Page 56 - ThePhoenix1986-87

Page 12'Westem Maryland College/November 6. 1986 _ Craig Cecil Soul Man destroys racial stereotypes "Son, there comes a time when bases of racial discrimination, not a man has to take control of his just stereotypes, but sometimes life and stand on his own. That's falls short. Inter-racial why I've decided to let you pay relationships, like that of Mark for your tuition to Harvard.'; I'm and Sarah, seem to be a natural sure some of us have had for the film to explore, yet Soul nightmares like this, but for Mark Man backs away from the subject Watson it's no nightmare. It's at the last minute. One of Soul worse. It's real. Man's biggest problems is that Such is the dilemma that faces some this young man in New World in the process of destroying movie stereotypes, the racial Pictures' new comedy Soul Man . reinforces others. Some examples C. Thomas Howell portrays of this are women being treated as Mark, a typical upper class white objects and the upper class being teenager, who finds a unique way shown as a prejudiced group. to go to Harvard free. By taking This counteraction tends to cancel an entire bottle of tanning pills, Mark turns his skin black and is out the underlying purpose of this and film some confuse could granted a black student's viewers. scholarship to Harvard. Once at Harvard, Mark begins to learn not Soul Man is not a rip-roaring about law, but about being black. stereotypes puts him in awkward is that comedy?). sends me movie to its climax. comedy, and it's not intended to Unexpected twists and surprises and often hilarious situations. be. While Sarah is an in-depth and It's a light-hearted comedy are thrown at Mark as he begins This is meant to show viewers One surprise that Mark runs highly developed character, Mark's that disguises some serious to see life from a new perspective. how ridiculous those stereotypes into is Sarah (Rae Dawn Chong), best friend Gordon is not. Even undertones. In that respect Soul The strength and disguised are. This use of comedy mixed a black law student he soon finds though Gordon (Arye Gross) is in Man succeeds. purpose of Sow Man lies in its with moral messages is a himself falling in love with. Just scenes throughout the film, only ability to destroy racial successful blend that sets Soul as Mark's outward appearance is a few of them are without Mark. shown The writers and director have too Mark that it's never stereotypes onscreen with the use' Man apart from other films. deceiving, so 100 is Sarah's. Gordon is like a comic Lone late to learn, and they hope the of comedy. Mark, by simply Howell's portrayal of Mark Eventually Rae Dawn Chong Ranger. appearing when Mark audience has learned to be color- changing the color of his skin, produces just the right blend of draws Mark and the viewers into needs his help, shooting off a few blind when they emerge from the suddenly finds racial stereotypes seriousness with comedy and, in a her character until some one-liners along the way. and then theater. Soul Man is destined to being directed at him. Mark's way, he becomes the audience's surprising plot twists are revealed disappearing. stir up questions as well as inexperience in dealing with those teacher, showing by example (or that increase Mark's worries and Soul MOJ1. tries to touch aU controversy . ...CAPBoard's Activities for Parent's Weekend .... "ONE OF THE YEAR'S 10 BEST" Mike Woods Canada's coast to coast Let loose & have fun with folk/rock and country/pop The Killing Fields singer and guitarist Fri., Nov. 7 comedian Tim Settimi 9 pm $1 Sat., Nov. 8 9:15 pm Fri., Nov. 7 9 pm PUB FREE! Decker Auditorium Alumni Hall FREE!