Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category
Timeless Legends, Suddenly Gone
The deaths of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes last weekend kind of shook me on two fronts. The constant reminder that life is indeed fleeting and fragile made me consider how lucky I am just to have made it this far.
Then, I reflected on the careers of Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes, and thought about what their careers meant to black culture. Bernie Mac was an icon in black comedy; a careful and thoughtful blending of rage, irony, and thankfulness. He was negotiated everyday, ordinary pains and made them tangible to any audience, anywhere. He was not a political mouthpiece, nor a lightening rod for controversy. He was just a funny guy saying the things you always thought about, in a way you never thought about them.
Isaac Hayes was a musical extraordinaire, who was able to check the pulse of the culture and prescribe for it an elixir of soul and mellow funk. His songs are a veritable soundtrack to the happy feelings of the 70’s, with a hint of the blues that spawned the excitement behind being able to actually be happy. Hayes transcended generation gaps with a genuine sound, and a humorous and appealing nature that anyone at any age could appreciate.
Fortunately, we live in an age of information where they will never truly be forgotten. The copies of their movies and concerts will sell like wild-fire in the next few days, and children of today will be formally introduced to their talent and charisma.
They get to live forever, almost like they never had to leave.
Appreciating Morgan Freeman
Like Bernie Mac, Morgan Freeman is not dead. Yes, he was in a serious car accident. Yes, he is in serious condition in a Memphis hospital. But no, Morgan Freeman is not dead.
Which is why I’m taking the time to appreciate him now.
People lend so much credit to actors who have played trascending roles, and well they should. Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier usually headlines these praise sessions.
But very few times do people mention the body of work that Morgan Freeman has put together. Throughout his career, he has been a master at taking secondary roles and making them shout to the viewer through their depth, humor and introspection.
At 71, Freeman is still going strong. He currently has two movies in heavy theater rotation in “Wanted” and “The Dark Knight.” I’ve seen both, and while they aren’t in the same vein of “Glory” or “Million Dollar Baby,” they are as compelling and thorough as any of his other films.
Morgan Freeman is the best, and while this accident has more flavoring of close-call than certain tragedy, there’s no better time to throw flowers at somebody’s talent and influence then while they are getting better.
New Tuskegee Airmen Movie Flies Over Historical Impact?
With revelations on the new Tuskegee Airmen movie scheduled to begin shooting late this year on in early 2009, some of the famed pilots from the era are voicing concerns on the presentation of domestic discrimination.
Col. Herbert Carter, who also was with the airmen in the ’40s, said the racism the men encountered should definitely be mentioned but not dwelled upon in the Lucas film.
“So many want the movies to focus in that sense and that’s bitter history that has been
thoroughly emphasized and publicized,” the 88-year-old said in an interview.
It’s honorable that the story will be told, but without the proper perspective on the hardships faced at home and within the ranks, the impact of their service stands to be diminished. It’s one thing to be regarded as the best, but its another to be regarded as the bet to rise from the worst circumstances.