Award Season Roundtable Series: The Directors Part 2

[RainaHatari]

I am a future filmmaker. My talent will be so great they wont be able to deny it.

I WILL be the first Black Female Director to win an Academy Award for Best Director.

Hell yeah dammit.

[RainaHatari]

As a teenage black female born, raised and living in a white suburban neighborhood, I'll tell you right now why there is such a lack of diversity.

When I look in the mirror, I see a black person. White people just see a person. They simply do not THINK to portray anyone else for the mere fact that they never have think of anyone else. They don't have to. As a minority, we see and think of other races, but as a majority, they don't. They just see themselves. It never crosses their minds.

[soverysad]

wow! what massive bitchassness!! not 1 of the 6 these "grown-ass men" even had the sack to state, good or bad, why they make the choices they do for THEIR work!? hm, pretty embarrassing!!

[googlyarsetube]

Why didn't McQueen cast a black actor as the lead in Shame again? That part was rather more interchangable in terms of race than the roles for Hunger. McQueen seems to have his fans here, but I've never really liked the guy since way back when he won the Turner Prize, he's always came across as pompous and distastefully self-righteousness in interviews. Didn't care for Shame either, why did he depict Brandon at his lowest because he 'resorted' to sex in a gay nightclub. Very condescending film.

[shawoody]

FUCKING COWARD MOTHERFUCKERS.... "Not stepping into that."

[TheTuula]

I'm sorry but WHAT?

He has only ever cast Michael Fassbender, a white male, as his lead. His first film Hunger focused on Bobby Sands and the IRA so no room for launching any black actors. Then Shame easily could have had a black lead and black actress playing his sister, but he chose Michael again and Carey Mulligan, a very 'English rose' actress.

Also I don't think you can ever argue race when it comes to film. It should be purely about creativity and talent, not being 'fair' and 'liberal'.

[ashleyg325]

I want to slap every single one of those men in the face (except McQueen). Why is it this way? Because you made it this way. I just find it funny that, considering they're the ones who make the films, they can't figure out why there aren't minorities in them. And this point has become a frustration for so many. When will Hollywood wise up?

[cinemarob]

@ashleyg325 I totally agree with you except I give director, Hazanavicius (The Artist) a pass. The question was directed toward American cinema and he's a Frenchman who did cast academy nominee, Berenice Bejo (The Artist) who is Latina.

[Sciencespipo]

@cinemarob She's latina?? Oh I didn't realize that, I mean for me she's French and latina doesn't really mean anything in France to be honest. But that's cool. Also she's Michel Hazanavicius's wife so of course he chose her ;-)

[Moionfire]

British films aren't much better.

[calaftheeast]

McQueen should shut the fuck up.

Then why did he sign on to film Shame with white leads?

[TheMichboa]

@calaftheeast yyOur assertion is moot.You totally missed his point. It's about DIVERSITY and portraying reality.E.g How can you purport to portray reality in for example a city like New York, one of the most ethnically diverse cities, and the only people you see are white people?

[calaftheeast]

@TheMichboa

Look: if black audience could wake the f- up and stop spending money only on moronic superhero flicks and Tyler Perry atrocities, then maybe there would be more of an effort from Hollywood to create 'black-oriented' films with black actors featured.

This guy is a Brit who happens to be black. Does he bring the same type of criticism to his own country and its white-washed entertainment industry? I think not. He is too fired up to judge Hollywood, because why not?!?

[TheMichboa]

@calaftheeast First of all he said did not state that the lack of racial diversity in films was specifically a Hollywood phenomena. He stated New York as an example so it's fair to assume he is not just talking about Hollywood. Second, please don't generalise an entire race and assume that they all watch Tyler Perry movies, and why do we have to have either or? . The point is not to create 'black-orientated films', it is about equal opportunity and realistic depictions.Post-racial? I think not

[calaftheeast]

@TheMichboa

So he wants more black extras in films to make places like New York look more racially diverse in the background?

Ok.

I'm sure they can all find some black people to play the extras.

Otherwise, he has been only working with Fassbender as his lead who is Whitey McWhite. I don't see him looking out to launch some young black actor's career by casting him as his lead. He should bark at the studios and producers if he feels the urge and need, not those other directors.

