Entertainment

‘Civil War’ brutalizes its characters, even more so when they are black – Andscape

Published

7 months ago

April 22, 2024

IAM

Warning: Civil War

Director Alex Garland’s film, which follows a bunch of journalists through a near-future dystopia where the country is split into various factions and folks are on the verge of overthrowing the federal government, has at all times been controversial. The film’s politics are unclear and its morality is non-existent, leaving viewers to determine which side aligns with their beliefs. But probably the most disturbing thing in regards to the film is its portrayal of who suffers most in America’s wars. The film focuses on two white photographers, but treats the war’s mostly black, Asian and Latino victims as fodder for the subsequent camera shot. In a movie stuffed with murder, probably the most brutal deaths are reserved for non-white characters, especially black men.

I didn’t expect a movie that might leave me wondering in regards to the way forward for this country and its potential fall into fascism. I didn’t expect politically charged social commentary from A A British author/director with an unwavering desire to make a movie about something aside from political divisions. The trailer only confirmed these expectations, like all movie through which California and Texas ally and secede from the United States, relies more on fiction than any real-life predictions. I went to see the #1 movie on the box office, it grossed almost $50 million in its first two weeks — expecting cool visuals, sprawling mayhem, and ingenuity from the identical person behind the groundbreaking horror film and a favourite of the sci-fi crowd I also desired to see the breathtaking motion sequences the film delivers, especially in the ultimate half-hour.

However, as I watched the film, I once more found myself wondering whether I should stay or leave, given the way in which black people were portrayed on screen.

After about five minutes, we see a slow-motion close-up of a black man being burned alive. This moment is an element of a flashback sequence in regards to the primary character, Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), and her history as a photographer in war-torn countries. The actual burning of the Black man, with the camera lingering on for an uncomfortable period of time as his body melts away, just isn’t crucial. And that is probably the most drastic death in all the movie.

About 20 minutes into the film, one other shocking death occurs. This time, a black member – the one black member – of the anti-government alliance is shot dead. But unlike many other deaths in , his killing also dragged on. Other soldiers attempt to patch him up and blood sprays all around the screen. The purpose of this scene: to give attention to the brand new, young, white character of Jesse (Cailee Spaeny) and her journey as a rebellious photojournalist. After the shooting, he crouches next to the dying man and takes photos. Lee also looks further and, continuing the visual trope from the film, we get black and white photos of a dying Black man. Later within the film, Jesse and Lee leaf through the negatives of the event and look again on the image of the dying man – Lee’s only response is that it’s an excellent photo.

I used to be terrified in that moment, but I also felt silly in my disappointment. I must have expected this, because attempting to make a movie in regards to the Civil War in an America devoid of politics is definitely a political statement in itself. He says that Black and Latino people, who would likely be the catalysts for this war, are not value having their stories told. It’s a reminder that Garland, who can imagine a world of zombies, sentient artificial intelligence, and raceless civil war, still cannot imagine a fantasy land where those whose suffering is shown for entertainment will at all times be marginalized. Because of this, I spent the remainder of the movie either dreading each time I saw a black person on screen or wondering when the movie would end so I could find solace elsewhere.

Throughout r we see loads of other dead bodies and mortally wounded characters – a white soldier who’s hit by a truck and his brains are left on the road, and two white men being tortured at a gas station. But we never saw them killed either. We also hate the extent of cold voyeurism we experience when non-white characters die.

The murder of the third black man is available in the film’s most emotional moment, when Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), the senior journalist and moral center of the film, is shot to death. This scene is spine-chilling because of an excellent performance by Jesse Plemons, whose role as a bloodthirsty xenophobe should earn him awards. However, the moment ends with the deaths of the 2 Asian characters and Sammy.

Sammy is killed when a bullet magically passes the primary characters behind the truck he’s driving and hits him within the side. After he gets injured, the camera slowly stops on his dead body covered in blood. The last we see of Sammy is when Lee looks through photographic evidence of his corpse after which wipes the blood from the backseat of her automotive after his body is removed.

