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Re: Video on blackface
by violentgum
For a short video I thought it did a very good job covering the subject - if you list every possible "Offensive" film the video would run hours. That clip of the UK Variety show with blackface was jawdropping! I have seen TROPIC THUNDER and I thought Downey's character was a one-joke bit - fine for a short sketch but it was the same thing over and over - and he is in blackface even if the make-up is "realistic". Yes he was a arrogant actor insisting he can play "black" but then they beat the dead horse over and over. The film had some great satire on show biz and spoiled actors but I do question the decision to have Downey's character do that. And as for someone defending Soul Man - please - it's a badly made film with a hamfisted message stuck on at the end - full of cliches and a white guy's "eyes being opened". And the brilliant Astaire's in blackface - plain and simple - ask an African American if they feel lifted by this "tribute" to Robinson.
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