[TheMichboa]

@calaftheeast, He has also worked with Nicole Beharie and is set to work with Chiwetel Ejiofor. 'Shame' is only his second feature film. His first was about the IRA and Bobby Sands.I'm not sure if it would have been realistic to cast a black person as the lead. I would assume that Directors have some control over who they cast in films, no?

[calaftheeast]

@TheMichboa

Some do, most don't.

They don't care who the extras are. Those are picked by the casting directors etc. amongst the people who apply. Most directors don't even have a say in the leads - studios present offers to A lists and the directors comply. Esp. if they are only the 'director' of the flick and don't have the co-producer title.

Payne may not have had that much say with the Clooney casting in his film even if he was also the producer of it. It's what it is.

[cknight03]

@calaftheeast You're missing the whole point. It's not about making "black oriented" films, it's about making FILMS and not being afraid to cast ANY minority in them. Every major character doesn't have to be a white male, that does not reflect the real world.

[HalfPastDopeTV]

FAIL.

They know why, they just don't want to answer the question.

What concerns me even more is the lack of women white, black or otherwise on this panel. Very telling. Its no wonder Hollywood's latest movies suck major ass. Look who is directing and even producing a lot of these movies. Middle aged white men who lack vision outside of their dreary white washed delusional bubbles.

[HalfPastDopeTV]

@HalfPastDopeTV This should also reaffirm that Hollywood is nothing but the delusions and fantasies of whoever is in power at the time. A lot like the fashion industry and its beauty standards. They are a not reflective of the "real" world. They are just their for the amusement/comfort of the people who run it.

[calaftheeast]

@HalfPastDopeTV

Fashion world and its beauty standards are not meant to reflect reality. That is why those girls are models: they have an exceptional look. It is a make-belief/fantasy world which people want to indulge in. If those girls were meant to reflect reality, then any girl who is a size 6 and up would have been a model.

There is nothing in fashion that is 'real'. Selling dresses that cost 10,000 bucks is reality since when?

[Sciencespipo]

@HalfPastDopeTV Yeah their reaction disgusts me. I mean, just say it: yo don't want to hire non-white actors/actresses because you think it won't put asses in seats. That's what it is about: money. But who knows? If they actuakky took a risk and cast a non-white actor as the lead, maybe no one would care and still go see the movie. But they won't find out if they dont start. And good point on no female directors. Only white straight dudes.

[hellowhitepeople]

yall just got shitted on mothafukaz! kee kee!

[JL0vely]

the awkward silence at 2:02 gave me life! lmaoooo they didnt know wtf to say! hahaha i loved it!

please answer the question...why is it that you have barely any MINIORITES in hollywood films? and lets not get on these casting agents/directors hiring whites to portray people of color smh

[ASAMOAH24]

Brilliant from McQueen and told it how it is. How uncomfortable was that silence. Reitman was the only one who spoke. lol

[mariahfan444]

I agree with Steve and I'm so glad he brought the point up. As an Asian-American actor, I have to accept that there will be certain roles I'll never get to play, and if I get the opportunity to work I may be offered a stereotypical role. I don't believe for a moment that there's "no good Asian actors" out there. It's a matter of what the public perceives as appealing and that's the "white" lifestyle. It's unfortunate these other directors backed out on a potentially engaging discussion.

[Eightyeightization]

hahahahaha @ the awkward silence

[yamamadangdang]

To your point about "Black's being bad for business." I have to disagree. The reality is market research shows that Blacks are more likely to buy movie tickets than the average population. Black people still GO to movies! I would argue that that's how Tyler Perry's very lame films are so popular. He is filling the niche of showing Blacks in film (even if it is complete buffoonery.) So, to that end, it's partially about money but it's not all about money.

[13ig13oss2]

@yamamadangdang

I was referring to blacks being cast in white directors movies. The white directors dodged the subject. Let some no name white director try and make a film with an all black cast, one of three things will happen. 1. The studio will barely fund them, 2. The marketing will be non existent, and 3. They gotta hope they can get it pass the suits, let alone the MPAA. It sucks we cant all just watch each other in any film and be taken by each other talents.

[cljbb08]

@yamamadangdang If you consider that currently Tyler Perry is the only director casting a large amount of Black people in his movies it makes sense. Tyler Perry's movies do so well because Black people actively support him and will go see his movies. Also, there is NO representation of Black culture and people in Hollywood. He presents the only representation of us, so we go see his movies. That's where all the money is coming from for him, but that doesn't apply to Hollywood. 

