Crooklyn: Difficult but Wonderful Circumstances
Starring: Zelda Harris, Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, David Patrick Kelly, Isaiah Washington, Carlton Williams.
Director: Spike Lee
Thus far, I have to say that this was one of the most charming and fascinating films we've viewed. Critically, I love the film's use of ironic humor, depiction of Brooklyn, strange characters, comedic camera shots, and insight into Troy as a character; what I love most about this film, however, is the soundtrack! The songs in this film (including: "Pusherman" by Curtis Mayfield, "Tears of a Clown" by Smokey Robinson, "Mr. Big Stuff" by Jean Knight, "A.B.C." by The Jackson 5, "Ooh Child" by The Five Stairsteps, and "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix) all reflect not only the setting, but the mood of the film and the things that the Carmichael family face throughout -- as in the case where "Ooh Child" plays during the death of the mother, Carolyn (played by Alfre Woodard).
To my understanding, the main idea projected is that, in life, it is inevitable that you will go through trials and tribulations; but in spite of what happens -- the people you lose, the places you go, and the conflicts you have -- life will keep on going, and we only have to accept the change. This is projected through the film's protagonist, Troy (played by Zelda Harris). In the beginning, Troy is one of five children of Carolyn and Woody Carmichael (played by Delroy Lindo) and is more-or-less one of several main characters. At first, Troy is portrayed as a typical product of her surroundings -- she is seen fighting with her brothers, cursing, and attempting to steal from a corner store. The important thing to keep in mind with Troy (and the rest of the characters) are influenced by what is around them and are not inherently bad people; despite what they may do and what conflicts they may get into at times, they still come off as relatable and likable characters to the audience. The film later establishes Troy as the quintessential character in the film when she visits the rural south through a fish's eyes and when the mother dies of cancer. Troy must come to accept her mother's unfortunate death and move forward with her life.
One of the most admirable qualities about this film is that it manages to keep it's nostalgic, lighthearted mood consistent through most of the film (before the passing of the mother). If you ask me, I believe this is projected through the soulful and funky soundtrack (discussed before), crazy and laughable characters by the likes of Tony "Eyes" (played by David Patrick Kelly), Snuffy (played by Spike Lee himself) and Tommy La La (played by Jose Zuniga), Spike Lee's famous dolly shot, and the doozie of a scene with RuPaul dancing in the corner store. This film is also great at projecting ironic humor (making the audience laugh at things you wouldn't in real life), exemplified by the house fights, the arguments between Tony "Eyes" and the neighbors, and the dead dog popping out of the couch like it was a toaster! All in all, this is a great, super fun film which will bring hope, joy and laughs to all audiences; and remind us that no matter what happens, we will all "walk in the rays of a beautiful sun."
To my understanding, the main idea projected is that, in life, it is inevitable that you will go through trials and tribulations; but in spite of what happens -- the people you lose, the places you go, and the conflicts you have -- life will keep on going, and we only have to accept the change. This is projected through the film's protagonist, Troy (played by Zelda Harris). In the beginning, Troy is one of five children of Carolyn and Woody Carmichael (played by Delroy Lindo) and is more-or-less one of several main characters. At first, Troy is portrayed as a typical product of her surroundings -- she is seen fighting with her brothers, cursing, and attempting to steal from a corner store. The important thing to keep in mind with Troy (and the rest of the characters) are influenced by what is around them and are not inherently bad people; despite what they may do and what conflicts they may get into at times, they still come off as relatable and likable characters to the audience. The film later establishes Troy as the quintessential character in the film when she visits the rural south through a fish's eyes and when the mother dies of cancer. Troy must come to accept her mother's unfortunate death and move forward with her life.
One of the most admirable qualities about this film is that it manages to keep it's nostalgic, lighthearted mood consistent through most of the film (before the passing of the mother). If you ask me, I believe this is projected through the soulful and funky soundtrack (discussed before), crazy and laughable characters by the likes of Tony "Eyes" (played by David Patrick Kelly), Snuffy (played by Spike Lee himself) and Tommy La La (played by Jose Zuniga), Spike Lee's famous dolly shot, and the doozie of a scene with RuPaul dancing in the corner store. This film is also great at projecting ironic humor (making the audience laugh at things you wouldn't in real life), exemplified by the house fights, the arguments between Tony "Eyes" and the neighbors, and the dead dog popping out of the couch like it was a toaster! All in all, this is a great, super fun film which will bring hope, joy and laughs to all audiences; and remind us that no matter what happens, we will all "walk in the rays of a beautiful sun."
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