Hearing last year that Tyler Perry, writing/director/producer/star of the "Madea" plays/movies was going to be directing a movie version of the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf by the brilliant playwright Ntokage Shange, I was in shock. Now Perry has risen to this eliteness of success almost overnight in my eyes. Perry started out band-wagoning his plays around the east coast, and slid into the film world adapting his plays for the screen. I as an aspiring Black artist admire Perry for his success in the film world. I wouldn't exactly say that he's made a strong theatrical impact for African Americans in my opinion, but time will tell.
Now Perry is taking on what I believe to be his most difficult artistic achievement or failure to date. Below you'll find the trailer to the film. For those of you who haven't ever read the play please do ASAP its a testimony to the Colored Woman (Not just the Black woman by the way) that will connect with any soul. Shange speaks in a unique poetic language while telegraphing a series of images that will change your life forever. This show is iconic in the Black Theatre community and I'm scared that Perry will ruin the play's message. Before you hear my opinion of the trailer watch it yourself....
Colored Girls Trailer
I will make sure to see this film in theaters. Watching this trailer I'm convinced that no one should be worried about the artistic integrity or ability of Tyler Perry. As my name represents paving the path for yourself, Perry is making his own legacy by tackling such pieces. I'm only nervous about the film losing the poetic language of the play. Its understandable that this literary device will need to be visually represented but what makes this piece iconic is Ntokage Shange's lyrical voice. I will be disappointed if this film turns out to be a black woman cry-fest frame after frame. I really don't appreciate the hesitation of support from the black community. Its funny how were still so hard on our own people. Perry has the connections and means to take this story nationwide....worldwide...while not "selling out" to make a buck. Obviously the film is packed with some of the best African American actors/actresses in the business. Which will bring a professional level, and mastery of craft that the material needs to survive film critics. Every Black man needs his artistic muse, someone that you can mold and watch bloom before you while helping you to capture your own personal vision. I think Tyler Perry has found that in Janet Jackson. (I got my eyes on whose mine...hmmm).
What I'm still waiting on from Tyler Perry is for him to create a piece that doesn't shine such a destructive light on African American men. Every single one of his movies has placed Black men in a shadow that creates this image of the (1) Savior, and (2) Destroyer. I'm not sure if Perry realizes how damaging these images are to the advancement of the African American culture. America is getting the image that there are only two types of Black men, (1) The Savior, who can't do no wrong that will sweep every woman off of her feet and take her to that happily-ever-after. But then theres the (2) The Destroyer, this Black man beats and tears down all women while usually under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or money. Both images are so 2-D. Perry gets the achievement for increasing jobs in the business for African Americans but won't get ther merit badge until he stops enforcing this ridiculous stereotype.
In the end I say most definitely go see this movie. Don't bootleg this one if its heading in the direction I think it is you'll be jipping yourself of an experience that will last a lifetime.
Peace
