The discussions in class comparing the film to Crash was something I didn't think of before. The stereotypes laced throughout the film Crash are intense, powerful and not put in there as a comedic aspect of the film. Hollywood Shuffle was pure comedy and therefore made the stereotypical message not as serious as the scenarios in Crash. As someone mentioned in class, we all laughed because it was true but we didn't get to see the severity of how the situation has affected lives, whereas in Crash, the film is a drama and every situation is serious and realistic. With Crash being somewhat over the top with it's stereotypes, it is effective in it's message. The comedic approach in Hollywood Shuffle was another way to appeal to it's audience.
Another thing that I didn't like about this film was the ending. Eddie Murphy was mentioned in this film, and the director and producers of the film wanted a guy that could act like him. Eddie Murphy was clearly famous and respected in this film's time period, so why did Bobby give up so easily because his VERY first movie role wasn't a majorly serious one? I wish that he hadn't given up and slumped over to the post office. If Bobby had stuck out the role, gotten his face and name out there as an actor, then he could be on his way to fulfilling his dreams and being a respected name such as Eddie Murphy was. Sure, maybe this is somewhat far-fetched, but Bobby accepted the stereotype and gave up after 5 minutes on his first film set. I don't think Eddie Murphy reached where he is today without a little hard work and dedication, however I'm trying not to take this ending or movie as a whole too seriously.
I like how you compared Hollywood Shuffle to Crash. While they are two very different movies, they both do a great job emphasizing stereotypes. This movie makes you realize that Hollywood really is littered with stereotypes and it's difficult to find a good film that doesn't play off of at least one of them. I actually compared Hollywood Shuffle to the Mel Brooks movies, especially Blazing Saddles. Mel Brooks uses satire to make fun of other movies, various time periods and situations, and also characteristics of various people.
ReplyDeleteMovies that deal with stereotypes and racial issues either do a good job or a bad job at getting their point cross. Hollywood Shuffle did a good job using humor to prove the point and show you how ridiculous the situation is!
ReplyDeleteI just always go with what Bobby's Uncle said to him about never giving up on his dreams because he'll never get another chance like this ever again. And to simply let it go because he got one bad role on his first attempt doesn't make sense to me. You have to fight to make things right if that is the case, not just quit and let the stereotypes continue.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he gave up to soon. But possibly the absolute lack of positive roles or realistic image is as damaging to lives as the more dramatic events depicted in Crash? Also, perhaps there might have been something positive in Bobby's refusal to play a negative stereotype in deference to the feelings of his grandmother and little brother? It's a complicated message for sure, and I'd have liked to see you incorporate the reading and take it on a bit more extensively.
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