Film Essays | Page 5 of 38

In American literature and film, portrayals of Black womanhood often reflect the historical moments in which they are set, revealing different forms of strength, resistance, and identity. In Freedom Road, Howard Fast presents Rachel Jackson as a resilient figure shaped by the harsh realities of Reconstruction, where survival and political struggle define her role in a newly freed society. In contrast, the women of Daughters of the Dust embody a more collective and culturally rooted form of strength, grounded in memory, spirituality, and ancestral connection. While both works highlight the endurance of Black women in the face of oppression, they differ in how that strength is expressed—one through direct engagement with political change, and the other through the preservation of cultural identity. Women in early American narratives and films—such as Daughters of the Dust and The Birth of a Nation—are often portrayed as both essential and silenced figures, expected to provide loyalty, emotional labor, and support to men, while enduring violence and oppression, as seen through characters like Yellow Mary, Eula Peazant, and real-life experiences like Jessie’s, highlighting the limited agency women had and the societal structures that prevented them from speaking out. My Thesis Women during the pre-reconstruction to the post-reconstruction eras, faced heavy discrimination through forced submission, degrading, and genderism. Black women during the pre-reconstruction to the post-reconstruction eras were dealing with the societal structures placed upon them primarily by white supremecist who acted with impunity and treated black as less than human, but in reality black women had to support the men they loved, maintain their loyalty to the best of their ability, and deal with the emotional trauma from being oppressed and subjected to the violence of white supremacy. Black women dealt with an amplified version of Freedom Road – book Rachel Did her part to make it easier on the men Brought cold well water Expressed femininity, loyalty, and support Women had to be there whenever the men came home Why couldnt women vote THE REASON Jessie 14 years old on an old tobacco road daydreaming and was chased by 2 white men on a mule cart and raped. They thought about killing her but ended up letting her go Her dad wanted revenge No justice Before reconstruction 1865-1875 Daughters of the dust – film Yellow Mary Viewed as a wet nurse “Raping of the colored woman is as common as fish in the sea” Eula Peazant – The impact that she had on Eli and why the women couldnt speak up Gullah-geeche people West african Coast of North and South Carolina Howard Fast wrote books on independent women He also wrote other books on women struggles Such as independent woman Immigrants daughter During reconstruction 1902 Birth of a nation – film Women were seen as emotional and dramatic based on how they were acting Some of them were disrespectful and were beaten Black face actors instead of black people Black people were viewed as savages who broke into homes and killed “innocent” white families During reconstruction 1912 Women were subjected to violence to further implement their silencing Women are often put on the back burner of many stories. When in reality they hold much more power than many men may think. And because these men believe that they hold power over women they believe they can use and abuse women for their pleasure.Many times we see womens story not seen as significant as mens stories when sometimes women have to go through many more battles. It is seen through out the novel freedom road as rachel a devoted wife to gideon shows up for him every step of the way whether that be bring water from the wells or being there for him when he is at his lowest. As well as when Jessie experienced sexual assault and was forced to be silent about it because she feared what may happen if she told her fathere. In daughters of the dust, Yellow Mary iss another example of a woman trying to protect Eli fromknowing of the rape that she had experienced. When she told him he was crushed and torn between decisions and we see how a strong man becomes weakened. In Birth we see how women are portrayed as emotional

Introduction This essay explores the portrayals of Black womanhood in American literature and film, focusing on the pre-Reconstruction to post-Reconstruction eras, roughly spanning the ...

Surrealism in Cinema: The Representation of the Unconscious and Trauma through Dream Imagery

Introduction Surrealism, as an artistic movement originating in the early 20th century, has profoundly influenced various forms of expression, including cinema. Rooted in the ...

Based on the 1946 film A Matter of Life and Death, discuss how the original title A Matter of Life and Death fits the film and then discuss how the US title Stairway to Heaven fits the film

Introduction The 1946 British film A Matter of Life and Death, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, is a landmark in post-war cinema, ...

