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Blog Post 6

Joquarri Price

Professor Due

AFM Sunken Place

December 15 2023

"Abby," a horror film from 1974 directed by William Girdler, is a standout movie in black horror cinema. It's different from other movies in its genre, telling the story of Abby Williams, played by Carol Speed. Abby becomes possessed by an African deity named Eshu. The movie is set in a quiet village where Abby is a pastor's wife, and her possession leads to all sorts of supernatural events that mix up reality and faith. Girdler's movie is special because it mixes elements of exploitation films (movies that focus on shocking content) with classic horror, creating a creepy vibe within the film. One of the best things about "Abby" is its actors. Carol Speed is amazing as Abby, showing her change from a good woman to someone controlled by an evil force. Other actors like Juanita Moore and William Marshall also add a lot to the movie, making it more than a typical horror film. Girdler combines horror with cultural and religious ideas, which makes the film really make you think and not just scare you. It makes you think, especially with the movie referencing real gods in cultures. The movie explores the mix of Christian beliefs and traditional African spirituality, questioning the usual ideas of good versus evil and making the audience think about faith and supernatural things in a deeper way. When "Abby" first came out, it caused some controversy. "The Exorcist,” is similar to this movie in different ways and was taken out of theaters because of legal issues and because it was said to be too similar. But over time, "Abby" has become really popular, especially for its fresh take on the idea of possession and its role in black-themed horror movies. People can  appreciate "Abby" for its storytelling, great acting, and how it deals with religious and cultural themes. An important part of the film is how it includes black culture, like using the African god Eshu and clothes inspired by African styles. Warner Bros may have had a problem with "Abby" and whether they saw it as a threat to usual movie standards. There weren't many mainstream black horror movies before Jordan Peele's "Get Out," showing a change in how movies are becoming more diverse. "Abby" is an important film to the black horror genre. It's known for its deep cultural themes, complex ideas, and powerful storytelling. It shows how horror movies can be more than just scary – they can challenge and change the usual ways stories are told in films.

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Week 5 Themes

"Blackula" and "Ganja and Hess" are two films that stand out in their unique approach to the black horror genre. Both films not only entertain but also delve into deeper themes relevant to African American experiences and history. "Blacula" is a film that reinterprets a classic vampire tale from the black perspective. Set in 1780, the film opens with an African prince named Mama Walde, who confronts Count Dracula about slavery. This historical setting allows "Blacula" to incorporate significant African history and themes of struggle against racism and bondage, distinguishing it from traditional horror films. The film's approach to storytelling is innovative, focusing not just on the horror elements but also on the portrayal of a black vampire story with a strong sense of black pride. This movie goes beyond the stereotypical portrayal of black characters in cinema, offering a narrative that is better in cultural context and relevant. "Ganja and Hess" shows a more contemplative narrative focusing on addiction, symbolized through the metaphor of blood. The film revolves around a scholar grappling with his addiction. The story is interwoven with themes of love and making the right decisions. In “Ganja and Hess” It focuses on Dr. Hess’s relationship with Ganja. Dr. Hess contemplates turning Ganja into a vampire. Unlike "Blackula," "Ganja and Hess" is a slow-paced movie using the vampire theme to explore deeper issues related to addiction, heritage, and personal choices. This ties the addiction to African blood, linking the character's personal struggles with broader themes of African heritage and lineage.Both films contribute significantly to the black horror aesthetic. This genre redefines traditional horror narratives, infusing them with themes of racism, bondage, African history, and the exploration of lineage. In doing so, these films not only provide artistic entertainment but also provoke thought and discussion about important cultural and historical issues. "Blackula" particularly stands out for its focus on black empowerment and the effects of racism. By looking at the horror genre through a black lens, the film combines the narrative of a vampire story with a powerful commentary on the struggles against racism and the importance of preserving African lineage. The film’s depiction of a powerful black vampire challenges traditional stereotypes in movies and offers a narrative that resonates with the black audience, celebrating our culture and history. "Ganja and Hess" uses the vampire story as a metaphor to dive into complex themes like addiction, heritage, and identity. The film's focus on African blood and the protagonist's addiction to it symbolizes a deeper longing for connection to African heritage, pointing to a narrative that goes beyond the typical horror trope. "Blackula" and "Ganja and Hess" are more than just horror films; they are artistic expressions that explore and celebrate African American history and identity. These films share important contributions to the black exploitation genre, offering unique perspectives and narratives that highlight the struggles, history, and pride of the African American experience.

