Black in Period Films

NOTE: This is a speculative post I don't have any Insider information everything I say below is based on my personal opinions and hopes for the film. Now that Zendaya is officially credited on the The Greatest Showman on Earth (2017) IMDB I’ll write about what her role could possibly entail. In my opinion the possibilities are thrilling because of the time period this film will be set in. The film is described as a Biodrama Musical about the story of American showman P.T. Barnum, founder of the circus that became the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Because P.T. Barnum lived from 1810 to 1891 the film will be a period drama. This will be Zendaya’s first role in a period costume drama. Sources say Zendaya will be playing opposite Zac Efron as his girlfriend. Besides the time period we also have to consider how Zendaya's race will play into the film. There are three options. The film could not mention her race at all, they could make her ...

There has been talk about a film in the makings called The Greatest Showman on Earth. It focuses on the life of P.T. Barnum. My interest in this film was first peaked when I heard about the possible casting of Zendaya as Zac Efron’s girlfriend within the film. I began doing research on P.T. Barnum and was pulled into his interesting life and circus attractions. Once I began reading up on his circus attractions I began to think about the possibilities for this film to include diverse talent. One of the features of a great circus is diversity after all.  Barum did not have a life or circus that only included White Americans so the last thing this film should do is portray it as such. Here are just a few of the attractions from his museum and circus that included people of color throughout the 1800’s:   William Henry Johnson  aka Zip the Pinhead (1842-1926)                               ...

Here is the trailer for the much awaited LOVING film (there is a lot of Oscar talk circling the film). I was already looking forward to it but I must say the look of the film made me even more excited!  From her small bits in the trailer this Irish and Ethiopian woman delivered a heck of a Virginia accent. Some might disagree with me but I'm pleasantly surprised. Let's see how it pans out in the film. The film will be in theaters November 4! What do you think about the trailer? Is it exciting or underwhelming?

This is the first gif that I have made myself and I am so excited about the possibilities.  I gif'd this image because it encapsulates the beautiful costumes and romantic air that are a staple in many period films. To have these qualities applied to a black character is such a rare occurrence. How many chances do we get to see Black women in beautiful period correct bonnets with parasols in the cinematic landscape? Not often. But that's a post for another time.