“Hollywood Shuffle” is a 1987 satirical film directed by Robert Townsend that uses comedy to provide commentary on the stereotypical roles and portrayals of Black people in film and television. Bobby Taylor (Townsend) is an aspiring actor living with his family and working at a hot dog stand while hoping for his big break. He goes through the process of auditioning for the lead role in “Jivetime Jimmy’s Revenge” excited about the idea of becoming a big star and the money and changes it will bring for his family. But the experience also exposes him to the industry’s prejudiced beliefs about Black people and leads to questions about his morals and integrity.
Category: <span>Movie Reviews</span>
A review of “Till”, a 2022 new release directed by Chinonye Chukwu about the lynching of Emmett Till and his mother’s fight to get justice for his murder.
“Black Hollywood: They’ve Gotta Have Us” is a three-part television miniseries about the history of Black actors and filmmakers in Hollywood. Directed by Simon Frederick, the series features commentary and insights from actors, directors, and others involved in the making of films. They discuss not only specific notable films and roles but also a more birds eye view of how the landscape has changed and also remained the same for Black people in Hollywood.
One Night in Miami is the directorial debut of Regina King and prortrays the fictional meeting of Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali), Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. Following Ali’s defeat of Sonny Liston in Miami he becomes heavyweight champ and is joined by the other guys to celebrate. Instead of going out, the four men spend the night at a hotel where they have a series of conversations about the roles they should play in the Civil Rights Movement and the best way forward for Black people in general.
“Through a Lens Darkly” is a 2014 documentary directed by Thomas Allen Harris about the history of Black people in America both in front and behind the lens. The film explores how the camera has been used at various times to shape the public image of Black America. Beginning during slavery and ending in the recent past, the documentary presents and discusses photos of Black people from through the decades but also presents short profiles of notable Black photographers.