[ohohnoy]

I read the title as "Akward Season Roundtable Series". quite fitting.

[hafarsoran]

The silence is deafening between 1:59-2:09

[13ig13oss2]

Hollywood won't fund black movies adequately. Prime example is Spike Lee's Malcolm X, the studio that funded the movie cut his funding in the middle of filming. Spike had to pool money from the likes of oprah, bill cosby, magic johnson, etc. THEN the studio funded him. Fact of the matter is whites make up the majority of America, therefore if one wants to make a movie he has to pander to that audience because that's where the money is. Long story short blacks are considered bad for business.

[JL0vely]

@13ig13oss2 blacks are bad for the business? tell that to tyler perry who went from sleeping in a park to being of the richest man in america...his movies cater to black women...and they always put his movies at no.1 or in the top 3 at the box office....

[13ig13oss2]

@JL0vely

Im referring to dominantly cast black movies. Hollywood wont casts blacks in roles like you'll see Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Josh Brolin, Jessica Biel in. All black movies have to be for a black audience because alot of white folks usually dont get up and see black films. There's an article that covers the fact that the more blacks in the cast the less likely whites will go see it. Now, I'm not a racist so don't get too hype. Just an observation.

[PakistaniCult]

There's an interesting British article Called ' A Shameful Situation' which about McQueen's comments to the Hollywood Reporter with regards to black filmmakers. It's pretty critical of McQueen for not discussing at the racist nature of the British film industry.

movies-on-my-mind.blogspot.com­/2011/12/shameful-situation.ht­ml

[anjelheaven]

"I'm not stepping into that" "I don't know" They're just going to cop-out without any kind of serious thought or debate?

[ittakesawoman]

The horrible truth is none of the white directors sitting with Steve McQueen want black, latino, asian actors in their films and they will try and keep Hollywood the 'white boys club' as long as they can. Which judging by the history of Hollywood will be for eternity. If we black, latino & asian people boycotted these films then maybe things will change. I don't go to the pictures anymore because most of the films are things like the hangover and bridesmaids white frat boy films. sick of them

[ASAMOAH24]

@ittakesawoman here here.

[hellowhitepeople]

@ittakesawoman so true, totally what i've been feeling for some time now. i cant help but feel jaded about upcoming movie releases because of this dichotomous nature of "real" and "hollywood real" where the minorities are limited to being supporting actors, but will never break that glass ceiling.

[Gonowo]

Probably because movies need to make a fucking profit, and statistically people tend not to watch movies with black leads unless it's Denzel or Will Smith. I read that shit on Cracked.com regarding political incorrectness in movies.

Also shame on Steve McQueen for thinking skin color is an automatic signifier for diversity. Background, experience and upbringing is what makes one diverse.

[cljbb08]

@Gonowo That's the whole point. It's shameful that movies can only feature White actors to make a profit, and the directors with all the money only cast White actors and actresses in their films. People tend to to not watch movies with Black people in them, even it it is Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, or Denzel Washington.

Skin color is an identifier for diversity. Showing different facets of White culture is not diversity. Displaying a multitude of races, religions, and ethnicities is diversity.

[HotPocketsBoy]

BWAWAWAWA no body answered. i can't believe that wow

[cdwadams]

Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Chris Tucker, Some are great, some are good, & some are passable. All have been leads in films, and none with the exception of Jackson & arguably Smith have been cast as a lead in a "Arthouse" film. Why is that? Do they not get offered the parts or do they turn it down? Just a question.

[HotPocketsBoy]

@cdwadams are you smoking something? Every person you listen has headlined a film that wasn't indie. Rush Hour, Beverly Hills Cop, Bad Boys,Ray, I AM legend, Unthinkable, Lethal Weapon, Predator 2.

[cdwadams]

@HotPocketsBoy That is the question. Why don't they get the parts? Jackson did indie films for a long time, and Smith was in a little film called Six Degrees of Separation, but nothing else since then. George Clooney does a "little" film every other year, why can't these actors. I wanna see Denzel do some freakin' mumblecore.

[HotPocketsBoy]

@cdwadams no your looking at it wrong. Will Smith is arguably the LAST movie star on the planet. Some bigwig CEO in hollywood said that and i agree. As for the others what are referring too? Black actors get major roles all the time. i listed them all. Jamie Foxx is in a new Quentin Tarentino movie headlining it. Will Smith in MIB 3. Eddie Murphy in Tower Heist. Idris Elda in Promethus and Pacific Rim. Anthony Mackie in Hurt Locker. They get major roles but I agree their aren't alot.

