Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, and Meagan Good, Can they become the next black female superstars?
I don’t go to the movies that much these days and why should I? I am serious. There is absolutely nothing at the theatres these days that interests me. Am I supposed to get excited about “Superbad”? Its like give me a break! The last good movie I saw was The Notorious Betty Page.
I have written a play and I have sent the play out to various theatre companies. I have also gotten rejected but I am determined to make things happen for myself. I doubt very much my play will be produced in Canada I just don’t think it will happen here. I am determined to make things happen for myself. I want to start small and try to get a play produced first. I figure I’m starting with theatre. I love theatre. I remember when I was a kid in the late 1980s and early the early 1990s I was in a few school plays. The hunger is back and I want to create new art. I am tired of writing articles and sitting on the sidelines. Its time to explore the artistic world and get involved. I might even consider going to film school because I am tired of all the garbage films about the black experience that Hollywood puts out.
Now the argument is Hollywood will only release films that make money and due to the “research” black comedies tend to be more successful at the box office. However, is that all there is? I mean how many times do I have to see a black man in a dress? People praise Eddie Murphy, Tyler Perry, and Martin Lawrence but I just feel like screaming at the top of my lungs when I see their ludicrous drag queen movies. I feel like those movies emasculate black men. Yet if you go to www.boxofficemojo.com go look at the box office for these kinds of movies and you will see why Hollywood keeps on releasing this kind of crap.
And once in a while Hollywood will release a black drama at the end of the year such as “Ray” or “Last King of Scotland.” And what about black Canadian films? When was the last time I saw a good black Canadian movie? I think it was a decade ago when I saw “Rude”.
However, notice my dear readers that the black dramatic films are always about black heterosexual men and not about black heterosexual women, black gay men, and black lesbians. Next, people say to me well what about “Brokeback Mountain.” Well so what? “Brokeback Mountain” has nothing to do with the black gay man’s experience that’s for sure. And I didn’t think “Brokeback Mountain” was that good a film either. I am so sick of not having anything good to watch at either the art house theatres or the mainstream movie complex.
Why does everything that is related to the black experience centers around black heterosexual men? It appears to me we still live in a heterosexist male dominated world. The quality of scripts for black women and other women of colour are seriously lacking as well and nobody seems to care. What about the rest of us? Do our lives matter? Film and theatre is important because I want to see more textured representations of black people in art. Whenever there is something about gay people that is either a hit movie or play its always about white gay men. Now what does that got to do with me? I ask again is that all there is?
The mainstream media has focused on Queen Latifah and Halle Berry for the past five years both women have released once crap movie after the another.Latfiah had once decent film this year called “Life Support” but it was a TV film on HBO. Latifah unfortunately is the new black mammy of Hollywood. I mean look at new musical “Hairspray” and see for yourself. Halle Berry is the opposite of Latifah she is stereotyped as the black jezebel. Berry can’t seem to keep her clothes on she’s always semi nude in so many movies she’s released in the past five years. Hopefully for Halle her new movie “Things We Lost In a Fire” will return her to the glory she deserves.
It is times like this when I wonder why the Hollywood quota system is so racially stratified? Hollywood continues to ignore a second group of young talented black actresses that are poised for a major breakthrough. Black people we want to see good quality films. The black media to its credit has profiled Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, and Meagan Good. Lathan, Union, Washington, and Good have got the looks but also the talent as well. However, the kinds of roles these talented black women have received is nothing to get excited about. I mean has anyone seen “Waist Deep”?
Sanaa Lathan is well respected in the black community for her work and talent. Sanaa is a beautiful woman that unfortunately hasn’t gotten the right roles to match her incredible talent. Lathan tends to headline her own films such as “Brown Sugar”, “Something New”, and “Love and Basketball”. However, Sanaa’s movies also tend to be created specifically for a black or urban demographic. Lathan has attempted to diversify her roles with high profile movies such as “Out of Time” and “AVP.” Lathan was also on the FX show drama “Nip/Tuck” last season. Lathan should be a bigger star but Hollywood has already filled its black woman quota. Right now Queen Latfiah and Halle Berry get the best scripts and then after them every other woman of colour gets a chance.
Gabrielle Union is best known in the USA mostly for her role in the teen comedy “Bring It On” and the film “Bad Boys II”. Gabrielle has done a lot of black romantic comedies and she usually was the eye candy. Gabrielle Union is very beautiful and also very talented. Some people say Gabrielle has been typecasted as the “strong black woman” too often. Gabrielle has tried to find roles where her character is more vulnerable and I commend her for that. I love Gaby’s voice! It was nice to see Gabrielle expand her talents when she was cast in the the wonderful science fiction show called “Night Stalker” I loved that show but ABC cancelled it two years ago after just six episodes. Night Stalker is available on DVD there are ten episodes on the DVD and you will see why ABC should of saved that show.
