News
‘They’ve Gotta Have Us’ Is a Lesson On Black Cinema We All Needed!
written by Kimberly Jones
They’ve Gotta Have Us created by director Simon Frederick is a three-part docuseries that tells the story and history of black filmmakers and actors in Hollywood. Now available on Netflix, it is just in time for Black History Month. The series provides the audience with an in-depth behind the scenes look at the many struggles that black artists and filmmakers faced and the events that led to Black Hollywood as we know it today.
The documentary opens with a scene from the 2017 Oscars ceremony in which the winner for Best Picture was incorrectly announced as La La Land but the trophy belonged to Moonlight. It was this moment that stuck out to creator Simon Frederick; this pivotal moment and win for Moonlight (which had an all-black cast) had been overshadowed by this mistake. Once again black artists were taking a backseat to their colleagues and not given the full moment of celebration that they deserved.
Frederick shot the docuseries in three parts. The first focused on the pioneers of the black film industry. Harry Belafonte gives some of his very candid accounts of how difficult it was to become a lead in a film and to also be a love interest of a white actor. Belafonte broke industry barriers in the movie Island in the Sun. When the film came out in 1957, it was not accepted for the interracial relationship displayed on the big screen. Other pioneers who paved the way include Hattie McDaniel who in 1939 became the first black actor to win an Oscar for her role in Gone with the Wind. In 1964 Sidney Poitier was the first black actor to win Best Actor in a lead role for Lillies in the Field. The late Diahann Carroll, who was also featured in the documentary, received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for the 1974 film Claudine. The movie highlighted the stories and daily struggles of black women on screen for the first time.
Among the innovators of Black film are Robert Townsend, Spike Lee, and the late John Singleton. After growing exhausted of the roadblocks he had faced in the industry, Townsend produced his first independent film Hollywood Shuffle in 1987 – a comedy about the stereotypes black actors faced in the film industry. Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee took the industry to the next level with his groundbreaking films including She’s Gotta Have It (1986), School Daze (1988) and Malcolm X (1992). John Singleton’s coming of age film Boyz n the Hood earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director making him the first black and youngest person to have received a nomination for directing. Most of the time the producers had a small budget and often struggled to get funding, but their films had box office success. This sent a clear message to Hollywood – black films were in demand and people wanted to see them. The innovators of the 80s and 90s had a very different approach to filmmaking. By taking matters into their own hands these producers created timeless masterpieces that generations to come could enjoy.
British actor John Boyega became the first black actor to be cast as a lead in the Star Wars franchise – Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Boyega’s role, however, was not accepted well by everyone. In China, for example, on the promotional posters for the film, Boyega’s picture was reduced significantly in size compared to his counterparts. Boyega didn’t let that discourage him, however, he knew he got the leading role based on his talent, not skin color.
Selma (2014), directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo, was a historical drama based on the 1954 voting march from Selma to Montgomery. The film focuses on Martin Luther King Jr, the significant role he and his associates along with his wife Coretta Scott King played in the march, as well as the events that led to it. Before DuVernay got on board as the director, the films’ focus was on President Lyndon B. Johnson, which really did not make sense to Oyelowo and other cast members. DuVernay used her vision to tell a more detailed story of the black people involved in this historic day. This fact goes back to the running theme of the documentary – the importance of having black writers, producers, and directors to tell black stories.
Moonlight (2016) written and directed by Barry Jenkins followed the journey of a young black boy into adulthood. Throughout the film, the main character deals with a drug-addicted mother, struggles with sexuality and searches for his rightful place in the world. Moonlight opened a new chapter for black films – it was the first movie with an all-black cast and also the first LGBTQ film to win an Oscar for Best Picture. Jenkins is considered a trailblazer because of the doors he opened for future artists.
The future of black cinema seems to be bright largely because black artists have taken creative control over the black stories being told in Hollywood. With more up-and-coming black writers and directors black films are starting to get the recognition they deserve. There are more doors opening for creators to tell their stories. Actor Jessie Williams made a valid point about the creative freedom white artists have. He stated, “I lost my dog, here’s a little independent movie of me going to find it and how it reminds me of my mother. And it’s not even good.” Williams’ point was that all artists have the right to create their art, regardless of race. They’ve Gotta Have Us provides a necessary history lesson, shows how far the black film industry has come and excites with what is yet to come.