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Themes From Week 4

The film “Eve's Bayou” shows how you can go from adoring someone to eventually wishing them dead. This serves as the emotional core of this story with Eve and her father. Liars tend to have severe consequences. The theme of this movie shows the impact of deception and its potential to disrupt social harmony. Revolving around Eve's journey from adoring her father to wishing him dead, representing her loss of innocence and coming to reality. Eve discovers that her father has been lying to her about cheating. This leads to a sense of betrayal and the potential downfall of their family's reality.The movie explores the themes of magic and rituals, with references to louisiana, voodoo spells and prophetic dreams. This all plays a significant role in the narrative and contributes to the overall setting.The secrets within their family home was devastating to them. The film touches on the impact of keeping secrets from individuals and how it impacts relationships. This film shows a different cultural perspective and shows superstitions, such as beliefs in curses, and the presence of ancestors as ghosts. These elements add depth to the narrative and shape the characters' actions and beliefs. But through all of her hurt with her father, Eve’s experience as she navigates the complexities of her emotions, relationships, and reality ultimately lead her and family to a loss of innocence. The importance of community in the story is emphasized, particularly in relation to the open secret of the father's infidelity. The community discusses the father's affairs, and even the children are aware of it.The film projects an affluent black community that is relatively isolated, highlighting the absence of white influence in the story. This absence contributes to the unique dynamics and experiences of the characters within their community.Comparing this film to "Get Out" both go into themes of deception, betrayal, and the disruption of social harmony. Both films explore these themes in different contexts and with different cultural views. "Get Out" tackles themes of deception and betrayal in the context of interracial relationships, micro-aggressions, liberal racism, and cultural appropriation. The film shows metaphorically how white people deceive for the eye for their riches. It shows the discomfort and horror of being trapped in a community where appearances are deceiving, highlighting the consequences of an utopian lifestyle built on falsehoods. Both films touch on the impact of deception and secrets, "Get Out" takes a more overtly supernatural and racially charged approach, addressing issues of cultural exploitation and racism. "Eve's Bayou'' deals with family betrayal and secrets. This places greater emphasis on cultural and supernatural elements within the predominantly black community.Both of these films share common themes of deception but approach them from different cultural perspectives. "Get Out" addresses these themes through the lens of racial tension and liberal racism, whereas "Eve's Bayou" explores them within the context of a close-knit, affluent black community with supernatural elements.

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Themes From Week 3

Candyman is a horror movie franchise that explores themes of race, class, and urban legends. The storyline goes around the legend of Candyman, a supernatural man who is summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror. The movie goes into the origins of Candyman and his connection to marginalized communities. In the original short story by Clive Barker, titled "The Forbidden," Candyman is not a black man. However, in the film Candyman is depicted as a black man, and this racial aspect becomes a big part of the narrative. The housing project where Candyman originates serves as a backdrop for the story, highlighting the class clash between the privileged narrative, Helen, and the residents of the project. The housing project itself has a creepy feeling surrounding it, almost as if it's where Candyman originated from. The residents are portrayed as odd, adding to the atmosphere of the story. Candyman's attachment to Helen stems from her disbelief in his existence, and this disbelief becomes a central theme throughout the movies. The image of Candyman with a hook in place of his hand and bees swarming around him adds the mystique of the character. The phrases "be my victim" and "sweets to the sweets'' were also part of the original story, emphasizing Candyman's character. The films explore the concept of Candyman as an avenging angel who keeps the hood protected essiantly. This perspective of Candyman aims to challenge the traditional horror trope. Instead of killing anyone he protects, Candyman becomes a symbol of empowerment and justice for those who have been oppressed. The reboot of Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Jordan Peele, aimed to bring the franchise into a more modern era. It is a woke film with the problematic aspects of the original film and seeks to provide a fresh perspective on the story. The reboot dives deeper into the impact of Candyman on society, particularly in relation to mental health and trauma. Candyman explores themes of race, class, and urban legends while challenging traditional horror tropes. The origins of Candyman and his connection to marginalized communities, presents a complex and thought-provoking narrative.

