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Harry Belafonte Documentary
Oct. 18th, 2011 09:14 pmCurrently watching another HBO documentary, Sing Your Song about Harry Belafonte - written and narrated by Harry Belafonte. In some respects it feels a bit like he is patting himself on the back or a resume of accomplishments, yet it also at the same time provides a clear perspective on the civil rights movement and social activism at the time.
Excerpts:( Read more... )
It's an oddly told story of social activism - in that Belfonte is telling it, and I almost wish someone else were telling it about him, since it feels a bit too self-congragulatory. It's not as good as the Martin Scorsese documentary on the Beatles - which is far more objective and an unblinking look at the Beatles. This feels more like a dog and pony show, as if someone is trying to sell Harry to me. I'd wish for a more objective view. Which is the problem with biography, I think. How much distance do you need to provide an accurate and informative view.
Yet at the same time it demonstrates the sacrifices you make doing this sort of thing. For Belafonte, Marlon Brando, and others - it's easier, because they are famous, they have power - they are not disenfranchized, they can fight back against the bullies. But it makes it all the more important for them to fight that fight. When you have power - the ear of so many others, I think you have greater responsibility. You have to be more careful.
Excerpts:( Read more... )
It's an oddly told story of social activism - in that Belfonte is telling it, and I almost wish someone else were telling it about him, since it feels a bit too self-congragulatory. It's not as good as the Martin Scorsese documentary on the Beatles - which is far more objective and an unblinking look at the Beatles. This feels more like a dog and pony show, as if someone is trying to sell Harry to me. I'd wish for a more objective view. Which is the problem with biography, I think. How much distance do you need to provide an accurate and informative view.
Yet at the same time it demonstrates the sacrifices you make doing this sort of thing. For Belafonte, Marlon Brando, and others - it's easier, because they are famous, they have power - they are not disenfranchized, they can fight back against the bullies. But it makes it all the more important for them to fight that fight. When you have power - the ear of so many others, I think you have greater responsibility. You have to be more careful.