183 replies to this topic

[Genrewriter]

Nonsense. There's absolutely no reason Felix can't be black (or, rather, needs to be white). Besides, this isn't new. Bernie Casey played Felix in NSNA. It worked then, it'll work now, and Wright is a very soild actor. He's a great choice.

Precisely.

[Seannery]

Much of my dislike of LALD comes from some of Fleming's writerly choices. My feeling is that you shouldn't try reproducing speech phonenetically unless you have an uncommonly good ear. Fleming, for all his travels, didn't have a good ear, and as a result the phonetic dialogue he puts in black characters' mouths comes across as cartoonish and cruel.

Hmmm...

Isn't this saying he wasn't a very good writer of dialogue, though, rather than that he was a racist? If he had had a poor ear for white upper-class English idiom, would he have necessarily disliked white upper-class English people? Not having a good ear for how blacks in Harlem spoke isn't the same as being a racist, is it?

True--Fleming was a stylish, entertaining but limited writer. Probably a somewhat limited thinker. Not much depth or complexity or subtlety. That more than racism seems to be the case. Great example with Waugh--a much greater thinker and writer BUT a much more conscious and unsavory racist even if his writing was too subtle to really betray it. And the comparison with Chandler--a much better writer--is true to a point. Neither was going for out and out realism BUT Chandler was much more subtle and accurate with the milieu.

[Fro]

It's much more important to me that they keep the spirit of the novel than casting people who look like Fleming's physical description of the characters.

Hiring an actor the calibur of Jeffrey Wright makes it a pretty good bet that they will keep the spirit of Felix Leiter from the novel in the film.

[Captain Grimes]

True--Fleming was a stylish, entertaining but limited writer. Probably a somewhat limited thinker. Not much depth or complexity or subtlety. That more than racism seems to be the case. Great example with Waugh--a much greater thinker and writer BUT a much more conscious and unsavory racist even if his writing was too subtle to really betray it. And the comparison with Chandler--a much better writer--is true to a point. Neither was going for out and out realism BUT Chandler was much more subtle and accurate with the milieu.

Yes, exactly. Waugh got away with so much just because his style was so subtle.

[WC]

Anyone think, apart from his Britishness and the fact he's already played a different character, that Colin Salmon seems more like Felix than Jeffrey Wright?

[Mister Asterix]

Anyone think, apart from his Britishness and the fact he's already played a different character, that Colin Salmon seems more like Felix than Jeffrey Wright?

[mra]Not I. Just don

[Loomis]

I'm currently re-reading "Diamonds Are Forever", and in light of Wright's casting find it ironic that Leiter makes some unpleasant racist remarks aimed at black people in that book.

spynovelfan makes some good points in bringing up (what an apt expression) Dennis Wheatley - his books are very, very racist indeed. Which is probably one explanation for why they're no longer in print (or at least I don't think they are).

[Bring Back Valentin]

Strange that people complain about this, but nobody ever seems to start threads on the fact that Jack Lord and everyone else who played Leiter did not have straw-blond hair, a hawkish profile and come from Texas...

Funny you mention that. If going by the strict literary description of Felix Leiter, the most accurate cinematic interpretation of Felix so far would be...

Jack Wade

Who'd a thunk it? I have no problem whatsoever with this casting decision. Wright will do a great job.

[Jim]

Interesting decision. I don't think it matters but I can understand the thoughts of those that do.

[Red Renard]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

[Mr_Wint]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

[Jim]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

I still don't understand why a Scottish character has been played by an Australian, but it happened.

[Red Renard]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

Well he's not a white character in this film.

Hope that helps.

[Mr_Wint]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

I still don't understand why a Scottish character has been played by an Australian, but it happened.

Just because 'it happened' doesn't mean that I liked it.

[Bring Back Valentin]

I still don't understand why a Scottish character has been played by an Australian, but it happened.

...and an Englishman, Welshman, and Irishman. Sorry, just had to add that in.

[Jim]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

I still don't understand why a Scottish character has been played by an Australian, but it happened.

Just because 'it happened' doesn't mean that I liked it.

