20/20 Imaginative and prescient: How racism undermines the technical achievement of ‘The Jazz Singer’ (1927)

The column “20/20 Imaginative and prescient” examines movies from the 1920’s by way of a 2020’s lens. Author Anthony Martinez Rosales appears to be like on the intricacies of the movies from the angle of tradition, medium and high quality.

I assumed that I’d get pleasure from “The Jazz Singer” (1920) as a result of it integrates music and movie, however I battle to see previous the racist dynamics pictured in it.

I turned concerned with “The Jazz Singer” after watching “Singin’ within the Rain” (1952). Whereas “Singin’ within the Rain” exemplifies the transition of films from silent movies to speaking movies (or talkies), “The Jazz Singer” is commonly credited because the movie that confirmed that talkies may very well be worthwhile.

The movie portrays Jakie Rabinowitz (Al Jolson), who has ambitions of changing into a jazz singer however is constrained by his father’s want for him to hold on Jewish household traditions. Rabinowitz modifications his title to an Anglo title — Jack Robin — and turns into well-liked in present enterprise. Regardless of being on his strategy to attaining his goals, Rabinowitz misses his father and makes an attempt to reconcile along with his father whereas pursuing his goals.

The film primarily depicts how a baby of immigrants fights between the outdated customs of their dad and mom and the brand new alternatives of the nation they had been raised in. Nonetheless, it’s only a surface-level depiction with out significant commentary on this battle.

Whereas I believe it’s necessary to acknowledge this movie for kick-starting talkies, it’s equally necessary to acknowledge what it does mistaken: the blackface within the movie.

In the direction of the tip of the movie, the protagonist is proven donning black make-up earlier than taking the stage to carry out his musical quantity. As a up to date viewer, that is extraordinarily stunning.

Throughout this time interval in American historical past, blackface, placing on darkish make-up to demean folks of African descent, was pretty widespread. Whereas some argue that blackface in “The Jazz Singer” was acceptable as a result of it merely portrays a typical apply on the time, filming it exhibits Hollywood’s lack of respect for Black folks.

It’s unhappy that such an necessary movie that pioneered sound in shifting footage is morally objectionable. This brings up the query of whether or not we as up to date audiences can nonetheless recognize “The Jazz Singer.” The best way I see it’s that we are able to acknowledge its technical achievements, however we should additionally acknowledge the dangerous stereotypes it promotes. We have to really perceive its inventive significance in addition to its influence on the historical past of marginalized teams.

Regardless of its technical achievement, “The Jazz Singer” fails to resist the take a look at of time. The storyline is cliche and uncreative, and the racist practices render it unacceptable within the current society.

Watching the movie made me replicate on the evolution of the movie business and the way far we now have come. This movie ought to function a reminder of the darkish previous that existed and continues to affect the movies we watch at present.

In its historical past, Hollywood has dedicated injustices towards many marginalized communities, from unethical filmmaking practices to stereotypes inside the movies. As up to date viewers, we should always cherish how far we now have come and ask ourselves whether or not the artwork produced justify the ethical ambiguities.

Editor’s Word: This text is a evaluation and consists of subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.