British actor Idris Elba did not hesitate to speak his mind about the Oscars and Tyler Perry films. In a recent Q&A discussion/lecture at Rutgers University, the 38 year-old actor shared his thoughts on the Oscars in relation to African-Americans, as well as his honest opinion of Tyler Perry films (even though he has worked with the Madea screenwriter):
His thoughts on Tyler Perry’s films:
“Can I be candid? I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry … by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”On the Golden Globes and this year’s Oscar:
“Halle Berry and I were the only two black actors nominated for this year’s Golden Globes (Idris for Luther and Halle for Frankie & Alice). The Oscars aren’t designed for us…let’s focus on making more films.” [Source]
ANTHONY MACKIE’S THOUGHTS ON BLACK HOLLYWOOD
In a recent interview with The Grio to promote his upcoming film,The Adjustment Bureau (in theaters March 4), Anthony Mackie said blacks in Hollywood are “being kinda lazy on our game”: “There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to tell the stories that we want to tell and portray ourselves the way we want to be portrayed.”
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THEIR COMMENTS?
Anthony had some valid points. However, it’s not exactly the fact that us as African Americans have been lazy last year in film, it’s that the majority of black blockbusters that were released last year were action and comedy films. Those are typically the roles that are handed to us the most in cinema, and there is great money in that. But the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences tend to glance over projects like that, so that is pretty much the main reason why we were absent from the ballots this year. For Colored Girls was pretty much our only shot of getting something this award season, but because they saw Tyler Perry headlining the flick, they turned their nose as it. I do agree that it wasn’t a perfect film, but it did have standout performances from a few of the large cast. Maybe our race could decide to do different types of films beyond those of comedy and action, we don’t need to be pigeon-holed into what Hollywood thinks we should be. And on the other hand, I’ve been saying for a while that The Academy needs to broaden their horizons with their usual choices of favorites. It shouldn’t only be historic/white love story/drama winning all these awards. Action, comedy, suspense, and horror even is still just as much acting as anything else.
As far as Idris’ comments go, I kinda feel what he is saying. Tyler Perry’s comedy flicks do break bank on opening day, but this issue kinda relates back to what I already mentioned.
“I’ve been saying for a while that The Academy needs to broaden their horizons with their usual choices of favorites. It shouldn’t only be historic/white love story/drama winning all these awards. Action, comedy, suspense, and horror even is still just as much acting as anything else.”
^ I was saying the same thing.
I support Inter/racial relationships! I believe love has no color!
___________blackwhitedate.c-/0m ____________
This club is for those of us that don’t discriminate! This is to all my people who don’t care about somebody’s ethnic background, just how they are on the inside.
If you want to find a sincere Inter/racial relationship. If you are serious. Come and join us!
You have such a valid point. To that I just want to add: blacks have always complained about what people are not giving us. They don’t give out black roles, there’s no movies for black hollywood, blah blah blah. Spike Lee made black movies…everybody had something to say. All hail to Tyler Perry, who took these same actors and actresses who could not find work, gave it to them and we as black people STILL complain about what he’s doing. Who else out here is giving opportunity to blacks? I’ll wait. Exactly. And further more why are we waiting for them to give it to us? Why are we not starting our own networks (my bad Oprah did that) our own movie studios (my bad Tyler Perry did that) It seems no matter what our hero’s do, they’ll always be shunned for it. Tyler Perry is giving black people a voice and I commend him for doing what so many sit and complain about. Thanks Mr. Perry
I’m have seen most of Tyler Perry’s films and I’m proud of the brother. I’ve never really watched his television show and after seeing the trailer for the new Madea movie, I’ll probably pass. However, we need to stop tearing that brother down; especially those in the film industry. We’re quick to call Tyler Perry a “coon”, but as Dave Chapelle said.. almost all black comedians have dressed up as a woman (not saying that’s a good thing), but if we’re going to call TP a “coon” what about Martin Lawrence (Sha Ne Ne, Big Mamma), Jamie Foxx (Lawanda), Eddie Murphey (Nutty Professor), etc. Tyler Perry has built an empire and owns a film studio. The last two black films that had everyone talking in our community had his name tied to them (Precious, For Colored Girls). Actors and Directers (*cough* Spike Lee), need to just speak to that brother directly if they have a problem and WORK TOGETHER!