Scope: How Contemporary Horror Films Continue to Use Witch Figures to Represent Social Fear, Paranoia and the Punishment of Individuals Who Do Not Fit Social Expectations

Introduction Contemporary horror films often draw on historical archetypes like the witch to explore societal anxieties, reflecting how modern cultures grapple with fear, paranoia, ...

Macbeth Through a New Lens: A Review of Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Introduction Shakespeare’s Macbeth has long been a staple of literary studies, exploring themes of ambition, power, and moral decay. Joel Coen’s 2021 film adaptation, ...

In Billy Elliot (2000), directed by Stephen Daldry, the audition scene (01:21:00-01:26:00) shows Billy’s attempt to join the Royal Ballet school and gain that acceptance he lacks at his home. This marks a pivotal moment in the film not only showing his journey to self expression but marking a change in his fathers attitude. Set in 80s working class England during the miners strike, the scene highlights contrasting sides of Billy revealing the cultural and social barriers that shape Billy’s identity. Through intentional close up cinematography, restrictive use of sound and restrained mise en scene emphasizes Billy’s lack of power and place in the ballet school and his emotional vulnerability. Billy’s struggle with voicing his passion ultimately reveals how the rigidness of the environment he grew up in paired with the masculine norms enforced by his dad and brother are direct representations of the restrictive gender expectations and limitations that come with growing up in working class England, which caused Billy to struggle with identity in the formal setting of the Royal Ballet school. Daldry’s use of framing and shot composition throughout the scene emphasizes Billy’s lack of place at The Royal Ballet School as he moves from the grand entrance of the school depicted by the wide shots to the intimidating audition space. This allows the audience to view the school from the same perspective as Billy. The tight framing highlights Billy’s emotional vulnerability in the unfamiliar environment creating a sense of claustrophobia representing the pressure put on Billy to succeed. The close up shots highlight Billy’s nervousness and the tension within his expressions revealing his contrasting feelings of fear and excitement. This transition enables the audience to view the school from Billy’s perspective, emphasizing his feelings of alienation and disconnection from his peers. Together the cinematography choices are not only used to illustrate Billy’s internal struggles but also draw the audience to care about Billy’s journey. Daldry’s use of sound throughout the audition scene further reinforces Billy’s discomfort and emotional isolation within the Royal Ballet School. The scene contains very limited non diegetic music, creating an uncomfortable silence that mirrors the pressure Billy experiences during the audition. Instead of relying on dramatic music to guide the audience’s emotions, Daldry emphasizes natural sounds such as footsteps, doors opening, distant conversations, and the scratching of pencils from the judges. These small sounds become amplified due to the silence of the room, increasing the tension and making the audience focus on Billy’s nervousness. The restricted use of sound also reflects the rigid and formal environment of the ballet school, contrasting heavily with the loud and chaotic atmosphere of Billy’s home life and mining community. The silence creates a feeling of emotional distance between Billy and the judges, reinforcing how out of place he feels within the institution.

Introduction This essay examines the audition scene in Stephen Daldry’s Billy Elliot (2000), specifically from 01:21:00 to 01:26:00, as a pivotal moment that encapsulates ...

Reaction Paper on the Film 12 Years a Slave

Introduction In the film 12 Years a Slave, the director Steve McQueen presents a stark and frequently harrowing depiction of chattel slavery in the ...

After Watching the Documentary Brand New You: How Makeover TV Shows Reproduce Conventional Norms of Attractiveness and Success

Introduction Makeover television shows have become a staple of contemporary media, often presenting transformation narratives that promise improved lives through physical and lifestyle changes. ...

Discuss the Unique Filming Styles/Writing Styles of Woody Allen Used in Annie Hall. Why Do You Think This Movie/His Work Is Considered So Important? Give Specific Examples from the Film of Which Comedic Techniques Allen Employs

Introduction Woody Allen’s Annie Hall (1977) stands as a landmark in American cinema, particularly within the romantic comedy genre. Directed, co-written, and starring Allen ...

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: Battling Through Style and Story

Introduction Films don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Often dismissed as mere entertainment, they weave complexities that demand closer inspection. Nobody truly grasps ...

Essays: Film