That loud and booming eye roll and sigh combination was heard very clear, thank you very much. Yet there is no denying, however, that Ridley Scott and Hollywood have made a devastating faux pas in order to cater to a perceived “mainly white” audience. Rather than pushing against this, and becoming innovative, the filmmakers have resigned themselves to dressing a pale Australian and a pale Welsh man up as Egyptians. This is heinously offensive and if you spew the budget card, it doesn’t make it any less racist. Especially when there are plenty of ethnic actors in Hollywood who could still carry some weight with audiences (if you want to keep them sweet by attaching a name).
That being said, those who are still interested in this film, here are some more featurettes focusing on Christian Bale and Ridley Scott. Putting down the controversies for a second, there is no denying that the cinematography, special effects and sheer epic aspect of the movie looks divine. Christian Bale never puts in a bad performance and his scene here is good, if albeit a little cheesy and not unfamiliar in biblical epics. There has been a lot of passion, if misguided, exerted into the movie from the film-makers and the awe-inspiring look of the film and the skill of the cast cannot be denied.
Out on Boxing Day, Exodus: Gods and Kings will stir up many frenzies in audiences, on either sides. Whether you wish to boycott the film or you actually don’t care about the casting (which, with respect, you should), this religious epic is going to be remembered.
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