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I thought it worthwhile to start recommending Diasporic films that I consider required viewing for all. Here's the first of many. The Battle of Algiers
It's difficult to start a revolution...
... even more difficult to sustain one...
... and still more difficult to win one.
I've never watched an episode of HBO's series, The Wire. Why, you wonder? Well, I don't watch much TV, and even if I did, I don't have cable TV, nor am I in any rush to make it a staple in my household of 1. It's too distracting. I have more important work to do.
However, I've heard nothing but grand things about the program, and will likely pick up the entire series on DVD, to catch up on all that I've missed to date. I'm ready to be impressed!
Despite not having seen the program, I still appreciate producer, David Simon's comments below (notably the last paragraph), and thought them worth sharing.
David Simon is white, by the way.
The series has been acclaimed by critics and has a cult-like following – but has earned just one Emmy nomination in four seasons. Simon and George Pelecanos were nominated for writing in 2005 but lost.
“I don't give a (expletive) if we ever win one of their little trinkets,” Simon told Newsweek. “I don't care if they ever figure out we're here in Baltimore.
“Secretly, we all know we get more ink for being shut out. So at this point, we wanna be shut out. We wanna go down in flames together, holding hands all the way.”
Each season of “The Wire” has focused on a different aspect of the grit and blight of an American city in decline. Simon feels the show doesn't get credit for its diverse cast, nearly all of whom had no high-profile prior credits.
“Let me indict Hollywood as much as I can on this one,” Simon said. “We have more working black actors in key roles than pretty much all the other shows on the air. And yet you still hear people claim they can't find good African-American actors. That's why race-neutral shows and movies turn out lily-white.”
Anywho... here's a quasi stream of consciousness piece I thought I'd share.
The Hollywood black actress du jour, Zoe Saldana (yes, it appears they can have only one at a time; we can't have too many popular black actresses taking good roles away from their Caucasoid counterparts; although Ms Saldana's "blackness" has been in question, since she's actually Latin American; although one can certainly make a reasonable argument that certain Latin Americans/Hispanics/Latinos are indeed Africans. I'm not sure what's PC these days, so I certainly hope I'm not offending anyone. Feel free to school me if necessary)... anyway... as I was saying, Hollywood "black" actress du jour, Zoe Saldana (notice "black" is in quotes) will be assuming the role of Lieutenant Commander Uhura in the upcoming, highly anticipated theatrical update of the popular Star Trek TV series from the 1960s. The film is slated to be released later this year, and is being directed by Lost creator (J. J. Abrams), on a $150 Million budget!
As you may already know, the role was initially played by the fabulously sexy (and black) Nichelle Nichols (ok, so some might say she's fairer skinned than most - or light-skinnededed, as some might say... or caramel-complected as others might say... but think of the era in which the series aired and you'll understand why). She's now 75 years old, and still looks quite ravishing!
BTW, did you know that the kiss she shared with Captain Kirk (William Shatner) in 1969 - I can't remember which episode - was the first interracial (black/white) kiss that ever aired on national television? Of course it had to be a white man kissing a black woman for it to be accepted by the flock, although it did cause quite a stir. However, imagine if Sidney Poitier stuck his tongue down Katharine Houghton's throat in GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, in 1967? I should watch that film again actually. I don't think there's even a scene where they peck each other on the cheek. I could be wrong though.
Oh, and here's a humorous bit of related info - during the Comedy Central roast of William Shatner in 2006, Nichelle Nichols referred to their 37-year-old kiss, and said to Shatner, "Let's make TV history again... and this time you can kiss my black ass!" HA! MILFy and funny! Perfect combo!
Alright, I'll shut up now... I found this old clip of her from Star Trek at what maybe was her most ravishing moment... I especially dig her demeanor after she slaps Sulu and falls back onto the rail, as she utters the words, "I'm afraid I've changed my mind... again." YES! Freaking haute, I tell ya! Let's see Zoe Saldana pull off that kind of sexuality...
I'm feeling groovy today, and hope you all are too. It's going to be a good year. I can feel it :o)
Carry on...And while you're at it, you should get yourselves one of these...
TAO
Recorded Monday, January 7, 2008, 9PM
TRT 60 Minutes
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
- A January preview of what's coming up on the podcast for the month of January (black actress showcase, discussion on 4 LITTLE GIRLS, Sundance wrap-up).
- Tambay lists his top 5 hopes and expectations for Black cinema in 2008. Listen to his list. What are yours?
- Robert Johnson strikes again with MISSION INTOLERABLE - another "white-wash," literally. A brief rant.
Got something to say? Call the show's voicemail hotline at 1-800-765-7249 and leave a message there; and if it's worthwhile, I'll play your message on the show. OR, email me you comments at talk@obensonreport.com.