After “Night Stalker” ended Gabrielle was in the controversial indie film “Neo Ned.” Neo Ned is a film starring Jeremy Renner and Gabrielle. Gabrielle’s character Rachel is a woman that has been sexually abused and she believes the soul of Hitler is inside her body. Rachel and Ned meet up at a mental institution and he’s a white male supremacist. Go to www.neoned.com and see for yourself. Neo Ned I believe could be Gabrielle’s breakthrough performance. The critics have been raving about Neo Ned for the past two years yet the movie hasn’t been able to acquire distribution. I think its because the subject matter is so controversial.
Gabrielle was also in an indie film this year called “Constellation” and even the black media ignored “Constellation”. I don’t understand our community? We complain about the lack of quality roles for black women in Hollywood and when decent films come along we don’t support them?
Gabrielle was also in the Tyler Perry movie “Daddy’s Little Girls” now I am the first to admit that Tyler Perry is not that great a movie director his movies tend to be comedies. And sometimes I wonder is that all Hollywood thinks black people are just for a good laugh? “Daddy’s Little Girls” was more of a romantic drama and it was different then Tyler Perry’s other films because the drag queen character Madea was not in the film. “Daddy’s Little Girls” grossed $31 million at the box office it was nice to see Gabrielle be the star of a film but I just feel like her incredible talent can be better served elsewhere. We like to complain about the gate keepers in Hollywood not greenlighting scripts for black actors but maybe more of us need to get involved and do less complaining?
Yes I am gay but I am not blind. I remember watching Rogers television last year a press conference for the film “The Last King of Scotland” and I couldn’t take my eyes off of Kerry Washington. Kerry is gorgeous!!! Everybody talks about how pretty Halle berry is but Kerry Washington is very attractive and a very serious actress. I read an article in Essence Magazine with Kerry and she is starring in a movie right now called “Lakeview Terrance” co starring with Samuel L Jackson I hope it works out for her. Kerry Washington appears to be the one that might be able to become a big star. Washington has endorsements for L’Oreal Cosmetics and I have seen print ads and TV ads for her.
Meagan Good is the youngest out of this group she is only twenty six so she’s got a bit more time on her side. Meagan is best known for being the eye candy in hip hop films such as “Stomp The Yard.” However, does anyone remember “Eve’s Bayou”? Eve’s Bayou was released over a decade ago it was an amazing African American drama and Meagan had a very important role in that movie. I still think its Meagan’s best work. Meagan was also in a film called “Brick” last year but her part was small.
Meagan is currently starring in a film called “The Love Guru” its a comedy and it is being filmed right here in Toronto! I wish Meagan well and I hope it works for her. After “The Love Guru” Meagan will be starring in a controversial film called “Sundays in Fort Greene” Meagan will be playing a lesbian in this movie. Its nice to see Meagan try to expand her craft as an actress and try new roles.
When are we going to see some serious dramas about black women that are female centered? And no I am not talking about “Dreamgirls.” “Dreamgirls” in my mind was nothing special it certainly wasn’t a serious drama it was a musical. Oprah can’t save the world you know. Black men have always had it easier then black women and other women of colour in Hollywood. Why isn’t Parminder Nagra a bigger star? Yes Parminder is on ER but I mean I think she can do a lot more then that. What is Lucy Liu up to these days?
I just wish the day will arrive when more then just two black women at a time can be big stars and get high profile roles. In the 1980s to mid 1990s it was Whoopi Goldberg and Angela Bassett and now its Halle Berry and Queen Latifah. People also need to discern that stars are created by the Hollywood dream factory there is a network of TV shows such as Entertainment Tonight, magazines, radio, internet, even the tabloids have a role in creating a star. However, for women of colour in Hollywood its just harder. And I commend all these ladies for actually trying to make it in this crazy world called Hollywood. People also have to remember movies aren’t just entertainment. Movies are very important in popular culture because messages are sent through the films.
A lot of people have been complaining forever that there are only a few solid movies with an all black cast per year? People need to pay attention and demand more. Perhaps even get involved? I’ve written a play that I hope will be produced one day because I am tired of all the crap that is being released from the vault in Hollywood. There is so much more to the black experience that needs to be explored.
Gayblackcanada 
Thanks for this post.
Black men are the new “Honorary White”, not just in Hollyweird, but, in all phases of life.
And that there are black men who strive to curry favor with Massa does not surprise me. Black men like russell simmons, snoopy dog, etc., who got rich off the backs of black women are prime examples of black men who have sold their souls in the rush to become rich. That black men are capable of destroying black women in the eyes of the world shows that they are no different than men of all races: ALL men in the end band against women to please each other, even if those women are of their own race.