[cdwadams]

@HotPocketsBoy I think you and I are on different wave lengths about this. I'm not hat interested in big box office money. I'm concerned with work that is interesting and truthful. They can be one and the same but that is very rare.

[HotPocketsBoy]

@cdwadams i agree

[NorthDenverStudios]

Jason Reitman is there by way of nepotism, guess we can't ALL be that lucky. Douche.

[cdwadams]

@NorthDenverStudios Jason Reitman did not get any help from his dad to make is first film. It was financed by a paypal millionaire, & and took 5 years to get it made. He did not work with his dad until Up in the Air (his 3rd film).

[NorthDenverStudios]

@cdwadams And? What's your point? It still doesn't negate the fact that he's riding on daddy's coat tail and he proves just how unqualified he is to make films by saying.."Ooooh, I'm not stepping into that one." How about you do everyone a favor and shove that valor up your asshole while marching into the depths of hell right behind this untalented twerp that you readily defend. You imbecile.

[cdwadams]

@NorthDenverStudios So what your saying is that your not a fan of his work. OK, that's fine, but don't disguise it. Just because you don't like the art that someone makes, doesn't mean that they didn't work hard to get where they are. Jealousy is not very becoming. Oh, and thank you, I've never been accused of having valor before but, I'll take it! ;)

[NorthDenverStudios]

@cdwadams Ha! Jealous. Of course, you would assume that because you haven't a fucking clue what REAL storytelling takes. Please remove his balls from your mouth and fuck off.

[falconhead67]

what is this dumb fuck ranting about? the lead in both of his films is a white german man

[cdwadams]

@falconhead67 a. Fastbender is German by birth but raised in Killarney, Ireland. b. Hunger was a true story about Irish people in the 70's, there were no black people to cast. c. There is a black woman that has a major roll in Shame. d. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the lead in his next picture. e. He's speaking of American film makers telling stories in city's where black populations are very high. Do some research.

[viniciusb]

These are people who supposedly want to speak their minds - they are fucking directors! I wonder what Scorsese, Kubrick, Welles, Coppola, Hitchcock would have done in this situation.

[viniciusb]

The reason is simple, Hollywood wants to keep the status quo. Movies are advertisement, they advertise to the world what is to be American, to be brave, honest, strong, etc. By placing white actors as leads and black as the help, slaves, Latinos as immigrants, gang members and Asians as martial arts fighters and nerds, they keep the stereotypes alive. I just read that they are making Akira with white people set in Manhattan for fuck's sake!

[Tigerlily21]

lmao. The awkward silence speaks volumes. Kudos to McQueen for having the balls to raise an interesting point like that!

Bbut you know all of them are going to go back to the standard "he's pulling the race card". No he's speaking truth. Your films can't reflect reality if you're shooting in large cities and don't acknowledge diversity exists there. And the sad thing is had McQueen started off with films that featured Idris Elba, distributors wouldn't give him the time of day.

[AlphaJace]

@Tigerlily21 You're right and, correct me if I'm wrong, but none of those other directors had black actors in their films....

[Vvalerie123]

Mcqueen >>>>> all the others.

[MrThespyan]

Plus if you check, his third movie, which has been mentioned in the thread, stars a black male lead.

[MrThespyan]

@PakistaniCult I think coming from Britain, where there is a pretty much non existent Black film industry, Mr McQueen would have struggled to get backing from investors, had he tried to make his first film a "Black" or minority based film. I don't think this is about America, I think it's about a silent form of racism and exclusion, which to me is the most abhorrent, isolating and disenfranchising.

[MrThespyan]

The thing that saddens one the most, is that for some of these gentlemen, their movies are an actual reflection of their lives. Blacks, Latinos and Asians, play the parts of mere extras in their lives. I'm guessing they swan around members clubs and parties of the elite and have rare interactions with "different" races. I'm generalising, but I'm sure there is some truth in this.

[PakistaniCult]

Hmm, that's rich coming from McQueen who has never cast a black person in a leading role in any of his films. British cinema is racist as a motherfucker so I dunno why he's beating on the U.S.. All that comes out of the UK are costume dramas with white folk. When was the last time the UK had a black President/ Prime Minister?

