Racism in Hollywood... Not as Depp as it sounds

Johnny Depp is often accused of reinvigorating a similar role in some of his films, especially that when in collaboration with Tim Burton. Wacky, irreverence the alternate generation's goof ball that they take to heart with aplomb. Whether it be the aching melancholy of the tender Scissorhands or his more outlandish Wonka. Burton certainly has his own unique distorted view on American cinema and Depp is often a willing and enamoured cohort to come along for the ride.

Depp further explores character creation with his famed parody of Keith Richards in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise or his reworking of actual characters such as Hunter S Thompson, John Dillinger and Joseph Pistone. Perhaps Depp's character commonly have an unhinged or kooky element. It is perhaps unfair to castigate with this tag alone though. Does he suffer from a similar issue of that of say a Brad Pitt. Actors who genuinely do posses talent at their craft and give strong performances but often adorn calendars and other such items, face derision of their competence. Is this a fair accusation perhaps not. Both actors have a strong body of work behind them.

A recent type of discrimination that is surely much worse and more destructive is given in recent comments voiced towards Depp being cast as Tonto; a Native American in an upcoming remake of the Lone Ranger. There has been vociferous words of protest that the role was not given to a Native American. Like some element of racial prejudice has left the prospective Native American community has been handed an element of racial injustice. Eisner's last stand this is not.

Depp has after all previously played a Mexican assassin in Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico. I do not recall an incendiary reaction from the Mexican acting community. The modern craft of make-up, prosthetics and technical wizardry I'm sure can overcome any shortcomings in the Kentucky born actors genetic shortcomings. Is this a loss for the hope of an emerging Native American actor. Depp is a world renowned notable star with a huge box office draw. He has on countless times exhibited the ability to assume and make his own a variety of actors. The film is to be made by Disney Disney are of course a respective global conglomerate placing box office/ancillary sales ahead of any boundary/talent breaking ideals. This is not a surprising move.

For people to question Depp's credentials seems somewhat askew, isn't his job to pretend to be someone else? Something to which has established him a pedigree of success with the trappings of fame and fortune which this brings. Perhaps more concerning were the comments made specifically by Rupert Everett lamenting the casting of Colin Firth as a gay man in A Single Man, due to Firth's failing of not actually being a homosexual actor, whilst not actually being gay. I mean the cheek of it. A man who for all intents and purposes looks set to become an Oscar winning actor having the outright audacity of assuming he can act as something he is not.

I'm sorry in our world of overzealous political correctness, will there ever be a modicum of common sense ushered in. Whatever happened to the best man for the job. Before that phrase is challenged, don't worry I'm not being exclusive towards the female race here in any way. Both Annette Bening and Julianne Moore also received prejudicial treatment for daring to cross the sexuality divide, with a foolhardy belief that some kind of conviction in their abilities. Abilities of course which in the case of Bening earned her an Academy award nomination for best actress.

Hollywood is a place seemingly populated with a perverse blend of well intentioned liberals and capitalist behemoths. It's not often I side in favour of the money men over the liberals, but on this occasions I feel I must. Well that's my two pennies worth. Oh my once you side once with the capitalists, it's just all about the money...