IT’S NOT GOOD…
So, before I dive into my review, I have to disclose something here. While I am a professional storyteller and make a living off charging for my creative abilities, I am not a true artist. True artists live through their art, it’s part of their identity, their soul, and in some cases – it’s their meaning of life. And they speak a different language that I can’t understand. For example, I don’t understand, for the life of me, modern art. I find it downright bad.
Now skip over to Black Is King.
This film, a visual album, is downright bad – just like modern art. But it’s because I really don’t understand it.
There is no running coherent storyline that resembles an ounce of story structure here. Some say this was based upon the “live-action” Lion King, but that would be a stretch. Some say this pays tribute to Africa, which it doesn’t. Africa, by the way, is a continent, not a country. And blacks who live in Africa, for the majority, do not live in the jungle and are dressed up in paint, and walk around with spears. Most of her video focuses on the Yoruba culture. And not only blacks live in Africa.
African’s don’t run around with spears
I seriously do not know what I just watched. I don’t understand the music either. I don’t understand why there is a horned devil motorcycle creeping towards the camera. What in the world is happening there? This is supposed to be how we honor African-culture?
Cinematically, most of the shots are composed beautifully. The wardrobe is stunning. The dancing is interesting, just not for me. But the concept, the continuity, it’s really confusing as hell. The shots are not edited together to create any narrative. I don’t know what the hell what’s going on, where we are, where we are supposed to be, or who the characters are.
Is this what modern filmmaking has really come too?
Geez, I hope not.
I remember watching this and turning to my friend, asking, “This is what being on drugs must feel like.”
I promise you, this video makes “The Last Jedi” look great.
Right now, I can’t find any negative reviews of Black is King. All the usual youtube critics are silent, which kinda says something. I hope they are not scared to share their opinions because they feel they’ll be labeled a racist. All I can find is praise, and news articles telling me how much of a genius Beyonce is. Genius? Transcendent? Really? This visual album looks like it was created by a genius who lost their marbles.
I’m not the only one wasn’t a fan
But, where I can find the most criticism of this film, are from those who reside in Africa.
GRADE: F
Steve Young
