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however leaving aside the whole physical appearance issue, which is obvious
or the accent, which could be overlooked, provided it was an "Ivy League" American accent, rather than a strong regional variant
I think the hardest thing for any American star, black or white, to overcome, if they were to attempt to play a James Bond who was true to the character, would be to eliminate certain fundamental American characteristics mannerisms
namely "cockiness" and "talkativeness"
there is an overt swagger about the body language and attitude of American action stars which is less common among European action stars (although Arnie was a European, he has always been an "Americophile" at heart)
from James Cagney to Burt Lancaster to Kirk Douglas to Paul Newman to Tom Cruise to George Clooney
a confidence bordering on over confidence, often referred to as "brashness" is an integral part of the American self image which I'm not trying to denigrate, but it's at odds with the very British set of personality traits which Bond should embody
Barry Nelson played an American Bond, but he was appropriately referred to as "Jimmy" Bond not "James" Bond, as the change in name sign posted the cultural difference
televised Poker has offers an extreme illustration of this cultural difference
most European games are played largely in an atmosphere of tense quiet, with only the odd comment
whereas American poker is full of characters who try to psych out their opposition verbally, rather than relying on skill or luck with the cards themselves
they try to provoke a injudicious reaction that will provide a "tell" or precipitate rash decision
other American sports to is full of trash talk that is the rule rather than the exception
IMO these attributes probably has an even greater emphasis in American black culture
the persona's projected by the likes of Will Smith, Jamie Fox, Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Sam Jackson et al are completely out of synch with what is expected from someone playing James Bond
from that stand point only Denzel Washington has the required quiet demeanour, but IMO he also projects an inherent "niceness" that hard to overlook, even though he tried his hand at a number of villainous roles in recent years
in his day Sidney Poitier is probably as close as any black American actor has come to being suitable
as far as current white American actors go, Matt Damon generally plays against the stereotype of an American, but I've never seen him project the calm self confidence or urbanity required
so it would have to be a black British actor I suppose and I have to admit I'm not familiar with many and those I've seen aren't quite right
of course it's all relative and I may notice this distinction more because New Zealanders traditionally feel a closer affinity to the UK in terms of behavioural norms than we do to America
Why change Bond, when they in fact need to change so much else? (Bond girls, M's attitude towards Bond...)
It'd give all the fanboys something to be vehemently annoyed about for another 10 years.
You could have him declare he'd given up Martinis to keep his edge, just to really wind 'em up.
I don't know how many threads we had on this over at KTBEU. It was probably more than 5. Honestly, of all the lamented lost threads, the "what would you think if they cast a black/gay/ Bond?" are probably not the ones I was hoping to see resurrected here.
And Fleming usually describes Bond's skin being TANNED.
You don't just take a world-wide famous character and turn him black. That is the most unoriginal and pathetic idea you can make, as it shows you just don't have enough imagination and creativity to create your own character.
I do not see how anyone calling himself/herself a Bond fan can be favorable to a vision of James Bond that is contradictory to every aspect of the character.
I think this is why many people have an issue with it. It is less about race than it is about character. Bond is the product of a certain upbringing and background. I'm not saying you can't be black and from that background, just that it is more the exception than the rule. I'm not condoning this, merely pointing out a particular truth.
However, if they could find an actor that could sell the fact that he's from a certain background and of a certain political disposition, then I'd be okay with it, I guess.
I'd prefer a white actor, just because I believe that's who Bond is, just as I wouldn't want a black Sherlock Holmes or a white guy playing Dr. King.
Why do we have to entertain the idea, anyway? Is it out of some kind of need to satisfy equality or be PC? Surely, there are roles that are meant to be racially distinct? Can't we have that anymore, or will someone throw up their arms and declare it racist?
Like I said, if they got a fantastic actor to play the part, then fine. But it would be a long way from Fleming's hero, just by definition. I'd not hate it, but I think I'd be disappointed. Not because the actor was black, but because society is so bloody scared of offending anyone these days that poor decisions are made to appease a minority. And I'm not talking about a black minority. I'm talking about a hardcore of bleedingheart extreme PC liberals who believe that black people or other ethnic groups "might" be offended.
When that small group has enough power and influence to turn James Bond black, then I'll be very sad. I won't be sad because we have a black Bond, but because idiots will have succeeded in messing up something that really isn't broken.
I honestly wonder if this is an issue for black people. Are they slighted and offended that Bond has never been black? I doubt it. I really wonder at the motivations of people who suggest that it would be a good idea in the first place.
however, as I said, I haven't seen many black British actors in action, and those I have seen weren't right for the part IMO
although I'd be interested to hear about any suggestion
the topic is just something to kick around, like discussing actors from the pre Bond era who might have played the part well
I don't think it will ever happen, or should ever happen
although I'm sure there will certainly be Bond-like black action hero's, like the original Shaft and Jim Kelly in the 70s
just as there is Undercover Brother to Austin Powers I know you were hoping I would revive the architecture thread
(only kidding)
;-)
PS and I agree with everything in your second longer post
;-)
Either you create a new character and start up a new franchise, or you forget this incredibly stupid idea of a Black James Bond.
then he became Scottish to accomodate Conery's immovable accent
and then a final twist was added by making him half Swiss-French...
but what they didn't tell you was that his mother was a Swiss-French-Creole!!!
(decended from an imported Dominican barmaid)
>-)
...point is bond is a British white guy, always has been and always will be. I can't even stand talking about a black bond, it literally makes me want to puke.
But by the same token, Indiana Jones wasn't based on books and technically can't be played by anyone but Ford for he virtually created the character. Bond, however, was ripped from Fleming's pages and through the latter's writings carries an entire template that cannot be deviated from unless we'd be prepared to commit an act of blasphemy.
amen...