What is needed is balance and education. We need to start supporting our films so that studio’s will put up the money for distribution. I’ve heard that Spike Lee has been trying for years to get a film about Jackie Robinson and another about the LA Riots produced but he can’t get backing for them. Halle Berry said in Jet that it took her years just to get her most recent film out (which I’m sure most of us haven’t seen). I’ve heard Don Cheadle is working on a Miles Davis film. Other films like “The Night Catches Us” and “Mooz-lim” get not support either.
I kept hearing people complaining about these award shows not nominating any us, but honestly I can’t think of any films last year that deserved to be nominated! Especially against the quality of films that were produced. Again we need balance! There are plenty of crappy white films release each year, but there is a larger pool films to choose from… whereas we only have like 3 or 4. We need to putting emphasis on reading and writing in our community so our children can write quality screenplays. Also we need to realize that the black community is not a monolith. We’re not all the same!
I’ve already said too much, but this is something I’m passionate about and I’m tired of all of the hypocritical discourse in our community. I’m not even going to start on television. With all the reality TV and poor excuse for TV Drama’s like The Game (yeah I said it).
I digress.
- BP (The Truth Renaissance)
Well typed. I agree!
We need to support each other, but I don’t agree with spending money on something just because it’s funded with “black money”. That only tells Hollywood to stick to the same program because it’s proven successful. We need to start putting our dollars down on films that try to achieve something bigger and without perpetuating any stereotype to do it.
I agree with you. I felt so bad for Tyler when Spike slammed him like that in the press, not to his face, but the white mans press. Tyler has accomplished so much and he brings his black people along with him, and so what now we are just all going to trash him & abandon him. No Loyalty, I tell you & No Unity. This man keeps Black actors working CONSISTENTLY and yet some still cant give him the respect he deserves. And you are right, he is not the only actor to ever dress up as a women so what the hell is the big whoop about that. I tell you, I know the whites are loving it right now cracking the heck up like, ” Look at these stupid !!!!!!! fighting & destroying their own, we dont have to do it cause they will “, and WE always have. Crabs in a barrel… Tyler doesnt deserve this…
BE, yeah I kind of agree The Game is kind of Crappy.
I agree with Mr. Mackie, we need to stop talking about it and put the money where our mouths are. Like he said, there is plenty of Black money. We just need to fun good Black film and think outside of the box. Everything doesn’t need to be about race. Why not do Science Fiction or Horror starring African Americans? There are plenty of crappy White films that come out year after year, but they also have some quality films. We, as a community need to support better Black films and tv learn more about the arts.
Preach Anthony Mackie, Preach Brotha!
Let’s stop blaming mainstream Hollywood for not including Black people. If we put out more than 1 or 2 decent films a year, we will have the chance to get nominated for the big awards like the Oscar. However, it is a shame that not ONE of the actresses from the cast of “For Colored Girls” was nominated. Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Phylicia Rashad, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose… they all did their thing in that film. What a shame their performances were overlooked. But, we continue to press on. Onward and upward…
Regarding Idris calling the Madea and Big Momma characters “buffoonish” – he’s right. But, I just hate that he said it publicly. Especially since Tyler Perry gave him a leading man role in a film before anybody else did. Give Tyler Perry the respect to call him personally to tell him what you think instead of telling it to the world.
I respect Idris for giving his honest opinion. Still, I doubt Tyler Perry does. It must be put in context, without Madea, You do not have Tyler Perry or Daddies Little Girls. Madea is the reason that many people support Tyler Perry.
