Pariah - A Review
by Millicent
Pariah was one of the best coming of age stories I have ever seen. Alike, the main character, was deeper than most teen characters are in films I’ve seen. She was tomboyish, but not overly so, like her best friend Laura. She liked alternative music, she was quiet and introspective. And she was a writer. Definitely not the stereotypical inner- city black, baby dyke. Her butch appearance during school was different from what was inside her. I liked the duality in this 17 year old budding lesbian. She knew who she was; she was just trying to find out how to express it.
I can relate to Alike. I, too, am a Black lesbian who grew up in a big city. When I was young it was hard to just be ‘me’. I wasn’t hard enough for the fem girls, and I definitely wasn’t fem enough for the butch dykes. And reading and bike riding and going to foreign films didn’t always sit well with some of the people I knew back in the day. To be a person who thinks for yourself sometimes leaves you alone to find your own way. It takes strength to be an individual, and Alike learns this in the movie.
The movie was different in the way it chose to show where Alike’s conflict came from. Her mother was in denial, of course, but she had support from her father, her sister, and her best friend. The real battle was going on inside her. Could she have the guts to confront her mother? Could she allow herself to seek out others who had the same interests as she did without losing her best friend? Could she find love and still be Alike? These are the issues she struggled with in the film, and unlike a lot of GLBT films that I see, she actually does something about her problems, and doesn’t die or get treated like dirt at the end. I don’t like tragedy for tragedy’s sake, and this film breaks the mold on typical ‘gay’ films.
It was great to see a rough dyke like Laura portrayed as a deeper character also. She was a good friend to Alike, and had issues with family and work. Her rugged exterior hid a softer side, and I think it was good to show mainstream audiences that these women are complex beings. What you see is not all there is. She reminded me of a lot of my friends from back home. I loved my rugged dyke girlfriends, and that tough exterior was and is often just a mask of who they really are.
Overall Pariah is a must-see for anyone wanting a coming of age story that is truthful and real. I liked it, and I may even buy a copy to add to my collection.
Nice review. I agree that it is a coming of age story that everyone can find a way to connect with. But I really liked that Akile and Laura are Black lesbians, like me. I liked seeing "me" in a movie.
ReplyDeleteGreat review by Millicent! And I agree with everything she noted about the film. I saw the movie, too, and saw a lot of myself as a black Lesbian. My coming out story was different but I could relate to Alike's sense of alienation and I think other audience members did as well regardless of their race or sexual orientation.
ReplyDeleteI share your disappointment that the film isn't being more widely embraced by Twin Cities residents. Despite its' specific setting in the African American straight and gay communities, the underlying story has universal appeal, looks beautiful, has a soulful soundtrack, and has outstanding performances (but no Oscar nominations?! don't eveb get me started on that).
I attended a Friday show and it was a pretty meager turnout. I'm not entirely sure what to attribute that to but have decided to focus on am doing everything possible to encourage family and friends to support a fabulous film. It would be wonderful to have strong sales and attendance to show the world our stories can be as entertaining as they are meaningful!
Steph and I were there at the Saturday showing, which was also sparcely attended, and we were 2 out of 5 people of color in the entire theater....(something that never ceases to amaze me about Minneapolis despite that I have lived here for over 25 years.)
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, we both enjoyed the film, and as expected entertained a good deal of discussion immediately following.
There were many ways that I connected to the different characters portrayed. Like Milicent, I grew up in a big city environment, and I rarely felt I fit in with the usual crowds.
One of the scenes from the movie that struck me the most was when Alike and her new love interest (can't remember her name) were at the house party with the alternative music being played by the house band. That reminded me so much of myself growing up and hanging out on the North Side of Chicago...I think many of us found solace in places like those....
This is Caroline, not anonymous. (I couldn't figure out how to get my name at the top of my post.)
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Enjoyed your review, Millicent. The movie had many layers to it, providing insight into many challenges of being black, a teenager, independent thinking, and so much more.
I've been struck by the push I've seen with facebook friends - straight - who sent out lots of messages about "Be sure to see Redtail this weekend" and few such encouragements were sent regarding "Pariah." Steven Spielberg backed Redtail - certainly a movie of importance. Spike Lee backed "Pariah" - which originally was an independent short film. With Lee and other's money, it was made into the full-length film we all enjoyed. Both opened in the Twin Cities last weekend. Redtail came in second last week - of course it's got money to do commercials on TV. I hope the buzz about "Pariah" results in more money being thrown at it and other movies that represent the topic, actors, writers, directors, etc. that "Pariah" represents.
Great job. Thanks especially for spending some of your ink on the character of Laura.
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