[lady09giggles]

WOW, super controversial questions with a whole bunch of directors who are stuck in the traditions of cinema. Eeeeee!

[ttmobaleaaa]

. I suppose one can excuse him for Hunger 2009 for having an all-white cast but let’s face it Shame 2011 only has two people of color on the cast one plays a very small role as a supporting cast member while the other plays a one lined bouncer.

[anjelheaven]

Jason Reitman is so fucking pissed, Mr. McQueen hit a nerve. lol

[thaumaturge138]

Easy to jump on the white male privilege bandwagon huh? I think their silence has more to do with the fact that they went to discuss award season and contenders and got hit with something that anybody would have difficulty answering on the spot in 60seconds. Where are McQueens racial minority leads? How about in his new film on slavery starring Brad Pitt. hahaha. There are bigger and more complicated politics at play then "oh those bad white guys won't cast black leading men or women.

[cdwadams]

@thaumaturge138 The actual lead in that film is Chiwetel Ejiofor. Brad Pitt is listed first because he's Brad Pitt & for better or worse he puts asses in seats.

[thaumaturge138]

@cdwadams That's the point. He's listed first because it's politics. Don't play the game whilst complaining. Yea America is built on racism and the film industry is predominantly white, but to ignore that the biggest box office draws are black is foolish. Not to mention misrepresentation of ethnicities in certain cities has more to do with casting extras, and where the films are actually shot, then a conscious choice to exclude or ignore.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 The biggest box office draws are all black? Will Smith is one person. Maybe Denzel. That's two people. What other legitimate box office draws are black?

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy First of all, I didn't say their were thirty or forty. I said the biggest. Sam Jackson is the biggest. Will smith, denzel, morgan freeman, all huge. Once upon a time Eddie Murphy would be included and still ranks very highly in terms of overall success at the box office. And I have to point out that Tyler Perry has a ridiculous amount of power just having his name on the poster or the marquee ha.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 I don't think you understand what a box office draw is. Sam Jackson and Morgan Freeman are NOT box office draws. If they are cast in the lead role people don't go in droves to see the film. Neither of them have legitimately opened a film to a high number. That is what makes you a box office draw. I agree that at one point Murphy could've been called that, but certainly not anymore. Perry's films play to a specific audience. Like I said, only Smith and Washington fit the bill.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy It's quite well known that Samuel L Jackson is one of the biggest box office draws around. Also, understandbly with the help of his smaller character roles, he holds the record (behind Daniel Radcliffe) for highest total gross at the box office. Sure he is busier then most, but his name means a lot to the american audiences both from these character roles in huge films, and from lead roles in "cult films". Freeman also ranks top ten in highest box office.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 You're right about Perry. I'll give you that one, but I will also counter that he's an anomaly since he directs/acts in/produces all of his films. Plus, the audience he plays to is more specific than other bonafide box office draws in terms of demographics. As for Jackson and Freeman, you are confusing longetivity with drawing power. Of course people recognize them as movie stars, but their names attached to a project doesn't guarantee it will be financially successful.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy I'm not confused in the least. I took a stance in this argument and I'm sticking to it hahaha. Maybe I am reaching (quite consciously) for the point of my argument. BUT, for example, Jackson has been around no longer then say Tom Cruise (who most definitely has drawing power) actually as far as being a legit star Jackson has been around for a shorter period, but still has managed to gross more at the box office. More then anybody ever actually. The highest grossing actor of all time.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy And also, let's just face it, he's a huge draw. People buzz about him being attached to big films. They get excited about it. If you don't think that is drawing power, what is? And that coupled with his obvious and well known financial achievements makes my case.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 I still say it's reaching though. People buzz about lots of actors in lots of films but if the film makes no money it all ends up being hype. Why don't they show up? The real box office draws have far more hits than misses. Smith, Washington, Cruise, Depp, Sandler, Downey, Dicaprio, etc. Jackson only really has hits when attached to projects much larger than his name.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy You have no love for Sam Jackson? Let it be. And I already said I was reaching. Don't have to remind me. But I am done responding because this is eating too much of my time.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 I have nothing against Jackson, he's just not a box office draw is my point. I just thought you were using the argument as a way to diminish the sad reality that black actors just aren't on level playing field with white actors. It's a very real problem.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy So because there aren't as many top grossing box offices stars that are black that the playing field is uneven? You think there is a conscious effort, and evident racism, in an industry that is predominantly run by people of Jewish faith?