Idris is just mad becuase Tyler just beat him out on a roll for a new movie thats not produced by Tyler. I can’t remember the details totally but its suppose to be a huge roll and the word was Idris would be playing the part but when Tyler auditioned they decided to give it to him. Trust. daddy’s little girls pretty much made Idris, and a lot of people can actually relate to Madea and Big momma, I have a madea on my moms side and a big momma from my dads side, and yes I am from the south, but we are far from “coonish” (I think that is one horrible word to describe black people”
Thats right, they should say it to him like a man, not to the world or the press ( our enemy ). Its like when will they learn. Hes built an empire without the help of Hollywood or their money and so therefore all of his work and accomplishments never gets acknowledged or celebrated by them because they refuse to respect the fact that this black man came along and broke the bank like he did all on his own and many times beats their movies out for the number one spot at the boxoffices when they premiere. His movies are made for us and by us and you mean to tell me that now is the time to turn around and go ” Hey Tyler screw you youre a coon “? Really??? Its a damn shame & I am truly embarassed once again by my own. We chant do the right thing and no justice no peace, but then in the same breath we run to the white media & press and kiki with them like they have our best interest in mind. Riiiiiiight.
Tellin it like it is *shrug*
I do agree with many of the points listed above. I also think we need to stop waiting for the ‘Academy’ to recognize our work and award ourselves. Just tired of waiting for Oscar to celebrate our great work and would rather see it celebrated by us. It almost feels like begging to be a part of the ‘in’ crowd when we have our own money, talent and support. Don’t need it.
I have never heard it termed that way but you are correct. I guess we will always be that way. If it aint white, it aint right.
Idris…get the stick out your butt. every movie doesnt have to have meaning to it. Thats why there are different genres of them. As far as the Oscars…..alot of those people on there arent that great so thats why I dont watch. Not saying I can do better but I will say I can recognize top talent when I see it.
TBH I Don’t Like Any Of The Madea Films Either *Kanye Shrug*
True. And true.
They’re both absolutely right. We need to stop looking to the Academy to recognize us, and not put so much power in their hands because it’s already proved its bias over the years.
The Madea Franchise is embarrassing and anyone who doesn’t support the Game but so much as chuckles at a Tyler Perry sitcom is a fool.
So black women calling each other bitch every couple of lines and hoe is truly creative and ingenious? Then if you truly feel that way then that shows where you are as a women & creativly as a human being.
I’m so tired of these actors & directors speaking bad about Tyler Perry in the media. Everyone always talks about Madea being buffonery, but all of Tyler’s movies has a message behind it he just uses her as the comedy. Give the brother his dues & yes I love Idris, but you wasn’t in a leading role before Daddy’s Little Girls & you haven’t been in 1 since.Its a shame everyone has all this mouth to bad mouth the man but I don’t see any of them using all of this mouth to get more films out that cater to African Americans. At least he’s trying to branch out with films like For Colored Girls, his plays were such a success for him why not turn them into movies. These white comedies may not have a man dressed as a woman, but they display more buffonery than I don’t know what is. Too much talking crap about the next man & not enough doing anything about the fact that our movies aren’t getting made or seen.At least Tyler is making his films, giving our actors & actresses the chance that the whites aren’t.
I don’t see why a serious black film can’t be put out. Why can’t there be black horror, comedy, and romance movies? Everything that comes to mind that starred black actors was a joke.
I agree with them..they know what’s going on more than we do, they are out there among the stars and see what’s happening. The Oscars are not for us I knew that when J Hudson got on for what? singing a song, HELL give her the highest music award if they like the song No way she deserved an Oscar not before Cecily Tyson, Angela Bassett, hell Queen Latifah….WHAT A SLAP IN THE FACE TO THEM…We need our own Black Oscars if we are ever going to be rewarded for our work. It’s no excuse the big money is out there and blacks do have it. If oprah and Tyler really want to do something have a Black Oscar Award show. hell they do everything else so they think…
Riiiight, I thought I was the only one NOT feeling the J. Hud win. Hell, or the Mo’Nique win.
I LOVE IDRIS HE IS A VERY TALENTED ACTOR, BUT SOMETIMES WE NEED A LAUGH AND AT LEAST IN THE TIME WE LIVE IN COULD BE DEPRESSING AND STRESSING YOU HAVE A TALENTED DIRECTOR AND ACTOR IN TYLER PERRY, AND HE GIVES BLACK ACTORS RIGHT NOW A PLATFORM TO BE SEEN, THAT I DO LOVE ABOUT HIM FOR THAT. BUT AT LEAST SHOW HIM RESPECT FOR THAT.
