We all fall short of the Glory of God…
How does one separate the message from the messenger? Is that possible or realistic? With the fallibility of mankind, does it become necessary to be able to separate what’s been created from its creator without endorsing the actions and deeds of the individual? And if one can, is that what makes him/her most human?
Well that’s where I found myself as it pertains to the new movie THE BIRTH OF A NATION. The film depicts the life and times of revolutionary preacher Nat Turner – who in the early eighteen hundreds led a slave insurrection against the oppressive systems and people of the times that was America… that was slavery.
This film was written, directed and stars Nate Parker, a mercurial artist that used his talent to tell a very important story/work. But there is an ominous cloud hovering over the life of Parker – a court case from 1999 where he was accused of rape, but later acquitted.
His friend Jean Celestin (and co-writer of “The Birth of a Nation”) was also involved, found guilty, served time and then had his charges overturned. Unfortunately, the woman involved committed suicide in 2012. Without knowing all the answers, most questions have since been answered by the actions/attitude of Nate Parker.
Why am I discussing this? Because there are many who won’t be able to move beyond the 1999 case, and will form opinions based upon Parker’s seemingly callous attitude towards the woman and her family. His insistence of innocence often comes across as antagonistic – causing the sympathy or support to be gained for Parker and his work by some to slowly dissipate.
So, if the weight of this tragedy and Parker’s past hinders your ability to see and support “The Birth of a Nation” that is understandable. Yet, I believe we owe it to ourselves to explore and dissect this incredible film, based on the merits of its content. “The Birth of a Nation” delves into the life of an important figure in Black history during a time that requires examination.
So, as I sat after viewing the press screening, I felt frozen in time. For me, it had been a long time since I found myself like a deer in headlights after watching a powerful movie. “Good Will Hunting” was such a film.
Because this story is historical, and if you know the story of Nat Turner, the power in it lies not in the final battle but in the journey towards the inevitable. The insurrection led to many deaths and on the surface wasn’t successful, but inside the movement started a revolution amongst enslaved people to fight against their oppressors.
“Birth of a Nation” is a beautiful work of art, strong in storytelling and filmmaking. Starting with the direction, Nate Parker does a wonderful job with exquisite and symbolic establishing shots. The storytelling is slow-paced, and for some could be deemed boring, but it needed to be to be effective in crafting a story without gratuitous violence or sex.
Many slave narratives and shows believe that the emotionality of slavery is found by displaying physical degradation, but a good film can carry the same power within the context of a good script. We don’t need to see the physical manifestation of slavery to know how deplorable it is.
There isn’t much to say about the supporting cast like Gabrielle Union, Aja Naomi King and Armie Hammer because, although they are good in their respective roles, this movie is driven by the main character of Nat Turner, and it his screen time that captivates your soul.
Overall, “The Birth of a Nation” will emotionally move your heart and mind. It will leave you asking questions and seeking answers. Answers that are greater than the movie and the life of Nate Parker. Flawed or not, the artistic creation of this important movie is all the ammunition needed to give birth… to a new nation.
Darryl King is a video director, film writer and avid Marvel/DC comic book/movie lover. In addition to his popular comic book movie reviews, you can check out his reviews of Deepwater Horizon and The Magnificent Seven right here on MMT.
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Well written as always. I plan on being there for the opening.
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Thanks Lavern. Darryl shares wonderful contributions to the site.
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Thank you Lavern, we look foward to your response to the movie. I believe dialogue about our experiences helps us all grow
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I read a previous review of The Birth of A Nation on this site and was anxious to see it when it when it is released main stream but the recent controversy has left me questioning whether or night i should support the film! Nate Parker wrote directed and stars in the film his friend co-wrote the film. Both were acquitted and exonerated of the rape of a woman who subsequent to the incident committed suicide! In my opinion both these guys owe the media an explanation. I would be curious to know how the worked through sexual assault scenes on women having been accused of being sexual predators in their own personal lives in a court of law. I dont think i will see the film just because i hear the scenes are graphic and i wont sit through them. Lastly although the movie sounds educational considering the background and apathy of borh the writer/star/ director and co-writer to address questions about the subject matter relevant to their backgrounds i am contemplating turning my research on Nat Turner rebellion over to more reputable resources!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tony. There have been no previous reviews of this movie on this site – only a giveaway post, and a mention of how “I” was looking forward to seeing in my review of “Free State of Jones.” I respect your decision not to see the film. A professor from Widener has created a website about Nat Turner that may assist you in your research: http://articles.philly.com/2016-09-30/news/75559859_1_graduate-school-roth-african-american-history – Thomasena
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To your point Toney, there isn’t anything in this movie that is graphic except the battle/insurrection which is the reason why this became a story. And as Thomasena shared not seeing the film is okay but hopefully the film has made people more aware of Nat Turner and want to study his life
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I took my grandbabies and a host of friends with me to see this movie and it left all of us speechless. As I share my thoughts about the movie I inform people that they need to separate his past from his present. We can not continue to hold him accountable for something the law found him not guilty of. I think the movie was awesome. I truly could not think of what time I was living upon watching certain scenes within the movie. The part where they caught a run away man and shot him in the head took me back to the young man that was gun down in the drive way or the other pulled over due to car trouble. The movie made me think about how far we have come, but how far we still have to go.
My grandchildren enjoyed it and even asked a few questions, though at times I am not sure how to answer some of those questions especially since we are still living in a time where racism still exist. I do my best to inform them all people are not like that.
i.e part where the white child had the rope around the black child neck playing. Horrible but I know it exists back then. I share the good bad and ugly with them so they too can be educated on the history of black people.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lady T.
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One of the toughest things to do sometimes is to answer the questions of children. I think it’s good to expose and share with them content like this…helps to create critical thinkers. Glad you enjoyed the film Lady T!
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As I thought further into my recent response I considered situations in which people seek to redeem themselves by committing to certain acts and projects without having to directly admit to guilt of past deeds. Not saying that this is the case or judging because I wasn’t there and I do not know what happened. I am still pondering the thought of seeing the film this weekend so we’ll see what happens!
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