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Themes From Week 2

"The Rider" By Mrs. Due is set during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. This was a time American society questioned racial segregation and equality. This story primarily centers on the experiences of two sisters, Pat and Priscilla, who go on to become well-known and devoted participants in the civil rights struggle. The Greyhound bus, which serves as a backdrop for several events in this book, is the main location of the plot. Tragic turn of events occurs when the bus driver experiences a transformation that is superhuman and becomes known as "The Rider." His actions grew unpredictable and frightening, making Pat and Priscilla as well as the other passengers feel uncomfortable.As the trip goes on, it becomes dangerous when the driver has an abrupt medical emergency, which makes the bus veer dangerously. Pat and Priscilla, who remain firm in their support of civil rights, step up to the plate at this moment. Their bravery gains them control of the bus. They eventually propel the bus toward a potentially life-threatening scenario. The bus goes straight into a crowd of furious people who blocked the road. These people have been misled by deception believing a white woman on the bus was assaulted by a black man. The passengers' lives are in danger as the situation develops and comes to a breaking point. Pat gets the wheel and, in an instant, he drives the bus past the human barrier. The result is a frenzied and violent picture, with the attackers left in disarray as the bus speeds away. However, The Rider appears to linger behind the bus, leaving the story with an unsettling conclusion. "The Rider'' combines themes of strength, horror, and the supernatural at its core. It is a powerful picture of the racial struggles and dangers that people lived during this time in American history. This is a tale about survival and fortitude set against the volatile landscape of the Civil Rights Movement. It effectively captures the dangers that activists faced as they persistently worked for justice and equality in a divided country based on race.

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Themes from Week 1

"Get Out" shows the complex world of prejudicial views and manipulation using metaphorical themes that are happening. This movie carefully shows the layers of racial prejudice to expose the subtle foundations of racism that are present throughout our even our culture.

The film's consistent depiction of the impacts of racial stereotypes and micro-aggressions experienced by people of color is a crucial theme. These subtle acts of prejudice are frequently hidden within the routines of daily life, and are revealed in a way that is attention grabbing. The family's micro-aggressions about Chris, both his physical attributes and clothing selection, highlight how prevalent racism is in daily life. This film offers discussions around systematic racism. The disturbing idea of the "Sunken Place" is introduced in the movie as a moving metaphor for how systemic racism silences disadvantaged voices. Chris is speechless as he becomes entangled in a handicapped state, reflecting both past and current problems Black Americans have had. This goes further to show how people of color might be made to feel silent and invisible in settings where the majority population is white. Peele makes a potent reflection on elimination and oppression that still happen in modern society by giving a visual depiction of the quiet suffering of oppressed communities. "Get Out" covers the ideas of liberal racism, highlighting that individuals can still hold racist attitudes and ideologies. Rose, who is first portrayed as a friend, is really the opposite. This demonstrates the sneaky nature of racial intolerance with skill. The film's take on liberal racism exposes the damaging beliefs the family had hidden under a front of progressivism in this film. The film additionally looks at the disturbing subject of Black bodies and culture being idolized, showing the ways which power may degrade people of color. An example of how privilege may result in the objectification of Black bodies in the film is the practices of the family, which involves implanting the brains of elderly White people into the bodies of young healthy Black people. Highlighting how some people view Black bodies as nothing more than commodities to be used for personal benefit or profit. The film also challenges the pressure to conform within predominantly white spaces, a theme that resonates with many Black individuals. The initial façade of open-mindedness and acceptance presented by Rose's family is stripped away to reveal their true intentions. The themes of the film reflect the experiences of marginalized individuals who in their pursuit of fitting in, often find themselves forced to compromise their identity and cultural heritage. A subject that many Black people may relate to is the film's critique of the pressure to fit in inside primarily White environments. Rose's family's first act of welcome and open- mindedness is slowly shown exposing their actual motivations. This movie depicts the experiences of disadvantaged people who frequently have to surrender their identity and cultural heritage in an effort to blend in, maybe for work or school or in their environment.