Angelina Jolie lives in race la-la land

When I first saw the trailer for A Mighty Heart, I have to say that I was a little weirded out. I mean, c’mon, it’s kind of strange that Angelina Jolie is playing ½ Haitian ½ Dutch Mariane Pearl. Even though Jolie is always photographed wandering around the globe with her Ice Cream shop of babies, I am guessing that she doesn’t have a drop of Haitian blood in her skinny little body. And it’s not that I’m offended so much by her decision to take the part. In fact, I know that the casting choice delights Mariane Pearl. (WHY???)

I’m more, well, confused. And a little disappointed. Here’s why:

1. The bronzer and wig that they’re using to blacken up Jolie doesn’t really work. For one, she just doesn’t have Black hair. No way. And that means something to Black viewers. Ms. Jolie, you may think that your buoyant curls do the job. Newsflash: They don’t. You look more like a poodle. A scary one.
2. There’s something special about the interracial-ness of the relationship between Mariane and Daniel Pearl. Or just interracial relationships in general. A certain depth, a stronger level of understanding and compassion that can only be attained in a “star-crossed lovers” relationship situation. And as much as I can try to pretend like Jolie is interracial, SHE’S NOT. She’s a white woman married to blondie Brad Pitt. And so the on-screen relationship between Mariane and Daniel loses its real-life splendid race intricacies.
3. A Mighty Heart tells an important story. Angelina Jolie should know that. So if she wanted to screw around and self tan for a role, couldn’t she have found a less important film to do so for? Something National Lampoon? Because now many people, myself included, are more angry at Jolie’s audacity than interested in the events that the film portrays.

Bottom Line: I’m going to give A Might Heart the benefit of the doubt, for the story’s sake. But if Jolie screws it up and misrepresents us interracial women in any way (and we should really be representing ourselves on the big screen, wouldn’t you say??), she’s on my shit list forever.

Keep your eyes out for a follow-up post/discussion. 

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[Matt Brand]

black, brown, beige or white, she is a HOT MAMA!~