"Precious... the Ensemble Cast" -For Colored Girls Trailer
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 4:32AM The Blogmother Some works of literature should remain in their original form. Period. Exhibit A, Toni Morrison's Beloved. I now present Exhibit B, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.
Structurally, For Colored Girls is a series of 20 poems, collectively called a "choreopoem." It is performed by a cast of seven women characters, each of whom is known only by a color: "Lady in Yellow," "Lady in Purple," etc. The poems deal with love, abandonment, rape, and abortion, embodied by each woman's story, i.e. Lady in Blue's visceral account of a woman who chooses to have an abortion, and Lady in Red's tale of domestic violence. The end of the play brings together all of the women for "a laying on of hands," in which Shange evokes the power of womanhood as the Lady in Red begins the mantra "I found God in myself/and I loved her/I loved her fiercely."Wikipedia
I was really torn about whether I wanted to see this movie or not. I love many of the actresses in it, but I don't tend to go see movies about pain and suffering on the big screen intentionally. Now if I get surprised, as I often am, then that's fine, but I'm not going to stand in line and pay $10 for the pleasure of being de-pressed in advance for 120 minutes of my precious life.
I mean I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to like this movie even if Tyler Perry is attached to it because i LOVE Phylicia Ayers Allen Rashad and want to see her in as many roles as possible on account that she brought us the iconic image of Clare Huxtable for most of my childhood. I even like Loretta Devine.I guess Tyler Perry read "SUICIDE" in the title of the play and decided to try to induce it in all of us. I knew the subject matter was dark, but pull out the Prozac folks, here's the new trailer for Tyler Perry Presents... For Colored Girls Who Were Not Considering Suicide Until They Saw This Trailer And They They Changed Their Minds.
Well here we go again.... After seeing the trailer for "For Colored Girls"- the film version of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf , I am definitely NOT going to see the movie in theatres. Yep, I'll wait for the DVD. I got depressed just looking at it. I need a cookie or something to elevate my mood... make that a Krispy Kreme donut hot off the line.
Yes, Black people are entitled to produce any kind of movies that they want to and to be sure, movies featuring non-Black characters also include a heavy dose of drama and human suffering during awards season, but there's some small amount of variance in them. Gran Torino which had some painful scenes in it also had a ton of humor. Million Dollar Baby was hopeful.... until it wasn't. In both of those cases I was shocked at the end of the movie by the horror that occurred at the end, in this case, I know going in what's going to happen. And I'd rather see it live on stage.
Has anyone seen Fela? In Aida, they bury the two lovers alive. In Wicked, Elpaba has to run away. Chicago is a downer, oh goodness RENT, that was truly a sad ending. Great music, though. I've never seen a play or a musical that ends well, but I probably wouldn't pay to see Fela at the movies either, but I'd drop a whole lotta money to see it on Broadway. Maybe its the intimacy of the experience. Everything just seems smaller.
I would love it if they would assemble the cast for a Broadway performance, I'd pay a couple hundred dollars to see that.
I don't even blame Tyler Perry like some folks do. Its not his fault all the rest of us are sitting on our arses doing nothing while he's out there cranking out movie after movie.
P.S. My most recent screenplay was about Black women disgruntled Black fairies with Afropuffs and malfunctioning wands and some job placement issues.
22 Comments | Share Article For Colored Girls, Phylicia Rashad, Tyler Perry
Reader Comments (22)
I've never seen the play peformed on the stage, but I have heard a recording of it, and I've got to say -- even without the intimacy of the theatre setting and seeing actors peform the roles/poems -- the recording, just hearing it, because the acting is so good, is a fulfilling medium for putting over the play. SPOILER ALERT!!!!
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When the actress reaches the line, "He dropped them!"
That, the way she said it, the way she performed the poem up to that point, and then reached that line, WOW!!!, it made my heart drop down into my stomach.
I would love to listen to the recording. Where did you get your recording. I wonder if its on Amazon.... I checked its not currently available on Amazon, but they are releasing a recording in January 2011 when this movie originally was supposed to come out. Wonder if they will move that up.
