Film review: 'I Am Not Your Negro'

 "I Am Not Your Negro" is a brilliant — and — disturbing piece of filmmaking. Based upon James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, it examines racism in America and how it defines us as a society. 

It is also a fascinating documentary, six years in the making for director Raoul Peck. Baldwin had intended to tell the story on a personal level through his close association with Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., all of whom were assassinated. But sadly, only 30 pages into the manuscript, Mr. Baldwin died. Peck picks up where Baldwin left off, honoring his concept but also expanding upon it by utilizing archival and recent film footage of racial brutality. 

Clips from the Dick Cavette Show reveal Baldwin eloquently speaking about civil rights and the lack thereof. Samuel L. Jackson narrates in an unrecognizable whisper-like voice that's eerily akin to Baldwin's, which greatly enhances the viewing experience. Peck includes a collage of Hollywood movie clips that subtly and not-so-subtly depict how racist some American films were. As audiences wildly cheered, scenes played out, and movie stars were made as deplorable acts took place on screen (think: cowboys vs. Indians, John Wayne, etc.) It was as American as apple pie.

But when images like Ferguson, Mo. and Rodney King are mingled into the melange, they suggest that James Baldwin's bleak observations remain valid today. All of the footage and photos are immensely impactive due to flawless editing by Alexandra Strauss and spot-on scoring. Baldwin's provocative view of America is further intensified as the audience bears witness to these troubling events. 

"I Am Not Your Negro" is powerful and heartbreaking. One can't help think that the more things change, the more they remain the same after viewing this important film. As Mr. Baldwin observed, "The story of the Negro in America is the story of America ... It's not a pretty story." Shame on us.