Growing up in Texas toward the tail end of the 20th century, I was not taught about Emmett Till. I’ve learned about him since, of course. Till’s name adorns this year’s overdue federal antilynching act, and his tragic fate has inspired plays and films, including 2018’s Oscar-nominated short, “My Nephew Emmett,” and now a powerful feature from Chinonye Chukwu, who gave Alfre Woodard one of her greatest roles in 2019 Sundance winner “Clemency.”
Till’s story — that of a 14-year-old Black boy from Chicago who, in August 1955, was kidnapped in the middle of the night and lynched while visiting his family in Mississippi — may have been omitted from my Southern schooling for racist reasons, though I suspect it had as much to do with Western culture’s “great man” bias. History, as a field of study, celebrates the achievements of heroic individuals. Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks.
Till’s story — that of a 14-year-old Black boy from Chicago who, in August 1955, was kidnapped in the middle of the night and lynched while visiting his family in Mississippi — may have been omitted from my Southern schooling for racist reasons, though I suspect it had as much to do with Western culture’s “great man” bias. History, as a field of study, celebrates the achievements of heroic individuals. Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks.
- 10/2/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
[Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2021 and has been updated.]
Don’t let the title fool you: While Reinaldo Marcus Green’s crowd-pleasing biopic Best Picture contender “King Richard” gets its name from the tongue-in-cheek nickname of the father of the iconic Williams sisters, it’s Aunjanue Ellis’ Oscar-nominated turn as their mother Oracene Price that feels like the real revelation. Green’s film, produced by both Venus and Serena Williams (along with their sister Isha Price), tracks the rise of the tennis champs through the teachings of their mercurial, driven father. And while Will Smith turns in one of the best performances of his career as the eponymous Richard Williams, Ellis matches him at every turn.
For Ellis, bringing the full truth of Oracene Price — that’s “Ms. Oracene” to her — wasn’t just essential to the role; it became nothing less than a mission for the actress. But first, she had to counter her own misconceptions.
Ellis admits...
Don’t let the title fool you: While Reinaldo Marcus Green’s crowd-pleasing biopic Best Picture contender “King Richard” gets its name from the tongue-in-cheek nickname of the father of the iconic Williams sisters, it’s Aunjanue Ellis’ Oscar-nominated turn as their mother Oracene Price that feels like the real revelation. Green’s film, produced by both Venus and Serena Williams (along with their sister Isha Price), tracks the rise of the tennis champs through the teachings of their mercurial, driven father. And while Will Smith turns in one of the best performances of his career as the eponymous Richard Williams, Ellis matches him at every turn.
For Ellis, bringing the full truth of Oracene Price — that’s “Ms. Oracene” to her — wasn’t just essential to the role; it became nothing less than a mission for the actress. But first, she had to counter her own misconceptions.
Ellis admits...
- 3/3/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
“American Skin,” the film written, directed by and starring actor Nate Parker, will land on BET+ next week following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 and an on-demand run through Vertical Entertainment. The film will debut on the streaming platform April 15.
“American Skin” stars Parker and Omari Hardwick and follows a Black Iraq War veteran, Lincoln Jefferson (Parker), who after being denied a fair trial following the shooting death of his teenage son by a white police officer, desperately seeks justice and accountability for his son’s death.
Parker is the director of “The Birth of a Nation,” which was released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite and won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
But the...
“American Skin” stars Parker and Omari Hardwick and follows a Black Iraq War veteran, Lincoln Jefferson (Parker), who after being denied a fair trial following the shooting death of his teenage son by a white police officer, desperately seeks justice and accountability for his son’s death.
Parker is the director of “The Birth of a Nation,” which was released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite and won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
But the...
- 4/8/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
When “Wonder Woman” costume designer Lindy Hemming heard that the follow-up to the 2017 box-office hit starring Gal Gadot was going to be set in 1984, her first question was would the costumes fall under period or fantasy?
The answer is a simple one, “both,” Hemming says.
Below, Hemming breaks down key looks from “Wonder Woman 84” and creating an ’80s wardrobe for Chris Pine, Gal Gadot and Kristen Wiig.
Wonder Woman’s New Armor
In the first film, Diana/Wonder Woman was down and dirty because she was in the trenches. With this, director Patty Jenkins wanted to change the texture and look to give it a glowing ’80s feel.
We changed the material of her bodice and made it from urethane which can be molded. We changed the design a little bit so it’s more translucent because Patty wanted everything to have this slightly hyperreal feel to it, so you...
The answer is a simple one, “both,” Hemming says.
Below, Hemming breaks down key looks from “Wonder Woman 84” and creating an ’80s wardrobe for Chris Pine, Gal Gadot and Kristen Wiig.
Wonder Woman’s New Armor
In the first film, Diana/Wonder Woman was down and dirty because she was in the trenches. With this, director Patty Jenkins wanted to change the texture and look to give it a glowing ’80s feel.
We changed the material of her bodice and made it from urethane which can be molded. We changed the design a little bit so it’s more translucent because Patty wanted everything to have this slightly hyperreal feel to it, so you...
- 1/7/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier this week, Hudson River Park held its first virtual “UnGala,” an at-home celebration of Hudson River Park, and raised over $1 million to support the Park’s operations, horticulture maintenance and public programming, including its 550+ year-round educational, environmental, sustainability and cultural programs.
Hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, the evening kicked-off with Martha Stewart demonstrating how to mix the perfect “Marthatini” at home. The event featured New Yorkers such as Julianne Moore, Andy Cohen, Lea DeLaria, Diana Taylor, David Chang, Charlotte Groeneveld-Van Haren, Mike Novogratz and New York’s Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Kathy Hochul paying tribute to Hudson River Park and to the essential operations and maintenance workers who have been keeping the Park safe, clean and beautiful each and every day in the face of a global pandemic. The evening concluded with a moving performance by David Broza, who sang an acoustic version of “East Jerusalem/ West Jerusalem.”
“This year...
Hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, the evening kicked-off with Martha Stewart demonstrating how to mix the perfect “Marthatini” at home. The event featured New Yorkers such as Julianne Moore, Andy Cohen, Lea DeLaria, Diana Taylor, David Chang, Charlotte Groeneveld-Van Haren, Mike Novogratz and New York’s Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Kathy Hochul paying tribute to Hudson River Park and to the essential operations and maintenance workers who have been keeping the Park safe, clean and beautiful each and every day in the face of a global pandemic. The evening concluded with a moving performance by David Broza, who sang an acoustic version of “East Jerusalem/ West Jerusalem.”
“This year...
- 10/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
“I’m getting some pretty meaty offers in the past few days that I am going to attribute to Loy Cannon,” said Chris Rock, who plays the head of the eponymous Cannon crime syndicate in the fourth season of Fargo.
“Yeah, I am ready to do more stuff like this. More meaty roles,” the standup comic-actor-director announced at the New Yorker Festival in a Tuesday night virtual session. He was flanked Noah Hawley, creator, writer, showrunner and director of the FX series that’s based on the movie by Joel and Ethan Coen.
