The Black Film Canon: From Masterpieces to Classics (w/ Marcus Pinn)
In this episode, I speak to film critic, writer, podcaster, and musician Marcus Pinn of the blog Pinnland Empire and the Zebras in America podcast. We discuss the history of efforts to build a Black film canon, groupthink in modern Black film criticism, and the reasons that critics like Armond White and Angelica Jade Bastién stand out as unique figures. We also get into the limitations of using representation as a lens to provide a corrective to the established Black film canon.
In addition, we talk about the importance of balancing ones film diet and whether it's possible for "bad" movies to be good. Finally, we give love to seminal Black indie directors of the 1980s, such as Charles Burnett, Julie Dash, Wendell B Harris, Jr., and Charles Lane, all of whom have not had nearly enough opportunities to make films, despite their talents.
Marcus Pinn's website: Pinnland Empire
Marcus' podcast: Zebras in America
Listen to full episode:
Episode Notes:
10 Rare Movies That Belong in the Black Film Canon (Okayplayer)
The New Black Film Canon (Slate)
10 Below-the-Radar Films That Celebrate Black American Experiences (Variety)
The 30 Best Black Films of the 21st Century (Indiewire)
Dutchman(film)
Dutchman(play)
“Superthug”– N.O.R.E.
Jay-Z
Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks – Donald Bogle
“Hallelujah” (American Playhouse S11 E5)