Says the man who played a bank robber in Takers. People could have said why would he take on that role knowing what society thinks of the black community. Not for nothing I don’t see him doing a wide range of roles. We def need each other’s support. Tyler Perry playing a woman is no more bafoonish than our black men having to play criminals or drug addicts. At least Tyler Perry writes his own scripts and doesn’t play a role made specifically for a black man just because it’s that typle of character. Everyone should live and let live and if you really care about what is going on, simply reach out like a man and talk so that collectively come up w/ways to improve upon things. Otherwise keep it on mute oh and def. don’t take a check from the man and then try to justify it w/that BS excuse.
Hollywood takes itself waaaay too seriously. You are JUST doing movies.
so true it ridiculous. Why do they even care about these facade awards.
ASK THIS WOMAN WHY?????Hattie McDaniel (June 10, 1895 – October 25, 1952) was an American actress and the first African-American to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role of Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939).
@Diamond…thanks! Again, knowledge is power
*googles to learn more*
Finally a black who doesn’t have to queer it up or shuck ‘n jive to get work in Hell-ywood….
Ok I was just having this conversation with my mother last night after the Oscars went off… I think Tyler Perry is great for stepping out there with his writing and producing talents but… I feel most of his movies are about scorned women, broken families, roudy/country family members, male bashing, drama etc, etc. I can say I don’t relate to some of his movies/characters, everyone don’t come from abusive, scorned back grounds… His target audience is angry black women or folk with serious issues! I liked his work in the begining but there became a pattern with his scorned women male bashing movies… Its like beating a dead horse, ok Tyler we get the picture lets move on to something else. I’m to the point whereas I’m not that interested in watching any of his movies anymore because I can’t relate to the issues in his movies. It is also negative towards the black community… I’m sure we all don’t live our every day lives as he portrays us in his movies. Just like Spike said its Coonery and Boofoonery! No one in Hollywood will ever take him seriously until he changes his course… I know I’m tired of seeing Madea, give it a rest.
On the Oscars… It seems to me that in order for a black to be nominated for an Oscar he/she would have to have a drama filled character, degraded, embarrassed, a dirty cop, angry black woman, etc. Why? There is never a situation where someone who is black ever nominated for a positive role in Hollywood… Its very upsetting not seeing one of us on the stage… I just don’t understand and its very upsetting…
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I totally agree. TP has done a lot and I commend him for that. He has given many black actors/actresses roles in his movies and that’s good in and of itself BUT his movies all tend to have the same theme. I understand that he’s following his winning formula but let’s move forward. Also, just a side note, but has anyone ever noticed that in ALL his films, TP always plays the good, loving, intelligent, “do the right thing” spouse? lol! Is he advertising?
Anyhoo, we can do better and don’t have to play negative characters to win an O. I agree with others who have said that black film makers should explore other film genres so white folks don’t think we’re only good for one kind of movie.
I totally agree with Mackie’s comments. Why is Black Hollywood stuck in this hole making very average movies? The Oscars and most other award shows are about excellence. Do we really expect any of Tyler Perry’s super average movies to win an award for anything where excellence is involved? Let’s be real. The last 2 exceptional black movies were “Miracle At St. Anna” and “Precious”. If one wants to be rewarded for excellence, one must put out an excellent product first. That’s where it all begins.
Miracle at St. Anna was an excellent movie…..
I forgot to watch the Anthony Mackie video! I think he’s right and wrong! I understand what he means about black money, but what about just MONEY? Would you say or agree with the old saying “blacks don’t like to help each other” “you should have a white man in your corner”? Although my film “Not Afraid to Die” has been strongly influenced by Pam Grier’s films, (Coffy & Foxy Brown) as well fairytale stories. I feel that it’s an original concept that no one has ever seen before. And this is something I believe you all would love to see! But, my other films are sci-fi. My idea is to create strong roles for African-American women because I strongly feel there aren’t enough of them out there. Men as well! As I said in my earlier post I’m trying to create something different starting with “Not Afraid to Die” (whom I would like Rutina Wesley from True Blood to play) that would give us an action female lead because there hasn’t been one since Pam Grier! Please join me as I fight to get this movie made. I greatly appreciate it! Here are the links!