Nor do you have to.

But happen it is going to. As that Yoda thing say would.

[Max Zorin]

To tell you the truth, Jeffrey Wright is one of the few things about this film that I'm really excited about. I can't believe that not only did the producers get him, but even that they would think of trying to get him in the first place! I'm still literally dizzy with excitement over how cool this is. I was worried that Felix wouldn't be in the movie at all...and then I was worried that they'd screw up casting him. Well, I was wrong on both counts! Wright is a fantastic actor who's very choosy about the roles he picks. I can't wait to see him in this movie.

(Ideally he'll appear clean shaven with the flawless Texas accent I know he can do...but either way, trust me...this is a great casting coup by EON. Bravo!)

Also, love the fancy new text posty box thing. It's been a while since I've posted here!

[YOLT]

Well, if we have to stick just to Fleming, Bond has to be half Swiss (German).

[Red Renard]

Well, if we have to stick just to Fleming, Bond has to be half Swiss (German).

Looking at Craig, well that'd be believable!

[Bon-san]

They should have gotten a black M instead of a black Felix if they wanted political correctness. This would have solved the Dench continuity problem and still fill their urge of being politically correct. Don't tell me EON didn't have this in mind, Bond doesn't bloody smoke anymore for one thing. Let's just hope Bond doesn't get emasculated by Dench to please the feminists.

I don't think they set out to cast the part of Felix with a black guy. I don't think their aim in casting Felix was to be politically correct. I think they liked Mr. Wright for the part because of his talent and charisma.

I get irked at the supposition that the casting of a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role was motivated by political notions. I get irked at the supposition that, in casting a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role, the producers consciously sought a "black" actor. Perhaps they did. But perhaps they didn't. There are so many millions of other characteristics at play in casting acting roles. But the focus is inexorably directed to the "blackness". Irks me.

I won't even get started on a discussion of the notion that "race" is a societal construct, not founded in science. What is founded in science is the categorization of peoples based on the geography of their origin. There are several geographic zones within Africa itself, the peoples of each having discernable differences in physiological characteristics. Another day perhaps......

[rdh007]

Jeffery Wright is a tough actor to argue with. I look forward to his portrayal.

[Mercator]

I think Fleming would disapprove

[Seannery]

They should have gotten a black M instead of a black Felix if they wanted political correctness. This would have solved the Dench continuity problem and still fill their urge of being politically correct. Don't tell me EON didn't have this in mind, Bond doesn't bloody smoke anymore for one thing. Let's just hope Bond doesn't get emasculated by Dench to please the feminists.

I don't think they set out to cast the part of Felix with a black guy. I don't think their aim in casting Felix was to be politically correct. I think they liked Mr. Wright for the part because of his talent and charisma.

I get irked at the supposition that the casting of a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role was motivated by political notions. I get irked at the supposition that, in casting a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role, the producers consciously sought a "black" actor. Perhaps they did. But perhaps they didn't. There are so many millions of other characteristics at play in casting acting roles. But the focus is inexorably directed to the "blackness". Irks me.

I won't even get started on a discussion of the notion that "race" is a societal construct, not founded in science. What is founded in science is the categorization of peoples based on the geography of their origin. There are several geographic zones within Africa itself, the peoples of each having discernable differences in physiological characteristics. Another day perhaps......

Bon-san! The social construction of race--feeling ambitious today my friend.

[Stratus]

They should have gotten a black M instead of a black Felix if they wanted political correctness. This would have solved the Dench continuity problem and still fill their urge of being politically correct. Don't tell me EON didn't have this in mind, Bond doesn't bloody smoke anymore for one thing. Let's just hope Bond doesn't get emasculated by Dench to please the feminists.

I don't think they set out to cast the part of Felix with a black guy. I don't think their aim in casting Felix was to be politically correct. I think they liked Mr. Wright for the part because of his talent and charisma.

I get irked at the supposition that the casting of a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role was motivated by political notions. I get irked at the supposition that, in casting a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role, the producers consciously sought a "black" actor. Perhaps they did. But perhaps they didn't. There are so many millions of other characteristics at play in casting acting roles. But the focus is inexorably directed to the "blackness". Irks me.

