Dumas film with white actor Depardieu sparks race row

[SunWuKong]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8523212.stm

another reason for me to dislike French movies.

A film about 19th Century French author Alexandre Dumas has sparked a row after a white actor was chosen to portray the novelist, who was of African origin.

[monkeygone2]

Usually when this happens, the actor involved will seem sympathetic and understanding.
But Gerard Depadieu does not even attempt to feign interest or respect.
His dismissive attitude is completely insulting.

BERLIN – Gerard Depardieu has rejected the discussion over his right to play mixed-race author Alexandre Dumas because he is a blue-eyed blonde.

Depardieu says the debate over his role as "The Three Musketeers" writer in the big-budget production "L'Autre Dumas" is "ridiculous" and "unnecessary."

France's Representative Council for Black Associations had questioned Depardieu's being cast as a man with Afro-Caribbean heritage, saying black actors are not chosen to play white roles in French cinema.

Depardieu says the issue is "not interesting" and "not a problem."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100219/ap_on_en_mo/eu_germany_depardieu_s_dumas_1