I saw the play back in the 80's. It was moving and disturbing. I enjoyed the play, but I do not want to see the tragedies recounted on stage come to life on the big screen. I will have to pass on this one.
Whoopi and India Arie tried to bring this play to Broadway but the investors backed out. At this point I think most BW are entertained by the downtrodden movies, even downtrodden singers like Mary J Blige and Keyshia Cole.
"Its not his fault all the rest of us are sitting on our arses doing nothing while he's out there cranking out movie after movie. "
Did you know a black woman Nzinga Stewart ( a black woman) was originally the one working on this movie, supposedly Tyler strong armed the people at Lionsgate for it, he is their cash brown cow now. I think she may still be listed as the writer.
I feel the same. I usually wait to see depressing movies on DVD or on Cable. Going to the movies is too dang expensive to come out feeling worst than you went in. Casting a melodrama is a very sensitive thing. You don't want the actors to make it too over the top. I didn't like the way Janet Jackson acted in Why Did I Get Married, too. I really didn't like the whole movie, but that's another subject. You can just smell the 'I want an Oscar' desperation in the actor's performance.
Hmmm...
Still pissed he got this movie...since I strongly believe if the movie was gonna be brought to the big screen a woman sould havw done it...still pissed they strong armed ol' girl out of the film.
Yeah...its depresssing but if u know the play then u know that. Every seen 21 Grams or Mystic River? The Garderner's Wife? Ain't none of them joints happy and they all had Oscar noms and wins in the case of the fist two.
This is Tyle's hope for a nomination..though I uspeect it will be botched as the man can't write and direct.
And there are PLENTY of black folk making movies - they just can't get the funding or the distribution..it ain't tthat simple...especially now since Holywood ain't taking chnaces with unknown quantities.
Gina,
I heard it on a LP vinyl album--an original cast recording. I take it, from your comment, that it has not been put on to a CD. You might try your local library's city-/county-wide system to see if they have the LP in their archived collection. Of course, you'll need a turntable to listen to it; usually, the main branch has "old-fashioned" equipment/technology (manual typewriters, turntables, microfiche, etc.) available for patron use on request.
I saw the play as a teenager. It was one of the most moving experiences I ever had. I will be there to see it on film.
"but I don't tend to go see movies about pain and suffering on the big screen intentionally. "
I agree 100%
I'm the same way about avoiding painful movies in the theater. Plus my husband refuses to go to anything depressing at the theater and I try to make movie outings date nights since it is so expensive to go. But I very much so look forward to the DVD.
While I personally don't trust Tyler Perry with such a classic, I might go see it, I dunno.
But yes, I saw FELA! on Broadway back in January; IT WAS GREAT! The music, GREAT! The performances, the stage set up, music arrangements, etc., GREAT! The brother that played Fela, F-I-N-E!! I especially like how they portrayed Fela's mother, Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, it was AWESOME, POWERFUL, INSPIRING! And if you read the biography on Mama Fumilayo, I think you'd be inspired as well. DEFINITELY SEE THE BROADWAY PRODUCTION, which I think was executive produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and Jay-Z. (Yeah I know, imagine that!) :)
I looked forward to seeing Whoopi Goldberg's and India Arie's For Colored Girls Broadway reprise. After hearing that Tyler Perry was producing a movie version, I bought a DVD from Amazon of the stageplay performed decades ago by a cast that included Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield.
When I think of For Colored Girls, I remember contestants on the then-televised Miss Black America who would recite selected acts from For Colored Girls as their talent selections. They always performed the piece about Toussaint Louverture or the "Somebody almost walked off with alla my stuff" piece.
"When I think of For Colored Girls, I remember contestants on the then-televised Miss Black America who would recite selected acts from For Colored Girls as their talent selections. They always performed the piece about Toussaint Louverture or the "Somebody almost walked off with alla my stuff" piece"
LOL!! Oh that takes me way back - I saw the "He dropped them" piece on a MBA show! I remembered it because the "pagent" was held in a park (you could see the swing sets) and the piece was taped in what looked like somebody's office...
