‘Utter Bullsh*t’: Acclaimed White Filmmaker Slams ‘Black Panther’
It’s clear veteran filmmaker Terry Gilliam didn’t understand how “Black Panther” was for the culture because he had some harsh words for the Marvel superhero flick. In an interview with IndieWire the British writer and director, who’s behind such decorated movies like “12 Monkey” and “The Fisher King”, called the Marvel movie “utter bullsh*t.”
Gilliam made the statement as his most recent movie “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” was released
earlier this year in the United States. Similar to other acclaimed filmmakers, like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, Gilliam also had a major critique for Marvel movies, saying they’re creating a monoculture of blockbusters.
Deeper Blue by Allison L. Williams Hill
“I don’t like the fact they’re dominating the place so much,” he said. “They’re taking all the money that should be available for a greater variety of films. Technically, they’re brilliant. I can’t fault them because the technical skills involved in making them are incredible.”
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A pointed critique that’s worth a discussion, no?
But then Gilliam went even further and singled out “Black Panther” as the film that’s rotting hearts and minds.
“I hated ‘Black Panther.’ It makes me crazy,” he said. “It gives young Black kids the idea that this is something to believe in. Bullsh*t. It’s utter bullsh*t.”
He continued, “I think the people who made it have never been to Africa. They went and got some stylist for
some African pattern fabrics and things. But I just hated that movie, partly because the media were going on about the importance of bullsh*t.”
Thank you, white man, for telling us how the movie will change Black children’s beliefs.
Gilliam might be shocked to know that most of the key cast and crew for “Black Panther” have, in fact, been to Africa. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the director of “Black Panther”, Ryan Coogler, took a trip to Africa with several members of his team to research and to create aerial shots for the movie.
The production designer for the film, Hannah Beachler, and costume designer, Ruth Carter, also recalled in interviews with TheWrap that Afrofuturist architecture from Africa and the attire of tribes like the Masai were key influences when creating the world of Wakanda. Both ladies won Oscars for their vision.
It seems Gilliam might want to do more of his research and have more of a pulse on Black culture before giving heated thoughts on a mostly Black-produced movie. No art is impervious to critique, but context is key.
‘Utter Bullsh*t’: Acclaimed White Filmmaker Slams ‘Black Panther’ Response
And having Black children appreciate the power of imagination IS A PROBLEM?! Black children can't handle fantasies? Only white children can?!
For centuries, white people have prevented Black people from learning anything beyond what was necessary to comprehend only what we needed to fulfill their tasks. From Emancipation to the 21st century, Black people have gained incrementally only enough to remain at the bottom of the economic ladder.
Black people are creative. Black people have broken through all obstacles erected to oppress them. The world has adopted many of our innovations in fashion, music, soul, and jazz, as well as entertainment. Black inventors contributed to improving life on this planet. Due to enforced limitations of general knowledge, libraries often restricted Black people from certain areas. The quality of the available books was outdated. All of this ignited the imagination.
Sketches of Salisbury Cathedral details, London, England by Allison L. Williams Hill
Terry Gilliam's comment, “It gives young Black kids the idea that this is something to believe in" was from a white man who thinks imagination in the minds of Black people is a bad thing. This statement negates the accomplishments of our ancestors and contemporaries. It also reminds me of the abolitionists who were doubtful that freed Black people would be incapable of governing themselves. White people destroyed successful, thriving Black people's settlements, killed people, and revoked settlements through eminent domain. All methods to control growth and development of Black people were either implemented or created.
Another part of his statement was the assumption of the inability to distinguish between what is realistic and what is fantasy. Or, imagination is dangerous and with Black children, it is in the wrong minds. It is only a privilege for white children. People like this are alive in the 21st century. In the United States, they are alive and elected a representative whose actions reflect the same mindset. We will continue to hear those thoughts white people feel entitled to express and learn, create, create our own learning and exceed at all we wish to regardless of their hindrances.
Resource
‘Utter Bullsh*t’: Acclaimed White Filmmaker Slams ‘Black Panther’ article can be found at https://newsone.com/3897543/white-filmmaker-slams-black-panther/
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