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Justin Simien’s ‘Hollywood Black’ Is a Fascinating Reexamination of Cinema History Through a Black Lens: TV Review
In his new MGM+ series, "Hollywood Black," Justin Simien offers a different view of cinema history through a Black American lens.
During the silent era and into the talkies, Blackness was showcased in minstrel acts, in blackface or under confining stereotypical depictions that were presented by actors like Bert Williams, Stepin Fetchit and Hattie McDaniel. However, instead of crucifying the performers for their involvement in these often hurtful portrayals, Simien analyzes their brilliant artistic expression and unpacks how these earlier acts paved the way for stars like Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. It also centers on the impact of “Waiting to Exhale.” Based on the acclaimed book by Terry McMillan and the directorial debut of Forest Whitaker, the film spoke to the enormous underrepresented audience of Black women moviegoers.
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