Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 7, 2024 7:26 pm GMT
Emma Stone’s Controversial Role in Aloha: A Closer Look
When thinking of Emma Stone, images of her award-winning performances in beloved films may come to mind. However, nestled among her illustrious career is a film that sparked considerable controversy and ignited discussions about representation in Hollywood—*Aloha*. Released in 2015, *Aloha* follows the journey of Brian Gilcrest, a military contractor played by Bradley Cooper, as he returns to Hawaii to oversee the launch of a satellite while reconnecting with his past. Despite its seemingly charming storyline, the film became infamous for certain critical missteps, particularly its casting choices. As *Aloha* makes its return to Netflix, it’s an opportune moment to re-examine the film’s contentious aspects and the implications it holds for the film industry today.
The Plot Breakdown
At its core, the film revolves around Brian Gilcrest, who is sent back to Hawaii, a place etched in his memory as the site of his professional triumphs and personal failures. The narrative unfolds as he reconnects with his high school sweetheart, played by Rachel McAdams, while simultaneously being assigned to work with an Air Force officer named Allison Ng (played by Emma Stone). Portrayed as being one-quarter Hawaiian and one-quarter Chinese, Allison’s character further complicates the narrative with Stone’s non-Hawaiian, non-Asian background, igniting a storm of criticism from audiences and critics alike.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Despite having a notable budget ranging from $37 million to $52 million, *Aloha* struggled significantly at the box office, grossing just $26 million. This lackluster performance was mirrored in its critical reception. The film garnered a mere 20% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 29% audience score, indicating widespread disappointment from viewers who felt the film suffered from messy storylines and shallow character development.
Understanding the Backlash
One of the most immediate sources of backlash centered around the allegations of “whitewashing.” In the film, Allison Ng, portrayed as a character of mixed Asian heritage, was played by Emma Stone, whose own racial background did not match the character’s. This instance of casting led critics to argue that the film denied an opportunity for a BIPOC actress to portray a complex character who would offer representation on screen—something that is historically scarce in Hollywood.
Whitewashing, a term used to describe the practice of casting white actors in roles originally meant for characters of a different race or ethnicity, has been a longstanding criticism of the film industry. The decisions made during filming often reinforce systemic inequalities within Hollywood and undermine the narratives that could be shaped by diverse perspectives.
The Director’s Response to the Criticism
In the face of the backlash, *Aloha* director Cameron Crowe issued an apology, striving to provide context for his casting choice. He stated that the character of Allison Ng was inspired by a real-life individual who was indeed red-headed and had a mixed heritage that didn’t conform to typical physical expectations. Crowe claimed he meant to highlight the ambiguity of character identity but recognized the disconnect between intention and execution, leading to disappointment on behalf of many viewers.
Emma Stone, too, voiced her regrets regarding her involvement in the film. During a 2019 Golden Globes event, Stone humorously acknowledged the controversy while maintaining a sense of accountability. It is essential to note that her candor in discussing the issue helped shine a light on Hollywood’s ongoing struggles with representation.
The Conversation on Representation in Hollywood
With each passing year, the discourse surrounding representation in film continues evolving, reflecting changing societal values and emphasis on diversity. The controversy surrounding *Aloha* serves as a crucial case study in this broader cultural conversation.
Real Examples and the Impact of Representation
For audiences, the availability of characters who authentically reflect their lives can offer validation and notability, impacting identity and self-perception positively. Films featuring authentic portrayals of diverse cultures help combat stereotypes and expand the understanding of various backgrounds. When characters of specific ethnicities or backgrounds are portrayed accurately, it enhances relatability and storytelling richness.
The failure to accurately represent characters, as seen in *Aloha*, results in missed opportunities—opportunities that could have been seized by talented BIPOC actors and used to share untold stories that resonate with broader audiences.
The Shifting Landscape of Hollywood
Since the release of *Aloha*, Hollywood has witnessed changes in the narrative surrounding casting, leading to an increased focus on authentic representation. Initiatives and movements advocating for diversity and inclusion have begun to reshape industry practices, aiming to ensure that talent behind and in front of the camera is reflective of the audiences being served.
As studios face increasing pressure to diversify their storytelling, some progress has been made. Films like *Crazy Rich Asians* and *Black Panther* have garnered significant acclaim, illustrating that narratives centered around BIPOC experiences can thrive both critically and commercially.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
In retrospect, *Aloha* stands out as a multifaceted case in the conversation about representation. With Emma Stone and Cameron Crowe grappling with the implications of their choices in the film, the situation offers lessons for industry professionals and viewers alike.
While *Aloha* made its return to Netflix, inviting a new audience to experience the film, it simultaneously reignites discussions that are crucial for shaping a more inclusive film industry. The struggle for representation in Hollywood is ongoing, and it is incumbent upon creators, audiences, and industry stakeholders to ensure that narratives are telling whole stories, not just fragments.
When people watch movies, they might start thinking about this important question: How can we support different voices and make sure every story is told? The answer is simple: we need to be dedicated. This means Hollywood and everyone else should work hard to share real stories that connect with all kinds of people.
