well, I've read a lot of the smart commentary this film has so, in this instance, I think it is perfectly acceptable. Most recently, a group for disabled people have come out against this film due to a 'retard' comment... but, I've heard, the monologue the word was in was a pretty insightful commentary on method actors today... and 'retard' wasn't even used to describe a person in particular.
Sometimes people can be completely too sensitive. It's all about the context it is used in.

Now, if we were debating Ted Danson's infamous blackface incident a long time ago... different story...

well, is it ok in any sense for a person of one race/culture to portray another? Eddie Murphy has played on several occasions white people, women, and like you mentioned, a Jewish man.

Personally, I think if you're going to make a stink about a white guy playing a black guy, you have to mention the other instances of race reversal as well. Though, as long as intentions are good, neither offend me.

The fact of the matter is, people seem to be more bothered/concerned about this than anything Eddie Murphy has done. There's already controversy surrounding this movie and it's not even out yet.

we haven't had a movie controversy in a while, it was bound to come up sooner or later.

the question asks if blackface is acceptable in any form.
i mentioned in my post above why I think it's OK, I'd like to know your reasoning as well.

as for the generic b, that's mostly used for questions and contests to have some sort of consistency with that as various b staffers post different questions and different contests.
when we have a personal opinion or blog post, we have our name and face next to that. but i can see where you might think that.

no offense taken, yacktar.
i don't always (or often) agree with you, but all we can do is voice our opinions, right?

when word was getting around about Downey's role, a reader submitted a guest column about this very subject. we're not the only ones to bring it up.

no, not with you.
we had a talk about it and changed the headline since it didn't convey what the question was asking (which has not been changed).
i'll apologize for the headline as i was the one who wrote that and in a hurry as i was doing several things at once. so the headline was irresponsible of me.

your arguments seemed like you disagreed with the question, not the headline.
so if it is the headline you were referring to then...*cough* I agree.

and now i feel dirty

ycktr... in fairness, this isn't about b making something out of nothing. As I noted, some disabilities group is complaining about the use of the word 'retard' stating it is deragatory. Bad enough the films ditributors cowtowwed to them on another issue giving the group a false sense of ownership and power over the film. The group is calling for a boycott of the film. So, again, this isn't about b making mountains out of molehills... it's something being widely reported all over.
---when word was getting around about Downey's role, a reader submitted a guest column about this very subject. we're not the only ones to bring it up.---
when word was getting around? Hell, I heard about this film close to a year ago, heard the concept of Downey Jr's role and thought it was brilliant... and, if anything, Downey Jr is the perfect actor for this role.

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20080810/121842511100.html

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37873

I'm black, and I don't think this is blackface. However, I'm curious to know why a black actor couldn't play the part. It's hard enough as it is for blacks, latinos, Hispanics, etc. to get acceptable roles in Hollywood. Now a black actor can't play a black character? Times must be hard. I like the majority of Stiller's movies, but they are very white-washed and cater towards a particular demographic. You just accept them as face value, just like the majority of movies and shows we watch. What can you do?? They're his movies, so he can do whatever he pleases.

The movie is about the making of a movie...and the fact that he is a white guy playing a black guy is part of the plot.

I think most people don't understand that the movie is about making a movie...and all the ridiculousness (is that word?) that goes along with it.

!

oh good grief. cry me a freakin river. why can't a black guy get the role??? i am so sick of this PC bull crap whining. He called someone a retard... he's not black... etc. Its a freakin movie get over it.

Ben Stiller can make any movie he pleases. If you wanna make an all black movie go right ahead and hire any actor you want.

ON the topic though i am very upset by all the majority black Tyler Perry movies that have been popping up... i am totally outraged and will be boycotting... i will also be boycotting BET. I'm gonna start the CET cracka entertainment network in protest.

Grow up already and quit your whining like a lil school girl.

fridayeven, the character being portrayed by Downey isn't actually black. He's playing an Australian method actor who gets so into the role of playing an African American soldier that he becomes what the photo conveys above. Although I'm not sure if in the plot line the character uses makeup, or simply becomes the character he is portraying, either could be pretty darned funny.

yep. Not only that, but the script, written by Stiller, apparantly has a pretty biting commentary on Hollywood... all masked as a comedy!

well said, joketime31. speaking of not recognizing Robert Downey Jr... upon first seeing the trailer, did anyone else thing of Don Cheadle? Even Downey's voice acting invoked Cheadle. I wasn't the only one... my fiancee thought so, too.