Rock said comedy is harder than drama, but drama often holds up better.
“I just worked with Jim Carrey this weekend,” said Rock, who hosted SNL Saturday where Carrey cameoed as Joe Biden. “Jim Carrey is in The Truman Show. Right. There’s 50 actors who could have been in The Truman Show. There is one guy that could do Dumb and Dumber…...
“Yeah, I am ready to do more stuff like this. More meaty roles,” the standup comic-actor-director announced at the New Yorker Festival in a Tuesday night virtual session. He was flanked Noah Hawley, creator, writer, showrunner and director of the FX series that’s based on the movie by Joel and Ethan Coen.
Rock said comedy is harder than drama, but drama often holds up better.
“I just worked with Jim Carrey this weekend,” said Rock, who hosted SNL Saturday where Carrey cameoed as Joe Biden. “Jim Carrey is in The Truman Show. Right. There’s 50 actors who could have been in The Truman Show. There is one guy that could do Dumb and Dumber…...
- 10/7/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Hudson River Park UnGala Brings Together New Yorkers For An At-Home Celebration Of Hudson River Park
Every fall, Hudson River Park’s most loyal supporters come together at our Annual Gala for one unifying purpose: to keep the Park beautiful, safe, clean, green and growing.
This year, more than ever before, Hudson River Park’s four+ miles of open space have provided an essential source of wellbeing and strength – a lifeline for New Yorkers – lifting our spirits in the face of great adversity. They invite you to show your appreciation for all that the Park provides our community with an at-home celebration of their vital urban oasis. Your support ensures that this incomparable New York City treasure continues to thrive and grow for generations.
The evening will feature special appearances by Michael Bloomberg, David Chang, Andy Cohen, Lea DeLaria, Charlotte Groenveld, Julianne Moore, Martha Stewart and more!
This event is hosted by the Hudson River Park Friends Board of Directors. Michael E. Novogratz is Chair; Scott M.
This year, more than ever before, Hudson River Park’s four+ miles of open space have provided an essential source of wellbeing and strength – a lifeline for New Yorkers – lifting our spirits in the face of great adversity. They invite you to show your appreciation for all that the Park provides our community with an at-home celebration of their vital urban oasis. Your support ensures that this incomparable New York City treasure continues to thrive and grow for generations.
The evening will feature special appearances by Michael Bloomberg, David Chang, Andy Cohen, Lea DeLaria, Charlotte Groenveld, Julianne Moore, Martha Stewart and more!
This event is hosted by the Hudson River Park Friends Board of Directors. Michael E. Novogratz is Chair; Scott M.
- 9/29/2020
- Look to the Stars
Given the controversies and allegations surrounding Nate Parker, many were surprised by the announcement that he would be directing David Oyelowo’s film “Sweet Thunder,” a biopic about boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson.
During a conversation as part of the Toronto Film Festival, Oyelowo defended his decision to work with the filmmaker.
“I have a pretty good discernment when it comes to good people,” Oyelowo said at Variety’s Virtual TIFF Studio presented by Canada Goose while promoting his directorial debut “The Water Man.” “He is a good person beyond his fallibility, beyond the mistakes he made. And I believe in redemption. I believe in forgiveness and he is someone I have been around enough to know that in my opinion he is worthy of that.”
Parker’s career came to a screeching halt just as he was earning major Oscar buzz in 2016 for “Birth of a Nation,” his directorial...
During a conversation as part of the Toronto Film Festival, Oyelowo defended his decision to work with the filmmaker.
“I have a pretty good discernment when it comes to good people,” Oyelowo said at Variety’s Virtual TIFF Studio presented by Canada Goose while promoting his directorial debut “The Water Man.” “He is a good person beyond his fallibility, beyond the mistakes he made. And I believe in redemption. I believe in forgiveness and he is someone I have been around enough to know that in my opinion he is worthy of that.”
Parker’s career came to a screeching halt just as he was earning major Oscar buzz in 2016 for “Birth of a Nation,” his directorial...
- 9/15/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Just in case it wasn’t obvious before, the recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd have done much to lay bare just how spotty and incomplete much of America’s understanding of its own racial history has often been. While any schoolkid can rattle off facts about the March on Washington and the 13th Amendment, the complicated, messy, often horrifyingly violent timeline of racism and social justice in this country has long been oversimplified in school curricula and popular discourse, to the extent that some seismic events within that history — from Nat Turner’s rebellion to the Black Wall Street massacre — were largely unknown to large swaths of the country until very recently.
Both of those moments, however, have been dragged to the forefront by film and television over the past few years — “The Birth of a Nation” for the former, and HBO’s “Watchmen” with the latter...
Both of those moments, however, have been dragged to the forefront by film and television over the past few years — “The Birth of a Nation” for the former, and HBO’s “Watchmen” with the latter...
- 8/20/2020
- by Andrew Barker
- Variety Film + TV
‘Emperor’ Review: A Runaway Slave Joins the Raid on Harpers Ferry in Forgotten Tale of Black Heroism
As statues to Confederate heroes are torn down around the country, the question of whom to honor in their place poses an intriguing challenge — one that writer-director Mark Amin seems to have anticipated with his abolitionist adventure movie “Emperor.” Essentially a filmic monument to a scarcely documented American hero, “Emperor” tells the virtually unknown story of Shields Green, a descendant of African royalty who was born into slavery and later escaped, making it to freedom before risking his life in the attack on Harpers Ferry.
When history books speak of that famous raid, they tend to focus on John Brown, the white militant who planned the action hoping it would incite a slave uprising in the South — which gives an accurate but incomplete picture. “Emperor” re-centers the telling, broadening this early “white savior” story to include the Black men who joined the cause — or, in the case of Frederick Douglass,...
When history books speak of that famous raid, they tend to focus on John Brown, the white militant who planned the action hoping it would incite a slave uprising in the South — which gives an accurate but incomplete picture. “Emperor” re-centers the telling, broadening this early “white savior” story to include the Black men who joined the cause — or, in the case of Frederick Douglass,...
- 8/15/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Morello draws parallels between slavery and the police state on his new song “You Belong to Me,” which the guitarist released Friday along with a music video for the track.
“Our present is tethered to our past. The overseer’s whip & noose of history are today echoed in the policeman’s baton & pistol,” Morello said of the track. “I had a very clear idea I wanted to express with the song & the video and that is: Sometimes, enough is enough.”
“A tall man rides with shiny boots/On a horse named Robert E.
“Our present is tethered to our past. The overseer’s whip & noose of history are today echoed in the policeman’s baton & pistol,” Morello said of the track. “I had a very clear idea I wanted to express with the song & the video and that is: Sometimes, enough is enough.”
“A tall man rides with shiny boots/On a horse named Robert E.
