OPINION:
“The Odyssey” movie — already dubbed “Oddity” by the internet —has triggered a full anti-woke thunderstorm, mostly from people who have seen exactly one trailer and read 900 opinions.
Black actress Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is considered a departure from the usual blonde, fair-skinned Greek supermodel tradition.
Wanting more Greek actors? Fair. Acting like Troy has fallen again because of casting? Maybe you should hydrate.
Ironically, the allegedly “woke” casting is somewhat anti-woke and anti-diversity, equity and inclusion because it excludes Greeks from the Helen of Troy role (and most of the other main roles).
If Helen were played by a gorgeous Asian actress, would I complain? I’d probably secretly love it (just don’t tell my wife).
Tiny, transgender Elliot Page as (allegedly) mighty Achilles has also become meme fuel, since Achilles is usually imagined as a giant warrior and, thanks to Brad Pitt, a man whose abs needed their own trailer.
I’m not into forced wokeness either, but that is a subjective judgement. Still, producer Christopher Nolan usually delivers and I am embarrassingly easy to lure into theaters with well-done action and violence.
Also, it’s a fiction movie based on an ancient poem based on Greek mythology. Demanding strict historical accuracy from myths is like asking Zeus for a notarized affidavit.
So, criticize it or skip it. Just maybe watch the movie before declaring Troy destroyed again — this time by trailer reaction.
Free speech works best when it stays sharp without getting cruel — especially near the birthday of the country that supposedly celebrates differences.
LEIGHTON LOO
Mililani, Hawaii
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