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Number of Pages 7
This research paper: This is a 7 page paper discussing the semiotics of the black film genre. Certain cinematic codes are used in films to portray semiotics or symbolism to the cinematic audience. Some of the most significant of these can be found in the African American film genre which has changed significantly in its symbolic representation over the years. Originally, blacks in films were stereotyped blatantly and retained the status of the servant to the white man, similar to a Mammy’s role in “Gone With the Wind”. After the cultural revolution took place in the 1960s, Blaxploitation evolved as a black film genre which symbolized the new empowerment felt by the black American population. Blaxploitation, although popular with black audiences, did not have a long life span however and African Americans in films in the 1980s were once again relegated to “buddy” or comic relief roles as support to white actors who retained the leading roles. The black film genre changed again in the 1990s when many films were released showing the urban blight, violence and discrimination experienced by blacks. Again, the genre was filled heavily with stereotypes and the symbolic roles of blacks in American society although the stereotype has changed. Recently, film makers have decided to use more subtle approaches to symbolize the African American in today’s society. This approach has lead to films such as “Devil in a Blue Dress” which explores the subtle cultural differences found in African Americans rather than blatant stereotypes and also new films which spoof the previous stereotypes depicted which in effect erases cinematic coding of black roles. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
File: D0_TJfilms1.rtf
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