Nope, no guns, explosions, or gratuitous sex - no Tracy.
Tyler Perry makes too much money off the same ol' tired story line. A black woman, slave strugglin, HUGE chip on her shoulder, finds her a good black man, they go to church, her family works out their "issues" either drugs or abortions in the past or what have you, and then the black man marries her.
Tyler Perry, you're predictable like a student teacher's multiple choice test. Over it, over you, over everything about struggling. That's why I went to see Sex and the City. When I see black women doing shopping and having fun and not always doing this slave struggle, I'll go see a Tyler Perry movie. Till then. No.
I agree with Tracy. I don't have it in me to watch this film. I'm sick of seeing films that show black women either, depressed, abused, bitter, angry, used, unloved, unwanted, treated like trash, just women you would never be around. And they have the nerve to say this is the struggle of the black woman. Excuse me? I never had that kind of drama in my life. All black women are created differently, our struggles our joys, our saddness is all different quit showing me one side of it.
1 film I can say that I loved and could relate to was Just Wright. I loved the film, the struggles of dating, being over looked, wondering if being yourself is enough. Everything about that movie was light hearted and it did poorly at the box office and it SHOULD NOT HAVE!. I've come to the conclusion that black people, love watching black women struggle. These types of films are entertainment to them, if it wasn't, the #'s and overly praise of the films would not be.
Just look at the amount of drama filmed movies dealing with bw/bm relationships? Not Easily Broken, that film was just filled with all the drama's you can imagine, an angry bitter selfish woman, a bm down on his luck, his fantasy of a white woman, and of course going back to God. I hated that film and Tarji P. Henson nearly lost points with me on that film. Just check out any play or movie and its just filled with these.
Now when Girlfriends the movie comes out I'll be there, until then quit this one demensional version of a few black women, I'm sick of it!
I don't think I understand. You didn't see the movie and are encouraging people or implying that one shouldn't go because of the depressing subject matter. Do I even need to say don't judge a book by its cover. I do not understand how you can go on about this without even seeing the film to past any sort of judgment. I understand your stance against dramatic/depressing movies but to use a movie you haven't seen as your platform is just wrong. Albeit that it is Tyler Perry and his "body" of work leaves much to be desired and the mere fact that he is the director/producer would be enough to say No need to see this movie.
However, what I think is a more pressing matter regarding this movie is the fact that Tyler Perry is a misogynist if there ever was one and was allowed to direct this film in light of the gender specfic subject matter. Madea is a caricature, stereotype and a bamboozle of motherhood and EVERYS SINGLE black actress attached to his movies have experienced a virtual career death subsequent to the release. And let us not even point out that the roles are neither challenging, insightful or interesting to begin with. Correct me if I am wrong. The only role available to them after their Tyler Perry debut is a sequel in his movie or a part of his shitcoms on TBS.
What is of even graver concern is that in his latest venture, he has assembled a virtual Who's Who of Black Actresses. So come this time next year, there would be a Black Out for Female actresses in Hollywood. I beg you Halle Berry resist the temptation of Tyler Perry. Hold Out! Stay Strong and Stay AWAY!! I think you are all that remains
OH LAWD we've been infiltrated
@marcello Who do you think you are that you are going to tell me I don't have the right to have a preference about how to spend my money. Any fool can see that this movie is going to be an orgy of pain and suffering. If you want to be mad, be mad at Tyler for cutting a trailer that left NOTHING to the imagination. If you are familiar with the written work it doesn't take too much to figure out what's being depicted and why.
I didn't tell anybody to do anything. I just said I wasn't going to see it in theaters and THAT'S my God-given right.
ANd what's with the telling Tyler to stay strong. Tyler is filthy stinking rich, trust me, he's not bothered that I ain't going to go see his movie when people like you will show up and bring 5 friends. BESIDES this movie isn't about box office, its about Tyler finally being recognized by hollywood for his talent....BWHAHHAHA!
SIGH.