The circumstances of Sammy’s death are infuriating and represent the least logical plot points. His death is a direct results of Jesse’s immaturity, as she leaves the group to perform a automotive stunt and disappears. When the group has to seek out a young journalist, it results in Sammy being shot. And after Sammy dies, nobody mentions Jesse’s role in his death. Instead, Lee encourages her to seek out peace in Sammy’s death. There isn’t any accounting or even acknowledgment of Jesse’s actions.

However, if there’s any realism to remove from this moment, it’s that Sammy didn’t want to avoid wasting Jesse, but was rejected. Which means we saw the instance of a lone black journalist in a makeshift newsroom who was ignored while warning everyone else of a foreboding terror who along the way in which fell victim to everyone else’s terrible decisions.

By the time the climactic siege of Washington, D.C., I used to be ready for the movie to finish, waiting for every other black character to seem on screen to be executed. Ultimately, Dunst’s character Lee dies again in consequence of Jesse’s unacknowledged recklessness, and the US president is executed. Still, their deaths were less gruesome and were handled with more care than any of the Black characters who suffered an analogous fate. Lee’s death, particularly, happens without bloodshed.

As the film ends, it becomes clear that the ideologies of the warring sides don’t matter as much because the journalists’ story, which harkens back to Garland’s original goals for the project: to create an apolitical and morally neutral version of a fictional civil war.

It’s a visit that at all times appeared like a silly move. And the way in which black characters are relegated to easily black bodies only underscores the actual fact you could’t tell a story in regards to the breakdown of a rustic without mentioning race. Refusing to do so is just an empty series of mind-blowing visuals and one other excuse to dehumanize black characters through the lens of a camera.

DavidDennis Jr. is a senior author at Andscape and the creator of the award-winning book “The Movement Made Us: A Father, a Son, and the Legacy of a Freedom Ride.” David is a graduate of Davidson College.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com

Entertainment

Kendrick Lamar Releases Surprise Album ‘GNX’; group chats are going crazy

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

IAM

Kendrick Lamar, Kendrick Lamar GNX, GNX, GNX album, K-Dot, K-Dot GNX, theGrio.com

There are few things more exciting than receiving an infinite barrage of text messages at the very same time in numerous group chats. This normally implies that something vital has happened in popular culture. Well, the exact same thing happened about noon on November 22, within the yr of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, higher often called Kendrick Lamar, released the album “GNX”, nod towards Buick Grand National Regal GNXa rare muscle automobile released in 1987 – which also happens to be the yr Kendrick was born.

“GNX” is coming to the tip of what has been a banner yr for Kendrick Lamar. From epic diss records geared toward Drake, to creating the largest song of his profession (and a Drake diss track) on “Not Like Us”, to the “Pop Out” concert streaming live to tell the tale Amazon Prime, Kendrick won this yr. He even received seven Grammy nominations, mostly for “Not Like Us.” And this victory will proceed in the brand new yr. In September, it was announced that Kendrick would stay Super Bowl 2025 headliner will happen in New Orleans. This announcement sparked some controversy and comments from several New Orleans legends similar to Juvenile and most notably Lil Wayne, who felt disrespected; Kendrick immediately refers to this topic within the opening song of the album (all stylized in lower case), “wacced out murals”.

The thing is, Kendrick didn’t sleep for many of 2024. And then, while the remaining of us were minding our own business, listening to other albums that had just dropped, like Ice Cube’s “Man Down,” I began receiving text after text… and I knew that would only mean that something vital happened.

At this point in my life (and possibly even yours), Kendrick Lamar releases are a drop-everything-and-listen event. I immediately went to the streaming service, launched “GNX” and pressed “Play”.

I need to admit that the primary time I heard the album I used to be a bit confused. Kendrick has probably never been more popular or famous; if there was ever a time to drag a Kanye West and release his own version of “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” – an album largely produced as Kanye’s best and most representative of Kanye’s greatness – now could be the time. “GNX” has a far more modern West Coast vibe and is certainly more for his die-hard fans than anyone who just began gaining attention due to his beef with Drake. Maybe that was the purpose; possibly not.

