The following review
was written by Brandon Towns, a Chicago high school student, as part of
Columbia College Chicago's Columbia Links journalism program for high school
students. RogerEbert.com has partnered with the Chicago Urban League and
Columbia Links to mentor these students and to give them a platform for their
writing. Read more about the program here.
"The N Word"
Directed by Todd Williams
3 stars
Todd Williams' 2004
documentary "The N Word" is an accomplished film. The director's technique really shines with clever edits, pop
culture references and appealing color to keep the audience's attention.
The film opens with
quick cuts between interviews with historians and stock footage from African-American
history, some dipped in sepia tint color, which establishes the N-word as a part
of black history and its continuation today. This powerful film brings to
question the use of the word and its relevance.
Director Williams
creates a dividing line between the new school and old school definition of the
word and its impact through seamless camera angles. He uses a more stable eye
level shot for the interviewee who is confirmed and concrete in their
definition, while he uses a Dutch angle on those who are uncertain. The film's
great use of allusions provides insight into the N-word as rooted in the
African-American culture while presenting a humorous take on the subject
through the comedic styles of Richard Pryor and Chris Rock.
This structure also
creates a dramatic atmosphere as Williams inserts quotes from historical
figures, thought-provoking poetry and famous literature such as "Uncle Tom's
Cabin." These ideologies form a breakage from the traditional layout of the
film, keeping the pace dynamic. During this breakage, director Williams creates
suspense through extreme close-ups and conveys a serious tone through music.
Each break cleverly presents three generations of insight on the N-word, and
its usage for that time.
In its essence the film
asks several questions, which are unanswered, and provokes a debate. A
particular debate topic that stood out to me was: "Is it okay for white people
to say the N-word?" Williams remains unbiased about this question by showing
both sides of argument. It was interesting to see the contrast between the
various beliefs and it's difficult for the audience to take sides.
Furthermore, "The N Word"
is an extremely stylized visual wonder that takes an interesting look into the
most controversial word in the English language. It creates suspense while
maintaining its comedic tone through playful pacing and fast cuts.
"The
N Word" is a must-see.
