Dear White People (2014)

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1. 

   arielnano

   It started off really strong and straightforward with a lot of great points being communicated unapologetically. The satire is fun and in-your-face, the problem is the pacing and the film doesn't merge to convey it's overall message. It went all over the place. 9 years 3 months ago
2. 

   Siskoid

   Perhaps the most important shot in the film version of Dear White People is Sam filming towards camera, as if to capture its audience's reaction. Whether black or white, the subject matter is uncomfortable. Before going on, let me say that I'm a big fan of the television series that spun out of the film. It's hard not to compare, and in the comparison, the show is the better version, giving depth to more characters, and more consistency to the story telling. The show can illustrate its points, while the film has to sometimes settle for demagoguery. And having seen the show first, a lot of the plot points are spoiled, though the film does do other things with Coco, for example. But even some of the dialog is the same (and a few actors too). Where they've recast, I think the show probably comes out ahead (give or take Dennis Haysbert as the dean), or perhaps it's just allowed to make its characters more sympathetic through time and attention. The characters are perhaps a bit too aloof in the film. But does it hold up regardless? Yes, I think so. Some have said it was too focused on its message, but the message is a timely one, and film can play a role in activism. Besides, I reject that it's only about that. These characters are conflicted and not all coming from the same place, nor going in the same direction. It's acerbically funny at times, and real in its way. If it has a weakness, it's that it starts a conversation it doesn't have time to finish. And so thank you Justin Simien for taking your exploration to series. 5 years 10 months ago
3. 

   BigAwesomeBLT

   I'm a sucker for college-set movies so I enjoyed Dear White People. Some parts felt a bit heavy handed with the message.
   
   The trailer and TV ads made it look like a Wayans Bros. type movie so I was a bit surprised to get a social commentary flick. I got a "Do The Right Thing" vibe from a couple of scenes.
   
   Those pictures used in the end credits blew my mind, I had no idea that sort of thing still happened. 8 years 9 months ago

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