After watching a news profile of the real characters, I was all set to go see the movie, The Soloist. But then, I read a couple of reviews. The reviewers praised the movie, but both made mention of a peculiar aspect, which unfortunately killed my desire to see the movie at the box office. Both reviewers stated that the schizophrenic street musician (played by Jamie Foxx) came to view the reporter (played by Robert Downey, Jr.) as his "personal God," something which, one perceptive reviewer readily pointed out, didn't appear at all in the book.
I'm not sure why filmmakers feel the need to keep breathing life into this archaic, Tarzan-flavored paradigm. It's either the ole "primitive in need of a Savior" scenario, magic Negroes or the Black wisecracking sidekick or best friend. Why can't we just be equals, sometimes? Why can't we just learn from one another on a playing field where there are no White Saviors or primitives of color in need of rescue from themselves . . .
I'd planned to take my music-loving son to see this movie. But something imbedded deep within my spirit and psyche, won't allow me to shell out good money to sit up in a movie theatre and passively subject him or myself to such debasing, unimaginative and unnecessary mythologies. I'd still very much like to see the movie. But I'll wait until it appears on cable or DVD.
Posts
5 comments:
Lori,
I understand your objections, but wouldn't it also be a great teaching moment for you and your son? Seeing such a portrayal onscreen and then discussing why it's so damaging, untrue, demeaning, etc. might make it worth the price of admission?
Just a thought....
Michelle,
Actually, I don't discount the educational value of viewing and discussing the movie. At some point, I'm sure we will see the movie at home. My not seeing it at the theatre is just my way of protesting and denying the image-makers the full weight of my dollar (smile). It's a small protest, but meaningful to me.
Hollywood's rewrite of "The Soloist" is very disappointing. I'd be interested to know whose idea it was to make this change. Also, I wonder what Jamie Foxx had to say about the change. I don't blame you for taking a pass on seeing it at the theater.
I seldom go to the theater so I'm waiting for LOTS of films to show up on cable ... this is one I intend to watch ;--)
Hugs and blessings,
Malcolm,
I doubt if it even occured to Jamie to question this. Not trying to take anything from him, but I'm sure if he'd raised objections, they would have removed it.
Happily Retired Gal,
Thanks for stopping by.
Post a Comment