Questions for you.
Concerning the stereotypical controlling images of blacks in the media.
When was the last time you saw a movie depicting a black male character raping a white woman? When was the last time you saw a movie depicting a black man as a Sambo character? When was the last time you saw a black man depicted as a Steppin’ Fetchit black character?
Now.
When was the last time you saw a black woman NOT shown as a Whore/Jezebel? Welfare Queen? Slut/Prostitute? Loud/Sapphire? Mammy?
The answers to those questions would be that black men are held above black women in this society, both in and out of the movies. The stereotypes that black men have had to fight against in this society have practically gone the way of the dinosaur, but, black women, over 400+ years later STILL have to fight against hated stereotypes that were created by racist, sexist white men who sought to justify their destruction of black women.
And that some weak-minded, black-women-hating, sellout black men like Tyler Perry, Eddie Griffin and Martin Lawrence are currying favor with Massa in the making of degrading movies that disparage black women does not surprise me.
It is no mystery that black men throughout their time in America have wanted so very much to be on the same level with white men, even if it meant destroying black women. Nevermind that black women have put their lives on the line for black men time and time again, only to be kicked in the teeth for it.
Black women have been attacked by practically every group and race in this country, but, they have suffered the most hell from the three groups who have tried to destroy them the most: White men, White women, and Black men.
From those three groups, black women have suffered the most atrocities.
Not saying that they have not suffered at the hands of Native Americans, Latinos, Arabs or Asians.
They have.
But, the biggest bulk of cruelty and complicity has come from the “Big Three”, the “Triumvirate” who have caused the most hell in black women and girls lives.
Which is why denigration and debasement of black women sells.
Which is why America is fearful of insulting and humiliating black men, but, has no qualms about hating on and spitting into the faces of black women.
America hates and fears black women more than it does black men.
It hates that black women have survived some sick hells that women and MEN of other races could not have survived.
It hates that black women, moreso than black men, have been the true moral conscience of this country.
It hates that black women are still striving, accomplishing beautiful women who have not sold their souls, their votes, their character, their integrity for a mess of pottage, which is what some black men, famous, and not so famous, are guilty of.
That is why you see black men in the movies lauded and championed.
On the other hand, black women are everyone’s scapegoat.
Things that are said and depicted about black women are things that would never be said and done against white women and women of other races.
Many people envy and desire to be like black women. They want black women’s strength and fortitude, but, they do not want to experience black women’s lives to get to that level, that plateau of being.
Everything but the BURDEN.
Which is why it has always been okay to shit on, piss on, and spit on black women.
Which is why you see so many black men in movies more than you do black women.
I also do not consider black men dressing up as morbidly obese black women as emasculating to black men.
I look upon it as hatred of black women for being stronger than black men in this country.
I look upon it as, how shall I say it, “femasculation” of black women. That is the term I will coin to use, in this continued defilement of black women.
Black men are not suffering from emasculation of these horrid hateful movie images.
BLACK WOMEN are the ones suffering from it.
And both white, and black, men are laughing all the way to the bank at the expense of black women and black girls.
Yes, it would be great to not see movie after movie with Halle Berry in it.
There are many black women who are great actresses who should be given just as much exposure as Ms. Berry.
But, I am not going to wait holding my breath expecting white-run Hollyweird to do right by black women.
How can such a thing happen when America itself is still not doing right by black women in everyday life?
Hollyweird only shows up, in the form of popular culture, what many people subconsciously think. (Which is why I would rather pick up a good book on history or sociology, than pay good money to see hogslop, nor pay to see myself and all black women villified on the silver screen.)
And America’s fear and loathing of black women comes through loud and clear in its most favourite pasttime—-the movies.
“I’ve written a play that I hope will be produced one day because I am tired of all the crap that is being released from the vault in Hollywood.”
Good for you.
Much success to you on your play.
Peace.
Get over it baby. Tyler Perry, MArtin, and Eddie is here to stay!!! Yeaaaaaaa!
Please stop screaming at the top of your lungs, your voice will go out someday. Tyler Perry is my favorite, and he is here to stay.
cree
pearls of wisdom
I think the black heterosexual men are held to a higher regard because of their heterosexuality but also because we still live in a system of male supremacy and male domination. Black straight men still have the macho image of being “strong men.” Black men have definitely made it in Hollywood. I mean this decade alone already three black men have won the best actor Oscar. And just about every single drama at the end of the year is always about the black heterosexual man and always black male centered. What about black women? I mean how many times can a black actress just play the wife or the girlfriend? Why can’t black women be the star or at the center of a serious film?
The last movie with a black man being a sambo is definitely Chris Tucker and the Rush Hour 3 movie. Tucker’s eyes are always popping out of his head and he definitely is a negative stereotype of black manhood. But I don’t think Tucker cares he just cares about getting rich.