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 I was never using that as an argument as for the reason why blacks are on an uneven playing field, just merely pointing out why your reasoning based on that was problematic. I COULD go into the tons of evidence that supports my claim that the playing field is uneven, yet it seems you are about as tired of this conversation as I am, and your mind is about as made up as mine is also...it seems :)

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy I'm definitely as tired of this, and my mind is definitely made up from hours and hours of this very conversation over the past five years. I am however thankfull that I haven't been arguing with the usual trolls. This was one of the few times I've bothered responding to someones comments about my comments haha. Peace.

[sjceezy]

@thaumaturge138 No worries! You certainly make valid points, so don't think all of that fell on deaf ears. Don't let trolls discourage you, there is intelligent conversation to be had on the internet...occasionally.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy Do you think any major industry can get away with blatant racism in an age where it is so easily and immediately reported to multiple media outlets in seconds? With tons of anti-racism support from all over the world. If you don’t see how fast things have been changing then you are looking at the problem and not the solution, while others have been solving it for you.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy There are an abundance of great black actors, comedians, stars, and many who aspire to be like them. Sure it would be foolish of me to say that it has always been this way, but it is most certainly getting to a point of equality in the industry. Maybe because this is relatively new in comparison to the age of the industry itself, we have certain things or people we are used to seeing.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy From a business standpoint it makes sense for certain formula’s to be repeated, but the change is eminent. Neither I nor any of my friends in the business, black or white, have encountered any different hardships then anyone else who works with or above us.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy And I already explained more common reasons why cities are misrepresented when i first posted. I’m not going to repeat myself on that matter. I’m also not going to argue with you further on this, because your mind is made up it seems.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy and yes I realize it hasn't always been this way. And yes I realize there is tons of racism in the world. But in North America, in an industry directly related to public image, it is quickly being eradicated.

[thaumaturge138]

@sjceezy And Perry does appeal to a certain audience. As any film does depending on the names involved. Isn't that exactly what we're talking about? ha Strictly numbers - his name equals money. I didn't say his name draws white girls age 18-25.

[HyuugaK]

know your privilege!

[dewfish]

white privilege at its worst. they are all acting like it is some big mystery, when they are the exact ones deciding on the all white cast. no sense of responsibility even when they are the ones directly responsible.

[jdkjkjdkjdks]

Great segment. I applaud you, Mr. McQueen.

[SeanBoyceJohnson]

This is the SAD truth that an overwhelming majority of characters in Hollywood films DEFAULT in white... This excludes so much talent.

[cdwadams]

@SeanBoyceJohnson You absolutely right & there is no reason for it. Look at a movie like 13 going on 30. Not the best film, but it's set in NYC, and there is not one black or brown face in that movie. We are living in a time when we have a minority president, but we can't get the best friend or the boss part in a movie. And if there is an interracial relationship being portrayed on screen the it's a big deal. It's 2011 for Christ's sake.

[ikicaq]

Each one of these directors has the right to cast who they feel is right for each particular role. They do not have to justify it to anyone.

[cdwadams]

@ikicaq That is truth, but then they cannot say that their movies reflect an accurate depiction of reality. They say that a director's first responsibility is to the truth. When you have a cast that does not have 13% black characters, your film is not in service to the truth. Especially if your a New York director where 36% of the city's population is foreign-born & it has the largest African American community of any city in the country.

[MomoGasumi]

@ikicaq

If the viewing public (i.e the people who feed their income) has concerns about their hiring practices, then yes, they do have to justify their choices.

[dewfish]

@ikicaq if you want to play the "i'll cast whomever i want" card, then play it. but when someone calls you out on your bullshit, dont pretend like its some big mystery. If youre a bigot, be a bigot, but at least have the balls to stand behind your bigotry.

[ikicaq]

@dewfish I honestly don't know what you are talking about. I don't pretend to know you or any other of these people commenting, so I don't get where you have the right to call me out as a bigot.  All I was doing was giving my opinion on the matter, if it offended you or anyone else in any way, I am truly sorry.

[dewfish]

@ikicaq the comment wasn't necessarily about you, it was about the directors and dismissive attitude they have toward the prejudiced atmosphere in the movie industry. And once again, its not like its a huge secret. Hollywood is racist as hell, these guys are in control, and accept zero responsibility. that is the problem I have.

