storm are Halle fans - and only a select group at that. Hell, I've heard the most RABID Halle fans say "this role simply isn't for her". That does NOT reflect on Halle as an actress - I'm sure Angela Bassett couldn't have done Dorothy Dandridge, either. Nona Gaye would make a lousy Foxy Brown. Gina Torres would never be able to carry Betty Shabazz. It's KNOWING this and KNOWING when to walk away (Catwoman, anyone?) that could possibly save you from being a laughinstock.

I for one, never said that Halle made a good Storm. She is definitely not my first choice. But just because she's not suited for the role doesn't give me the go-ahead and bash every work she's done. "Storm" does not define Halle's acting ability IMO (and she certainly doesn't define the character--at all).

What I'll never understand is why people who call themselves Storm fans are so *quick* to defend a woman who only plays the Storm card when it's convinient for HER. When Catwoman was filming, Halle SAID that the role of Storm was no longer her priority. So why kiss her ass?

I can't speak for anyone else. Personally, I didn't support Halle in the Catwoman film, nor did I support Halle in the Storm role either--she looks nothing like a passable Storm--too fair-complexioned, too short, too soft. But that's not to take away from her talents--I do enjoy her in other roles and that's why I am confident that if it were directed/written correctly she could have the potential to shine in the role. The chops are there in my opinion.

What I'll never understand is why people are so "quick" to assign alterior motives to this actress whenever she says something positive about the "Storm" character?

I see none of the other cast members being scrutinized this unfairly. The bottom line is, a lot of folks simply have a hard-on for this actress no matter how well she does--and they will continue to bash her until they drop dead.

 

[kittykatkr]

yeah i cant believe people on here bash her so much.