Either way, I can imagine that folks whose favorite lines are “OV-Ho” won’t be immediately thrilled. I wasn’t immediately blown away (though very amused by how sensitive Kendrick is to what people say about him on social media, well, everyone), but as is all the time the case with Kendrick albums, repeated listens are likely to correct any immediate monotony that I even have about his projects. For example, now that I’ve listened to it just a few times, I can not wait to listen to black college bands playing “tv off” style, which seems like a cousin of “Not Like Us.” The Shoot, Bayou Classic, which also takes place yearly in New Orleans on Thanksgiving Day, stands out as the first time we hear a band playing “TV off.”

Since the album didn’t come out long enough to be reviewed, group chats and social media were abuzz with immediate reactions. This is the a part of music releases I really like, where everyone seems to be listening to the identical thing, offering premature takes that will not even delay the following day. I’m not different; I’m sure I’ll say something about this album that can sound silly by Monday. Shoot, I can have already done it. But that is what happens when great artists release music. We spend time with others after which we refer to them, analyze them, criticize them, praise them, destroy them and let all our prejudices fly free. Love it.

It’s value noting that certainly one of Drake’s diss tracks that did not appear during last summer’s fracas was titled “The Heart Part 6,” and was an apparent try to usurp Kendrick’s pre-album practice of removing a non-album song titled “The Heart.” Well, Kendrick has a song on his recent album called, you guessed it, “The Heart, Pt. 6,” which I feel will probably be released soon Drake. Good job, Kenny.

Argue.

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Entertainment

New music this week: Tyla, Lola Brooke, Coco Jones and more – Essence

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Happy Friday, people! Whether you are drinking a warm beverage or preparing for a fun-filled weekend, this week’s latest music releases set the tone. From sensual R&B melodies to powerful hip-hop anthems, these songs have something for everybody.

Coco Jones leads the pack along with her seasonal album, and Tyla offers a heartfelt change of tone with “Tears.” Miguel’s smooth “Always Time” and Jorja Smith’s tender “Stay Another Day” showcase R&B at its finest, while Lola Brooke and Killer Mike turn up the warmth on “Go To Yo Head” and “Warryn’s Groove,” respectively. Today’s list also includes music from Eric Bellinger, Coi Leray, Blxst and more.

Below you possibly can read our list of latest products.

Coco Jones – “Coco by the Fireplace”

Coco Jones releases a warm, soulful album that evokes the comfy atmosphere of a night by the fireplace, showcasing her wealthy vocals and emotional storytelling. Listen to this HERE.

This week's best new music: Tyla, Lola Brooke, Coco Jones and more

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Tyla – “Tears”

In collaboration with COKE, South African sensation Tyla delivers “Tears,” a heartfelt ballad that highlights her vocal skills and emotional depth, marking a departure from her usual upbeat style. Check it out HERE.

Lola Brooke – “Go to Your Head”

Lola Brooke’s “Go To Yo Head” is an assertive anthem with strong beats and confident lyrics, solidifying her presence within the hip-hop scene. Check it out HERE.

Miguel – “It’s Always Time”

Miguel returns with “Always Time”, combining his signature smooth vocals with a up to date R&B beat, exploring themes of affection and patience. Hear this HERE.

Lila Iké ft. Joey Bada$$ – “Fry the Plantain”

Lila Iké teams up with Joey Bada$$ on “Fry Plantain,” fusing reggae beats with hip-hop elements for a must-see track. Check it out HERE.

Jorja Smith – “Stay One More Day”

Jorja Smith delivers “Stay Another Day,” a soulful performance that captures the longing and warmth of a brand new season. Listen to this HERE.

Eric Bellinger ft. Oxlade – “Shooting Star”

Fresh off the discharge of his latest one albumEric Bellinger teams up with Oxlade on “Shooting Star,” a seamless collaboration that blends R&B with Afrobeat influences to create a mesmerizing melody. Hear this HERE.

Killer Mike ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Warryn’s Groove”

In the digital version of Killer Mike Songs for sinners and saintsthe rapper collaborates with Ty Dolla $ign on the song “Warryn’s Groove.” Listen to the song HERE.

Coi Leray – “The heart doesn’t lie”

“Heart Don’t Lie” by Coi Leray is a catchy track that mixes pop sensibilities with honest lyrics about love and vulnerability. Stream HERE.