[cdwadams]

@dewfish I honestly don't think it's bigotry. That implies a certain amount of malice. It seems to me that this is a question that these other directors have never thought of themselves. Stephen Spielberg did not want to direct the color purple because he thought a black director should tell that tale. They are still so caught up in "White world" "Black world" that It has never even crossed their minds. I think that ignorance is worst that bigotry any day of the week.

[dewfish]

@cdwadams this is the problem whenever discussing racial bias in America. the entire subject gets hijacked by " white people's feelings" "Do I 'feel' racist?" "Do I feel guilty?" "Do I feel responsible?" All of those questions are irrelevant. I don't care about their state of mind. I don't care if they are ignorant or evil. The point of the discussion is to solve the problem of racist casting in films, not to discuss how the directors "feel".

[dewfish]

part 2:

hell, the directors here aren't even acknowledging the problem, much less their "feelings" on it. you can't solve a problem that won't even admit exists.

[cdwadams]

@dewfish I don't think that you can separate the issue from emotions. Intent is very important in the discussion. If films are made this way because of bigotry, then the issue is so much bigger that any conversation. It seems to me that if it is ignorance, then at least there is a chance that things can change. I'm finding this less and less with TV. Most likely because "everyone" watches tv, but who do they think is going to see an Alexander Payne film, and why is that.

[dewfish]

@cdwadams If someone burns a cross in my yard, I dont care what their intentions were. they could have done it out of hatred or just thought it would make a great night light. does not matter, the crime has already been committed. same bullshit song and dance everytime. focus on white peoples feelings and forget the act itself. and once again, THE DIRECTORS DONT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. you cant solve a problem that wont even admit exists.

[cdwadams]

@dewfish I have to say that burning crosses is a big leap that your taking. Not casting someone is not a hate crime. It's willful complacency in the status quot. Their silence speaks volumes.

[dewfish]

@cdwadams i didnt equate the two. they are both examples of the same problem. trying to gauge their intent is meaningless. SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

[dewfish]

and once again, in order to solve a problem, YOU HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT EXISTS. fuck their feelings and fuck their emotions.

[cdwadams]

I love Alexander Payne's and Jason Reitman's work, but neither of them has ever cast a black person for more than 4-5 lines. The biggest roll that a person of color has had in a Reitman film was a character in Up in the Air, and I believe the character killed herself. The only non white person in an Alexander Payne movie is his ex-wife Sandra Oh (and the little girl who played her daughter) , in Sideways. To say it's shameful is an understatement. To say it's bizarre is truth.

[jamdobson]

All the white directors on this panel are smelling their own shit right now!

[leprdskinpillbox]

wait a sec, Steve McQueen didn't cast black or latino actors in his leads either. Fassbender, Cunningham/ Fassbender, Mulligan. All white. I don't think Steve should criticize others if he hasn't done so himself. Include the Asian community in there and I'll agree with Steve a 100%

[Briainer]

@leprdskinpillbox I hope you realize that Hunger was set in Northern Ireland during the 1981 Hunger strike within a prison where there were no Black or Latinos.....as for shame well, I haven't seen it can't comment, but i guess they're are just the characters within the story, they just happen to be white. If you do look up online hes supposedly making a film with Chiwetel Ejiofor in the lead role too.

[TheSaraSKY]

@Briainer Just to add to your comment Steve McQueen cast Nicole Beharie as a major secondary character in Shame. And Shame doesn’t have a large cast. I think people are getting a little ahead of themselves; this is Steve McQueen’s SECOND film! His third film, Twelve Years a Slave, is starring Chiwetel Ejiofor! To @ikicaq it’s not just about casting who they want, it’s about being authentic, and giving viewers a real portrayal of the films surrounding. I commend McQueen for being real.

[cdwadams]

Thank God someone said it!

[saywhatUneedtosay]

this is one of the realest moments I've seen in one of these thr roundtables in a few years. And I've become a bit obsessive with watching these discussions as soon as they are posted. Really, beneath the underbelly of America...racial inequality rears its ugly head only to be met with silence.

[zora816]

Steve McQueen is so right, and of course the other directors don't have an answer. shame really. way to go for him to call them all out :)

[S0UL927]

Just...wow at 2:02 - 2:04.

[rockingbrowneyedgirl]

IKR? I can almost taste the white male privilege coming from their silence.