I hear claims that it isn't blackface because Zoe isn't white, but this to me looks like a sneaky attempt that will continue to create division. All of the 'lighter' skinned black people get the roles, even to play a dark skinned person, I can hear it now. From 'The Birth of A Nation' right down to the film 'Lincoln' Hollywood shows no respect.
Here are a few comments I pulled from a Huffington Post article on the matter. These stood out to me because they communicated the point so flawlessly:
- I think the issue is that Nina Simone was not a "conventional" beauty in the Eurocentric standard and that played a major part in the type of career she had. Even her voice was non conventional in terms of western musical standards and these things shaped the type of artist she became.
She couldn't hide behind wigs or satin dresses like many of her contemporary African American female musicians. And White and Black audiences alike, could not project that tempting negress allure onto her like they could say a- Dorothy Dandrige, Billie Holiday or even Sarah Vaughn.
Nina was forced to be honest, she couldn't hide behind a pretty figure or tempting voice, she couldn't be subversive- she had to be up front about who she was and how she felt. In contrast- Zoe is very talented, but if she wanted to, she could get by on her looks... -Tre Members - "The Nina Simone story needed to be told..." [comment by Zoe Saldana]
Well, according to Nina's daughter Simone, the story that needed to be told won't, since it is unauthorized and the writer/director never asked Nina's estate for permission nor invited anyone from the estate to participate in the production.
Her daughter says that the story being told is a made-up love story by Nina's former nurse/manager, who sold the rights before his death, claiming that they had a relationship that took place the last 8 yrs. of her life, even though he was gay and never dated women.
So, if Nina Simone's real story ever gets told, that's the film I'll be on the lookout for. -Classof89 - I LOVE Zoe Saldana..But I am very disappointed in Hollywoods constant subtle and not so subtle dismissal of what is considered also beautiful in African American women!..Nina Simone was a beautiful sensuous singer, VERY proud of her dark skin, ethnic features and body curves...As talented and beautiful as Ms, Saldana is, I will never believe that Viola Davis, India-Arie, Heather Headley, or even a talented unknown that far more resembles Nina Simone could not had been able to do just as great of a job teling her story..It's an insult.. -Sroumos85
- I don't doubt that Zoe Saldana was fully committed to portraying Nina Simone, but I'm sorry, after seeing a photo of her in character--in blackface--she was probably the wrong actress. I know I should wait to see the finished product, but I am already so afraid the film will end up looking like a minstrel show. The memory and legacy of Nina Simone deserve better. -InedaName
Films are industrial products, whether they are fictional or not they embody ideas about society, politics and morality. Its actually the films that don't make overt or obvious statements that make a larger mental impact. By demonstrating an idea through visuals as opposed to an out right statement we interpret it as a common assumption instead of someone's (or an institution's) opinion. All one has to do is make a film appealing to viewers through humor and emotion. 'Who' is responsible for a film doesn't just include the producers, writers, etc but larger entities like film companies, political organizations, government agencies, etc. All of which will have an agenda when involved with a film. So, what message is hollywood trying to send us? ❤