Loading....
x
Prom Night in Mississippi explores the repressed racism that still weighs heavy on America.
Prom Night in Mississippi
Director: Paul Saltzman
Stars: Morgan Freeman
Classification: STC
Rating: *** 1/2
When I have mentioned its title, countless people have told me Prom Night in Mississippi sounds like a horror movie. And in a way, it is.
After all, when Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman discovered that a high school in the American South still had racially-segregated proms in 2008, he was shocked enough to enlist actor and local resident Morgan Freeman to pitch the institute an offer they couldn’t refuse — integrate the prom and he’ll pay.
From there, the intriguing documentary follows a selection of students and a few parents as they spend the next four months preparing for the auspicious event. But not everyone is pleased. Some students willingly back out while a group of parents plan a separate whites-only prom.
It’s an eye-opening documentary that pulls the curtain back on the repressed racism that still weighs heavy on America and more shockingly, on the influence of the young. While Saltzman keeps it positive and hopeful, Prom Night definitely could’ve used a more rounded field of subjects — namely those racists who, he admits, wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Still, Saltzman’s movie is thoughtful, intimate and even judicious. While recent reports have shown that American schools are actually becoming less racially integrated, one can only hope Prom Night in Mississippi will be a horror film that does not require a sequel.
Director: Paul Saltzman
Stars: Morgan Freeman
Classification: STC
Rating: *** 1/2
When I have mentioned its title, countless people have told me Prom Night in Mississippi sounds like a horror movie. And in a way, it is.
After all, when Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman discovered that a high school in the American South still had racially-segregated proms in 2008, he was shocked enough to enlist actor and local resident Morgan Freeman to pitch the institute an offer they couldn’t refuse — integrate the prom and he’ll pay.
From there, the intriguing documentary follows a selection of students and a few parents as they spend the next four months preparing for the auspicious event. But not everyone is pleased. Some students willingly back out while a group of parents plan a separate whites-only prom.
It’s an eye-opening documentary that pulls the curtain back on the repressed racism that still weighs heavy on America and more shockingly, on the influence of the young. While Saltzman keeps it positive and hopeful, Prom Night definitely could’ve used a more rounded field of subjects — namely those racists who, he admits, wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Still, Saltzman’s movie is thoughtful, intimate and even judicious. While recent reports have shown that American schools are actually becoming less racially integrated, one can only hope Prom Night in Mississippi will be a horror film that does not require a sequel.
|
User Comments & Ratings | Comment as guest | |
| Title: |
| Comment: |
more entertainment stories
Worm turns on second Tory, this time over airport tequila row
OTTAWA - The worm has turned on a second Conservative cabinet minister over an airport security impasse - this one fuelled by tequila.
Paralympic closing to be a sentimental farewell to world spotlight
VANCOUVER, B.C. - One eye has been on the clock and the other has been on the clouds for the producer of the closing ceremonies for the 2010 Paralympic Games.
Owner of shop involved in Montreal shooting makes court appearance
MONTREAL - The owner of the Montreal shop that was the scene of a brazen daylight shooting appeared before a judge today, accused of breaching bail conditions.
13 stranded after ice roads turned to mud rescued, says Manitoba Mounties
WINNIPEG - Muddy ice roads that stranded dozens of drivers in the wilderness and prompted 16 northern Manitoba First Nations to declare a state of emergency are proof that permanent all-season roads are needed, the province's grand chief said Friday.
Family of missing N.B. woman reject possibility she deliberately ran off
MONCTON, N.B. - The family of Donna O'Rielly is rejecting the possibility that the missing New Brunswick woman has run off.
editor's picks
In twitosphere, are the funny, famous in it for tweets, or do they also follow?
Twitter is so many things to so many people: infomercial, backyard fence, brain dump. The funny, famous, famous for the wrong reasons or simply very useful have thousands of followers, but who do THEY follow?
The clock may be ticking on CBC's '22 minutes
HALIFAX, N.S. - Is the clock ticking on "22 Minutes"?
NBC behind him, Conan O'Brien in talks with Fox
NEW YORK - The next few months could keep Conan O'Brien very busy.
Facebook users warned about email scam
Another email scam is circulating online trying to ensnare unsuspecting Facebook users into divulging all their passwords.
Thai PM objects to blood-spilling, but open to talks
BANGKOK, Thailand - Thailand's prime minister said Thursday the government was ready to hold talks with protesters, who want him to call new elections, but only if they stop throwing blood, blocking government offices and remain peaceful.
Copyright 2001-2010, Free Daily News Group Inc.