I don't know. I feel like since this is Pearl's story and she and Jolie are quite close - it is only fair for her to choose who she likes to represent her. Moreover, Pearl herself is not just African-American.

I think people are trying to make something out of nothing - realisticly, I wouldn't have wanted to see this part go to Thandie Newton or even worse, Halle Berry just because they're closer in complexion to Pearl than Jolie.

I'm wondering if this trend will ever end; whites playing blacks and asians and oddly both whites and blacks playing latins. Some much for "liberal Hollywood" that can't even be bothered to LOOK for ethnic actors.

I agree with C on the fact that Pearl should be able to choose whom ever she desires to represent her. If she felt Gabrielle Union or Nicole Kidman could represent her the best, than why not? This isn't movie about skin color, it's about her marriage to a reporter who died tragically during the start of the war.

I understand where Paul is coming from. However, you have to acknowledge that most Latins are mixed with "white and black" races, giving them a range of skin tones. Therefore, it is absolutely normal to see "blacks" or "whites" playing such characters.

And actually, setting aside the fact that there is no evidence that Angie has any African blood or other black race with in her, she does somewhat resemble Pearl. Everyone is looking at this as a "SKIN TONE" issue. Who cares? The day Lindsey Lohan is cast to play Rosa Parks, THEN we can have a real conversation as to who should be playing who!

there are loads of intelligent, talented, black and latino actors out there waiting to get their big break. orlando bloom wouldn't be a star if someone hadn't cast him in lord of the rings (which had no stars in it). james macavoy wouldn't be on his way to stardom if he hadn't been cast in the narnia series.

this controversy isn't about whether or not mariane pearl approved of the casting choice. it is bigger than that. from an academic standpoint, it can be viewed as the white majority in the u.s. further whitewashing history and not acknowledging that there are people of color out there who are intelligent, well educated, and part of history. its the historical record. perhaps mariane pearl was just happy that the film was finally getting off the ground and was guaranteed to get a lot of attention. as she's not from the u.s. or the uk, she most likely did not consider how such a casting choice might actually affect those amongst the minority community who had placed her on a pedestal not so much lower than condi rice as people of color are always relieved when positive role model who look like them rise to the surface. and that jolie and pitt and even mariane pearl has snatched this idea of this role model from the community is what really stings.