- 8/8/2020
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Esther Scott, whose film, TV and stage career included roles in Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation and John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood, died February 14 in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack, Deadline has confirmed. She was 66.
Scott appeared in dozens of TV series including playing Delma on CW’s Hart of Dixie as well as roles on CBS’ The Help, Fox’s Melrose Place and ABC’s The Geena Davis Show and Sister, Sister among others. Her first role was voicing a character on the mid-1980s animated Star Wars series Ewoks.
Her film credits include Gangster Squad, Transformers, The Pursuit of Happyness, Dreamgirls, 2005’s Fun with Dick and Jane, Austin Powers in Goldmember, The Craft, Don Juan DeMarco and Common Threads: Stories From the Quilt. She memorably played a grandmother who nearly caught Cuba Gooding Jr’s Tre fooling around with her granddaughter in Boyz n the Hood,...
Scott appeared in dozens of TV series including playing Delma on CW’s Hart of Dixie as well as roles on CBS’ The Help, Fox’s Melrose Place and ABC’s The Geena Davis Show and Sister, Sister among others. Her first role was voicing a character on the mid-1980s animated Star Wars series Ewoks.
Her film credits include Gangster Squad, Transformers, The Pursuit of Happyness, Dreamgirls, 2005’s Fun with Dick and Jane, Austin Powers in Goldmember, The Craft, Don Juan DeMarco and Common Threads: Stories From the Quilt. She memorably played a grandmother who nearly caught Cuba Gooding Jr’s Tre fooling around with her granddaughter in Boyz n the Hood,...
- 2/18/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Esther Scott, whose credits include “Boyz N the Hood,” “Hart of Dixie,” “The Help” and “The Geena Davis Show,” has died, Scott’s publicist confirmed to TheWrap. She was 66.
Scott suffered a heart attack on Feb. 11 at her home in Santa Monica, and remained in the hospital until Friday, where she passed away. TMZ was the first to report her death.
Scott’s roles also includes “Encino Man,” “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” “Dreamgirls,” “Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Craft,” and starred on four seasons of the CW’s “Hart of Dixie” as well as on the short-lived series “The Geena Davis Show.” She also appeared in “Melrose Place,” “Full House,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Ellen” and “Sister, Sister.”
Also Read: 'M*A*S*H' Actress Kellye Nakahara Dies at 72
Most recently, Scott starred as Bridget Turner in “The Birth of a Nation,” which was based on the story of Nat Turner, who...
Scott suffered a heart attack on Feb. 11 at her home in Santa Monica, and remained in the hospital until Friday, where she passed away. TMZ was the first to report her death.
Scott’s roles also includes “Encino Man,” “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” “Dreamgirls,” “Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Craft,” and starred on four seasons of the CW’s “Hart of Dixie” as well as on the short-lived series “The Geena Davis Show.” She also appeared in “Melrose Place,” “Full House,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Ellen” and “Sister, Sister.”
Also Read: 'M*A*S*H' Actress Kellye Nakahara Dies at 72
Most recently, Scott starred as Bridget Turner in “The Birth of a Nation,” which was based on the story of Nat Turner, who...
- 2/18/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Esther Scott, who appeared in “Boyz N the Hood,” voiced Shodu in the “Ewoks” series and guest starred on dozens of TV series, died Friday in Los Angeles, her representative confirmed. She had suffered a heart attack Tuesday at her Santa Monica home. She was 66.
Born in Queens, N.Y., Scott appeared in at least 73 films and shows beginning in the 1980s. She had recurring roles in “The Geena Davis Show, ” “The Help” TV show and “Hart of Dixie,” and made guest appearances on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Full House,” “Ellen,” “Sister Sister,” “Hart of Dixie” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” In the popular film “Boyz N the Hood,” Scott played the grandmother of Tisha. She voiced the character Shodu in the “Star Wars” animated spin-off “Ewoks.”
Scott was most recently seen as Bridget Turner in “The Birth of a Nation,” based on the story of Nat Turner, who led a...
Born in Queens, N.Y., Scott appeared in at least 73 films and shows beginning in the 1980s. She had recurring roles in “The Geena Davis Show, ” “The Help” TV show and “Hart of Dixie,” and made guest appearances on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Full House,” “Ellen,” “Sister Sister,” “Hart of Dixie” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” In the popular film “Boyz N the Hood,” Scott played the grandmother of Tisha. She voiced the character Shodu in the “Star Wars” animated spin-off “Ewoks.”
Scott was most recently seen as Bridget Turner in “The Birth of a Nation,” based on the story of Nat Turner, who led a...
- 2/18/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Esther Scott died after suffering a heart attack, People confirms. She was 66.
Scott, who starred in Boyz n the Hood, Dreamgirls, Pursuit of Happyness and Transformers, had a heart attack at her Santa Monica home on Feb. 11 and remained in the hospital until she died on Friday surrounded by loved ones. TMZ was the first outlet to report on her death.
Along with movie roles in Encino Man, Austin Powers in Goldmember and The Craft, Scott played next-door neighbor Delma Warner on four seasons of The CW’s Hart of Dixie and Gladys on the short-lived series The Geena Davis Show.
Scott, who starred in Boyz n the Hood, Dreamgirls, Pursuit of Happyness and Transformers, had a heart attack at her Santa Monica home on Feb. 11 and remained in the hospital until she died on Friday surrounded by loved ones. TMZ was the first outlet to report on her death.
Along with movie roles in Encino Man, Austin Powers in Goldmember and The Craft, Scott played next-door neighbor Delma Warner on four seasons of The CW’s Hart of Dixie and Gladys on the short-lived series The Geena Davis Show.
- 2/18/2020
- by Dana Rose Falcone
- PEOPLE.com
When it came to planning its first major theatrical release, Apple pulled out all the stops for “The Banker.” Starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson in the true story of two African American bankers who thwarted the racial limitations of the 1950s, the tech company earmarked the film for an awards campaign and landed a November 21 premiere as AFI Fest’s closing-night selection.
And then, Apple yanked it from AFI November 20, citing the need to look at unspecified concerns with the film. A few days later, Apple delayed its scheduled December 6 theatrical release. The reason: Mackie portrays Bernard Garrett and Garrett’s daughter, Cynthia Garrett, leveled sexual abuse allegations against Bernard Garrett, Jr., her half brother and the film’s co-producer, while also arguing that film’s narrative was inaccurate.
The fallout has been intense. Bernard Garrett, Jr. has since removed his name from the credits. He denied the...
And then, Apple yanked it from AFI November 20, citing the need to look at unspecified concerns with the film. A few days later, Apple delayed its scheduled December 6 theatrical release. The reason: Mackie portrays Bernard Garrett and Garrett’s daughter, Cynthia Garrett, leveled sexual abuse allegations against Bernard Garrett, Jr., her half brother and the film’s co-producer, while also arguing that film’s narrative was inaccurate.
The fallout has been intense. Bernard Garrett, Jr. has since removed his name from the credits. He denied the...
