'Ghost in the Shell' cinematographer says the casting controversy is 'quite weird'

For long stretches of its development, "Ghost in the Shell" provoked controversy over its casting, particularly the choice to make Scarlett Johansson the film's lead character, the Major. In the original Japanese manga, the character is an Asian heroine named Motoko Kusanagi. Rupert Sanders' movie hits theaters this weekend, allowing the debate either to be put to rest or intensify. But at least one of the filmmakers remains perplexed by the kerfuffle. "I've found the casting controversy quite weird," said Jess Hall, the cinematographer and longtime Sanders collaborator.