Trailer for Nina Simone biopic creates controversy
By Darnea N. Samuels
(March 2, 2016) Hearing that a film based on the life of “The High Priestess of Soul,” Nina Simone – Nina – is finally coming to the big screen on April 22nd should be the cause of excitement, right? Well, not when the story that looms over its release is the belief that the actress cast in the starring role has no place there. Ever since talk spread about Zoe Saldana (Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy) portraying the socially-conscious artist and activist Nina Simone, quite a few folks have expressed their dislike because Saldana – who is of mixed race – has a much lighter complexion than Simone, and her facial features do not match that of the late songstress. In an effort to address these differences, Saldana was seen on the set of Nina wearing body paint to darken her physical appearance and prosthetics to alter the look of her nose.
If an actor or actress has to go through all that portray a person, isn’t it obvious that he or she isn’t right for the part? It’s interesting that Zoe Saldana herself said, “I didn’t think I was right for the part and I know a lot of people will agree but…the truth is, they chose an artist who was willing to sacrifice herself. We needed to tell her story because she deserves it.” As onlookers, we cannot discredit Saldana’s efforts to get into the mindset of playing Nina Simone because she did sacrifice herself by withdrawing from friends and family and moving out of her home to focus on the project, and she fought to finish the movie despite troubled management behind the scenes. Nevertheless, how is the final product viewed by those who matter most?
When a biopic about a deceased artist is released, it’s always important to know what the late singer’s family and/or estate has to say about it. In this case, we don’t have to wonder. In a 2012 interview with EBONY magazine, Nina Simone’s daughter, Lisa Kelly – who goes by the name “Simone” – said that her family was not contacted to help in the production of the movie. She also mentioned that, while she respects Zoe Saldana’s work, “there are many actresses out there, known or not, who would be great as my mother.” Simone went on to say that she would rather see actresses Kimberly Elise (For Colored Girls, Dope) or Viola Davis (How to Get Away With Murder) portray her mother because they “are women of color, are women with beautiful, luscious lips and wide noses, and who know their craft.” (https://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/nina-simones-daughter-on-her-mothers-real-legacy-133#axzz41lQ5htcQ) Furthermore, the Nina Simone estate revealed their lack of support for the Nina biopic in a Facebook post on Tuesday. (https://www.facebook.com/nina.simone/posts/10154054726044558) Nina’s fans are encouraged to “host their own NINA SIMONE listening/viewing party on Friday, April 22nd.” The post continued, “Let’s create a positive from a negative by coming together and acknowledging the authentic Nina Simone…On April 22nd, let’s allow the real NINA SIMONE the freedom to speak (and play and sing) for herself.” Really, would the “High Priestess” deserve anything less?
We do know what film her estate has supported, though – the biographical documentary, “What Happened, Miss Simone?” directed by Liz Garbus and executive produced by Nina’s daughter, “Simone.” According to Nina Simone’s website, “this documentary was authorized by Nina’s estate and relied on personal accounts from Nina’s family, friends, and band members. This documentary is an accurate part of the TRUE story of Nina Simone.” The film, which combines previously unreleased archival footage and interviews with Nina’s daughter and friends, was released on Netflix in June 2015 and nominated for a 2016 “Best Documentary – Feature” Oscar award.
View the trailer for Nina starring Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo here:
View the trailer for “What Happened, Miss Simone?” here:
Will you support the portrayed Nina or the authentic Nina? Give us your thoughts.
