Black in Period Films

The newest Chevalier trailer from Searchlight Pictures introduces us to 18th century superstar composer, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.  The trailer shows a quick overview of his arrival in France as a young boy, the nurturing of his talent, his rise to fame, and what happens as a result of that fame.  Because of his talent, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges is often called the "Black Mozart". Which I hate because Mozart would not be called the White Bologne. So, if  Mozart isn't the White Bologne then the comparison doesn't work and Bologne isn't the Black Mozart. It also belittles Joseph Bologne's lived experiences as well as his legacy as a talented composer.  Bologne is a historical figure whose life many have wanted to see on screen. This will be the first narrative film about Joseph Bologne, there however have been documentaries and stage productions about his life.  The 2003 Raymond St-Jean directed performanc...

  Here is the trailer for musical Cyrano. Summary: Cyrano de Bergerac dazzles everyone with his ferocious wordplay and brilliant swordplay. However, he's convinced his appearance renders him unworthy of the affections of the luminous Roxanne, a devoted friend who's in love with someone else (Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Christian de Neuvillette). Cyrano is a classic that has been adapted numerous times and in many different ways. I look forward to this adaption because Joe Wright is directing the film. Joe Wright directed Atonement (2007), Pride and Prejudice (2005), and Anna Karenina (2012) which are all period films that I've seen and enjoyed; specifically Atonement and Pride and Prejudice. I am also interested in this adaption of the Cyrano story because the casting of Peter Dinklage and Kelvin Harrison Jr. adds additional layers to the story.  The cast includes Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Bashir Salahuddin, and Ben Mendelsohn. In theaters this December...