The Birth of a Nation opens wide in America today, and these are some photos of Nate Parker outside of a screening last night. You might have already seen #TheBirthofaNation trending on Twitter today, which has been happening on and off as people discuss the reviews of the film and whether it’s worth putting aside the revulsion for Parker’s past (not to mention his current interviews) to see the film. Some people genuinely want to see the film and can put aside their discomfort for Parker as a person. Some people cannot. It’s the same with critics too – there is no universal consensus on this film, although Rotten Tomatoes currently (as I’m writing this) has the film at 76% Fresh.
One of the most interesting and thought-provoking pieces that I’ve read about the film is this piece at Vulture called “Nate Parker Failed the Women of Birth of a Nation.” Vulture’s Dee Lockett assesses how the female characters – specifically, the enslaved women – are treated throughout Nate Parker and Jean Celestin’s script. The analysis doesn’t make me want to see the film at all – even when a character is being raped, it’s all about how the MEN feel about it. The female characters are barely given any agency whatsoever, not even during the uprising.
What else? The Nation called the film an “epic fail” and “historically inaccurate.” Danielle McGuire wrote a guest column in THR this week about how the website for the film fails at honoring the women of the movement, the women who were enslaved, the women who fought long and hard to protect women. Also: IndieWire had an absolutely ridiculous detail about the making of this film: apparently, Mel Gibson gave Nate Parker advice on directing the action scenes. Because… of course that happened.
And no, I don’t want to get into the f—king messy interview Parker did with Steve Harvey this week. I can’t contain my bile at this point. You can read about it here.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
he has the gall to ask if the media has any sympathy for people involved in this?!
IS HE F*CKING JOKING?!
We could probably end that comment with “he has the gall…”
YES, he does.
Kaiser – I’m so glad you mentioned the piece on Vulture it was interesting and really gets into the head space of Parker.
Simply put, I truly think he believes that women (be they historical or modern) don’t count or matter as much as men. Is it over-analyzing to say this fits in with his whole MO?
I was on the fence about this movie, the Vulture article put me over to the side of not seeing it. I’m not so crazed about all the historical inaccuracies (this is Hollywood and it’s a movie not a documentary), but the more I hear from this guy (personally and professionally) the less I like him.
In my own small way I’m not going to support his efforts.
I was laid up the other day and in my fever induced sleep heard this jerk on Steve Harvey defending himself. I turned the channel to the First 48. I’d rather listen to murder than this fool.
That interview with Steve Harvey was appalling on account of both Nate and Steve.
Also, I haven’t seen/read one interview where he doesn’t sound guilty. Not only because of his attitude, but every time he talks about the situation there is SO much word play. Someone who is telling the truth, can just tell it. Simple as that.
I refuse to watch Steve Harvey in anything, least of all this but I have read coverage of the interview and it is exactly what I expect from two misogynists. These people are the worst.
I agree. Steve Harvey is THE WORST and I don’t understand how he still has a show and how people actually think he is a good guy, barf.
Here’s the thing though, Steve, actually started off SO well. He said, and I quote, “We need to stop right here. We need to realize that we are two men talking about rape. And that right there is a problem.” I thought I was in for a reformed treat. NOPE. They went on to discuss it and be dismissive.
Also, now, Nate Parker is no longer doing the “hard” interviews. I’ve noticed he’s only doing the press where everyone is going to be on his side. Boy has his demeanor changed.
Will not see. And my no is final.
Are you sure??? Can’t Nate buy you a few drinks and see if he can change your mind???
@MC2 After Tara has a few drinks Nate will just assume that she wants to see the movie you know and invite his friend to help her watch it you know BARF!
Honestly he’s disgusting and I won’t see it either
Yep- I will try to get any penny away from this movie. Reading from the victim’s sibling about how it tormented her to see Nate become successful really brought home how supporting the movie is detrimental to victims. Besides the idea that it hurts all rape victims a little to see rapists not be held accountable & then go on to be revered in life.
But, Tara, darling–didn’t you watch the trailer?
Cause by watching the trailer don’t you know that means you consented to see the film?
In Nate’s world, anyway.
Feck.
