article focuses on the casting choices in the film “Golda” and how it reflects a broader narrative of blurring Israeli identity with a generalized White, Western identity. The article argues that this casting choice attaches Israel’s moment of crisis to a tradition of triumphalist American military films that validates the virtue of the US, Israel, and whiteness.
The article also highlights the historical context of the Yom Kippur War and the emphasis placed on Israeli perspectives and virtue in the film. It points out that the movie fails to acknowledge Israeli failures in the war, such as extreme overconfidence and the quality of Arab soldiers. Additionally, the article criticizes the omission of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s perspective and history, as well as the portrayal of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as motivated by morality rather than realpolitik.
The article raises concerns about the leveraging of past crimes against Jewish people to erase or legitimize violence by Jewish people, particularly in light of the current treatment of Palestinians by the right-wing Israeli government. It also discusses the poetic coherence of the film’s imagery and the familiar narrative of White military underdogs overcoming non-White foes.
Overall, the article argues that the casting choices and narrative framing in “Golda” contribute to a problematic portrayal of the Yom Kippur War and perpetuate a narrative that aligns Israel with Western ideals and whiteness.Title: “Golda: A Film that Blurs Israeli Identity and Whitewashes History”
Subtitle: The Casting of Helen Mirren and the Omissions in Guy Nattiv’s “Golda”
By Noah Berlatsky, CNN Opinion
In Guy Nattiv’s new feature film “Golda,” which hit theaters on Friday, renowned British actress Helen Mirren takes on the role of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. While Mirren’s portrayal has sparked a debate about non-Jewish actors playing Jewish characters, it is important to examine the implications of this casting choice.
The film blurs Israeli identity with a generalized White, Western identity by casting Mirren, a White British actress. This connection attaches Israel’s moment of crisis to a tradition of triumphalist American military films that validate the virtue of the US, Israel, and whiteness.
The
How does the casting of the film “S” on Israel’s struggle and resilience fail to reflect the diverse and multicultural reality of Israel?
S on Israel’s struggle and resilience. It questions why the casting decisions do not align with the diverse and multicultural reality of Israel, and how this perpetuates the erasure of non-White, non-Western narratives. The article suggests that this casting choice undermines the authenticity of the film and overlooks the opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding. Furthermore, it argues that by homogenizing Israeli identity with a generalized White, Western identity, the film perpetuates certain power dynamics and reinforces a narrative of superiority. Ultimately, the article calls for greater representation and inclusion in casting decisions to accurately portray and honor the diverse identities and experiences within Israeli society.
I can understand the concern, but let’s not forget the importance of artistic interpretation in storytelling.