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New York, 7:46 PM
Sat Nov 7
42 posts in the last 24 hours
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11/06/09
11/06/09
I loved this review, Latoya, but I wonder whether we can actually expect others to approach this material with sensitivity. By sensitivity, I mean with a genuine anti-oppression kind of viewpoint.
I want to believe that narratives are the way into understanding that "Others" are human, but the way this has been received by almost every writer but you worries me. #preciousmovie
11/06/09
And no, I am not sure how it will be perceived. Me & The Racialicious Crew had a long convo on Precious vs. Erasure, and it's making us think some of these things *can't* be understood within our existing structures. There is too much of a chasm to bridge. But I'm still writing, my thoughts will be more clear a bit later. #preciousmovie
11/06/09
That said I notice this has an 86% positive on Rotten Tomatoes, and film critics are dominated by overeducated white dudes. So maybe I'm being premature. #preciousmovie
11/06/09
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That said, I loved your review because it actually points out one of the most jarring points: Precious' imagination and her derivation of worth doesn't simply come from no where. It came from...
11/06/09
11/06/09
But, as you know, I am cynical like that.
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11/06/09
Which is why this one by Latoya is such a joy to read.
I do think narratives -can- be that way. I think they can, at the very least, make people question assumptions. See a different perspective. Push back from the constant "othering" we do. I don't think they can solve it. But I think they're an important component in discussing it, and working at it, and changing things.
So, I don't personally expect this film to make every white audience member questions their privilege and assumptions...but if does that for some, then that's a start. #preciousmovie
11/06/09
I think if the story doesn't make one uncomfortable, then something is wrong with that person. It's that place of discomfort that we can start a conversation. #preciousmovie
11/06/09
Indeed, she is not. I actually felt uplifted and inspired by her, which I was not expecting in the least.
I have not seen the movie, but I can say that the choice of Paula Patton for Ms Rain confused me. In the book, she was darker skinned, had dreadlocks, and wasn't she gay? Maybe I read into that wrong...In any case, I think it actually is a big deal.
As for the final scene, from the clip I saw when Mary says "who is going to love me," it punched me in the gut. I think I might have a harder time with the film than the book, but who knows. #miprecious
11/04/09
11/04/09
In other news, I'm apparently kind of a nerd. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
11/04/09
Chiwetel Ejifor is in it.
Philip Noyce who directed Clear And Present Danger (and Rabbit Proof Fence among others) knows how to do action.
Chiwetel Ejifor is in it.
I wonder why Tom Cruise dropped out and if they had to rewrite the script once Angelina was cast? #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
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11/04/09
I'm going to see if I can get both versions. Curious to see how it changed. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
It is. I sobbed like a baby. The movie was hard to watch at times. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
11/04/09
ha. I wish I could have been there!
In all seriousness, he is a fantastic actor and I'm glad he's getting more work. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
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11/04/09
I (begrudgingly) concede the point.
Truth be told, I enjoy cheeseball action heroine Angie a ton more than heaving-bosom dramatic Angie. Wanted was such an enormously entertaining laugh riot. I also remain a fan of something called Life Or Something Like It that Jolie starred in a while back. It's an imbecilic "uplifting drama" that will have you in stitches. Ditto Alexander.. Come think of it, Jolie is also extremely gifted at unintentional comedy. And yes, I like her all the more for it. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
Her pursuit may be by design of her own with the knowledge that she's an otherwise "sucky" actress. (my opinion)
I'll watch her jump off things, punch people and shoot guns ANY DAY because she's so good at it. #angelinajoliesalttrailer
11/04/09
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11/03/09
*jaw drop* #preciousfilm
11/02/09
11/02/09
We must realize that our art/music/personal stories are consumed by the masses, which contains individuals who simply choose not to understand our intra diversity. These people simply choose to use our stories against us. So to what extent must we be careful about what stories we choose to tell? Do we appeal to the lowest common denominator? Or do we reveal our vulnerable places to a cold and ignorant society?
I guess the simpler version of this question is found in Dave Chappelle/ Chris Rock comedy wherein many of us truly "get" what is being satirized, whereas others just point and laugh at the most superficial level.
Double consciousness, indeed. #preciousfilm
11/02/09
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11/02/09
Can I join? I was plagued by that nonsense growing up. People don't say that to me much anymore, perhaps because I'm an adult, perhaps because things have changed. Oh, who am I kidding? #preciousfilm
11/02/09
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11/02/09
I'm not sure.
'Cause you know the President had it said about him during his campaign(s) -- although I'd like to think no one had the temerity to say it to his face. #preciousfilm
11/02/09
11/02/09
I speak out about it now to the point where I will put people in check if I hear them say "I'm blacker than you are." #preciousfilm
11/02/09
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11/02/09
I think the role of "psycho mother" is unfortunately universal. #preciousfilm
11/02/09