Zoe Saldana in Nina Simone biopic

[terry78]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=93673


She looks nothing like her, but that's what makeup is for I assume. I don't hate her acting wise, so we'll see what's up.

 

[Incrediblejeff]

I'm not happy with this choice at all.

 

[Lencho01]

Pics...

http://www.justjared.com/2012/10/26/zoe-saldana-as-nina-simone-first-look/

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowan...in-full-nina-simone-regalia-surface-convinced

 

[dark_b]

not joking. she looks 99,99999999% like Jada Pinkett Smith.

 

[Lencho01]

I kinda see how one could think that.

I'm just reading through the comments... people aren't happy.

 

[ShredderX]

Instead of darkening her skin, and putting on a fake nose, why don't they just hire a dark-skin actress ? Zoe doesn't even consider herself to be black, she says she's latina.

 

[DarKush]

^
I agree with your first statement. Not the second. I don't think Zoe considers being black and Latina mutually exclusive. There are lots of black Latinos. As well as white Latinos. Hispanic/Latino is a cultural thing, though in the US it seems at times that it is considered racial. That being said, perhaps the Latina label makes her appear less 'black' and more exotic and I will concede that that his something that gets played up more, either by her or the media.

I do think they should've gone with a darker skinned actress or just not altered Zoe's skin instead of putting on all that makeup.

 

[Burgundy LaRue]

Awful. Simply awful. The makeup looks like blackface. They could have hired an actress that at least could semi-pass for Simone. Viola Davis, if they wanted someone with a high profile. Or maybe Aisha Hinds who has the right look and is similar in age to Saldana:

 

[Project862006]

those comments are sickening

really people are pulling not black enough argument

 

[Burgundy LaRue]

Zoe deserves that, IMO. She has said that black actresses shouldn't complain about the roles (or lack thereof) they have offered to them because we have a black president now. What does one have to do with the other? So not only does she not show any understanding of that issue, but she took a role portraying a black woman even though she doesn't seem to see herself as black. The role was offered to her and she's in her right to take it. But she's proven herself to be obtuse about this sort of thing. And all that aside, she looks awful in the stills.

 

[Lencho01]

Saldana talks about the reactions...

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/zoe-saldana-responds-to-criticism-about-playing-nina-simone

[YT]mxrzq_zidRM[/YT]

 

[Project862006]

i am sorry the people bashing her are freaking disgusting saying she isn't black enough some even saying she is not black

i thought we overcame such crap like this you can even tell how visiblly upset she is by the hateful comments

 

[Lencho01]

Zoe Saldana On Nina Simone Criticism: 'I Didn't Think I Was Right For The Part'

 

[MadVillainy]

I just want to see this to see Epps as Pryor before the biopic

IS this ever coming out?

 

[Lencho01]

Zoe Saldana’s Controversial Nina Simone Biopic Is Finally Heading to Theaters

 

[tzarinna]

I look forward to seeing how this is received.

 

[Rocketman]

... She's black. I don't understand what the controversy is.

Is there seriously a sub-genre branch of racial political correctiveness where someone isn't the "right kind" of black?? Good grief.

I hope America overcomes this stuff. This is nuts. Zoe is a very talented actress and one of my favorites.

 

[SuperT]

So why did they darken her skin and give her a fake nose? Clearly she wasn't the right person for the part...

 

[terry78]

It's not about being black, it's about whether she was right for the role. They had to do the makeup thing to get it right. If they chose her because of her acting prowess, then it's fine.

 

[SuperT]

I also don't think Saldana's past comments on being black help her out either. When you say stuff like "I don't see myself as black" then you go on to play one of the most important African-American musical artists in our country who was constantly scrutinized for embracing her blackness, you sound real stupid.

 

[Lencho01]

I thought colorism played a role in people's issues with this film's production.

 

[The Shape]

So why did they darken her skin and give her a fake nose? Clearly she wasn't the right person for the part...

She definitely wasn't right for her part in Avatar either, then.

 

[I SEE SPIDEY]

Zoe Saldana is black but she is dead wrong for the role. The make up and prosthetics are embarrassing. If they were going to (mis)cast a lighter skinned actress with completely different facial features then just leave her as is, don't darken her skin.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

I also don't think Saldana's past comments on being black help her out either. When you say stuff like "I don't see myself as black" then you go on to play one of the most important African-American musical artists in our country who was constantly scrutinized for embracing her blackness, you sound real stupid.

She really said that? I heard the exact opposite; about how proud she is to be black.

Maybe it's a political thing. Say that which will benefit you at that time.

 

[The Shape]

Zoe Saldana is black but she is dead wrong for the role. The make up and prosthetics are embarrassing. If they were going to (mis)cast a lighter skinned actress with completely different facial features then just leave her as is, don't darken her skin.

How do you know she is dead wrong for the role without having seen it?