Yet ANOTHER Black Hollywood contemporary RUINING a black classic. I won't mince words; I can't STAND Tyler Perry and there is absolutely NOTHING anyone can say to convince me otherwise.
I aslo don't have a problem with Shange's play or the topics she addressed. Black life ain't no Crystal Stair and I'm cool with that. What I have a problem with is TP's penchant to reduce practically every "creative" thing he's done to Chitlin' Eatin' Niggafication.
Even after seeing the cast, I'm still not impressed. These are all A-list black actresses with B-D list quality acting skills. Coupled with Tyler's hatred of black women and subpar writing skills, this movie will be a perfect storm for the black masses who are too low brow to realize they are about to go to the movies and waste $11.00 to see a steaming pile of crap.
I won't even be watching the DVD. I've made it this far in life having NEVER seen a Madea movie, play, or otherwise. Tyler's writing is so inconsequential and predictable, that a trailer or teaser is all I need to make a sound choice to avoid him and his media.
I'm torn. I agree TP is NOT the person to bring this work to the big screen but you know Hollywood. They can only remember one black person's name at a time until their new shiny brown skinned toy comes along. They can't possibly think we have different points of view.
That said however I welcome anything that has the potential to showcase the dramatic acting abilities of black actresses. It is unfortunate that most of our good dramatic works deal in pain and not empowerment in the face of pain or other themes.
I am soooo tired of the baffoonary. Even in the TP joints that might have had a chance, Diary of a Mad Black Woman for example, the Madea stuff put it in another vien. So as long as he doesn't have Madea bounce out and narrate between scenes about how she would boil grits and toss it on the no good guys I might check it out.
Tyler Perry has basterdized Black Film and Black Women's images to 1000th power! This guy has exploited Black folks and become rich of the profits of doing so...I cannot stand him!!! Gina I agree with you that some works of literature cannot and should not be turned into screenplays. As soon as I heard that Janet(no acting)Jackson was showing up in this film, I knew we were in for some mess. I love almost every other actress in this movie and pray that they were able to help TP not completely destroy the intent of the play!! BTW...are there any other Black filmakers out there at this point?
I don't think you can make a fair assessment until you actually see the film. I'm definitely going to support. At this point, Tyler Perry is only director that can write, produce, and make happen on a mainstream level the different stories of black people - beyond just the hood. Of course I would like to see more of diverse group of directors tell our stories...but for right now, Tyler Perry is the biggest one out there who is doing it and who is willing to do it - if this movie flops, Hollywood would take that as a sign that we don't want to hear or see these type of "black films" so we will be left with the Lottery Tickets and Madea genres...I personally want to see more of the dramatic pieces with black faces on the screen - right now Tyler is the one who can manipulate the system to make it where Hollywood will suppor these films - once that manipulation takes place --- hopefully doors will be opening the door for others to follow Mr. Perry and perhaps we'll get even better stories told....
For the record, I actually like Tyler and his growth...he really is a genius who is only going to get better with time!
wow, why all the hatred toward a black man who pulled himself off the streets and made a success out of his life !
madea movies like them or hate them , ( as well as the plays) have a moral to them, its funny and uplifting .....
This movie is dark and seemingly true for some who have these issues in their life.... Tyler Perry is brilliant he starting writting plays and now after being ridiculed and told that nobody would back him , and certainly no one would support his efforts in the film industry, is making a killing for the studios as well as for himself.....i
I read and saw precious, i was literally sick during the film , it wasnt pretty but it told a story of how life is not always beautiful and great !
Some people actually have to deal with that sort horrible living ..and it shined a light on that fact !
Tyler Perry's movie will shed light on other issues that people do not like to talk about as well ..........
I think that I too am torn between wanting to see these actresses on the big screen, not wanting to be depressed by the subject matter (on the big screen), and not wasting my hard earned money on a TP (toilet paper) production...I was sooo disappointed with "WDIGM 2"- it sucked! But I am still curious,I dunno. (Sigh) It is too bad that it is just slim pickings out there in black movies world.