I will never give my money to another Nate Parker film the same way I dont give my money to Woody Allen films, etc. There are too many great artists (specifically artists of color) out here to be conflicted about supporting this. Not supporting this film means you dont support this ONE person – Nate Parker does not represent all of black people/artists in America. Additionally, I’m tired of these slave movies, I understand the historical importance (even though, apparently his movie isnt even historically accurate -_-) but we need REAL diversity in film and a variety of complex roles for POC, I’m tired of seeing us only play drug addicts, slaves, prostitutes, etc. – which is why I’m giving my money to Queen of Katwe, Hidden Figures, Insecure (via HBO subscription) and more.
Nate Parker should have just said, I’m sorry this happen to her, I was acquitted, etc. and stopped there. The fact that he stalked and terrorized this girl makes me sick and I have no interest in seeing him succeed.
Exactly this! Kindly support my high school classmate Cheo Coker and watch “Luke Cage” on Netflix instead. Cheo actually respects women and enjoys writing roles that give actresses opportunities to shine…and sometimes outshine their male costars.
Yeah, I think this film is overhyped you know? Some films from Sundance are,.. and this film looks overrated
a review I read yesterday said that the story, while important, isn’t told well and the movie was mediocre.
Yet another film made for men by men. Women are plot devices while the story revolves around the men. Just like nearly every other film ever made. Yawn. Women do see movies, you know, that aren’t dumb romcom shlock, and being half the human race have played large roles in history despite being viewed and treated as second class citizens and property. I suppose that’s not a manly enough idea for a film, though.
I admittedly have little interest in seeing the film even without Parker’s odious interviews, but now I hope that no conversation about him leaves out the rapist part. If that kills the film so be it. We seriously need to have higher standards than this. A man who barely stops short of bragging about what he’s done has no place being lauded in society. I don’t care how talented he is.
Good thing it all came out before the release. That way I don’t even need to pay attention to the reviews and can spend my money elsewhere.
His dumbass started it. I guess we should thank him.
I was actually pretty excited to see this when I saw the trailer. I wasn’t going to see it, when I heard about the rape…ahem, alleged rape that occurred involving him….and then I DEFINITELY wasn’t going to see it when he started in with all that “I’m a Christian and father” bullllshit.
You know, for a minute, I actually considered that he brought it up because he did feel guilt over it, and just didn’t have the vagina to admit it on a public forum……..but that there was definite guilty and he just couldn’t say it. But the more he talked…..oh hell no. He doesn’t feel shame or guilt for anything. And his poor victim, who pulled herself out of foster care to go to Penn State had her entire life ruined at 18.
Fuck him. and his rapist co-writer, Celestin.
I would have seen the movie because of Nat Turner but after finding out that Parker directed a scene in which his wife in the film was gang raped (never happened) and that’s why Nat Turner rebelled(that’s not why he rebelled), I changed my mind. Despicable.
I wrote the same below. I just can’t get over how vile that is.
Even though I’m commenting on this, I can’t comment on it anymore. It’s like discussing Trump and his supporters–there’s nothing left to say.
Steve Harvey is a misogynistic tool so I am not surprised he was defending Nate in that interview. Two over religious dbags with a madonna/whore complex revving each other on.
This!!!
And let’s keep it real – two FAKE overly religious dbags with a madonna/whore complex. Christianity only comes out in these two when it serves a purpose.
Too fecking right! Even on Family Feud where he’s arguably funny, his misogynistic, bigotd narrow minded world view tends to exhibit.
So sick of this kind of toxic masculinity hiding behind religion.
Not going to watch it! I can put myself in the victims shoes, and feel terrible let alone uncomfortable to watch an abuser get away and disregard her struggles and pain.
I was never going to see this movie. It seems Hollywood will only green light movies where we’re slaves or the backdrop to the white person’s fight for our civil rights. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt to prove it.
Go see “Moonlight”, about a black man’s struggle with his sexuality in the ’70s.
Wasn’t it Rep. Lewis that said recently how much the woman of the Civil Rights movement did but will never get credit for? Very apparent in the write up for the film that the same applies here. Not only that but it’s a glaring lense at the black community. BLM? Started by women as well and out night after night protesting for black men. and you’ve got men super silent on the mistreatment of black women or try stifle our agency. Smh
So no I won’t be seeing this movie. And it’s time for the men in our community to step up for women like we do ALL THE TIME for them.
