In the film “Within out Gates” the heroine is a young black woman named Sylvia Landry, an uncommon one for the era. Highlighting the fact that she is both African American and a woman, the movie’s central plot is about her life. Some of the themes addressed are educating blacks to rise up in society and money as power. Also this is the first film where we have seen character development and creation.
Many times throughout the movie it is mentioned that if you get education you can rise up out of the poverty and abuse. The worker who brings his children to the school in the south wants them to be educated so that they will help society. “Without schooling we ain’t amount to nothing.” When Sylvia comes home to the Landry’s and is able to do their books, they think they well be able to not be cheated anymore.
When the school threatens to close we have a glimpse of how having money can affect your ability to get an education. Mrs. Warwick, having a great deal of money, is in a position of power and is able to decide the fate of the school in the south. This is another instance of how women are highlighted in strong roles. It is her money to do with as she pleases, there is no discussion between her and her husband if she has any. She is simply able to make her mind up for herself.
Through out the movie this is the first time in film where we have seen any real character development. Micheaux offers close ups of expressions and flash backs that allow us to begin to sympathize more closely with the characters. We see the lynching and suffering that Sylvia experienced as a young woman and we hope that the money she needs for the school comes through and that she and Dr. Vivian are able to be reunited after she loses out on a opportunity with Conrad.
Over all I think that this idealistic world that Micheaux creates on film is a catalyst for progress. I personally feel that the media and Hollywood have the ability to transform our thinking and can guide us in any direction. Micheaux does a fantastic job of doing so for his era and audience.
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Your focus on character development through flashbacks is right, Brie. It's interesting that women seem to be given so much power in this film, as you say--and for Micheaux, power correlates with money to a high degree, at least in this movie.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was interesting that women were the main characters in this film. The film showed a paradox between empowering women by focusing on the main female characters, and at the same time illustrated the era's attitudes of women. For example, Sylvia was a schoolteacher, not a doctor etc. and was also the victim of her encounters with men in her life (Larry and her father).
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the idea that Hollywood and the media are able to transform our thinking and really push us into thinking one way or another. I believe Micheaux knew this when he made "Within Our Gates" and really played with the topic of racism. Clearly he felt racism was wrong, but I appreciated how he included both racists and non-racists in his film. I think it rounded out the film, but still demonstrated that good will prevail.
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