In a recent story in The Hollywood Reporter, the quandary writer-director-producer Tyler Perry is faced with is posed. Is he too black for broader appeal?
While Perry has consistently deliverd $20 million plus openings for his string of Lionsgate features, his overwhelmingly black audience demographics have not crossed over to the mainstream movie-going audience.
Perhaps Perry is pushing towards broader appeal with his next film, "The Family that Preys," which stars Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard. A departure from Perry's familiar character (including the gun-toting Madea) and themes, will "Preys" push Perry into broader acceptance in the moviegoing universe?
Your thoughts?
2 comments:
Why does he have to Cross Over??? Tyler has not sold out before, why should he start now. He has be come a Millionare from black people's support, and I am really offended by the "Too Black" we are about to have a black president. This is why we can not move forward. We still live very much in a racist soicety. No one can be too black, Ive never heard someone say your too "White" for certain audiences. Enough Already!!
Empress makes a very good point that is very clear to African Americans as one that should not have to take place every time success becomes the goal in respect to whatever you do in life as a black person. In that dimension of thinking she is correct. African Americans need to know that they can build their own financial community from within.
However I think the formula that offends is the watering down of the actual work in production being tainted by images that do not coincide with the African American Community or vision. This is infuriating if not demeaning to Blacks in American life. Also I get the feeling that Empress does not see that possibility of incorporating the reality of what African American film makers,have to offer, which should be to extend the welcome arm to show the true color of American life. This topic alone should lead you to Debra J. Dickerson's book, THE END OF BLACKNESS, which make for a great read.
This topic is one that is more intricate than a simple yes and no answer. There are elements and ideas at play that are not in alignment with true artistry. In order for Blacks to tell the story and whites for that matter, all racial and culture backgrounds should have representation, depending on the demographic of the films location. You are not going to find 500 black people in a Russian city, in one spot on the daily bases, but you will find some doing significant things in that same city, which should cross over into film and has as of late. That goes the same for stories based on the African American Experience or African Experience as a whole. You must know your position. Nothing irritates movie goers more than a film that does not represent correctly and that feeling is universal amongst all races.
Tyler does not need to cross over he has the power to make universal films at this point. I am sure that his world is not black with out shades of white. Their is not black person that can tell you that. So it is time that the entire story begins to see the silver screen, and Tyler Perry has that wealthy position in film that is very rare in the African American film Community to pull it off. The studios will listen to him. Heck they have not choice if they want in on the action that he is pulling in. Plus I think his vision is larger that any simple yes or no answer.
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