It’s pretty clear to me that they are failling to spin this as an important film and somewhat of a redemption story for parker. He keep alluding to growing and getting wiser and being a christian and yet I read thereview on the Nation yesterday and I have to say considering also what is said in this post that the film is not what the studio and Parker wants to believe it is. First of all it is the expression of masculinity. It focuses on how men react to how their women (not unlike their property) are treated. While the piece does not mention Parker’s hot mess of a life. It is interesting how in real life Parker managed to make the rape case into a story about how he suffered and how he feels. Second. By not giving a voice to women Ned Turner’s wife he further portrays women as victims. The historian at the Nation says this is complete missinterpretation if fact – even Ned Turner’s mother apparently was a fighter in her own right. Parker apparently also thinks that women should be objects. And lastly, Ned Parker was motivated by his faith in that God made all people equal and hence Parker who reduced Ted’s motivation to his feelings about his wife being raped is not only a cheap trick but also completely reduces the story about racial relations into a personal vendeta story to yet again – promote the masculinity. Not to mention that the Nation reviewer had a note that Parker makes a very one dimentional story, failing to grasp the importance of culture and community among african americans at that time which also played a part on solidarity and the urge to defend and protect the whole race. So even if you try to look at this mess from a perspective of let’s separate an important story from its creator, the movie is an expression of a sexist, one dimensional set of mind of the creator.
I will not be seeing the movie and cannot believe it’s getting any positive press at all. As per your breakdown above, it certainly doesn’t deserve it attention since it’s a misogynistic movie regardless of who created it.
I wasn’t going to see it too anyway but it’s nice to see that the even the critics who try looking at the film while separating it from Parker, come to the conclusion that the film is an extension of the mind set of its creators
He gives me the bad kind of goose bumps and I just want to stomp on his arrogant face.
He wrote a completely made up rape scene that leads his character to avenge the victim. I just don’t have words to describe how macabre, vile and disgusting that is.
I’m usually one to make a case for separating art from artist, but that is just evil. That anyone would think there’s any way to justify that boggles my mind.
Parker’s version of Nat Turner is a Rorschachesque look into his own nasty soul. In the Steve Harvey interview he seems so arrogant. I predict Parker will commit another sex crime and/or get caught cheating on his wife.
Totally second going to see Queen of Katwe-just a great movie. A woman director, and fabulous camera work. The actors, esp the child actors, do such an amazing job.
Nope. Nope. Thus guy gets added to the list with Woody Allen and Roman Polanski. I wouldn’t even watch HIddles in Midnight in Paris because of Woody Allen, so this is a must miss.
Abby_J I have no dog in this fight. At least you’ve Woody and Roman P on your list as well. Some folks have a selective memory about certain folks deeds. I have no interest in seeing the movie. Just like to add name critics need to name one historical film that was entirely accurate
Whatever. It probably won’t get distributed in the country I currently live in anyway (a screening or two at the film fests, maybe). People aren’t that interested in America’s national history, unless perhaps if it features a really cool, badass character like Django (the D is silent). And even then, I’m not sure people truly get what they’re watching (the country where I live now is an ex-European colony and was occupied by the Japanese during WWII, and the decolonisation is still fairly recent compared to the abolition of slavery—so nothing shocks us, really). I know a Broadway musicals geek (which are rare here to begin with) who said “Hamilton” looks cool, but he’s not sure if he has the time to study-up on the historical context for the play to make sense to him. I sincerely hope BOAN doesn’t get distribution here where I live. I feel bad for the actresses, but I’m sure Hollywood will be kind to them after this mess.
Got to love how karma and the truth chased his sorry arse at his biggest milestone, though…
People want to see badass characters, not a-hole actors.
There is no way I can get behind The Birth of a Nation. To separate what those men did from their film is impossible. Not only have Nate Parker and Jean Celestin committed a heinous crime, they continue to perpetuate rape culture in our society by their claims of undo suffering and persecution. When I see pictures of them, all I see are predators. Where’s Chris Hansen when you need him?
Kyle Baker wrote one of my favorite graphic novels ever–about Nat Turner’s Rebellion. A better use of your time and money, and a more accurate historical depiction.