INSTRUCTIONS:
Bamboozled (2000, R; 135 min.), directed and written by Spike Lee, photographed by Ellen Kuras and starring Damon Wayans, Shavion Glover, Jada Pinkett Smith and Michael Rapaport. Bamboozled is Spike Lee’s comedy released in 2000 which was at the time—and still remains — his most acrid, ironic and profoundly satirical cinematic statement on the state of racism in America at the turn of the millennium. Spike Lee went through over 10 studios before he found someone that would finance the film. Bamboozled begins with the definition of satire. Spike Lee told Charlie Rose in an interview that he put that there specifically for the critics as many times they interpret his films as an angry commentary on society. But, the film is a commentary on the reality that television and performance arts have willingly distorted the identity of black people with minstrel shows, cartoons and cliche performances of black people in order to make people laugh. PROMPT (CHOOSE ONE) For this assignment, you will watch the movie Bamboozled and make a review based on ONE of the prompts below: What's the significance of Delacroix calling his creation, the Mantan show a satire? What's the meaning of Manray and Womack preparing and applying blackface "in an old fashion way" before the first show? What's the point of Dunwitty's character? What topics of reflection his character raise? What's the meaning of Delacroix wearing blackface before dying? FORMAT Introduction | a quick plot overview with the presentation of the prompt and your point of view. Body | analyze and give evidence to support your prompt. Describe the main characters. Conclusion | wrap your discussion by giving your opinion on the movie and why the film it's or it's not relevant today. Don't forget to cite all used sources. Format: use the essay form, 650-800 words, double-spaced, margins (1″), and 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman.