Spring Break
Casting Call: Obama
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: Focus
Times have changed since the last casting call ladies and gentlemen. This country elected the first black president ever. We only have to wait until Jan. 20 until he sets up shop at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and in the mean time, I am sure Hollywood is salivating at the chance of getting the movie rights for Barack Obama's rise to power. I mean, it really is only a matter of time until Warner Bros., Universal Studios, or Fox lets loose an exorbitant amount of money just to translate his story onto film. The film would have to be meticulously cast and have the depth and range of a movie like "Thirteen Days" to truly show Obama's struggle and eventual success. While I would bet that director Oliver Stone ("JFK") would love to make this film perhaps someone more like Roger Donaldson ("Thirteen Days") is better suited for a film of this magnitude and sensitivity.
Barack Obama:
Harry Lennix
In order for an actor to completely dissolve into the role of Obama, he needs to be more of an actor and less of a Hollywood star. Lennix is the perfect example of an actor whose fame has not yet reached a level where we know his name and face. This puts him in an ideal place to tackle the role of our nation's first black president. His roles in "The Matrix Revolutions," "24," "Stomp the Yard" and "Resurrecting the Champ" showcase his range as an actor and particularly shows his stature. That stature is what will make his performance all the more believable and tangible.
Runner up: Don Cheadle ("Hotel Rwanda")
Michelle Obama:
Nona Gaye
Similar to the case behind Barack Obama, Michelle Obama would need to be adequately portrayed by an actress who could disappear into the role. So that means Halle Berry will have to be kicked to the curb for the strong, beautiful and talented Nona Gaye. For those who witnessed her small but impactful roles in "Ali," "Crash" and "The Gospel" will see why she can play the strong woman behind the man.
Barack Obama:
Harry Lennix
In order for an actor to completely dissolve into the role of Obama, he needs to be more of an actor and less of a Hollywood star. Lennix is the perfect example of an actor whose fame has not yet reached a level where we know his name and face. This puts him in an ideal place to tackle the role of our nation's first black president. His roles in "The Matrix Revolutions," "24," "Stomp the Yard" and "Resurrecting the Champ" showcase his range as an actor and particularly shows his stature. That stature is what will make his performance all the more believable and tangible.
Runner up: Don Cheadle ("Hotel Rwanda")
Michelle Obama:
Nona Gaye
Similar to the case behind Barack Obama, Michelle Obama would need to be adequately portrayed by an actress who could disappear into the role. So that means Halle Berry will have to be kicked to the curb for the strong, beautiful and talented Nona Gaye. For those who witnessed her small but impactful roles in "Ali," "Crash" and "The Gospel" will see why she can play the strong woman behind the man.
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