“A Fall From Grace” was “A Fall From Popularity”. It was a complete disaster and yet another film that didn’t really uplift the Black community. In short it was CHEAP! A low budgeted movie from a man with a stellar career built off the backs of our….his people. Here are more reasons why I have had enough of Mr. Perry and “A Fall From Grace”.
Reason One: I am sick of seeing Black Women being betrayed in a negative light. In almost ever Tyler Perry play, film, or television show; Black woman are always portrayed as weak, easily manipulated, and needing a mans love. Over the years we have watched Black Women being depicted in a way that has the viewer pity the Black Woman and downgrading the Black Man. We have seen Sistas who have been down-and-out or who’s life has been completely destroyed because of a man. For example, “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, “Why Did I Get Married”, and “I Can Do Bad All Bad Myself”. He has gotten wealthy off of the backs of Black Women. Sharing their stories through his point of view. Telling us that these are the stories we need and want to see, but this is all coming from his vantage point. Does he only see Black Women as weak and man needy? Are you tired yet from seeing Black Women being represented in a negative way? I AM!
Reason Two: CHEAP PRODUCTION! Bad wigs, empty cups, and wardrobe malfunctions. Producing something in five days is a major task. One has to have a tremendous amount of work ethic (which Perry says he has) to complete a finished project to be accepted by Netflix. Did they view the finished project before they released it or was it ok to just throw something out to secure the bag, because the fans will love it anyway. Black Media deserves excellence….greatness behind and in front of the camera. Production has to be so great that there is no room for judgement. To not realize that angles were bad, scripts were easily viewed, and hair was unkept is a major issue. Why did hair have to be so low budgeted? Why couldn’t real food be on the plates of the extras? Why did we have to be visually tortured. Production was incredibly cheap and not representative of Black Excellence.
Reason Three: You built the table now hire more creatives. It’s not enough to stand before a crowd, give a lengthy speech about how you are building the table, and the only person eating is YOU. It’s a complete smack in the face to individuals who saw this as an opportunity for future Tyler Perry’s to have a space where they too could sit beside greatness and create more stories for us, by us. NOPE! That dream has been denied. Is there access to the table? Let us pray that the recent reports of Tyler Perry Studios now hiring is true. Let us believe that he wants the ideas and abilities of others. Let us believe that the truth will be revealed through people who have truly experienced it. Let us pray that the table built will soon be occupied with more individuals than just the owner. Let us hope that he really wants for his people…our people to eat.
Individuals who inspire, create, live in their passion, grow and evolve our people. Let’s begin with uplifting our people and telling the truth about their stories.
In conclusion, I am still not a fan of “A Fall From Grace”, but I will applaud the excellence that was capture from stellar actresses. I love the talent and beauty of the women selected for this film and hope that their careers continue to flourish. I do hope that Tyler Perry thinks about how he sees women based off the women who consistently make him look great. I hope one day he writes a success story about a strong Black Woman from start to finish. Allowing us to see the Power that is the Black Woman!
SayWhatNOW?!?! 