Justin Simien’s ‘Hollywood Black’ Is a Fascinating Reexamination of Cinema History Through a Black Lens: TV Review

As a film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I can confidently say that “Hollywood Black” is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the intricate tapestry of cinema history. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the stories on screen, but it wasn’t until I delved deeper into the industry’s behind-the-scenes that I realized how much Blackness has shaped and continues to shape our collective cinematic narrative.

The representation of Black individuals in Hollywood follows a pattern of fluctuations between periods of prominence and obscurity. During times of high visibility, such as the Blaxploitation era in the 1970s and the rise of Black filmmakers in the 1990s, Black creators and actors experience a surge. However, once they establish themselves within the industry, their value seems to diminish, leading to another period of invisibility. In his latest four-part series for MGM+ titled “Hollywood Black,” director Justin Simien, using Donald Bogle’s book as inspiration, contends that cinema would not exist without Black culture. By narrating film history with stories from influential figures like Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, and Charles Burnett, the series reevaluates our understanding of cinematic history, focusing on the people who have significantly impacted and, at times, rescued the industry, despite often being overlooked.

The first episode of this series, titled “Built on Our Backs,” delves into a reevaluation of cinema history by starting at the inception of moving pictures. In the silent film era and beyond, Black artists were often restricted to stereotypical or demeaning roles, such as those portrayed by performers like Bert Williams, Stepin Fetchit, and Hattie McDaniel during the minstrel acts. Instead of condemning these actors for their participation in these potentially harmful representations, Simien emphasizes their exceptional artistic talent and illustrates how these early performances laid the foundation for future stars like Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. He also highlights that working under such oppressive circumstances was a remarkable accomplishment.

While “Hollywood Black” primarily follows a linear narrative, it weaves together poignant tales from individuals within and associated with the industry, creating a captivating thread that spans over several decades. This chronological sequence helps viewers appreciate how the rise of influential figures such as Sidney Poitier, Eddie Murphy, and Denzel Washington are interconnected. By juxtaposing their careers with American history, it becomes evident that the Black liberation movement and the Civil Rights Era significantly influenced various aspects of society.

As a cinephile delving into the annals of cinema history, I’ve come across some pivotal moments that have left an indelible mark on the industry. For instance, the emergence of Spike Lee paved the way for modern Black auteurs in directing. On the other hand, Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film “The Color Purple” stirred up quite a storm due to its portrayal of Black men. This led to protests and boycotts. However, this docuseries uncovers lesser-known tales, setting it apart from other historical shows. The third episode, titled “The Price of Admission,” delves into the rise of trailblazing Black women directors like Julie Dash, Cheryl Dunye, and Kasi Lemmons. It also spotlights the profound influence of “Waiting to Exhale.” This film, based on Terry McMillan’s best-selling book and Forest Whitaker’s directorial debut, resonated deeply with an overlooked audience of Black female moviegoers. Interestingly, the film’s soundtrack, masterminded by Babyface, was just as successful and continues to be popular till date.

Instead of focusing solely on historical facts, “Hollywood Black” delves into exploring profound questions about the enduring nature of Black narratives within a rapidly evolving entertainment sector. Its relevance is amplified during a time when racism has been given renewed prominence, empowering those who once felt silenced. The work also addresses the diversity within the Black community by examining pivotal moments while critiquing respectability politics, which have manifested at various junctures.

“Hollywood Black” encourages viewers to reconsider their viewpoints, rather than asserting all solutions. It proposes that we should progress beyond demands for representation, which have frequently led to stereotypical portrayals in movies such as “The Blind Side” and “The Help.” Instead, it advocates for Hollywood to focus on providing equal opportunities and backing projects that genuinely grasp Black characters and exhibit genuine concern for them. The series is moving and introspective, reminding its audience that Black cinema is an integral part of the American narrative and contributes significantly to the broader cinematic landscape.

“Hollywood Black” will premiere Aug. 11 on MGM+, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays.

2024-08-11 19:16

Justin Simien’s ‘Hollywood Black’ Is a Fascinating Reexamination of Cinema History Through a Black Lens: TV Review

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