- 11/30/2019
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
When Kasi Lemmons got the chance to direct the first feature-length biopic about Harriet Tubman, she faced a delicate challenge. “I really wanted to create a film that a sophisticated 10-year-old could see with his grandmother, which isn’t easy for a film that takes place during slavery,” she said. “And then I wanted to really be able to represent Harriet as accurately as I could, while still making an entertaining movie that would reach a broad audience.”
Tubman’s extraordinary tale has been iconic for generations: Her escape from slavery and ability to free hundreds of slaves forever changed the course of history. But Lemmons’ situation helps to explain why it took so long for Hollywood to finally recognize the life and accomplishments of a legendary American freedom fighter.
Since the 1978 Cicely Tyson miniseries “A Woman Called Moses,” film and TV projects on Tubman have been floating around. The...
Tubman’s extraordinary tale has been iconic for generations: Her escape from slavery and ability to free hundreds of slaves forever changed the course of history. But Lemmons’ situation helps to explain why it took so long for Hollywood to finally recognize the life and accomplishments of a legendary American freedom fighter.
Since the 1978 Cicely Tyson miniseries “A Woman Called Moses,” film and TV projects on Tubman have been floating around. The...
- 10/28/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Nate Parker, whose new film “American Skin” received a number of negative reviews at the Venice Film Festival, said Monday that he doesn’t care what critics say and that his goal is to make art that connects with audiences.
“I made this film for people to see it,” Parker told Variety in an exclusive interview at the Deauville Film Festival, where “American Skin” is having its French premiere Monday. He described the film, a drama about racial injustice in the U.S., as a “call for action.”
But the film does not have any domestic or international distribution in place yet – apart from Italy, where the film’s producer, Tarak Ben Ammar, will release it through his banner Eagle Pictures. “American Skin” was supposed to be screened for select buyers at Toronto, but Ben Ammar, who produced the movie with Mark Burg, said he decided to cancel the private...
“I made this film for people to see it,” Parker told Variety in an exclusive interview at the Deauville Film Festival, where “American Skin” is having its French premiere Monday. He described the film, a drama about racial injustice in the U.S., as a “call for action.”
But the film does not have any domestic or international distribution in place yet – apart from Italy, where the film’s producer, Tarak Ben Ammar, will release it through his banner Eagle Pictures. “American Skin” was supposed to be screened for select buyers at Toronto, but Ben Ammar, who produced the movie with Mark Burg, said he decided to cancel the private...
- 9/9/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Three years ago, the furor that erupted over Nate Parker — when the rape allegations made against him in 1999 resurfaced, though he had been cleared of the charges in court — set the table for the #MeToo era. In hindsight, that furor directly presaged the reckoning brought on by the Harvey Weinstein scandal. “The Birth of a Nation,” the Nat Turner biopic that Parker directed and starred in, probably took a hit at the box office as a result (though it still made $15 million), and the movie certainly suffered during awards season, with Parker, after a series of media statements he now admits were “tone deaf,” increasingly viewed as persona non grata. A lot of people, both in Hollywood and out, probably assumed that he’d been “canceled.”
So when it was announced, in early August, that Parker would premiere a new film — his second feature as a director-star — at this year’s Venice Film Festival,...
So when it was announced, in early August, that Parker would premiere a new film — his second feature as a director-star — at this year’s Venice Film Festival,...
- 9/1/2019
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
The debate over Nate Parker’s value as a person may never be conclusively decided (though it may seem otherwise in the court of public opinion), but the debate over Nate Parker’s value as a filmmaker has just been settled once and for all: He doesn’t have any. An unsolicited coda to a career that most of us assumed was already over, “American Skin” is
That seems to be Parker’s only move. “The Birth of a Nation,” which became the most expensive Sundance acquisition of all time before the internet got wind of Parker’s involvement in a 1999 rape case, retold the story of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion as a full-throated rallying cry, effectively combining the political sophistication of “Braveheart” with the budget of an indie and the cinematic prowess of a student film. “American Skin” takes that formula a step further.
Here is another blistering...
That seems to be Parker’s only move. “The Birth of a Nation,” which became the most expensive Sundance acquisition of all time before the internet got wind of Parker’s involvement in a 1999 rape case, retold the story of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion as a full-throated rallying cry, effectively combining the political sophistication of “Braveheart” with the budget of an indie and the cinematic prowess of a student film. “American Skin” takes that formula a step further.
Here is another blistering...
- 9/1/2019
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Looking for redemption on the Lido, Nate Parker addressed the elephant in the room during the Venice Film Festival press conference promoting his new film, the police-corruption drama “American Skin.”
The 39-year-old actor/filmmaker, who three years ago was canceled when rape allegations dating back to his years as a sophomore at Penn State University in 1999 resurfaced, told the press corps he was sorry for being “tone deaf” in his handling of the PR nightmare in 2016. Parker was acquitted of the charges in 2001, but renewed interest was put on the case once it was revealed that his accuser committed suicide.
“The last three years have been such a learning experience for me,” Parker told press-conference attendees. “Three years ago I was pretty tone deaf to the realities of certain situations that were happening in the climate. And I’ve had a lot of time to think about that, and I...
The 39-year-old actor/filmmaker, who three years ago was canceled when rape allegations dating back to his years as a sophomore at Penn State University in 1999 resurfaced, told the press corps he was sorry for being “tone deaf” in his handling of the PR nightmare in 2016. Parker was acquitted of the charges in 2001, but renewed interest was put on the case once it was revealed that his accuser committed suicide.
“The last three years have been such a learning experience for me,” Parker told press-conference attendees. “Three years ago I was pretty tone deaf to the realities of certain situations that were happening in the climate. And I’ve had a lot of time to think about that, and I...
- 9/1/2019
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Director Nate Parker apologized Sunday for how he handled the resurfacing of rape accusations against him following the premiere of his 2016 debut film, “The Birth of a Nation.”
“I’ve learned a lot in the last three years. It’s been a journey of wisdom — talking to people who are important to me, asking their advice, getting their support and learning more about myself, being introspective about the last three years, and I’ve learned a lot,” Parker told reporters during a press conference for “American Skin” at the Venice Film Festival.
Released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite, “The Birth of a Nation” won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
Also Read: 'Birth of a Nation' Opening Sparks...
“I’ve learned a lot in the last three years. It’s been a journey of wisdom — talking to people who are important to me, asking their advice, getting their support and learning more about myself, being introspective about the last three years, and I’ve learned a lot,” Parker told reporters during a press conference for “American Skin” at the Venice Film Festival.
Released at the height of #OscarsSoWhite, “The Birth of a Nation” won the top prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016 for its depiction of Nat Turner’s slave rebellion. It was bought by Fox Searchlight for a festival record $17.5 million and was expected to be a major Oscar contender.
Also Read: 'Birth of a Nation' Opening Sparks...
