WHY AREN’T THERE MORE BLACK BOOKS TURNED MOVIES?
THE FACTS
Writer questions why there are so few adaptations from works by black authors.
THE SPIN
Despite Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (my goodness, what a long title) garnering a heap of praise from the film community, there are very few films that are adapted from novels penned by black authors.
In the article, “Can’t Hollywood swing for the ‘Fences’?,” Boston Globe writer Wesley Morris tackles Hollywood’s reluctance to pull material from black literature.
In his piece he asked why can Denzel Washington star in The Book of Eli but not in a big screen version of August Wilson’s Fences (versus the Broadway revival)?
He also goes on to add that when it comes to black films in general these days they only come from Tyler Perry.
Morris writes:
There are so few current movies about black lives based on black books that this movie needs to remind us not that it isn’t based on a true story (although it could be) but on a chilling work of fiction. The full title serves a promotional purpose: Dammit, we made a movie based on a book written by a black author!
On one hand, that’s silly: What bearing does an announcement of the movie’s provenance have on the experience of watching that movie? On the other, it’s important. In the rest of the movie universe, films adapted from novels and plays by white authors (Shakespeare, Dickens, and Neil Simon aside) don’t announce their source material. Picture it, “Ryan: Based on the Novel ‘Up in the Air’ by Walter Kirn.’’ So “Precious,’’ which is more or less an independent film, brings with it a degree of politics. “Dear Hollywood,’’ it argues, “we will keep on with these extra-strength titles until more adaptations are made.’’
The makers of “Precious’’ might be on to something. Winfrey has been the film’s biggest supporter (early last year, she and Perry signed on as executive producers). And most of the movies she’s starred in or officially backed began as books. Given her lucrative affinity for literature, imagine how effective she’d be as a proponent of film adaptations. Oprah, how would you feel about starting a book-to-movie club?
Doesn’t he have a point?
Shouldn’t more works from authors like Morrison, Hurston, Baldwin, and new black writers be afforded the same opportunities to see their work on the big screen like their white counterparts?
Would love to hear from you.
YOUR SPIN: What do you think? Tell us here.
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(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)
It is funny we still keep asking the same silly question when we all know the answer. Blacks do not support dramas in movies or TV shows. I mean sure you may get someone to watch your book adaption if you put “Madea” in it. But that ain’t Drama that is comedy. Plus add to that studios know black movies don’t do well internationally which is where the studio make half their money.
Quit asking for those Hollywood studios to do our stories when we can do it our damn selves.
Of course more works from authors like Morrison, Hurston, Baldwin, and new black writers be afforded the same opportunities to see their work on the big screen like their white counterparts? But keep in mind it’s “White Hollywood”, look who backed Precious(Oprah, Tyler Perry)other wise it would have never made it to the big screen, the only time Hollywood want to take part in a film such as “Precious” and when it hits big then they want to jump on the band wagon. And it appears the only time people such as Oprah/Tyler Perry or others on their level supports a film from our black authors is when they can relate to the topic or circumstances encompassing the story. It just won’t happen not in “White Hollywood” world!!
Yes i think so. Sister Souljah have a book called the Coldest Winter Ever and that would be a great movie.
Also Zane and Dickey are good authors and have great books that can put a lot of black actor’s on the map….
@The Real Summer.. that is so true. I love sistah Souljah writing. The girl is gifted. Her work need to get more screenplay.
Summer, I read “The Coldest Winter Ever” many years ago, and even had my teenaged daughters read it – followed by a discussion – because there were some situatons in it of which I wanted them to be aware, so they could consciously avoid them.
Though I was impressed by Sister Souljah’s writing talent, I’m not sure I want to see another movie about the drug world, ghetto life and promiscuity. Those aspects of life, as they relate to black people, have been thoroughly covered by the movie industry.
I would like to see the works of J. California Cooper brought to the big or small screen. She usually writes short stories. But, if done for TV, they could be presented in something reminiscent of the old “Love American Style” TV series, or a movie following the lives of three or four characters.
