Heart of a Woman
Women are used in various ways in cinema. Many times the sentiments portrayed on the screen are those that are directly related to the position of women in a particular society. Other times the cinematic portrayal of women distinctly differs from what is actually a true representation. In films of this unit both African and American there are representations of women as they relate to family (husbands, boyfriends, children, parents), career, politics and society at-large. In the 1975 film Xala, students will see and experience the complexity of female relationships found in families who practice polygamy.
Black women have been treated in various ways in American cinema throughout the century. Look at the 1974 film, Claudine. It shows the plight of the Black woman, Hollywood style, but gives a comprehensible view of what being a single mother is about. The Duke is Tops/The Bronze Venus (1938) shows woman at first being subservient to man yet rising above that situation. Moreover, in the 1934 film version, Imitation of Life, yet another viewpoint of Black women is depicted and viewers are given a distinct role of Black women in society. To explore a study of ethical problems, students can view both adaptations of Imitation of Life 1934 and 1959. To further their investigation, students can read the Fannie Hurst novel and determine cinematic technical factors placed in both films intended for propaganda.
In this unit you will find a highly detailed lesson for the study and discussion of the portrayal of Black women in film. Students will be required to use higher order thinking and critical analysis skills. Their discussion skills will be enhanced because they will be encouraged to intelligently debate subjects generated from viewing film clips from films not yet viewed in their entirety. Students' prewritten critiques or character make-ups about the different female characters will be used later as we put all the pieces of the film in their rightful places. Students must feel comfortable with film vocabulary at this point.
Comments: