Hollywood Black

Scintillating survey. [5 - 25 Aug 2024, p.4]

Engrossing history (and with an eyebrow-raising omission).

Moving and reflective, the series reminds its audience that Black films are deeply connected to the American story and belong to the overall fabric of the cinema landscape.

Hollywood Black is not an agenda series, but a discussion. .... Early on, one of Simien's guests says she doesn't know how to describe a Black film, but she knows one when she sees one. This reviewer knows a good docuseries when he sees one, and the latest is Hollywood Black.

Full of fascinating conversations with fascinating people and packed with interest-piquing clips, Hollywood Black nevertheless falls well short of resembling a definitive documentary on the subject. But even well-informed viewers are bound to come away with several insights and a few overlooked texts to seek out.

There is much that is profoundly informative, revelatory and sad in this four-part series. But the relentless deification of the dubious makes it seem unserious. Never mind all the tension here between wishful thinking and things as they are.