He’s on point!
I respect Idris’s honesty and I agree…
I wish Anthony didn’t use the word ‘lazy’ but I get the point he was trying to make. I agree with Idris that there are better ways to tell a funny story. I sincerely hope that those people who can make a difference are listening.
Mr. Mackie has a point Black Hollywood has enough money to get together and create are own. Stop waiting on White America. The Oscars is white. There is no changing that. They will only and always let just a few of us in.. That is why we have The NAACP Awards to honor are own.
Tyler has created his own empire with the first black owned movie studio & employing the majority of black actors on a consistent basis. We do need to laugh in our community. The recession is hard and we need a release like Madea. Tyler can’t win for losing. He creates movies like “The Family that Preys”, Daddy’s Little Girl”. “For Colored Girls” & he still gets criticized for Madea all the time. Madea is still paying his bills & people are still flocking to see the character.
Idris has a point but don’t bite the hand that feeds U. Don’t down your fellow black brotha that U worked for & throw him under the bus after u collected your paycheck from him..
Thats right, and too the Media at that…
Imma need him to do better. There was no point in him stating that. What bothers me is that as a black man in hollywood, he cant give another his props without bashing him. I would like for him to tell me how “positive” that is…that as a race we cant stand together and be proud of another fellow blk man’s accomplishments. And as for the negative view of black people or black men…maybe that should be an eye opener for our race to stand up and do better. But you never know anything without awareness being brought to it. Its the sad truth and black people as a whole need to see it…no matter how painful it is to view.
Awards shows are funny…I believe the Oscars takes itself a bit too seriously…To the point if you are not a Dramatic themed Picture then you probably won’t be considered for Certain types of awards.Its not very fair…just because its not a Drama doesn’t mean it can’t be considered a masterpiece…But from what i seen in regards to the Academy awards its either follow the blueprint or no Trophy for you.
I can see where Idris is going…i only half agree….i think Tyler Perry movies are stereotypical…and repetitive…and i think everyone can see that. So i can understand how someone can say that it isn’t a great example of black cinema…but going around turning the word “Coon” into a cliche is just as ridiculous…not every movie has to have a serious plot…and just because you dress up in a wig and dress doesn’t make you a “coon”…For the most part…outside of Madea i really don’t see anything that relates to any kind of “coonery”…i’ve seen some stereotypical and repetitive scenes…But overall i haven’t seen an entire movie made by Perry where i can say it was a all out mockery of black people.
And Big Momma had a theme and backstory…There was a reason for that character…it wasn’t just a wild and crazy “lady”…Martin’s character of Big Momma was no worse than Robin Williams in Ms. Doubtfire…Big Momma was a fictional character made within the movie by another character. That isn’t the same as Madea.
Not sure what the fuss is about these award shows…we all know they are fixed for the most part anyway. I do agree with his logic on Economics in the black community though…
Here’s my point….blacks need to stop doing stereotypical roles, period! I am tired of the ghetto, hoodrat, drug dealer and murderer movies, the comical movies about loud, ghetto, classless blacks, and the hardships of black people! Why is it that top box office movies such as “Twilight,” “Paranormal Activity,” “Spider Man,” “Batman,” and “High School Musical” had nothing but whites as the lead roles? I know that many casting directors pick whites for the leads because they appeal to the “mainstream” crowd and that’s sad. Blacks need to do better and be more versatile. I do not relate to any of the ghetto or hardship black films. It’s funny because even though we have blacks who star or costar in mainstream films such as Will Smith, Zoe Saldana, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, and Samuel L Jackson, they still have all white co-stars! The only movie that had nothing but ethnic people in it that was mainstream that I can think of is “The Karate Kid.” It had mostly blacks and Asians starring in it.