- 9/1/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Earlier this week, the cast and creative team of the new musical Finding Beautiful gave a special sneak peek of the upcoming show.Brother NATfeatures a book and lyrics byLiana AsimandJabari Asimand music byAllyssa JonesandDamien Sneed. In this sung-through musical inspired by Nat Turner's historic slave insurrection, the hero toils and dreams of freedom until an Angel appears and issues a divine directive Rise and revolt The sign Nat has been waiting for arrives a solar eclipse. In the darkness, he gathers his warriors and seizes the plantation. Against all odds, Nat dares to Rise above injustice, Revolt against slavery and believe in the Redemption of all humanity.
- 6/30/2019
- by TV - Press Previews
- BroadwayWorld.com
Discovery and Science Channel are teaming up with urban explorer Justin Fornal on “Uncharted,” TheWrap has learned exclusively. The new series will use modern technology and historical maps to investigate historical mysteries and legends.
Premiering this fall, the series follows Fornal as he cross-references information from old maps to seek long-forgotten information on legends such as a treasure ship buried in the middle of a California desert, and whether the Knights Templar secretly brought their treasure to the New World a century before Columbus arrived.
“With the use of old-school maps and the latest technology, Justin may have found just the right combination of tools to find the answers to mysteries that others before them have come up short in solving,” Science Channel general manager Marc Etkind told TheWrap.
Also Read: TLC 'Long Lost Family' Host Chris Jacobs Joins Discovery's 'Egypt Live' Team (Exclusive)
Fornal is the man behind the Baron Ambrosia character,...
Premiering this fall, the series follows Fornal as he cross-references information from old maps to seek long-forgotten information on legends such as a treasure ship buried in the middle of a California desert, and whether the Knights Templar secretly brought their treasure to the New World a century before Columbus arrived.
“With the use of old-school maps and the latest technology, Justin may have found just the right combination of tools to find the answers to mysteries that others before them have come up short in solving,” Science Channel general manager Marc Etkind told TheWrap.
Also Read: TLC 'Long Lost Family' Host Chris Jacobs Joins Discovery's 'Egypt Live' Team (Exclusive)
Fornal is the man behind the Baron Ambrosia character,...
- 4/9/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Before Joseph Jefferson penned a string of hits for the Spinners in the early Seventies, he and his band the Nat Turner Rebellion – named after the 1831 slave revolt – entered Philadelphia’s famed Sigma Sound Studios and, over the course of a few years, laid down more than a dozen of searing funk-soul songs that were emblematic of the sound piping out of the City of Brotherly Love at the time.
A handful of the tracks were released as long-forgotten singles in the early Seventies, but the group disbanded before ever releasing a debut album.
A handful of the tracks were released as long-forgotten singles in the early Seventies, but the group disbanded before ever releasing a debut album.
- 3/26/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
When people of color consider their history of revolution, images may come to mind of Toussaint Louverture defeating French colonialists; of Nat Turner, musket in hand, making his way across the Virginia countryside; of Martin Luther King Jr. speaking of dreams; of Malcolm X offering the choice of the ballot or the bullet; and of the Black Panther Party, clad in leather jackets and berets, standing firmly against the Oakland Pd. But all these stories begin with the first true revolution anyone will face in their lives: the revolution of being one.s self. It is only by coming into full self-actualization that a man or woman finds the strength to stand to their full height, shed their chains, raise their voice, and begin the walk to freedom for themselves, their families, and their communities.
A knower of self, James Baldwin, wrote the 1974 novel “If Beale Street Could Talk.” In it,...
A knower of self, James Baldwin, wrote the 1974 novel “If Beale Street Could Talk.” In it,...
- 1/11/2019
- by Jon Goode
- Indiewire
In a surprise appearance on Chicago’s Wgci 107.5 Wednesday morning, Kanye West walked back the heel turn he embarked on this summer when he aligned himself with President Trump and posited that slavery was a choice. The rapper spoke unguardedly and issued a long-awaited apology for his infamous slavery comments on TMZ in May, describing the outburst as both a result of his bipolar diagnosis and largely preventable. In the wide-ranging, occasionally tearful interview, he also elaborated on his support for Trump (“I’ve never voted in my life,” he said.
- 8/29/2018
- by Brendan Klinkenberg
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West attempts to clarify his recent controversial comments about slavery and Donald Trump – attempts being the operative word here – in a lengthy New York Times interview today.
First, those slavery comments, in which he had told TMZ that 400 years of slavery sounded more to him like some sort of choice on the part of the enslaved.
His attempt to explain today: “I said the idea of sitting in something for 400 years sounds — sounds — like a choice to me, I never said it’s a choice. I never said slavery itself — like being shackled in chains — was a choice. That’s why I went from slave to 400 years to mental prison to this and that. If you look at the clip you see the way my mind works.”
“I learned so much. I learned about the context of the idea of the word slave. I didn’t take it in that context.
First, those slavery comments, in which he had told TMZ that 400 years of slavery sounded more to him like some sort of choice on the part of the enslaved.
His attempt to explain today: “I said the idea of sitting in something for 400 years sounds — sounds — like a choice to me, I never said it’s a choice. I never said slavery itself — like being shackled in chains — was a choice. That’s why I went from slave to 400 years to mental prison to this and that. If you look at the clip you see the way my mind works.”
“I learned so much. I learned about the context of the idea of the word slave. I didn’t take it in that context.
- 6/25/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In response to Kanye West’s recent remarks about slavery and other hot button topics, longtime fan and Variety contributor Wynter Mitchell wrote an open letter to the rapper.
Dear Kanye, I always felt like you were in my head. Listening to your beats and words, intrinsically architected with emotion, imbalance and urgency, was like feeling possessed. I was drawn to your artistry with respect and admiration. The Kanye behind the microphone was like Haley’s Comet. We were lucky enough to see such magnetism once in our lifetime, and it only grew more majestic as the art evolved.
Dear Kanye, I listened to “Runaway” when my heart was broken; I put on “Flashing Lights” driving down Sunset Blvd. at night; I listen to “Good Life” when I’m feeling up and “Spaceship” when I don’t want to face the day. I listen to “Good Morning” when I wake...
Dear Kanye, I always felt like you were in my head. Listening to your beats and words, intrinsically architected with emotion, imbalance and urgency, was like feeling possessed. I was drawn to your artistry with respect and admiration. The Kanye behind the microphone was like Haley’s Comet. We were lucky enough to see such magnetism once in our lifetime, and it only grew more majestic as the art evolved.
Dear Kanye, I listened to “Runaway” when my heart was broken; I put on “Flashing Lights” driving down Sunset Blvd. at night; I listen to “Good Life” when I’m feeling up and “Spaceship” when I don’t want to face the day. I listen to “Good Morning” when I wake...
- 5/3/2018
- by Wynter Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with tweets from Kanye West: Not too long after his free-thinking interview on TMZ Live, Kanye West took to Twitter to clarify the comments he made about race and how slavery was a choice.
