George Jones
Teddy Champion
African American Cinema
b. Pick a 1990s film from a black director that you have seen. Discuss whether or not you classify it as having a “black aesthetic” or “black filmic sensibility” (to use Bogle’s word).
For my response, I have chosen Boys in the Hood. I found this movie to be the epitome of the “black aesthetic.” Growing up I always watched this film when my family and I felt like watching a “black movie.” I love the black film aesthetic it provides because it shows different aspects of our culture not only the bad but the good as well. A lot of them being lessons taught to the characters within the movie. The father played by Laurence Fishburne articulates himself very well and even reminds me of my own father in some ways. I love the relatability to these types of movies it provides a sense of comfort that I don’t get from many other films.
Malcolm X was a very interesting man, he promoted knowledge and competence among the black community. I was a big fan of his growing up because throughout my childhood I was taught extensivley about the civil rights movement since my grandmother actually participated in it, and John Lewis was one of my uncles. I had no idea there even was a documentary shot on Malcom X from 90’s, and I think Spike Lee was the perfect person to shoot a film of this nature. In the book it talks about how they had Denzel Washington play him, and how he was even able to copy his charisma, speech patterns, and look. One thing I found a bit upsetting was that although the film got good reviews, critics both black and white criticized Spike Lee for not making the film political enough. Which I understood, but at the same time was a bit upset by it, because I felt that they wanted it to be “political” in order to promote controversy between the audience.