Analyzing the Impact of the New Black Film Canon on Black Representation in Hollywood

Lisa Doris Alexander, author of The New Black Film Canon The New Black Film Canon, claims that there are many movies not in the tradition of Black cinema that offer richer images of Black characters than the ones that have been popularized for decades.

Barry Jenkins’s Medicine for Melancholy, a romantic comedy which debates the specifics and Nikyatu’s workplace drama Aisha examines existential issues against the background of an wealthy Manhattan family. The two films are must-sees if you’re interested in Black film.

1. Blood of Jesus (1940) Blood of Jesus (1940)

A few years back, Slate released the New Black Film Canon. It was among several well-respected lists that featured several of the important cultural films made by Black directors.

The first movie to be registered on the registry was Spencer Williams’ 1941 film, which is a morality-based drama that was which was set in Texas and shot on a $5,000 budget. This film is a milestone in the genre of race films and an important historical account of Black Southern Baptist culture.

2. Bessie (1995)

Bessie Coleman, at the time of her 18th birthday, saved enough money for Langston University in Langston (formerly Colored Agricultural and Normal University). However, she quit at the end of a semester due to the fact that she was unable to afford pursue her studies.

This tale demonstrates that one person can succeed regardless of any obstacles that they may face. The powerful tale is an inspirational message to Black girls that encourages them to take risks, and follow their dreams.

3. The loss of Ground (1988).

Losing Ground was the documentary of an African American female director who was inducted into the National Film Registry. It describes the life of the life of a Black woman who teaches philosophy , and her husband, who is an abstract artist.

Kathleen Collins, a multi-talented director brings together her diverse abilities in this character study. The result is quite a shock! It is a stunning work of cinematic art, that Milestone Films has recently restored to release in physical and theatrical theaters.

4. The House on Mango Street (1960)

Sandra Cisneros has written The House on Mango Street, a story about Esperanza Corero. This tale was inspired by the experiences of Esperanza Cordero as a young girl in poor Mexican American neighborhoods.

The novel is laid out as the result of several vignettes, which recall the lives of Esperanza. The stories offer an insight into the cultural and social issues faced by Chicanas living in Chicago’s Hispanic area.

5. The Smell of Success (1980).

A worthy Oscar contender for the best film of the year is Smell of Success, or SLOB in its short form. The show-stopping movie stars Burt Lancaster. Stars such as Michael Caine, Phyllis Smith as well as others appear in the movie. The film is a delight from start to finish.

6. The Last Picture Show (1960)

NPR and Slate have teamed up in order to increase the Black Film Canon, which is a compilation of the most outstanding films made by Black filmmakers. Both gatekeepers and as the creators of Best-of lists must think about the diversity of creative talent Black filmmakers show on screen regardless of the historical challenges.

This selection from director Peter Bogdanovich is an adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s semi-autobiographical novel. The story is set in a tiny Texas town, the movie is a story about two seniors at high school as well as their relationships with one another.

7. The Taking of Pelham 1 – 3 (1968).

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is among the classics that defines 1970s-era cinema in the early 1970s. The film is slickly made and never wastes time: its story is told with a plethora of motion.

Within New York, four armed people hijack the subway and demand 1 million dollars. To ensure safety for passengers Walter Matthau (the head of the transit police) fights against city hall as well as his fellow officers.

8. The Blues Brothers (1980)

The Blues Brothers (1980) is your starting point for great Black. This episode features Jake as well as Elwood Blues, a couple who were Saturday Night Live pioneers John Belushi (Dan Aykroyd)

The love they have for music that forms the movie’s principal theme. It leads them to many of the best soul and blues artists in Chicago. However, it devotes a substantial portion of the film to the standard, ridiculous car chases.

9. The Godfather, 1972

The first step to fantastic Black film with the New Black Film Canon. The Godfather is the film that started a new category of movies about organized crime . It established the standard for this type of work.

It was a huge hit for both the critics as the public. The film also helped revive Marlon Brando’s fame. The film established Coppola as a key actor in the industry.

10. “The Sun and The Raisin (1963).

Find great Black films of the past at the New Black Film Canon. This is a trend that is spreading within the literary world of tastemakers and social media influencers as well as media executives that are seeking to reinstate attention to older works.

This collection features a variety of spirited and engaging photographs that look contemporary and pertinent regardless of the time period however, there are classic films that are yet to make them into the canon. These films are worth your time.