Aaron Pierre has been officially cast as John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming “Lanterns.” This casting marks a significant moment for DC’s live-action universe and Pierre, whose trajectory in Hollywood has been nothing short of meteoric.
John Stewart, a character with deep roots in DC lore, first appeared in “Green Lantern” #87 in 1972, created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams. Known for his military background and no-nonsense attitude, Stewart was the first African American Green Lantern, bringing diversity to a genre predominantly featuring white heroes. His portrayal has varied over the years, from animated series to video games, but HBO’s “Lanterns” introduces him to live-action in a way that could redefine the character for a new generation.
Aaron Pierre, born in Brixton, London, has quickly become one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood. His journey to John Stewart began with more minor roles but gained momentum with his portrayal of Dev-Em in the Syfy series “Krypton.” However, his role in “Rebel Ridge,” a Netflix action film that captured widespread attention, solidified his status as a rising star. Pierre’s performance as an ex-Marine showcased his ability to embody complex, action-oriented characters, a skillset that no doubt played into his casting as Stewart.
“Lanterns” promises to delve into the darker, more mysterious aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Set against the backdrop of the American heartland, the series will explore a murder mystery that draws in both John Stewart, the new recruit, and Hal Jordan, a veteran Lantern, into an earth-based intrigue. This narrative choice not only grounds the cosmic elements of the Green Lantern lore in a familiar setting but also allows for a deep exploration of John Stewart’s character, his military background, and his transition into a cosmic peacekeeper.
The casting of Pierre as John Stewart has been met with widespread excitement online, especially given his physicality and the depth he brings to his roles. Often depicted as stoic but deeply principled, Stewart requires an actor who can convey strength and vulnerability. Pierre’s previous roles, especially his recent ventures like playing Malcolm X in “Genius: MLK/X,” have shown his capacity for portraying characters with historical weight, making him an apt choice for a superhero who carries the legacy of representation in superhero narratives.
‘Genius: MLK/X’
Moreover, “Lanterns” isn’t just about superhero action; it’s a character study wrapped in a cape. The series, spearheaded by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, aims to weave complex narratives around its characters. John Stewart’s inclusion in this narrative isn’t just about diversity in casting but about exploring themes of duty, justice, and identity through his eyes. Pierre’s casting adds a layer of authenticity to this exploration, given his background and the gravitas he brings to his performances.
The collaboration between Pierre and Kyle Chandler, who plays Hal Jordan, sets the stage for a dynamic duo that could redefine buddy cop dynamics within the superhero genre. Their chemistry, combined with the series’ premise, hints at a narrative where action meets introspection, where the battles fought are as much internal as they are cosmic.
As “Lanterns” prepares to launch, the spotlight on Pierre only intensifies. His role as John Stewart isn’t just a career highlight but a testament to his rising star status in Hollywood. For fans of DC and newcomers alike, Pierre’s portrayal promises to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved character, potentially making John Stewart as iconic in live-action as he has been in comics and animation.
Aaron Pierre Cast as John Stewart in HBO’s ‘Lanterns’
‘Sinners’: Michael B.Jordan Plays Twin Brothers In New Ryan Coogler Film
Who Is Denzel Washington’s Macrinus in ‘Gladiator II’
Hulu’s New Horror ‘Mr. Crocket’ Will Crawl Out of Your TV This October🎃
Tia Mowry Talks Life Post-Divorce in ‘Tia Mowry: My Next Act’
-
Film3 months agoFirst Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’
-
Film4 months agoEddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy Makes a Cameo in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’
-
Film3 months agoNetflix Releases First Trailer For ‘The Deliverance’
-
Film4 months agoDonald Glover Unveils Trailer for New Movie ‘Bando Stone & the New World’
-
News4 months ago‘The Family Business’ Season 5 Is Bringing The Heat (Trailer)