I like films like “Big Mama’s House” and “Madea” but films like “Precious,” “Baby Boy” and “The Cookout” are just too damn stereotypical and pathetic.
Well said!
……..Paranormal Activity, Spiderman, Batman, and HSM….?
then Precious, Baby Boy, and The Cookout.
You are not checking for substance! LOL!
Now The Cookout was a mess.. but I’m sure Precious and Baby Boy held truths to somebody, maybe not juust you.
I’m so sick of black folks always saying that there needs to be more films that depict us in different roles than comedy and action. However, when great films come out about us in the arts, The Soloist, or media, Talk to me starring Don Cheadle and Taraji Henson, those movies go unoticed and have low box office sales because that’s not what the majority of us want to see. Those two movies were great movies and apart of our history and shows that we can do more than dress up and make people laugh, which is not necessarily a bad thing.those are the things that some of the comedians did to get them in the door, and then they were able to change the game. As much as I love Edris Elba’s acting he knows nothing about the struggles and difficulties of being accepted in film or being accepted period in THIS country as an African-American. There is some validity to both Anthony and Edris’ statements, we are hypocrites.
By the way Toy Story is an animated comedy last time I checked, but somehow those Disney-Pixar movies always get a few nominations.
Idris has a point about Tyler’s films but Tyler’s films weren’t ment to and will not please everyone so he’s welcome to his opinion however the stats on his films show differently
Break it down for ‘em Mr. Mackie!!
I agree with Idris , when he descibes Tyler Perry`s character Madea, as buffoonish, a buffoon is a stupid person and these characters like Medea, feed right into the ugly stereotypes that white people have created about blacks, such as , for example, that blacks are unintelligent buffoons and stupid, also , I agree with Anthony, that we need films that elevate,uplift,inspire and encourage black people,there is nothing inspiring or uplifting about a buffoon.
You are telling it!
Gotta Disagree…like you said a buffoon is a stupid person…I think a better word to describe Madea would be “Crazy”…which is far from stupid…however being crazy can lead to stupid decisions…
We need to support each other, but I don’t agree with spending money on something just because it’s funded with “black money”. That only tells Hollywood to stick to the same program because it’s proven successful. We need to start putting our dollars down on films that try to achieve something bigger and without perpetuating any stereotype to do it.
I find it so FUNNY how majority of these comments say oh Tyler Perry only makes films about sad lonely females n women being abused n broken families n WHITE HOLLYWOOD only makes our community Hoodrats or drug dealers but yet n still n our community those r da only movies dat all of u r going 2 c. For example, for colored girls n precious all of us (BLACK PPL) were eager 2 go c dat movie. But let a positive movie cum out dere is none of u 2 b found yet n still u want Hollywood (WHITE HOLLYWOOD) AT DAT 2 TAKE US SERIOUS WEN AT DA END OF THE DAY WE DONT EVENN TAKE US SERIOUS…..C’mon Now
I totally agree with you. Its about a attitude and mentality. Changing the black mentality.
For colored girls only was a remake and he should have left it alone. Precious was written by someone else not TP, it’s funny how the credit goes to him and not the young man that wrote it……I guess that’s what this is about……lol
Diamond you are so right. People want to act like he wrote both of them. He just made them into a movie. Of course he did a great job but he did not WRITE them.
Amen!!! Idris Elba he took the words out of mouth.
all you guys are coons
I really feel that the Oscars are designed for us (BLACKS) but there isn’t anyone out there that is willing to take a risk to act, produce, etc other than Tyler Perry. I really feel if he change his direction on how he portrays the black community, the end result will be positive. My co-worker said today, whites can not identify with what is going on in the black community. I disagree, they CAN identify with us its just they refuse to identify with us! We are willing to compomise to watch their crazy movies, so why can’t they adjust to watching ours?! There was not one black that was nominated for an Oscar last night… Soooooooo disappointing! As much as I disagree with Tyler Perry movies and I have not seen For Colored Girls but I heard about it and you mean to tell me there was not one, not one black actress out of the whole movie that was not nominated. On top of that For Colored Girls had some heavy weight actresses that has been in the game for years, longer than some of thoes white actressed/actors that was nominated or won an Oscar! I’m really dissapointed…
I agree and disagree with what Idris said but I totally agree with what Anthony Mackie said.