I won't even get started on a discussion of the notion that "race" is a societal construct, not founded in science. What is founded in science is the categorization of peoples based on the geography of their origin. There are several geographic zones within Africa itself, the peoples of each having discernable differences in physiological characteristics. Another day perhaps......

Gimme a break, you think I am that goddamn bigoted. You think I didn't learn all the social stratification of races in SOC101? Jesus, do I look I am from United Jesusland of America?

As far as I am concerned, the post-GoldenEye EON is all about political correctness. This is a case of affirmative action - you just merely stated; it might be it might not, which is not an argument. I would love to hear your excuse on why smoking should be eliminated because he is a rolemodel for kids, yet how Bond is the same gritty and realistic Fleming Bond.

Lets not forget the BOND girl who is equal to James Bond. You have to please the feminist crowd. To quote Amy Pascal, "[Vesper] is very much an equal to Bond and central to our story." EON repeats itself all the time, they are too predictable at times. There is the "sensitive side" comments as well. I am holding up hope that statement was taken out of context.

What next? Remember folks James Bond always uses a condom, because he doesn't want to get STDs and he never says "F" word. Never trust a women to use birth control pills, they only want to blackmail you for 18 years and because Anglosaxon court system ALWAYS favor women.

In this post alone I think I broke more PC rules than the last 4 Bond films.

[ACE]

These types of threads are so enlightening to expose the rather less enlightened of us. And some people have no shame - their peacock display of ignorance is breathtaking! Really, as far as we've come, a few of the posters here make me think we need to go a few steps more.

[Jim]

I think Fleming would disapprove

Let him.

[Bon-san]

They should have gotten a black M instead of a black Felix if they wanted political correctness. This would have solved the Dench continuity problem and still fill their urge of being politically correct. Don't tell me EON didn't have this in mind, Bond doesn't bloody smoke anymore for one thing. Let's just hope Bond doesn't get emasculated by Dench to please the feminists.

I don't think they set out to cast the part of Felix with a black guy. I don't think their aim in casting Felix was to be politically correct. I think they liked Mr. Wright for the part because of his talent and charisma.

I get irked at the supposition that the casting of a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role was motivated by political notions. I get irked at the supposition that, in casting a black actor in a role that isn't necessarily a "black" role, the producers consciously sought a "black" actor. Perhaps they did. But perhaps they didn't. There are so many millions of other characteristics at play in casting acting roles. But the focus is inexorably directed to the "blackness". Irks me.

I won't even get started on a discussion of the notion that "race" is a societal construct, not founded in science. What is founded in science is the categorization of peoples based on the geography of their origin. There are several geographic zones within Africa itself, the peoples of each having discernable differences in physiological characteristics. Another day perhaps......

Bon-san! The social construction of race--feeling ambitious today my friend.

LOL. I know. It's Friday. I must be a bit adrenalized to have started in on that, eh? Signing off now, before there arises an excuse to venture into a discussion on the therapeutic value of LSD for the criminally close-minded.

[DLibrasnow]

The public won't care about such things. Bums on seats is the order of the day. Wright is a good quality actor. Anyone who thinks this affects the purity of the Bond films needs their head examined.

I just had my head examined thoroughly, and still cant understand why a white character is played by a black actor.

I still don't understand why a Scottish character has been played by an Australian, but it happened.

Or an Egyptian being played by a Scottish actor (HIGHLANDER) or,
A Russian played by a Scottish actor (HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER) or,
A Chinese American agent played by a British actor (AVTAK) or,
A Chinese detective played by a white actor (Charlie Chan movies) or,
All those Indians in 1950s Westerns that were played by white actors or,
Peter Ustinov as a Chinese secret agent (ONE OF OUR DINOSAURS IS MISSING)

etc etc

[marktmurphy]

(Don't mention Memoirs of a Geisha!)

[ACE]

(Don't mention Memoirs of a Geisha!)

LOL!