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An Irish Actor Playing Oppenheimer Proves Once Again That Jews Don't Count

posted a year ago by EleazarHisSon (751)
30 replies | jump to latest

https://www.newsweek.com/irish-actor-playing-oppenheimer-proves-once-again-that-jews-dont-count-opinion-1814578

When it comes to casting, should it matter that Oppenheimer was a non-observant Jew, a Jew who essentially denounced his Jewish identity? It should not. Judaism is an ethnoreligion. We are a religion, we are a people, we are an ethnicity. Jews originated in the Levant. There are varying degrees of religious observance. But when it comes to one's ethnic identity, there is no litmus test for how Jewish one is.

If Hollywood continues its robust commitment to diversity—and it absolutely should—then it needs to acknowledge Jewish people are an ethnicity. We are a people, we are a nationality, with a lineage that can be traced back to a very specific geographic location in the world. And, as is the case with every other ethnic minority portrayed in TV and film, Jews deserve real, nuanced, accurate representation. Otherwise, Hollywood's myriad endeavors in the diversity equity and inclusion space is a mere exercise in hypocrisy.

Ultimately, casting non-Jews in the roles of Jews reduces the relatability and believability of a performance, not only for Jewish audiences but for anybody who values the importance of authenticity in cinema.

[–] GenoWashingline (875) a year ago

I hope Cillian got circumsized for his performance.

[–] JepGambardella (496) a year ago

If there is one minority that absolutely cannot complain about being marginalized in Hollywood, it’s the Jews!

Denzel Washington couldn’t play Oppenheimer. Simu Liu couldn’t play Oppenheimer. Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t play Oppenheimer. Peter Dinklage couldn't play Oppenheimer. Emma Watson couldn’t play Oppenheimer. Any white male actor of the right age with a “regular” body type who can do a convincing American accent can play Oppenheimer, regardless of citizenship or ancestry.

[–] Angerfist (144) a year ago

Jews are white though !

[–] JepGambardella (496) a year ago

I know. That is why I wrote that only white male actors can play Oppenheimer.

[–] DesertDingo (36) a year ago

I wish there was a like button :)

[–] DesertDingo (36) a year ago

Maybe Cillian Murphy identified as Jewish to get into the role. I am totaly serious. Also, I personaly had not a wee bit of knowledge he might not be Jewsih till I read this here. Now for the not serious part... Perhaps if he dropped his britches and drawers I might have gone Hmmmm, I wonder. Lol that is how ludicrous this concern is.
Back to serious. So do we think every single actor that represented Jewish in Shindlers list was? It can not always be done and sometimes perhaps the best person for the role gets it. (interesting concept). That 2nd part covers a lot of the non gays playing gays controversy that goes on. So wait...Let's reverse then, so a gay person should never play a straight then?

Uh huh. BTW Schindler's used tons of Polish Catholics for Jews. Interesting fact.

[–] VanZan (906) a year ago

nah it's another example of the trend for a director to hire the same people. Murphy was also in Inception, 2 of the Batman films and also Dunkirk.

Best mates no doubt.

[–] liscarkat (18589) a year ago

Yeah, Jews have never had any influence or power in Hollywood.

[–] Burgershmurger (1373) a year ago

It's a ridiculous notion that Nolan couldn't find a Jewish actor to play Oppenheimer. Of course he could have hired one. It's not like Murphy is God's gift to acting. It's all about who knows who. Nolan hired Murphy because of their history.
Nobody can deny that a Jewish actor would have made Oppenheimer more authentic. My big fat Greek wedding wouldn't have worked if Nia Vardalos hadn't been of greek heritage.