Hollywood was blown away last week when Marvels; ‘Black Panther’ was released in cinemas, to astounding reviews and ratings. Earing itself a more than respectable ‘79’ percent fan rating on respected movie review outlet ‘Rotten Tomatoes’ as well as a 4/5 from ‘Empire’ magazine. This is due to its impressive visuals and likeable newly introduced characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Despite the production being well received by the majority of audiences for all its positives, it also offers something completely new and unseen in the superhero movie genre. Which is that It attempts to be politically aware by making both the cast and crew what is said to be ‘Racially Diverse’. However, having the number of African-American performers and those behind the camera at a staggering ninety percent we can only begin to question what exactly is racial diversity? With such a large percentage of the people working on the production being of one racial background, its difficult to understand whether or not the producers truly thought through or understood what a truly ‘Racially diverse’ Hollywood movie would look like. Perhaps it would be much more catered to all forms of racial backgrounds, including African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic.
In a recent interview I conducted with Callum Rix (Who previously mentioned he had watched the film), a sixth former studying at Epping Forest Sixth Form. As I wanted to get a first-hand opinion of someone in the local area. I asked;
In Black Panther, what was your opinion of it being labelled ‘Racially Diverse’?
Well, I don’t feel as if it was completely diverse, especially as the majority of the cast and crew were of one particular ethnicity. However, I didn’t find it to be wrong or out of place as it was relevant to the story and plot. Similarly, to ‘Dunkirk’ where the majority of the cast were Caucasian, but it was relevant and made the movie historically accurate.
Also, how do you think this focus on an Africa-American Cast and crew will be progressive for the film industry?
Well I think it’s great for people from particular backgrounds who may not necessarily get the same opportunity as others in the film industry due to stereotyping. So, I feel its definitely a step in the right direction for sure.
As well as Callum Rix I found from online research that many feel that the film is a breakthrough in the market, as its allowed many talented people within the industry such as the director Ryan Coogler, and actor Chadwick Boseman, to be given an opportunity in a senior role within a genre that they perhaps would not have otherwise had due to their ethnicity. Which is a valuable statement as in the industry stereotypes such as this one still remains, and should be stamped out, allowing all, no matter the background, race, religion, class or creed one may belong to. However, it is in question whether or not the film Is entirely ‘Racially diverse’ as it was advertised.
By Teddy Chamberlain, Debden Park High School.
