African Americans in Cinema

I know now from the movies we have watched in class and the many Powerpoint presentations we've had to endure how influential African Americans are and were in cinema. My favorite film that our class watched was Imitation of Life, the 1959 version directed by Douglas Sirk. This film touched me in a way that I wasn't ready for. Being one quarter black and and looking all white, I imagined myself in the shoes of Susan Kohner's character, Sarah Jane. Today I am proud to say that I am African American, but Imitation of Life opened my eyes so that I now have a glimpse of what my life would be like in another time. I "pass" for white every day, but not because I try to. People just assume. I am pleased to tell people that I'm a quarter black because I think that it makes me different and beautiful; but in a time of formidable segregation, I don't think I would be. We all know the struggles that African American's went through in this country. Being able to put myself in specific situations and see what life must have been like for someone like Sarah Jane and I has changed my life. Imitation of Life changed my life. I recommend it to everyone who will listen. It feels like a part of me now. 

Humor: "Thank You for Smoking"

"Thank You for Smoking" is a satirical comedy directed by Christine Jeffs. It stars Aaron Eckhart as Nick Naylor, a cigarette lobbyist and part-time father. Throughout the film, Naylor struggles to balance the message of his carer and the influence he is having on his son. This film features mostly situational humor and it works. I found it very funny and noticed myself laughing a lot. Concepts such as, "Smoking saved my life," cracked me up. Anyone in the mood for a comedy with a plot that doesn't bore you to death and isn't completely offensive should turn on Thank You for Smoking.