Justin Simien’s ‘Hollywood Black’ is an amazing history of Black cinema
OPINION: In this clip from our latest episode of "Masters of the Games,[" we find out why Justin Simien is the perfect person to tell the history of Black film.
Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Justin Simien’s fantastic new docuseries about the history of Black cinema, “Hollywood Black” on MGM+, is a love letter to Black cinematic history. Simien gives us an amazing look through Black film history. He talks about the inspiring stars who broke through when America was segregated like Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge. He takes us into Blaxploitation and its aggressive Blackness and hyperrealism. He takes us through the ’80s boom that was led by Spike Lee. He walks us through the commercial and critical triumph of “Black Panther.” This is the best class on Black film history ever created.
“Hollywood Black” is a history lesson that reminds us that Black cinema has inspired us, disappointed us and uplifted us. It’s an art form that’s incredibly important because it helps create some of the ways that we see ourselves. When we are in the theater watching a Black cinematic giant, we are affirmed and empowered. When we are watching something reductive or embarrassing, we’re angry or embarrassed. Black cinema is a crucial art form — I am as moved by the genius of Denzel Washington as I am by the brilliance of LeBron James. I need the films of Blaxploitation to help me understand who we are as a people just as much as I need the unforgettable songs that sprang from their soundtracks.
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But more than that, Black films help shape who we think we are. Simien knows that cinema has the power to shape how people see themselves and others around them. That is a huge theme throughout “Hollywood Black.” Simien knows that being a filmmaker and understanding what film is doing and understanding the power of imagery is critical, especially for Black folks who see themselves portrayed onscreen less often.
Justin Simien is a brilliant filmmaker who loves to talk about film. This is a very fun and very important episode of “Masters of the Game” now streaming on theGrio.
Toure is a host and writer at TheGrio. He hosts the TheGrio TV show “Masters of the Game,” and he created the award-winning podcast “Being Black: The ’80s” and its upcoming sequel “Being Black: The ’70s.” He is also the creator of “Star Stories” and the author of eight books, including “Nothing Compares 2 U an oral history of Prince.” He also hosts a podcast called “Toure Show.” He is also a husband and a father of two.
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