An audiences view on representation of black woman within in most
films consists of being a single mother, suffering, not earning enough money
and not having the best job. They Generally put a front up to present them
selves as happy but truly they're not. Therefore i will be analysing
representation of black woman in the films Good deeds directed by Tyler Perry
and The help directed Tate Taylor. As both of my films are similar I will be
comparing and contrasting my macro point through out the essay. To prove my
Thesis i will use cinematography, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.
On the beginning scene of "The Help “you are able to see
Aibileen's Motherly nature. Even thoe the child is not hers, it is her job to
look after the child. She sings, cleans, plays, and changes the child if she
needs to. In general Aibileen is a very gentle person. You are also able to see
in this clip of the movie "GOOD DEEDS" Lindsey is very protective
mother and will do anything to defend her child. You are able to see both woman
from each clip are single but the children are their comfort zone so there is
no need for a man in their life's. You will see the motherly aspect of the
females when the camera shots are closed up to the actor and
they usually cling on to the child as if they are one. They both have
motherly moments, as woman they always have a protective and kind nature
towards children and in this case Lindsey does need a man.
In both movies being
portrayed as black woman the costumes and props all play a massive role. Lindsey
and Aibileen are seen to be non-materialistic individuals. Abileen as
a maid is forced to wear her uniform, which you see her wear through out most
of the movie, and probably when she is at home or going to church is when you
see her wear her own clothes. For Lindsey
as she is also a black woman who is struggling you will see her apparel is very
basic. Through out the whole movie you will not see her wear any designer wear.
She is also a cleaner so you will in the clips her wearing her uniform, which
is dull.
Both black woman contain a type of
rebellious attitude which will you be able to notice at the beginning of the
movies. This attitude is not a flaw it is what motivates them to go on. In the
Help you will see Abileens rebellious behavior when she decides to do the book
about being a maid. This is a risk she is willing to take but it is a step she
must take to overcome the suffering she has experienced. On the other side
Lindsey in Good deeds shows her rebellious attitude when she goes against the boss
of her company. Lindsey is the type of character who does not care who you
unless you are someone helping her. In this case as it is their first encounter
she does not show any respect to him and she does not know it is the boss.
In most movies when it involves a single black
woman there is a male importance, whose role it is to help them become strong.
In this case for Abileen does not require a male figure in her life as she is a
woman that is elderly and she proves that she is strong enough without a man.
The man normally supports the woman to do better but Abilleen has the other
maids and god. Within good deeds Lindsey is also a strong black woman but at
the end of the movie she is leaving the country with this man. Prior to her
leaving they share a kiss, a kiss within movies like this show there is a link
between the two main characters and when see it is meant for them to be
together.
A common theme I have picked out through
out other movies that have black woman is the stock character must contain
strength. Strength is a natural nature
within their blood. You will also hear them reference the sacrifices their
mothers had to go through that’s why they have the mental strength. The
strength is not always been there but it builds through out the movie as you
see them go through the worse situations possible. Abilleen’s strength shines
as you see her stand up for her colour, she is not happy how other maids are
treated so she makes it her job to come forward and be the leader of the book.
Lindsey strength shines the most when it involves her daughter. She will do
anything for her daughter; in this image you see her putting in extra shifts to
be able to feed her child.
Throughout The help and Good deeds, the
representation of black woman is the same they are conformed to be independent
and strong. Abilleen and Lindsey also have similar jobs, which is a low classed
job. Both movies show the message of black woman being single and poor but they
have the strength and after factors to keep them going in life.