In a series of tweets, the rapper defended his comments about slavery saying, “The reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can’t be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought It was just an idea.”
He added, “Once again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas.”
The stream of tweets added to the Kanye gospel. He stood his ground, mainly adding tweets about his philosophy of free-thinking. They ranged from the empowering to bizarre to fascinating, saying things like: “They cut out our tongues so we couldn’t communicate to each other. I will not allow...
In a series of tweets, the rapper defended his comments about slavery saying, “The reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can’t be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought It was just an idea.”
He added, “Once again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas.”
The stream of tweets added to the Kanye gospel. He stood his ground, mainly adding tweets about his philosophy of free-thinking. They ranged from the empowering to bizarre to fascinating, saying things like: “They cut out our tongues so we couldn’t communicate to each other. I will not allow...
- 5/2/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Nate Parker Returns: Cop Drama ‘Black & Blue’ to Be Director’s First Movie Since ‘Birth of a Nation’
Nate Parker is attached to direct the Los Angeles Police Department drama “Black & Blue,” Deadline reports. The filmmaker will rewrite the original script penned by Jim McGrath. The project is the first feature film Parker has been attached to since “The Birth of a Nation.”
“Black & Blue” tells the true story of Ralph Waddy, a heroic detective who led the Lapd through some of the most significant events of the 1960s, including Robert Kennedy’s assassination, the Watts riots, and the Manson Murders. The script reportedly focuses on Waddy’s detective career and his rocky relationship with his father.
Per Deadline, ForM.B Entertainment’s Steven Jensen is set to produce along with Darren Enenstein, Shondrella Avery, Adam R. Sanders, and Lenny Rosenberg. Avery will also star in the movie in an unspecified role.
Parker has remained largely out of the spotlight since fall 2016, when rape allegations from his college...
“Black & Blue” tells the true story of Ralph Waddy, a heroic detective who led the Lapd through some of the most significant events of the 1960s, including Robert Kennedy’s assassination, the Watts riots, and the Manson Murders. The script reportedly focuses on Waddy’s detective career and his rocky relationship with his father.
Per Deadline, ForM.B Entertainment’s Steven Jensen is set to produce along with Darren Enenstein, Shondrella Avery, Adam R. Sanders, and Lenny Rosenberg. Avery will also star in the movie in an unspecified role.
Parker has remained largely out of the spotlight since fall 2016, when rape allegations from his college...
- 3/23/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
I am in great danger of dancing about architecture here, so I’ll acknowledge it, first, and then try to move on.
Nat Turner is a nearly wordless graphic novel: it contains only narration taken from The Confessions of Nat Turner (a contemporary account), and some sound effects. All of the characters in it are silent as we see them — for dramatic effect or because the vast majority of them were silenced at the time and by history, you can decide for yourself. So what I’m here to do is use words to talk about a story told only in pictures.
“Dancing about architecture,” as I said.
Nat Turner was written and drawn by Kyle Baker, and originally self-published by him as four individual comics. The book edition came from Abrams exactly a decade ago, in 2008. The copy I have in my hand has a slightly different cover than...
Nat Turner is a nearly wordless graphic novel: it contains only narration taken from The Confessions of Nat Turner (a contemporary account), and some sound effects. All of the characters in it are silent as we see them — for dramatic effect or because the vast majority of them were silenced at the time and by history, you can decide for yourself. So what I’m here to do is use words to talk about a story told only in pictures.
“Dancing about architecture,” as I said.
Nat Turner was written and drawn by Kyle Baker, and originally self-published by him as four individual comics. The book edition came from Abrams exactly a decade ago, in 2008. The copy I have in my hand has a slightly different cover than...
- 3/21/2018
- by Andrew Wheeler
- Comicmix.com
Author: Competitions
To mark the release of Birth of a Nation on 17th April, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on Blu-ray.
Set against the antebellum South, The Birth Of A Nation follows Nat Turner (Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Birth of a Nation is available on Blu-ray and DVD from 17th April, courtesy of Twentieth century Fox Home Entertainment
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 27th April 2017 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash...
To mark the release of Birth of a Nation on 17th April, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on Blu-ray.
Set against the antebellum South, The Birth Of A Nation follows Nat Turner (Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Birth of a Nation is available on Blu-ray and DVD from 17th April, courtesy of Twentieth century Fox Home Entertainment
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 27th April 2017 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash...
- 4/17/2017
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Disruptor Beam has launched a new Survivor System for their mobile game The Walking Dead: March to War, and we have official details in today's Horror Highlights. We also have info on the world premiere of Chad Archibald's (Bite) new film, The Heretics, and details on the Kong: Skull Island soundtrack by composer Henry Jackman.
The Walking Dead: March to War: Survivor System: From Disruptor Beam: "How to Survive: An Interview with Senior Game Designer Michael Leoncavallo
Welcome Walking Dead fans!
We are excited to reveal the first major feature from our upcoming game, The Walking Dead: March To War -- the Survivor System!
We talked to the Senior Game Designer of The Walking Dead: March To War, Michael Leoncavallo, for all the latest details.
Then check out an exciting announcement at the end of this post...
Db: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
The Walking Dead: March to War: Survivor System: From Disruptor Beam: "How to Survive: An Interview with Senior Game Designer Michael Leoncavallo
Welcome Walking Dead fans!
We are excited to reveal the first major feature from our upcoming game, The Walking Dead: March To War -- the Survivor System!
We talked to the Senior Game Designer of The Walking Dead: March To War, Michael Leoncavallo, for all the latest details.
Then check out an exciting announcement at the end of this post...
Db: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
- 3/3/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Come Sunday, a.k.a. Oscars night, we'll all be tipping our hats to the year's winners. But before we do that, here's to the "losers" – the worthy ones of 2016 that, for whatever cockamamie reason, didn't even get a nomination.
In an effort to do right where the Academy effed up, I give you the Travers Awards – my own personal version of the Alt-Oscars. (For those of you playing along at home, the award is an engraved image of a critic screaming.) It's one last chance to single out the...
In an effort to do right where the Academy effed up, I give you the Travers Awards – my own personal version of the Alt-Oscars. (For those of you playing along at home, the award is an engraved image of a critic screaming.) It's one last chance to single out the...
- 2/23/2017
- Rollingstone.com
I vividly remember the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, even though I was 2,000 miles away when it happened. That was the year “Beasts of the Southern Wild” premiered to the kind of rapturous response that’s usually reserved for new popes or Marvel trailers. The reviews were ecstatic, and on Twitter critics were falling over themselves to declare the movie a milestone in the history of independent cinema. I couldn’t wait to see it.
And then I did.
That’s when I decided that I had to go to Sundance for myself, that I had to vet these films first-hand. I was fascinated by the disconnect. I had big questions. Was the air in Park City as thin as they say? Why do Sundance films always seem to get over-hyped while Cannes films always seem to get under-hyped? (I’ll never forgive the shrugged response to “Certified Copy.”)