Amber Mark – “Wait So Yeah”

Amber Mark’s “Wait So Yeah” combines R&B with electronic elements, highlighting her versatility and dynamic sound. Check it out HERE.

Blxst, K CAMP and DeJ Loaf – “Make Room”

Today, singer Blxst collaborates with K CAMP and DeJ Loaf on “Make Room.” Listen to the brand new song HERE.

Camper ft. Tone Stith – “Waiting On You”

Camper and Tone Stith join forces on a brand new track that showcases their vocal chemistry and songwriting skills. Listen to this HERE.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Entertainment

Serena Williams is cutting short divorce talks for a second time after the couple reunited and put months of rumors to rest

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2024

IAM

Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian are still doing well despite months of unconfirmed divorce rumors.

On November 17, Williams and the Reddit co-founder took a walk down memory lane and tested one another by asking questions on themselves and their family in a recent promotional ad. The couple ate a few of their favorite meals and meanwhile checked their glucose levels using Hello Lingo, a glucose monitoring device.

Nearly five minutes into the recording, Williams tested her husband’s memory by asking, “Who said I love you first?”

Ohanian, who shares two daughters, Olimpia and Adira, with the tennis legend, responds quickly by saying, “Mmm,” before writing his answer on the board.

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian recall who said “I love you” first amid divorce rumors. (Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

“It’s like ‘The Newlywed Game,'” Williams said, writing down her answer, referring to the mid-Nineteen Sixties show “The Newlywed Game,” which tested couples who had been married for lower than two years to see if how much they learn about their relationship. amplifier.

Both Williams and Ohanian turn the board over to reveal their answers and, quite shockingly, they received two different answers. Ohanian wrote that Williams said it first, but Williams claims it was Ohanian.

“Come now. Are you going to lie about this? he declared to Williams, who responded with a laugh: “I said I would be honest.”

“That’s not an honest answer,” Ohanian continued. “I still keep in mind that phone call. Oh, you realize I felt the same, but you certainly said it first.

Williams joked: “My glucose levels were high. I ate some ice cream, my glucose level was too high. Then I tell this guy and I feel like saying things I would not normally say. The moment ended with Williams replaying how she told Ohanian those three special words.

Of course, there was no shortage of reactions from fans who showed their love for the couple and how well they interact of their normal element.

One YouTube commenter he wrote“It’s great to see Serena and Alexis in this normal environment, they are so lovely and have great charisma. I love them even more now and I feel great chemistry between them.”

Someone else said: “I liked this part. They seem to really like each other.”

However, as rumors swirled about problems of their marriage, one fan was confused by the video shared on Instagram.

“I thought I read that they got divorced?” he wrote one person in Williams’ comment section.

Someone else also addressed the rumors, writing: “Where are the haters who said divorce was imminent? Sometimes people will be crazy. Seriously, how are you going to even start assuming things like that about people you have never met?

We got married here 7 years ago. Now we will take these two out for donuts. Happy anniversary 🎉 Thank you for giving me two of the best people we’ve got ever met. You are a tremendous mom. I’m very glad to have met you @serenawilliams @olympiaohanian @adiraohanian pic.twitter.com/5ntPujrYDh

— Alexis Ohanian 🇦🇲 (@alexisohanian) November 17, 2024

This summer, fans began speculating that Williams and her seven-year marriage to Ohanian were in trouble after they noticed she hadn’t posted from him on her social media pages in some time.

Moreover, Ohanian was noticeably absent from the June premiere of the documentary “In the Arena: Serena Williams” and was also absent from her side at the Met Gala in May.

But they got back together this summer after they attended the Paris Olympics with their daughter Olympia in July.

Among the many viral moments spent with the Ohanian family, she organizes: umbrella for his wife and the European commentator – who didn’t realize he was her husband – and called Ohanian Serena’s “umbrella holder”.

The tech guru reacted to the moment hilariously by snapping a photo of himself holding an umbrella over himself and his daughter.

Ohanian joked, “I am also a personal Olympia umbrella owner. Sidebar: You all set the bar too low for me and celebrity daddies only get flowers for *admitting* they have kids.”

The proud dad is probably also Adira’s personal umbrella holder.