As I write this, I am sitting next to a fire outside of a bar. It’s about 10 degrees, the town is hopping with nightlife, and I now understand what it means to attend a film festival. It’s a day of early mornings, lying bus drivers, cold walks, slips and falls… and oh yeah, a movie now and then to break up the dreary day. Josh promised you guys we’d be slaving away to entertain you, and we’ve proved it today.
For a prestigious film festival, I’ve found Park City a little less accommodating than I had imagined. The festival staff has been wonderful, but the city is far less so. We had heard that walking might be a better option than a bus ride. Seeing as the temperature is in the teens, we opted to chance bus transport. Have you ever been at the mercy of a fellow human being that you were sure was out to make you miserable? Perhaps a madman driving the bus that is taking you somewhere important. Because that is exactly what happened all day.
Head Honcho Josh Tyler had the brilliant idea to give me a “theme” for the day. His genius mind came up with this idea while discussing my need to see The Black List. Why not dive into the culture, maybe learn a little, and check out A Raisin In The Sun as well? I felt that Josh had hit upon a plan of pure genius, and immediately agreed. So today I spent my time getting an education, and a little bit of an eye opening.
The Black List
The Black List is not an easy movie to review. For one, it’s not really a film in the traditional sense. Elvis Mitchell sat with important black leaders and interviewed them. What came of the discussions is a look into black culture that many, myself included, may not be aware of. Listening to luminaries like Vernon Jordan talk about his personal journey is both touching and enlightening. As a whole, The Black List is an honest look at black leaders, and their importance in the culture.
The film is not intended to beat the viewer with the idea of equality for all. Instead it examines the struggle of black people to gain a foothold in the world, and how the very presence of a man like Chris Rock in the upper tier of Hollywood is proof that the fight is far from over. Rock summed up the film succinctly when he mentioned there were five black families in his affluent neighborhood. All of them were famous for something, but his neighbor is a white dentist. It was a shocking moment when I realized he was talking about a new movement.
Of course, this time around there are few riots in the streets. Many of my white friends point to people like Barak Obama, Colin Powell and Toni Morrison and say, “Look. The Civil Rights Movement succeeded. All of the hard work is done.” Colin Powell said it best, ”It is not over. The fight won’t be over until a black man deosn’t have to struggle to get an education.”
Perhaps, as a white man, I can’t truly understand what is being said. I accept that as a possibility. But I refuse to accept that the world can never be taught, and The Black List is a chance for everyone to take a step towards understanding.
A Raisin In The Sun
How many times has this story been told? I’m sure I could spend a moment to do a little Google search. But if Sean Combs can’t be bothered, then neither can I. After a rumored successful run on Broadway, the rap mogul took Lorraine Hansberry’s classic story back to the screen. It’s a noble attempt, and holds true to the story, but ultimately falls flat in its needless retelling of a tale that has been perfected.
I’m going to get Mr. Combs out of the way right now. His portrayal of Walter was awkward, and not in a good way. It often felt like he was following the old blocking directions from the stage play. It was distracting watching him walk from mark to mark, saying lines in direct coordination with movement. So much so that much of the impact in the film was lost. On the other hand, Phylicia Rashad carried the film with grace and power. Even Sean seemed better when opposite her.
Supposedly the addition of some minor scenes with cars and exterior locations is a way for this to be an all-new adaptation. It’s not. This is the same movie your high school English teacher made you watch, at least if you went to a decent school. A local woman had never heard of A Raisin In The Sun, causing me to wonder at the education system in Park City.
