All Eyes On Zora

Writer Rocka of ROCKA*BLOG wrote a thoughtful book review on author Zora Neale Hurston's most-cherished novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. The book is considered one of Ms. Hurston's best literary works. The novel is about a feisty bi-racial black woman (a product of white rape) named Janie Crawford who returns to her small town in Florida during the 1930's. Upon her return, Janie reunites with her good friend Pheoby and tells the story about her road to self-discovery. Janie's tale takes the reader on a dramatic journey through her three marriages and a rediscovery of Janie's genealogical roots.

Rocka's book review corresponds with the news that Hollywood starlet Halle Berry has been tapped to play Janie in the Oprah Winfrey-produced tele-movie of Their Eyes Were Watching God for ABC. The flick is an adaptation of Ms. Hurston's book of the same name.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is an exceptional novel and worthy of a reworking for television or for a theatrical film. But Rocka has some reservations about casting Halle in the leading role. He writes:

"At first, I was so very excited about this project when I heard Oprah was producing it, but then I became a little horrified when I realized whom they cast as the lead: Halle Berry. I have nothing against the woman personally. I believe she is a beautiful person, with a lot to contribute to this world, but as an actress she sucks (Did you see what she did to Alex Haley's Queen). She is also not very good with different dialects, Losing Isaiah anyone.

I would have been happier if someone else were portraying this wonderful character. I mean couldn't they get Thandie Newton, or even Omarosa Manigualt Stallworth may have even been a better choice. I just hope they don't mess up one of my favorite novels."

My only worry is that Oprah Winfrey is producing this film project. The talk-show queen seems to have this irresistible urge to turn wonderful novels into disastrous films. Remember Beloved? Oprah ruined Toni Morrison's most-read and cherished novel. The film Beloved was too long, too boring and overwrought with inane dialogue. I love the book but hate the movie -- it's an unwatchable mess. I actually had to re-read the book so I can eliminate any memory of that wretched movie.

As far as Halle playing the lead in the God movie, I think Halle is a fine candidate. Granted, she doesn't have an "Outstanding Performance" track record like, say, Angela Bassett, but I think Halle is worthy to play Janie.

However, if I were casting the film, I would rather see Soul Food star Nicole Ari Parker get the part. She's probably the most underrated out of all the big-name African-American actresses. Her dramatic turns during the past five seasons on Soul Food have been stellar. I also think Nicole gave a wonderful performace in Brown Sugar. Nicole playing Janie in the ABC tele-movie Their Eyes Were Watching God would be an excellent breakout role for Nicole and would make her a household name.

Either way, All eyes -- mostly from Ms. Hurton's fans -- will certainly be watching Oprah and how she presents this novel to the small screen.

Holla!