A positive role for a black woman I think is Halle Berry’s new dramatic film coming out this fall called “Things We Lost In a Fire”. Halle’s character Audrey Burke is a a middle class woman whose husband dies and she has to raise her two children alone. Its a drama and I think it looks good for Halle and it is not a stereotypical role. Also “Neo Ned” with Gabrielle Union I mean I know the subject matter is strong but its also a role that shows Gabrielle to be vulnerable as well.
“I mean how many times can a black actress just play the wife or the girlfriend? Why can’t black women be the star or at the center of a serious film?”
The answer to the above question is black men do not want to appear with them on screen. They’d rather be seen with any woman as long as she’s not black in the hopes that white society will be more accepting of them. As quiet as it’s kept there’s far less respect for black men because of how they’ve destroyed their own communities and seek to do the same to whites through women.
“Get over it baby. Tyler Perry, MArtin, and Eddie is here to stay!!! Yeaaaaaaa!”
No, you need to calm down and collect your loss of mental faculties. That you consider the ilk such as Murphy, Lawrence and Perry as comedians is sad. These people are not true comedians in any sense. The truly great comedians are the following:
-Richard Pryor
-Charlie Chaplin
-Buster Keaton
-Lenny Bruce
Those whom I laughingly call “comedians” cannot begin to hold a candle to the legendary comedians who knew how to write comedy that did not get a laugh at the expense and degradation of another human being. These comic giants are still copied today for their ground-breaking innovation and comedic flair. Can you truly say that these people today who call themselves comedians can ever reach the iconic status of Chaplin? A Groucho Marx? A Chevy Chase? Steve Martin?
Can you really say with a straight face that these imitation comedians will still be around 25-, 35-, 40 years from now? Can you truly say that these so-called inept impersonations of what a real true comic genius is, will have written and performed material that those who come after them cannot wait to copy and learn from?
I doubt that what these ilk of today will be remembered 15 minutes into tomorrow.
Let’s see if they have the staying power of a Benny Hill. A Bob Hope. A Jackie Gleason.
“Please stop screaming at the top of your lungs, your voice will go out someday.”
No, calm down, now. Collect and calm yourself, okay.
I did not scream or shout in any way. I calmly stated my response.
If anyone was screaming at the top of their lungs, it was you, becasue you obviously have to scream to convince yourself that the ilks of Perry, Lawrence and Murphy are comedy greats.
They are not.
They are sad, pathetic, washed-up versions of what a real comedian is.
And greatnes is all these so-called comedians can ever hope and pray for.
You see, there’s a funny thing about being “This Year’s Honorary White”;
You end up being “Next Year’s Nigger”.
Ciao.
yeah, i’m completely with Ann on this one.
Yes Ann is totally on point! Sanaa Lathan is going to be in a new movie called “A Wonderful World” its another IR flick for Sanaa. I think Sanaa wants to get into the mainstream.
Sanaa,
just to let u know tht l’m very proud of you.
Kisses,
Joel
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Ann. I totally agree with you. I see it all the way from other here in England and I have to say that in the UK it is no better. Female roles here are exactly the same (although I think we have more black nurses on film that you guys!). The invisibility of positive black female roles that doesn’t involve girlfriend/ wife/ fat, comedic office worker is laughable and definately influenced by US black comics. I have been trying to find out if there is a planned UK release for Neo Ned but it also doesn’t look likely. I guess Hollywood is playing out on a larger scale what plays itself out everyday in the lives of black women. It is overwhelming to see these images and then see our young black girl tweens emulating an image that has nothing to do with what I look like, feel or value. Hating themselves in such broad brushstrokes it takes my breath away.
I think I have figured out why Neo Ned can’t find a distributor I think it has to do with the “Hitler factor.” Gabrielle’s character Rachel believes the soul of Hitler is in her body and I think that just might be a bit too controversial. Neo Ned really looks like an amazing independent film that forces us to look at our own prejudices and views. I have been waiting for about three years now for Neo Ned to be released. I mean if movies like “Superbad” can be released why can’t Neo Ned? Neo Ned has won so many awards at the independent film festivals in 2006 and yet still no film distribution. I cannot believe this! Now this film role is very tough and complex and I really do hope in 2008 Neo Ned is finally released.
I am definately going to keep an eye out for it. Should there be a release or even a showing in UK I will post and let you know. You might be right about the Hitler connection being too controversial for distribution.
First of all most of theses women are not just African-American just to make that clear. For exampla Meagan Good is also part Cherokee, and Puerto Rican. Sanaa Lathan is part Native American. Their heritage is not to be over-looked especially since these great women have spoken about being proud of ALL of their heritage. Thank You
Keep a good work man!,
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