ARCHIVED ARTICLES: BHM Film (The Owen Hollander Experience)

Written: February 2022

With the recent passing of Sidney Poitier, the first black movie star, and in honor of Black History Month, I began to think about some of my favorite films by Black filmmakers. Some of the most popular box office hits are Jordan Peele’s Get Out and Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, two extremely impactful films of the late 2010s. Black cinema has a wide variety of subject matter whether it be about inner-city gang violence, like John Singleton’s Boyz In The Hood, or a humorous family comedy, like Tyler Perry’s Madea.

One of the most successful filmmakers is the legendary Spike Lee. While my personal favorite Spike Lee film is BlackkKlansman, undoubtedly his most critically acclaimed film is his 1989 classic Do The Right Thing, which Lee wrote, produced, directed, AND acted in at just 32 years old. The film takes place in socially flourishing late ‘80s Brooklyn, amidst growing racial tensions. Lee’s use of passionate hip-hop and introspective jazz makes the viewer feel totally immersed within the characters’ emotions, as if the music portrays their feelings and thoughts in the scenes. The whole film takes place on a colorful and whimsical Brooklyn block to contrast with the real world seriousness of social injustice. These elements, along with Lee’s unique and experimental directorial style, cemented the film as one of the most quintessential social commentaries ever made.

The first black filmmaker to have their film win best picture was Barry Jenkins with his 2016 sensation, Moonlight. Moonlight is a vulnerable and euphoric portrayal of love and childhood development, as a boy goes through three pivotal stages in his life. This film has some of the best use of color I’ve ever seen, from the deep hypnotic blues of the boy's dark silhouette against the ocean to the enchanting hot pinks of his dream sequences. The colors evoke visceral and distinct emotions of anxiety and affection throughout. Many consider this film to be one of the greatest films of the 21st century, and from a technical aspect, I can agree. I think as a story, the film became a bit slow in the middle, but strongly came back in the last act to be a very emotional and explorative film.

One of my favorite films from 2020 was Regina King’s directorial debut One Night In Miami, which earned her three Oscar nominations. The film takes place one night in a Miami hotel room where Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown discuss their roles within the blooming civil rights movement. The film’s greatest strength is its engaging writing from Kemp Powers. Since the majority of the film takes place in a hotel room, an intriguing script is crucial to avoid slow pacing in the film. This film acts as a time capsule for the culture and passion of the 1960s which makes for an informative watch.