Thandie Newton Cast In Half Of A Yellow Sun

Recently a petition was set up following the announcement Thandie Newton has been cast in the film Half of a Yellow Sun based on a book written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I wasn't going to comment on the story but changed my mind after reading the commentary so far.

I have noticed the tendency for people who haven't read the book to frame this argument through a light skin/dark skin, mixed race/black lens and I think that's a little too simplistic.

My issue isn't that Thandie isn't Igbo she just doesn't physically resemble either of the main female characters. Olanna is beautiful, soft and curvy (I really hate that word but hey) whereas her twin sister Kainene is enigmatic, tall, slim and hard faced. The sisters physically look very different. It's important to the plot, tells us a lot about their character and the stormy relationship they have with each other. I'm also very alarmed at the online rumours she's set to play both sisters. Unless they are going to use CGI trickery I certainly hope not.

When explaining this to others I was struck by the barrage of comments about "Black people not sticking together" "Why are black women always divisive and angry" from folks who haven't actually read the book.

I feel the same as I did when Anne Hathaway was cast as Emma Morley from One Day based on a book by David Nicholls. Just like Thandie she is a competent actress who was woefully miscast.

Others claim Thandie is right for the role because she is a Hollywood actress who has box office draw. I disagree. The book was very successful and Chiwetel Ejiofor (who has also been cast) is just as Hollywood.

This was also an opportunity to showcase a more suitable black actress in light of the lack of good roles. Instead the mainstream got lazy. I'm not surprised Thandie was cast. It was always going to be her, Zoe Saldana, Paula Patton or maybe even Angelina Jolie (that was a joke). They're the only ones who seem to be getting any work these days.

P.S Read the book and can I just express my shock that The Help is the first main role Viola Davis has had. That is all.

Amy

I promised myself I wouldn't write a post about Amy Winehouse. I've been a fan ever since I saw this performance on "Later with Jools Holland" way back in 03. I wanted to share it with you all. Enjoy.

Sharing is caring

I saw this over at www.theabbysworld.com and literally laughed out loud. Because I'm such a generous person I thought I would share it with you all.

Beautiful

The next person who tries to tell me Naomi Campbell isn't hot is going to see this

Ghana

Everyone's talking about going to Ghana and I admit I'm a little bit jealous. I'm way overdue for a visit and for some reason I can't get this song out of my head.



I remember hating ghanaian music when I was younger especially high life. I've recently developed a nostalgic appreciation for it (gosh I'm getting old). This year there was no way I was going to spend New Year's Eve in search of an overpriced rave. So I went to church and spent the rest of the night with my family. They all thought it'd be hilarious to test my twi by asking me to translate the lyrics of this song.

January Blues

I hate January. It's depressing and after stuffing my face for almost two weeks the adverts for Special K and gym memberships popping up all over the place seem almost obscene . The parties and festive fun have now been replaced with work and/or exam season and the next bank holiday (Easter) feels a long way away. I shudder at the prospect of more snow which I fear will push me over the edge. But I like to think of myself as a glass half full kind of girl so to cheer myself up I'm casting my mind back to the summer of 2007 when I was sitting on a beach, Puerto Escondido, Mexico to be precise, sipping mojitos.

This was the summer I also went to Camp USA. At the time I had twists in my hair and I remember one of my fellow counsellors noting a resemblance between Whoopi Goldberg and myself. I'm pretty sure he was paying me a compliment but I can't say I was pleased. Does that make me a bad person?

Christmas Time, Mistletoe and Wine

Christmas is my favourite time of year. Even the prospect of being locked in with my family isn't enough to deter me from the wonderful day that is Christmas. However I do hate the week between Boxing Day and New Year's when there's nothing to do except shop (at your peril) and watch Eastenders (which by the way was so good this year)

I've always thought this tune from the Muppet Christmas Carol was rather catchy.