Many people know about African Americans in the film industry, but not many know about the path they had to take to get there. African American films have always played a significant role in my family. We loved to see films that make us laugh, but also ones that revealed more about the history of our race, especially since my distant cousin Pearl Bailey starred in many of those motion pictures. The fact that my cousin worked in film during a time that African Americans were looked down upon in the film industry inspired me to want to pursue a career in film. Being a filmmaker and African American, I found it very important to discover the history of African Americans in film and even some things that they may be going through now in the film industry. The role of African Americans is significant in the film industry, but also very important because it changed the industry altogether. During 1910, white people would dress up in blackface in order to depict an African American character in their films. African Americans were portrayed as very stereotypical characters in early 20th century films. They would get roles as butlers or other helpers around the house, those were considered the best roles for blacks. Even though they were bigger roles, they still required them to play a servant.…
Whether or not you go to the movies every weekend, films are an important part of our lives in the modern world. No matter where you go you will inevitably see advertising for one movie or another, and if you do not then you will see one for a television show. In the age of the internet and social media it is truly impossible to escape movies even if you could not care less about them. I know people who have not been to a theatre in years and others, like myself, who go practically every week to…
the contemplation of mixed marriage in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and the stand for equal rights in the guise of a post-Civil war, post-World War II fight for land ownership in Hurry Sundown, (Courtney, 2005) both these films carry broad intimations of second-wave feminism, which focused on bodily freedoms and economic empowerment. Cast in…
Depictions Of African Americans In Films Films and television shows have been portraying African-Americans in unfavorable comparisons compared to their Caucasian counterparts. These depictions reinforce stereotypes associated with the African-Americans. Studies show that these television portrayals influence the attitude of people towards one another. The first stereotype is thuggery. Most of the black male actors are characterized as con-artists, drug dealers, pimps, and other forms of…
With the Oscars around the corner, one might sit and think to themselves how screenwriters are able to keep the plot from confusing the viewer, while still adding their own touch of twists and turns. Linda Seger, a script consultant and author, wrote a piece outlining the ten most essential plot points and concepts for a successful movie. The following piece will address the classic movie "American Beauty", telling the story of Lester Burnham, a "42-year-old father, husband and advertising…
Films about war have always caught my attention. American Sniper was no different. American Sniper is a film that was released in 2015, based on the book written by Chris Kyle. Chris Kyle is known as the most lethal sniper in American history. He was a United States Navy SEAL, joining the elite squad when he was 25 years old. By his own account, Chris Kyle says he killed 160 enemies while protecting our military men. His primary mission was to protect his comrades and he took his mission to…
The representation of Asians in American cinema has been a long and arduous journey In the dawn of American cinema Asian actors have faced miscegenation, racial stereotyping, and the infamous “yellow peril” propaganda fueled by the fears of Westerners. Early Asian stars on the big screen such as Sessue Hayakawa, Anna May Wong, and Sabu Dastagir were considered pioneers mostly due to their high prominence and popularity as actors in the 20th century. Sessue Hayakawa was the first…
made in African American film, the failure to enforce cast integration for films that portray or represent African Americans is a limitation set for actors and actresses in the industry. There are several well-known actresses that could have been casted for the part, for instance Viola Davis. At some level it’s not the responsibility of the production company rather the industry workers and those who support them (actors, actresses and moviegoers). “Accountability to the community take…
The history of violence in America, particularly the violence accompanying slavery and genocide against Native Americans has continued to abominate society. Because of colonialism, both Native and African American women often find themselves forced into silence around sexual and domestic violence in their communities. For example, the film The Searchers, portrays a pioneering attack on racism. Viewers are able to see the protagonist Ethan Edwards, as he returns from the Civil War. As a member of…
African Americans have endured a complicated history in the filmmaking industry, both in front of and behind the camera. In the silent era, African Americans suffered vicious stereotypes and blatantly racist films such as The Birth of a Nation. Even the roles for African Americans that seemed positive, like loyal servants, only reinforced the belief that blacks should serve whites. But even in this era of virulent racism, black films still existed. Oscar Micheaux directed black films for black…