The Watermelon Woman (1996)

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1. 

   Siskoid

   The Watermelon Woman is part of that breed of indie movie from the 90s that would fit a triple bill with Clerks and Mary Jane Isn't a Virgin Anymore, and has the distinction of being the first feature directed by an openly gay black woman. And her voice is consequently quite original. There's a meta element to it, as Cheryl Dunye plays herself trying to make a documentary (on horrendously low-quality video) about a black lesbian actress from the 30s about whom virtually nothing is known. And while the "Watermelon Woman" is fictitious, the interviews for the most part aren't, including a laugh-out-loud (accidentally?) funny Camille Paglia who speaks from white privilege and says all sorts of ridiculous things - academics gone wrong - if not about LGBTQ+ issues, the black experience. Woah Nelly! Dunye felt she had to invent her documentary subject because there was no documentation available after decades of white and straight washing. Well, she makes us believe. This fictionalized quest is frames by Cheryl's dramatized life, with (variably talented) actors playing friends, co-workers and romantic interests that are impacted by her work, with the movie having a testimonial feel as a result. Though made on the cheap, its ideas transcend its production values, asking a lot of questions about identity, representation, history both personal and public, and what it all means to each individual. 4 years 10 months ago
2. 

   ucuruju

   I just find these women insufferable. All they do is roll their eyes at each other. The movie itself is charming-- although a lot of that is tied to its amateurish style and student film flourishes. Also Cheryl's documentary looks like a YouTube video with 54 views from fifteen years ago. Mildly recommended overall. 9 months 2 weeks ago

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