The difference is that “Love American Style” was a comedy series, but Cooper’s stories are dramatic. But, that format might still work.
We need more Daniels and Perrys -BLACK PRODUCERS- to make the movies. NOLLYWOOD 9 NIGERIA0 has a thriving Black Cinema.
We can learn from them and make and support our own movies. Blacks do LOVE drama – we live it every day.
@ Rance I have read age ain’t nothing but a number, by J. Cooper…
I understand what you are saying about the drug movie, but one of the main points I thought in the book was had Winter taken the time to just wrap her arms around the knowledge that Sister Souljah was preaching when she went to stay with her she could have broken the cycle.
I would hope that they would just change the ending to where she did just that. IDK… because I know in all reality that do not always work in the drug world… At least at the end we saw how Midnight turned his life over and went to the straight and narrow side of life….
I had heard Jada was trying to produce The Coldest Winter Ever
@Berry, I have to agree. Even in today’s age, there isn’t support for black works from most of “White Hollywood” and even some sectors of “Black Hollywood.” Its too bad because some good works are out there that would make great films.
This is exactly why I watch Black Independent films. These films cover the topics that are not typically covered by Hollywood. We all know Hollywood has a formula to making certain films. The reason I love independent films is these film makers are not beholden to some big studio who is more worried about what rapper/R&b singer will put butts in seats. Or where to place the coke can so all can see it. I have found some pleasant surprises with such little known films as.
All About You (2001)
Afrocentricity (2000)
Cover (2007)
Diary of a Tired Black Man (2008)
Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. (1992)
The Kingston High (2001)
Love Trap (2005)
One Week (2001)
Proud (2004)
Life & Lyrics (2006)
Traci Townsend (2005)
Now you must realize with B-movies like these come B movie budgets. So don’t expect Denzel. This is a perfect avenue for “US” to get our stories made and to their directed market. We can have these films viewed at our theaters in our Neighborhoods, direct to video marketing or Saturday Nights on TvOne. Either way this is our chance, to make our stories, so they can be seen by our folks.
Berry Hudson, Cover was a really good movie.
Summer, I haven’t read that one, but I think her best stories were in the books:
A Piece of Mine
Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime
Some Soul to Keep
It was probably eight years ago when I read ‘The Coldest Winter…’, so I have forgotten some of the details.
Well, there’s certainly enough room for a variety of black movies. I’m glad that TV One and BET air indy movies every once in a while because otherwise, you’d never see them on other channels.
to answer this question it’s too depressing to watch. i would rather read books than paying higher movie tickets to see a film. heck we are holding on money to pay bills, put clothes on our backs etc but i have to watch my expenses regardless.
Folks have to stop buying bootleg and support our movies at the theatres when they are first released. Our dollars have power when we use it the correct way.
When I go to a movie depending on my mood, I’m there to enjoy and have fun. I like to get away from the everyday reality and drama. Most of the time I enjoy romantic comedies, or movies that make me laugh or have happy endings. I don’t watch many horror movies because they are too violent but I like action. A movie with historical content is cool as well but again it depends on my mood. I like movies with good acting, substance and musicals. But the bottomline is anything depressing I just don’t do. Precious, I’m sure is a good movie. I haven’t seen it yet but I know the book, at some point I’m sure I will watch it. But honestly, I agree with Topaz somethings are just too depressing to watch. One thing I don’t want is the content of every black movie to be upsetting or end with me walking away depressed or crying…it’s just something I’m unwilling to do right now.
Mar, then don’t go to them. My 83-year-old dad has reached a point in his life where he can no longer handle funerals; so, he doesn’t go to them anymore. You should do what’s best for your own well-being.
Rance that was well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Rance, You are correct and I also agree with your dad as well.
KUDO TO TYLER PERRY AND OPRAH
“PRECIOUS” GOT THE OSCAR NOD FOR BEST ACTRESS AND BEST DIRECTOR.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
I’m black and I thought that the movie “Precious” was horrible. That is a lifestyle that should not be perpetuated. If M’onique wins an oscar for that garbage. The business will continue to go downhill.
nice comment Rance