Do you ever wonder what book is the hottest title among the library staff in the back room where they get to see everything that comes into the public library? Right now, this is it, Black Hollywood: Reimaging Iconic Movie Moments by Carell Augustus. I just happened to be the first one on the waiting list. But, our librarian who does nonfiction selection ordered several copies, and this is the book we’re all talking about.
Forest Whitaker wrote the foreword. “Carell Augustus’ reenvisioning of Hollywood’s greatest moments honors the iconic movies and actors that we all love so much while simultaneously asking a bunch of questions.” He goes on to say, “The breadth and diversity of the Hollywood, TV, and media moments he integrates through Black talent is astounding.” And, it is. What if Black actors had portrayed these iconic roles? What would it look like?”
Carell Augustus captions the photographs with provocative words that are thought-provoking. He shows Jay Ellis holding a knife in “American Psycho”, and suggests the observer see it as entertainment, not a threatening photo of a Black man with a knife. The actors are also given the opportunity to comment on their photos or scenes.
My favorite photos? Kelsey Scott’s portrayal of Charlie Chaplin was great. I enjoyed Johnny Manuel in “Saturday Night Fever”. Vanessa L. Williams was a perfect Cleopatra. The homages to “Singin’ in the Rain” with Dule Hill, and “King Kong” with Rochelle Ayles were wonderful. But, my three favorites were Tiffany Hines in “Flashdance”, Blair Underwood in “The Shining”, and Amber Stevens West in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, including the cover shot. The publishers must have agreed with me because here are two of the photos they supplied on Amazon’s page for publicity shots.
If you want a couple hours of entertainment, pick up Black Hollywood. It may make you think for a couple hours as well.
Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments by Carell Augustus. Sourcebooks, in partnership with Ebony Magazine Publishing, 2022. ISBN 9781728258393 (hardcover), 240p.
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