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Color me unimpressed
May. 22nd, 2009 11:27 amLadies and gents, in case you haven't already seen it: the first pictures of Noah Ringer as Aang.
I have officially lost all interest in seeing this movie, even illegally. And I know it's regionally inaccurate, but since it looks like they're using henna on a Tibetan monk anyhow, couldn't they have drawn it with woad? At this point, it wouldn't have been any more offensive than anything else in the movie, IMO. (Note: It has been suggested that the arrow is an outline for post-production effects. This is believable, especially for the Avatar State, but I still think the color would have to be handled veeeery carefully. I'm also pretty sure that just faux-tattooing ahead of time would be less expensive/more effective than adding in the lines later. See also: blue contacts for PoC vs extensive tanning/bronzer for blue-eyed Caucasians, etc.)
Pessimistic Predictions:
1) Despite the fact that Mike and Bryan are supposedly working closely with people on the script, I expect heavy-handed, blatant changes to the storyline and themes.
2) Given that we have Suki cast, as well as an "Earthbending Father", but no Toph (somewhat understandable, since this is just book one), no Bumi, and no Haru, as well as how Suki was identified in at least one article as an earthbender, I'm guessing that she will be merged with Toph and Haru, as well as their storylines.
3) Any and all feminist messages, particularly related to Katara? Minimized or removed.
4) The reveal of Aang as the Avatar will be held until the ending for a "surprising twist".
Hopes:
1) Box office fail
1a) That will not negatively effect sales of the animated version
1b) Or many of the actors' careers at large
2) A greater percentage of fans will agree that the casting is problematic upon seeing these pictures
Edit: Some good news for contrast: Illinois tipped to allow civil unions next week! It's not gay marriage, but it's another step in the right direction ♥
I have officially lost all interest in seeing this movie, even illegally. And I know it's regionally inaccurate, but since it looks like they're using henna on a Tibetan monk anyhow, couldn't they have drawn it with woad? At this point, it wouldn't have been any more offensive than anything else in the movie, IMO. (Note: It has been suggested that the arrow is an outline for post-production effects. This is believable, especially for the Avatar State, but I still think the color would have to be handled veeeery carefully. I'm also pretty sure that just faux-tattooing ahead of time would be less expensive/more effective than adding in the lines later. See also: blue contacts for PoC vs extensive tanning/bronzer for blue-eyed Caucasians, etc.)
Pessimistic Predictions:
1) Despite the fact that Mike and Bryan are supposedly working closely with people on the script, I expect heavy-handed, blatant changes to the storyline and themes.
2) Given that we have Suki cast, as well as an "Earthbending Father", but no Toph (somewhat understandable, since this is just book one), no Bumi, and no Haru, as well as how Suki was identified in at least one article as an earthbender, I'm guessing that she will be merged with Toph and Haru, as well as their storylines.
3) Any and all feminist messages, particularly related to Katara? Minimized or removed.
4) The reveal of Aang as the Avatar will be held until the ending for a "surprising twist".
Hopes:
1) Box office fail
1a) That will not negatively effect sales of the animated version
1b) Or many of the actors' careers at large
2) A greater percentage of fans will agree that the casting is problematic upon seeing these pictures
Edit: Some good news for contrast: Illinois tipped to allow civil unions next week! It's not gay marriage, but it's another step in the right direction ♥