FYI: Idris was waaaay popular before the TP put him in the role of Daddy’s Little Girls. HELLO, The Wire?!
Any way Idris makes since for the simple fact that Tyler has all this money (he is the number 2 richest in Hollywood behind Michael Bay) TP should be doing more for black directors out there that are struggling. But most of all the Black writers. I know we as black ppl are very creative and we can do better in portraying ourselves on film. Because if that’s all that white ppl see, then what makes you think they won’t view us a being ignorant coons. I disagree because with Idris on the other hand because TP has done what white directors haven’t done for a long time. Which is take a lot of virtually unknown actors/actress, put the on the big screen, and made them household names. There have been plenty of times that I’ve been to a TP movie and there were all kinds of races watching his films. But that goes back to other ppl viewing us in negative ways.
Anthony spoke the truth. Point blank period. We as black folks have got to stop being so lazy. Especially the ones in Hollywood. We can do it if we try. If they won’t help us, we need to help our damn selves. Because we won’t get anywhere with all this hatred within the Hollywood industry if we’re fighting with each other. It’s def. not a good look when there are so few of us.
i so agree with both of them!
I agree with Idris on Tyler Perry’s films. I congragulate Tyler on his success. However that wealth was accumulated by exploiting the ignorances in our culture. His films do not push the envelope and aren’t enlightening on a philosohical level. It’s always the same 2 dimentional, shallow, buffoonish characters that Idris stated. So yes, Tyler is creating black success in hollywood but at what cost ?.. Dumbing our culture down by validating delutions that we already believe. We need films that challenge our world view and bring us out of the darkness of seeing everyone else as the enemy who doesn’t subscribe to the same thinking. And I also agree with Mackie. Black hollywood has become very powerful, so the old arguments are now void. If you want more black films then make them. If you want films that portray us in a way that represents us well then make them.
I agree and disagree with what Idris Elba had to say about Tyler Perry films. Madea is a character that a lot of people from the Black community can relate to and since moving back down South, a lot of people I talk to relate all the way with their own Madea stories within their own families. lol I do feel that with TP, he isn’t necessarily exploiting black people or our culture, but he’s telling it like it is and showcasing a lot that has plagued us as a people such as substance abuse, rape, mental illness, single parent households where there is no father present, death, spirituality, God, illness, etc. The man can go extremely deep and that’s why I will always respect him…for where he came from and where he is now. Movies like Big Momma’s House and Norbert are full of b.s. to me. I can’t stand either of those movies and I refuse to watch them. The fact of the matter is Hollywood in general is still a good ole’ boy kinda place. Yes, blacks are making waves but it isn’t an overwhelming sea of black people acting collectively unless it’s in movies that we are making ourselves. I applaud black directors who cast black people in their movies and discuss a whole range of topics. No we don’t just have to show black people in lower income housing or standing in welfare lines or being pimps or hookers or being locked up. We can and have made intelligent movies showcasing the many facets of not just being black but the natural human experience.
The Oscars is Hollywood’s party and they can do what they want. It would be nice if they recognized Black films, but so what if they don’t?
I don’t have anything against Tyler. His movies aren’t a problem, it’s just that when it comes to films that feature black actors or black themes we don’t get the variety that balances the other stuff out. How many of you have ever really noticed how many different types of comedy there are? Romantic comedies, farce, sophisticated and low brow comedy, then look at the type of comedies that are tailored to the black audience, or the type of comic characters that we portray in mainstream movies, then look at all the types of comedy that other groups have. Even in a genre we only get to flex our talent in a very limited niche. This is what people are mostly complaining about, not Tyler Perry, but the lack of variety we have.
I think in this respect Mr. Elba is right on target. Why black writers feel they only stand a chance if they do the same ol crap is just lazy writing. And shame on actors who have the clout to ask for writers to write better scripts and don’t do it.
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