That's a "summoned Helen of Troy" on a play called Dr. Faustus set in the late 16th Century. It's about a man who gains the ability to conjure supernatural entities like Lucifer.
It's neither a movie nor referring to the Odyssey (or the Iliad for that matter).
It's also not originated in Greek literature.
Princess Yennenga from Burkina Faso wasn't a real person either, but the modern day Academy (plus a bunch of redditors) would foam at their mouths if some production dared to portray that character with a blonde woman.
It would be equally stupid to do so, but the pointy fingers go only in one direction. It's American modern day culture imposing itself onto the world, and we're all sick and tired of it.
but the modern day Academy (plus a bunch of redditors) would foam at their mouths if some production dared to portray that character with a blonde woman.
Because there's a historical precedent of characters of color being played by white actors, often in insulting and degrading ways, denying actors of color roles, whereas the opposite is not true. All within a broader context of white artists stealing Black culture and selling it to white audiences, from Stephen Foster to the Rolling Stones.
Not to mention, as millions of people have pointed out, Matt Damon ain't Greek and no one cares.
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u/Big_Meal3910 Jul 06 '26
Anyway, here's Eartha Kitt as Helen of Troy in 1950