Race, Society, & Power in Cinema

Upon frequent discussions of thematics of race, society, and power dynamics throughout the movies we watch, it is important to shed light on how these dynamics have changed over time. For instance, we can compare both Candyman (1992) to the new Candyman (2021). The old movie hunts after African Americans where the urban legend of “Candyman” is out to get them. Here, we see the hunt of the Black man showcases the act of white violence that so commonly existed and continues to protrude itself within our society. Now the narrative of the story has been switched in the 2021 sequel, where “Candyman” hunts white people that play the game of saying his name five times in the mirror. Now immediately this sequel seemed very urban and new, clearly meant to appeal to my sort of generation, where we grew up playing games like Bloody Mary in the school bathroom or at sleepovers. However, I didn’t really expect the urban legend of Candyman to be played out this way, but I think it was done very well. It’s interesting to see how the tables are turned with the narrative of where the hunted becomes the hunter. Having seen this dynamic in movies before, I think it is a risky game to play, but if executed well becomes a cinematic masterpiece. And, I think that is exactly what has been done here. We see a revamped, recreated version of what our older siblings know, what our parents know, and find we can relate what we’re now seeing to what they grew up with. There’s this connection to relativity and time within these horror movies where bringing a class back can either be a hit or miss. Admittedly, I did have to watch the new Candyman several times to understand exactly what was going on, but once I was able to wrap my brain around it, felt clear in the understanding of giving the Black man his power back. I, like many other people am a Jordan Peele fan, and will immediately support any of his movies, before they have even come out. I often find myself giving reasoning to why his movies are so good the moment I walk out of the theater. But, I think he definitely proves himself here, when he takes a go at the urban legend that serves as a protector but also a violent figure. That is what makes Candyman so notorious, depending on how you look at the grim urban legend, either a killed, either a protector, either a menace or an angel, your view will change dependent on whose shoes you put yourself in. 

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The African American Place Holder in Film

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Paving the Way With Jordan Peele