by Hollywood Black Review: In recent years, films created by Black artists and featuring Black casts have become increasingly prevalent. From the groundbreaking “Black Panther” series to Tyler Perry’s “Madea” films and even entertaining horror like “The Blackening,” Black culture has firmly entered mainstream pop culture. While there’s still much work to be done, the progress of Black cinema over the past century is significant.
The new MGM+ docuseries “Hollywood Black” delves into this evolution comprehensively. Based on the writings of film historian Donald Bogle, executive produced by Forest Whitaker, and hosted by director Justin Simien (“Dear White People,” “Haunted Mansion”), “Hollywood Black” goes beyond the usual narrative. It covers the range from “Birth of a Nation” to Blaxploitation, from Eddie Murphy to the rise of Jordan Peele. With each episode running nearly an hour, it provides an in-depth exploration of lesser-known films through conversations with notable figures such as Ryan Coogler, Steven Caple Jr., W. Kamau Bell, Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae. This docuseries is essential viewing for film enthusiasts of any background.
Hollywood Black (2024)
Documentary
“Hollywood Black” traces the Black experience in Hollywood, highlighting over a century of contributions from Black actors, writers, directors, and producers. The series offers a vivid reexamination of Hollywood’s transformation, from the early days of minstrel shows to contemporary hits like “Black Panther.”
Release Date: August 11, 2024
Main Genre: Documentary
Seasons: 1
What Is ‘Hollywood Black’ About?
“Hollywood Black” began as a book by Donald Bogle, published by Turner Classic Movies in 2019, titled “Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers.” The book spanned the entire history of Black cinema, from the silent film era to today’s popular Black films and actors. The book has been adapted into a four-part series, with each hour-long episode exploring different eras of film through chapters like “Built on Our Backs,” “The Defiant Ones,” “The Price of Admission,” and “Dear Black People.”
This docuseries offers more than just a collection of clips. It features engaging discussions between host Justin Simien and prominent figures in Black cinema, bridging the gap between past and present. Rather than adopting a preachy tone, “Hollywood Black” presents a dialogue where even well-known directors like Ryan Coogler discover new films through guest interactions. The series invites viewers to explore and understand without presuming prior knowledge, making it accessible and engaging.
“Hollywood Black” Examines the Full Scope of Black Cinema
The docuseries includes the expected coverage of prominent Black films and actors, such as Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar win for “Gone With the Wind,” Sidney Poitier’s achievements, the Blaxploitation era, Eddie Murphy’s rise, and the phenomenon of “Black Panther.” However, it also integrates less familiar films and creators, ensuring a richer historical context. Film enthusiasts should prepare to take notes, as “Hollywood Black” introduces a wealth of titles and stories worth exploring further.
“Hollywood Black” serves as a celebration of Black cinema’s breadth. It juxtaposes well-known figures like Hattie McDaniel and Lena Horne with the lesser-known Paul Robeson, and it offers nuanced views on the Blaxploitation era, including Melvin Van Peebles’ “Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” The series also highlights unique films like the 1989 silent film “Sidewalk Stories,” broadening viewers’ understanding of Black film history.
The Final Chapter of “Hollywood Black”: Hope and Challenge
The final segment of “Hollywood Black” balances hope with frustration. While the 2000s brought increased opportunities for Black filmmakers, it also introduced problematic trends like white savior narratives and the Oscars So White controversy. The series concludes by asking Black artists about their future aspirations, reflecting a broad range of visions. This is not just an agenda-driven series but a thoughtful dialogue. As one guest notes early on, defining a Black film can be elusive, but recognizing a good docuseries like “Hollywood Black” is clear and rewarding.
