Can someone explain me the casting controversy around this film?
I've only heard a trans actor was cast as Achilles, which is, if you actually know the Illiad, a choice that absolutely makes sense.
Don't know what the other controversy is about though.
People are mad about a black woman being in a movie set in the Mediterranean, even though we already know that the movie isn't trying to look accurate to the time and place. And frankly, it makes way more sense for a black person to be there than all the pale English and Irish actors that we usually see.
Google all of the actresses that played Helen of Troy. Look at their ethnicities, then get back to me. You will find that Helen is rarely played by a Mediterranean actress.
Maybe you misunderstood my point. I have the same criticism for those as I do for this one. Why have a Germanic pale actress play Helen instead of a Greek one?
I definitely misread your point. Im not opposed to people who would want a greek actress to play these stories. I think that opinion is way more valid than those who object to a black women playing Helen, but wouldnt mind if any white person played her. While I dont think it's realistic given the influence of ancient Greek mythology on western society, I dont mind Greeks who wish to preserve their culture. Get your shit off.
Not Greek myself, but yeah, I called the exact same hypocrisy for casting a pale white Nordic actress in the 2004 troy. Neither of them should happen if you have a Mediterranean alternative. Like Italians or Greeks or similar.
Or completely changing the sexuality and behaviour of Achilles to push some Brad Pitt macho look.
I just think it's disrespectful to casually erase the cultures in which these settings can easily be casted in.
Now, both Diane Kruger and the actress meant to play Helen now (whose name I can never remember correctly) are beautiful and undoubtedly talented. If I see them in any other movie without these historical considerations I will happily watch.
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u/SosseV 13d ago
Can someone explain me the casting controversy around this film? I've only heard a trans actor was cast as Achilles, which is, if you actually know the Illiad, a choice that absolutely makes sense.
Don't know what the other controversy is about though.