Matt Damon doesn’t get why diversity behind the camera is necessary
In the season premiere of Project Greenlight, Damon and Ben Affleck convene a team of producers to find a director for the new comedy Not Another Pretty Woman. The plot of this film, as noted by Flavorwire, will be your classic “girl leaves boy at the altar, boy falls in love with a black prostitute” story.
This season of Project Greenlight includes mostly white, male faces, with Dear White People producer Effie Brown representing for diverse voices. Since the role of Harmony, the black prostitute, is sensitive, Brown pushed to include diverse directors in the pool of potentials. Damon’s response to her is more than just tone deaf.
Oh man this was so disappointing. Way to go, White Dude.
Frankly, Hollywood’s most “progressive” people are as disappointing about diversity as the most conservative people in Hollywood. People like Matt, Ben and George have horrible records on the work they participate in and produce. The only one of the bunch who puts his money where his mouth is is Brad Pitt.
back-of-the-bus, redrubied, sale-aholic, lynnandstuff any thoughts? It’s gotten a great deal of press. I’d actually like to hear/watch this in context (in its entirety) before commenting.
I want to see the entire clip too which I am sure will be even worse. Actually, I want to see the uncut version.
Matt is a producer of the show so he had a hand in the final product. The thing is, I am sure he thought this would make him look good. I’m sure he thought, “People will say I’m a champion of diversity” and “look how great I am”. In the end, he showed himself to be the epitome of what is wrong with “liberal” Hollywood.
I would like to see Ben’s face. I wonder if they cropped him out so we couldn’t see his full face (I think we get a glimpse)? It was meant to be Matt’s moment and it was, but not for the reason he wanted.
Oh, Brad and Angie do put their money where their mouth is. Netflix, led by Ted Sarandos is someone I’m keeping my eye on too. He seems to be pushing diversity, and he’s an adviser to Charles King and MACRO, which just received a cash infusion from Lorene Jobs. He’s also married to a black woman.
(Source: mic.com, via jamaicanblackcastoroil)