“Wherever the bird with no feet flew, she
found trees with no limbs.” ~Audre Lorde
Wow…Powerful…Deep…Major
Impact!!
These
are all words that describe the 2011 Focus Feature film Pariah. I had the pleasure of being able to take part
in an ATL screening of this Sundance winning film, and I so thankful and
appreciative of the opportunity. It is not often that you come across a film
that just rocks your soul, and writer/director Dee Rees hit the jackpot with
this beautifully composed film. Now let me provide you with this disclaimer, I
will do my best to provide you with a synopsis that will not spoil the film.
Pariah is the type of movie that can stand on its own…loud and clear!! I
promise you that there will no spoilers just enough to get your palette wet
enough that you will go purchase a ticket!!
Pariah
is SO NOT HOLLYWOOD and guess
what…it does not need to be either. I love the fact that it is so RAW, this was
a great example of a “truth serum” film. And I emphasize Pariah is not a “PSA”
film, its not a “preachy or messagy” film, it is movie sexual expression and
the reality that exists in the LGBQT community along with partnering issues of
sexism, race, the black family, love/heartbreak, friendship. As a heterosexual
female it is easy for me carry on with my “normal” life, but that is not
everyone’s reality. Even with all the glitz and glamour after the dust settles,
everything comes to the light. Pariah takes us on a
journey with Brooklyn teenager, Alike aka Le (Adepero Oduye) who is struggling
to live up to her mother's expectations and at the same time come to terms with
who she is. If nothing else she is definitely certain about her sexual
orientation, yet there is this insecurity about where she fits in as a young
lesbian woman and a blossoming writer in search of her authentic voice.
In
addition to a great plot/storyline you have to make sure you have a cast that
will reinforce the message via their character’s performances. And Dee Rees brings together a phenomenal cast that brings out the
complexity and fearlessness of the character’s personalities. Rees does an admirable job of relying on her cast to shine a
light through small gestures to convey the fears of Alike's archetypal father Arthur
(Charles Parnell), who at the same time is as gentle, loving and sensitive as
he is dominating. Then you have Alike’s mother, Audrey, (Kim Wayans) who is
confused and trapped in a fantasy world all by her lonesome self. Now a
character who stands out just as much as Alike is her younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) who is best described as the “voice of reason”, she supplies a level of courage
that within a blink of an eye it will sneak up on you, bite you and gone in a
flash. Finally, Alike’s best and closest friend Laura (Pernell Walker) who delivers
a stunning performance of another lesbian trying to fight past her own demons
and come out on top. Caught up between a controlling, disappointed and worried
mother (Kim Wayans) and a disillusioned, tired and caring father (Charles
Parnell),
Alike along with her parents and sister are all stuck in this smothering web of lies that is somehow keeping
the family together, but at the same pulling them apart, they are stuck in a tug of war battle. However, what is unique about each of these characters is that
they all share a common theme, a struggle to get just a piece of the “ultimate
freedom”. Rees and her cast must be commended for their courageousness to fill
the shoes of these real life situations. When it is all said they may be actors
and actress, but characters that are being portrayed are actual people, they
are your friends, your co-workers, your family. “Each of the main characters is a
pariah,” Rees asserts. “They all have their fears, desires, strengths and
weaknesses.”
Throughout
the film, everything is about a transformation and what better way to show that
through the costume design. Each person, especially Alike, illustrated an
authentic, non-stereotypical style ranging from “the peacock” to the “conservative”.
Rees also skillfully uses silence as a golden tool. Often times a movie can
talk too much and it loses its appeal, but somehow this film does just the
opposite. Silence is used appropriately and without using words the message is
still crystal clear and in the forefront. Not only is silence a key factor, but
the cinematography was off the chain. The camera tricks were phenomenal, the
film starts out as this narrow box, but with each scene the picture becomes
wider and wider until we see the complete picture. And for those that know me,
know that I am sucker for some good poetry (in addition to writing my own), and
Pariah will definitely not disappoint with the strategic execution of it
through out the entire film. Damn I’m just got a chill just thinking about it…Prepare
your mind for some chilling and moving scenes, I guarantee you will laugh, shed
a tear or two, but in the end it will be a mind transforming experience. And to add a little musical blaze to this powerful fire, we get a special treat from Afro Punk artist Tamar-kali (brilliant artist by the way).
This
film has so many dynamics that you could get a lesson in gender, sexism,
patriarchy, love, and so much more. As a matter of fact Pariah would be a great
tool to use in the classrooms especially on the high school and collegiate
level. I can see it now, Pariah will
definitely become part of the growing African American Studies, Women Studies,
and Gender Studies canon. Regardless of your sexual orientation, you as the
viewer can definitely relate and understand the many struggles that are
presented on the screen. Rees paints a true picture of what it is like to be
the “pariah”. But at the same, being able to blossom from the cocoon and metamorphose
into a beautiful butterfly. This film will definitely hit home for a lot of
people, especially those trying to create their own identity, those trying to
obtain that needed acceptance, or those trying to find that welcoming
community. We all know someone struggling to come into their own, the next step
is what do we do about, and Pariah is just that film to answer that call.
In
the end the film does an excellent job of providing the viewer with a realistic
yet hopeful ending. Rees’ makes sure not to package it with this pretty
gift-wrap and bow-tie and I personally say “Thank You!!”. She appropriately
brings closure to a film that will open a “surround sound of conversations!!”
Be
on the lookout for filmmaker/director Dee Rees she is definitely on the path
towards success, and Pariah is the perfect beginning to this journey.
“I’m
not running…I’m choosing…” ~Alike
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Very few times do I give a perfect 5 out of 5, but this one deserved it without a shadow of doubt!!)
