MovieChat Forums > The 13th Warrior (1999) Discussion > Antonio Banderas was a perfect choice

Antonio Banderas was a perfect choice


He plays the part perfectly and he actually has some Arab roots:

Banderas, who stars in Black Gold, the opening night film of this year’s DTFF said he considers himself partly Arabic. “I am pretty sure I have Arab blood, I am an Andalucian, from the South of Spain which was ruled by Arabs for 8 centuries. I have always been very interested in Arab culture as its part of my heritage.”


http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/press/in-conversation-with-antonio-banderas-for-an-actor-life-starts-when-you-say-action-and-finishes-when-you-say-cut

reply

You know what would be a more perfect choice? An actual Arab.

Ghost dancers slay together and you’re just in my grave

reply

Why would it necessarily be a more perfect choice? How exactly does being an Arab today help you better play the part of a 10th century Arab? Do you have to be a real blonde to play a blonde? If I have never killed anyone, does it mean I will necessarily suck at playing the part of a murderer? If I don't have superpowers, should I still bother going to a casting for Wonderwoman?

I really don't get those complaints about an actor's nationality in relation to the character they play...

"Occasionally I'm callous and strange."

reply

Do you have to be a real blonde to play a blonde?


Yeah. I find fake blondes in movies obvious and totally hilarious.

Ghost dancers slay together and you’re just in my grave

reply

I guess it's a matter of taste. I find Marilyn Monroe both gorgeous and an amazing actress.

"Occasionally I'm callous and strange."

reply

well op was the one that brought up banderas saying he probably has some arab/moors blood in him - implying he's good for the part because he might be 1/100 arab so drawing to the logical conclusion a real arab must be even more suitable for the role, so we can equally ask why being a spaniard with perhaps 1/100 moors blood help him play the role a 10th century arab better? (other than the superficial similarity in appearance)

reply

I thought Arabs are not necessarily an ethnicity as they conquered and assimilated many people?

2nd, why do you assume that Banderas only has 1% Arabic or Middle Eastern ancestry? Spain was ruled by the Moors for 800 years, for all you know he's 30-50% Moorish ethnically.



Global Warming, it's a personal decision innit? - Nigel Tufnel

reply

An educated response.

I tip my hat to you.

reply