And then, on...
And then I did.
That’s when I decided that I had to go to Sundance for myself, that I had to vet these films first-hand. I was fascinated by the disconnect. I had big questions. Was the air in Park City as thin as they say? Why do Sundance films always seem to get over-hyped while Cannes films always seem to get under-hyped? (I’ll never forgive the shrugged response to “Certified Copy.”)
And then, on...
- 1/31/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit platforms. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
Anomalisa (Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson)
Charlie Kaufman, the writer behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, teams up with animator Duke Johnson to create a complex emotional drama starring lifelike puppets. The premise is riddled with existential dread of modern-day life, presented uniquely through Kaufman’s idiosyncratic point-of-view. For protagonist and self-help author Michael Stone (voiced soulfully by David Thewlis), everyone around him has the same voice (thanks to...
Anomalisa (Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson)
Charlie Kaufman, the writer behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, teams up with animator Duke Johnson to create a complex emotional drama starring lifelike puppets. The premise is riddled with existential dread of modern-day life, presented uniquely through Kaufman’s idiosyncratic point-of-view. For protagonist and self-help author Michael Stone (voiced soulfully by David Thewlis), everyone around him has the same voice (thanks to...
- 12/23/2016
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Back in January of this year, in the middle of the viral #OscarsSoWhite fiasco and an increasingly heated national discussion on race in America, a movie premiered at Sundance that ended up becoming the cause célèbre of the festival. Telling the story of slave rebellion leader Nat Turner, writer-director-star Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation seemed poised to carry an implicit Hollywood tradition of being the lone black film considered worthy of mainstream critical acclaim and awards-worthy buzz – a semi-annual entry that validated giving minorities opportunities in the club.
- 12/22/2016
- Rollingstone.com
The 48th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced this morning and, as expected, Beyoncé ruled over the kingdom. On the film side, however, the event allowed Nate Parker‘s much-besieged “The Birth of A Nation” to return to the spotlight.
Parker’s period drama about Nat Turner earned six nominations including Best Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor (Parker), Outstanding Supporting Actress (Aja Naomi King), Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, Outstanding Writing (Parker) and Outstanding Directing (Parker).
Continue reading ‘Birth Of A Nation’ Earns 6 NAACP Image Awards Nods But It’s Really All About Beyonce at The Playlist.
Parker’s period drama about Nat Turner earned six nominations including Best Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor (Parker), Outstanding Supporting Actress (Aja Naomi King), Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, Outstanding Writing (Parker) and Outstanding Directing (Parker).
Continue reading ‘Birth Of A Nation’ Earns 6 NAACP Image Awards Nods But It’s Really All About Beyonce at The Playlist.
- 12/13/2016
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Director of slave rebellion film shrugs off controversy to become joint leader – along with the Barry Jenkins-directed Moonlight – of the awards’ film section
The controversy surrounding The Birth of a Nation director Nate Parker has not been enough to deter a strong showing in the nominations for the NAACP Image awards, which were announced on Tuesday.
Parker has been nominated for best film actor, writer and director, while Birth of a Nation, a drama about the brutally supressed 1831 slave rebelion led by Nat Turner, received nominations for best film, and best independent film. Aja Naomi King received a best supporting actress nod as Turner’s wife, Cherry.
Continue reading...
The controversy surrounding The Birth of a Nation director Nate Parker has not been enough to deter a strong showing in the nominations for the NAACP Image awards, which were announced on Tuesday.
Parker has been nominated for best film actor, writer and director, while Birth of a Nation, a drama about the brutally supressed 1831 slave rebelion led by Nat Turner, received nominations for best film, and best independent film. Aja Naomi King received a best supporting actress nod as Turner’s wife, Cherry.
Continue reading...
- 12/13/2016
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
The annual list of the best unmade screenplays suggests we’re in for another year filled with films based on real lives. Does anyone want to see the Trump and Madonna on the big screen?
There are 73 films on this year’s Black List, the annual compendium of popular unproduced screenplays. The most popular film-in-waiting there is a biopic of Madonna’s early career. There is also a Monica Lewinsky biopic, one about Donald Trump and two on Stephen King’s life. Carl Sagan turns up in one. Tonya Harding turns up in another. Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin and Boudicca all turn up. George Harrison turns up twice. Given that four former Black List entries have won the best picture Oscar over the past six years, this means we will be drowning in biopics very soon.
In fact, we already are. We always are. Even though the only biopic to...
There are 73 films on this year’s Black List, the annual compendium of popular unproduced screenplays. The most popular film-in-waiting there is a biopic of Madonna’s early career. There is also a Monica Lewinsky biopic, one about Donald Trump and two on Stephen King’s life. Carl Sagan turns up in one. Tonya Harding turns up in another. Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin and Boudicca all turn up. George Harrison turns up twice. Given that four former Black List entries have won the best picture Oscar over the past six years, this means we will be drowning in biopics very soon.
In fact, we already are. We always are. Even though the only biopic to...
- 12/13/2016
- by Stuart Heritage
- The Guardian - Film News
August 21st, 1831, in Virginia, Nat Turner led a slave rebellion, hoping to inspire a slave uprising in the south. Several dozen whites were killed before the revolt was defeated. Turner was later capture, tried and hanged. Soon after Turner’s execution,… Continue Reading →...
- 12/12/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Despite its worthy intentions, Nate Parker’s directorial debut recounting the true history of a slave rebellion falls into cliche
I’m not sure it’s possible, or ultimately even desirable, to disengage a piece of art from the circumstances of its creator. But in the case of Nate Parker’s directorial debut, the purpose of this review is solely to comment on the merits of the film and not on the discussion around rape allegations and its writer/director/star. It’s worth mentioning that the film premiered to unprecedented acclaim at Sundance at the beginning of the year; the worldwide rights were bought for $17.5m, a record figure for a deal inked at the festival. It’s also worth mentioning that Sundance is a classic echo-chamber environment, which magnifies and distorts the reaction to a film. This would certainly seem to be the case for The Birth of a Nation.
I’m not sure it’s possible, or ultimately even desirable, to disengage a piece of art from the circumstances of its creator. But in the case of Nate Parker’s directorial debut, the purpose of this review is solely to comment on the merits of the film and not on the discussion around rape allegations and its writer/director/star. It’s worth mentioning that the film premiered to unprecedented acclaim at Sundance at the beginning of the year; the worldwide rights were bought for $17.5m, a record figure for a deal inked at the festival. It’s also worth mentioning that Sundance is a classic echo-chamber environment, which magnifies and distorts the reaction to a film. This would certainly seem to be the case for The Birth of a Nation.
