Bamboozled is a term Malcolm X used to describe
the treatment of blacks by the whites back in the
1900's.
In the film "Bamboozled," we follow TV producer
Pierre Delacroix (Wayans) who's dropped his American
accent in favor of a countryless Harvardy dialect and
his American name for a French one. The character is
interesting, but the speech much more annoying than
need be.
As the "sole person of color" working for CNS, and
frustrated with his impossible-to-please boss, a
desperate Pierre goes for the outrageous and creates
a TV show intended to satire black stereotypes.
"Mantan the New Millennium Minstrel show" boldly
black-faces (as in Al Jolson) the black lead actors
(a tap dancer and singer) and proudly hails its
anthem, "Nigger is a beautiful thing." Set in a
watermelon patch, this black "Hee-Haw" with the balls
of "South Park" leaves its studio audience (as well
as theater-goers) squinting, wincing, wondering. But
the confused watchers eventually polarize: those who
think the show is a funny way to mock stereotypes on
one end; those with shaking fists, dead set on
stifling this revival of old slave-mentality TV on
the other.
Every black hackneyed film and cartoon image since
the turn of the century (1800's to 1900's, that is)
are replayed with the purpose of twisting America's
stabbing pain of embarrassment a quarter turn in
hopes of opening the minds of those that control the
media by enraging/educating those that watch it.
But the film twists more than this, an underground
group of revolutionaries doesn't quite find the "Amos
and Andy" crap funny. "I feel like Dr. Frankenstein,"
Pierre confesses as this satirical project slowly
slips from his command.
As in the film, different people within (and
outside of) the black community have their own
different ideas on how to best assist the processes
of quelling 20th century racist residue. Some will no doubt find that this
film (like its fictional "Mantan Minstrel Show")
heartily takes steps towards that goal. Others will
hark Pierre's own point, "That was 400 years ago, let
it go, move on!" Still others, just won't know what
to think. I found myself rotating among these three
perspectives. Either way, this film provokes thought,
pressing buttons while it entertains.
The taping of the pilot sequence is break out
fresh and bold. I loved it! Impressive also, the
climax sequence; while simultaneously grossly
humorous and solidly dramatic, it left me with a
blinking question mark over my head. Jade
Pinkett-Smith, Savion Glover, and Tommy Davidson give
very strong performances, but Damon Wayans accent is
more annoying than satirically entertaining.
"Bamboozled" is shot on videotape, sometimes this
supports the feel and intent of the film, and at
other times hinders it; but for the most part doesn't
effect the play.
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