Reading sonnet 127 with modern eyes makes it fairly easy to see the word black and think "Afro-Caribbean" rather than how it was probably meant as dark in character or just simply not fitting with the ideal of beauty as blonde hair and very fair skin. Accordingly the film of the sonnet takes it and makes it entirely be applicable to the idea of the word referring to race. It is a smart move because it makes the sonnet much more relevant and interesting. The chosen location is in Harlem and although the actor is based at the specific point given as the location, the camera does give breakaways of the wider area which fit with the words being delivered.
The delivery by Johnson is very clear and delivered with good clear eyes and force of his convictions, so it does give the words that tone and emphasis which backs up that this is about the idea that 'black is beautiful'. He holds the camera well and the strong voice helps. Technically the film has good sound and captures the color of the place – with rich blues and greens all around; it is a film with energy in the performance and in the delivery. This is matched by the moving shots through Harlem, as it conveys a sense of movement while at the same time the words, the performance and the location's link to King, all refer to a movement and change in perception and acceptance too. Maybe this was me assuming or maybe it was deliberate, but this was how it came across to me.
As with some of the other films, there is a certain amount of 1+1=2 in terms of subject material, location and end product, but for me it was not an issue in this film since the delivery was strong and the end product was effective and clear.
The delivery by Johnson is very clear and delivered with good clear eyes and force of his convictions, so it does give the words that tone and emphasis which backs up that this is about the idea that 'black is beautiful'. He holds the camera well and the strong voice helps. Technically the film has good sound and captures the color of the place – with rich blues and greens all around; it is a film with energy in the performance and in the delivery. This is matched by the moving shots through Harlem, as it conveys a sense of movement while at the same time the words, the performance and the location's link to King, all refer to a movement and change in perception and acceptance too. Maybe this was me assuming or maybe it was deliberate, but this was how it came across to me.
As with some of the other films, there is a certain amount of 1+1=2 in terms of subject material, location and end product, but for me it was not an issue in this film since the delivery was strong and the end product was effective and clear.