- 12/11/2016
- by Wendy Ide
- The Guardian - Film News
Nate Parker’s film “The Birth of a Nation,” about Nat Turner’s slave rebellion, has received plenty of attention this year. Initially it was for its rapturous reception at the Sundance Film Festival, but months later it was for the resurgence of a 1999 rape accusation leveled against Parker and his co-writer Jean McGianni Celestin. While the film was modestly received upon its theatrical release, grossing $15 million against an $8.5 million budget, Parker’s past has arguably taken center stage in the discussion of “The Birth of a Nation.” In The Hollywood Reporter’s latest director’s roundtable, director Mel Gibson said that he didn’t believe it was fair that many people supposedly didn’t see Parker’s film because of the director’s past.
Read More: IndieWire’s Movie Podcast: Screen Talk (Episode 122) – Mel Gibson May Be Unforgivable, But How Is ‘Hacksaw Ridge’?
“He was cleared of all that stuff,...
Read More: IndieWire’s Movie Podcast: Screen Talk (Episode 122) – Mel Gibson May Be Unforgivable, But How Is ‘Hacksaw Ridge’?
“He was cleared of all that stuff,...
- 12/8/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Nate Parker’s heartfelt account of Nat Turner, the slave who led a rebellion in 1830s Virginia, is conventionally paced but achieves a dark and sinuous poetry
Nate Parker’s fervent movie about the slave uprising led by Nat Turner in Virginia in 1831 pointedly gets its title from the silent black-and-white classic by Dw Griffith, who claimed hero status for the Ku Klux Klan, and whose own adored father Jacob “Roaring Jake” Griffith had been a slaveholder in Kentucky and a confederate colonel in the civil war. Parker ultimately finds his own meaning in the title by linking the boys who witnessed Turner’s eventual hanging with the generation who went on to fight for the north.
No feature film has been made before on Nat Turner; the subject is new, the style very much less so. It is pretty conventionally paced, directed and scored, almost cheesy in its emotional effects,...
Nate Parker’s fervent movie about the slave uprising led by Nat Turner in Virginia in 1831 pointedly gets its title from the silent black-and-white classic by Dw Griffith, who claimed hero status for the Ku Klux Klan, and whose own adored father Jacob “Roaring Jake” Griffith had been a slaveholder in Kentucky and a confederate colonel in the civil war. Parker ultimately finds his own meaning in the title by linking the boys who witnessed Turner’s eventual hanging with the generation who went on to fight for the north.
No feature film has been made before on Nat Turner; the subject is new, the style very much less so. It is pretty conventionally paced, directed and scored, almost cheesy in its emotional effects,...
- 12/8/2016
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
This Friday sees the release of The Birth Of A Nation, the highly anticipated movie telling the story of Nat Turner’s 1831 slave rebellion. In celebration of the release, we have ten copies of a stunning movie companion to give away! The Birth of a Nation: Nat Turner and the Making of a Movement takes […]
The post Win a copy of The Birth of a Nation: Nat Turner and The Making of a Movement book appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Win a copy of The Birth of a Nation: Nat Turner and The Making of a Movement book appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 12/5/2016
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
This account of 19th century slave rebel Nat Turner has been plagued by changing attitudes towards its creator - but does the film itself stand up to scrutiny?
Related: Nate Parker: director with a back story | Observer profile
As with its notorious, Kkk-celebrating 1915 namesake, the history of Nate Parker’s The Birth Of A Nation is almost more interesting than the movie itself. Written and directed by Parker, and starring him as the 1831 slave-rebellion leader Nat Turner, it was feted at Sundance, and subject of an intense bidding-war. A movie many felt was needed in the post-Ferguson Black Lives Matter cultural moment, it was consequently overrated by a hungry audience, reflecting the hopes and desires of the viewer more than the real qualities of the movie.
Continue reading...
Related: Nate Parker: director with a back story | Observer profile
As with its notorious, Kkk-celebrating 1915 namesake, the history of Nate Parker’s The Birth Of A Nation is almost more interesting than the movie itself. Written and directed by Parker, and starring him as the 1831 slave-rebellion leader Nat Turner, it was feted at Sundance, and subject of an intense bidding-war. A movie many felt was needed in the post-Ferguson Black Lives Matter cultural moment, it was consequently overrated by a hungry audience, reflecting the hopes and desires of the viewer more than the real qualities of the movie.
Continue reading...
- 12/5/2016
- by John Patterson
- The Guardian - Film News
We’ve been given the honour of debuting this brand new and exclusive featurette from Writer / Director Nate Parker’s movie The Birth Of A Nation which is set to hit UK cinemas 9th December. The featurette focuses specifically on the wonderful ensemble cast assembled to tell this hugely powerful story. The film tells the story true story of Nat Turner […]
The post The Birth Of A Nation exclusive featurette looks at the amazing ensemble cast appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post The Birth Of A Nation exclusive featurette looks at the amazing ensemble cast appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 11/21/2016
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
There’s a scene in Cheryl Dunye’s groundbreaking 1996 debut, “The Watermelon Woman” in which Dunye is hassled by two police officers. Playing a fictionalized version of herself, the Black lesbian endures their harassment as they mistake her for a man and call her a “crackhead.” The scene is a short one; after the cops search her, they let her go, and she doesn’t mention the encounter again. It’s a moment of head-shaking, not skull-cracking.
In a recent conversation with IndieWire, Dunye recalled a Q&a in which a young viewer marveled at how the filmmaker could have been so prescient in trumpeting “Black Lives Matter” issues. “That was an issue then!,” she said with a laugh, not dwelling on the pain underlying her statement. “I think that speaks to the power and the double-edged nature of this moment. This was happening before me, you’re just seeing...
In a recent conversation with IndieWire, Dunye recalled a Q&a in which a young viewer marveled at how the filmmaker could have been so prescient in trumpeting “Black Lives Matter” issues. “That was an issue then!,” she said with a laugh, not dwelling on the pain underlying her statement. “I think that speaks to the power and the double-edged nature of this moment. This was happening before me, you’re just seeing...
- 11/14/2016
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
There’s a scene in Cheryl Dunye’s groundbreaking 1996 debut, “The Watermelon Woman” in which Dunye is hassled by two police officers. Playing a fictionalized version of herself, the black lesbian endures their harassment as they mistake her for a man and call her a “crackhead.” The scene is a short one; after the cops search her, they let her go, and she doesn’t mention the encounter again. It’s a moment of head shaking, not skull cracking.
Read More: National Coming Out Day: 5 Online Shorts That Celebrate Queer Lives
In a recent conversation, Dunye recalled a Q&A in which a young viewer marveled at how the filmmaker could have been so prescient in trumpeting “Black Lives Matter” issues. “That was an issue then!” She laughed, not dwelling on the pain underlying her statement. “I think that speaks to the power and the double-edged nature of this moment.
Read More: National Coming Out Day: 5 Online Shorts That Celebrate Queer Lives
In a recent conversation, Dunye recalled a Q&A in which a young viewer marveled at how the filmmaker could have been so prescient in trumpeting “Black Lives Matter” issues. “That was an issue then!” She laughed, not dwelling on the pain underlying her statement. “I think that speaks to the power and the double-edged nature of this moment.
- 11/14/2016
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
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