I have been a fan of Ntozake Shange's work for years, so when I heard her choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf was being made into a film, I was ecstatic though apprehensive upon hearing Tyler Perry was the writer, producer and director. Although I do not particularly like his films due to the stereotypical tone, lack of depth and predictable formulaic structures, I respect his ambition and drive. However Shange’s work is iconic. Get it right and you will be hailed, get it wrong and it could be career suicide and an insult to the original piece of work. Either way it was a risk…
The cast is lead by eight African-American women, seven of whom are based on the play's seven characters identified by colours, such as "Lady in Red", "Lady in Blue" and "Lady in Yellow" etc. Perry remains faithful to the poetic style and has successfully devised a storyline that visually brings to life the words. The themes of love, rape, abandonment, infidelity and abortion are explored in linear time that weave and connect the characters together.
The cast is lead by eight African-American women, seven of whom are based on the play's seven characters identified by colours, such as "Lady in Red", "Lady in Blue" and "Lady in Yellow" etc. Perry remains faithful to the poetic style and has successfully devised a storyline that visually brings to life the words. The themes of love, rape, abandonment, infidelity and abortion are explored in linear time that weave and connect the characters together.
Macy Gray (Rose) Loretta Devine (Juanita) and Anika Noni-Rose (Yasmine) put on stellar performances as did Thandie Newton. She was exceptional as a promiscuous drunk and I cannot imagine anyone including Mariah Carey, who was originally cast for this role but pulled out due to “medical reasons”(being pregnant), to play “Tangie” with such conviction. Through her storyline we see an insight into sexual abuse, the emotional, physical and psychological impact it can have and the strain on family dynamics and relationships.
“Alice”, her mum played by Whoopi Goldberg, uncomfortably shows the damage of keeping abuse secret, whilst also highlighting the potential mental health issues as a result of such trauma. She is a hoarder and clearly suffers from OCD. Although never explained, her behaviour may have a correlation to her abusive past, as we see her need to control and create what she feels is a safe environment, something she was unable to do as a child, due to the violation at the hands of her father.
“Kelly” also gives voice to the pressures social workers are faced with everyday. Her visit to “Crystal” reveals the complicated nature of her job and the fear that prevents her from doing her job. Played by Kimberley Elise, “Crystal” is a victim of domestic violence and her children are witnesses of it. What stops her leaving is compassion and understanding for her partner. He is a former war veteran who sufferers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is common, though rarely spoken about within this context. Tragedy strikes and we follow “Crystal” through the unbearable grieving process.
The rise of HIV within the black community is raised and with it the dialogue for further discussion on promiscuity, being on the "downlow" and what constitutes as being Gay, through the story of “Jo” played by Janet Jackson. The lines are murky, the excuses unacceptable and the life threatening behaviour to self and others rife due to dishonesty and denial.
Although Jackson played the part well, I thought her character lacked depth and originality. As a director of a fashion magazine her character walked off the set of The Devil Wears Prada and into this film in the same 6 inch high heeled and rude manner. Whilst I acknowledge Perry could have chosen the same mannerisms to make a statement about the nature of the fashion industry being nothing to do with race and all about power and attitude, it didn’t work for me and seemed lazy.
Although Jackson played the part well, I thought her character lacked depth and originality. As a director of a fashion magazine her character walked off the set of The Devil Wears Prada and into this film in the same 6 inch high heeled and rude manner. Whilst I acknowledge Perry could have chosen the same mannerisms to make a statement about the nature of the fashion industry being nothing to do with race and all about power and attitude, it didn’t work for me and seemed lazy.
… Yes this was a risk and one which I am glad Perry took. In this form the message, lessons and insights are able to reach those who perhaps would not have picked up the book. The film gives a voice to the silent black women who seem to carry not only their own baggage but the baggage of others too. Struggling with the hurt and “sucking it up and getting on with it”, seems to be the coping method for many. Healing is needed and cannot be done unless the hurt and pain is looked at and released.
The themes within however hold no exclusivity, any individual regardless of race, colour or creed can end up with a crushed spirit, shattered self-esteem and in a place of no hope. We all can be broken rainbows due to situations, circumstance and well, life. So while this film based on the original work is For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, the themes within are universal and all races could benefit from watching.
With such strong themes the questions I am left with, centre around the lack of promotion and marketing in London. Where was the premiere? And with such a strong and high profile cast, where was the spokesperson or representative championing the film and further raising awareness to the issues raised within?
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For Broken Rainbows who have watched the film and identify with the themes and need to talk, I have listed some agencies that you may want to consider contacting.
For Broken Rainbows who have watched the film and identify with the themes and need to talk, I have listed some agencies that you may want to consider contacting.
Mosac – works with Parents and Carers of Children who have been sexually abused
National Free Helpline: 0800 980 1958
http://www.mosac.org.uk/
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASAC) - Support to Rape and sexual abuse victims.
National helpline: 0808 802 999
http://rasasc.bizview.co.uk/
Rape Crisis - Provides a range of specialist services for women and girls that have been raped.
National Free Helpline: 0808 802 9999
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Terence Higgins Trust – Service and support centre for HIV sufferers and those at risk.
Helpline: 0845 1221 200
Email: info@tht.org.uk.
www.tht.org.uk
Womens Aid: Support and advice for domestic violence victims.
National Helpline: 0808 2000 247
www.womensaid.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement centre: Support and advice centre for those who are grieving
www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
National Helpline: 0844 477 9400
Mind: Provides information, advice and support on mental health issues.
Information line: 0845 766 0163
www.mind.org.uk
Brook Advisory Centre: Provides advice, information and support on all sex related issues.
Helpline: 0808 802 1234
www.brook.org.uk
Book suggestion for all: In the Meantime: Finding yourself and the love you want.A great place to start in identifying baggage, clearing it, looking at self, finding and resolving issues. Learning to love self and then others.
“You can never love anyone to your own detriment. That is not love that is possession, control, fear, or a combination of them all”.
(Iyanla Vanzant- In the meantime: finding yourself and the love you want).
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© 2010 Lisa Bent
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