2006-11-03 08:48:45 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Movies
Not racist as much as it would be inaccurate.
2006-11-03 09:02:06 · answer #1 · answered by Ozzie B. 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can't quite see how that would work, as Ali was black. Plus race and prejudice was a big part of his life back in those days. Its part of his story.
I mean if its a fictional character (and the play or film is not really racially based) its easy to substitute white and black actors (loads of black actors do Shakespeare for example - theres nothing in the text to say you can't have a black Romeo or a black Lady MacBeth)
But when you are portraying a real person (and one who's still alive) it would just look a bit weird to have an actor of another race play them. Its a bit pointless really.
You wouldn't make a film about - say Winston Churchill - and have it star Samuel L Jackson. Not because Jackson's not a good actor but because it wouldn't make sense really.
2006-11-03 09:06:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But only if the white man was portraying Muhammad Ali.
That would be wrong!
There is no problem in a film showing all cultures, regardless of the subject matter.
Let's not entertain the idea that you can change history by altering the colour of someones skin.
2006-11-03 09:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be difficult to portray Ali in a film without the character being black. The whole name change, religion change, refusal to be drafted and stripping of his title is central to any story about him and occurs because of his ethnicity.
If you are asking would it be racist if a white actor 'blacked up' to play him, then I think the answer is yes. Years ago, white actors would get make up in order to play blacks, chinese and other minorities because the belief was that these minorities could not act. At the same time, black extras would often play asian roles, particularly in low budget movies (eg Tarzan series).
Today, these racist attitudes have changed, so I cannot see the situation you asked about coming to be.
2006-11-03 12:40:13 · answer #4 · answered by Jim T 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, Muhammad Ali is black. It's not like he is a fictional character like James Bond or Batman. It also would'nt accurately reflect the things he went through. Color was a huge factor in the prime of his life.
2006-11-03 08:55:53 · answer #5 · answered by Speed racer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just bloody stupid.
Same as making a film about the life of Kennedy starring Morgan Freeman. Credibility out the window.
2006-11-03 21:51:25 · answer #6 · answered by markspanishfly 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It wouldn't be racist just a very bad decision. Would it be sexist if George Clooney was cast as the prostitute in Pretty Woman? No, again, it would just be the wrong decision based on the character to be portrayed (but it would be hilarious).
2006-11-04 07:18:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They already have, starring several white men. Jon Voight, Ron Silver...
2006-11-03 08:55:15 · answer #8 · answered by Druidus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no and yes. yes because ali was black and its saying that here are no black actors good enogh for the role and no because maybe the white actor is just really good
2006-11-03 08:51:39 · answer #9 · answered by foofee3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would be racist... Just inaccurate.
You weren't thinking of using Sylvester Stallone by any chance?
Muhammed Balboa... ;)
2006-11-03 17:48:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