Black Lenses, Black Voices

April 1, 2005
Reid (English & film, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; "Redefining Black Film") has long helped define the critical study of black film. His current work examines from a self-described "womanist post-Negritude" perspective films of the 1990s written or directed by African Americans in addition to black-oriented films by nonblack crews. Although expected movies like "Soul Food" are critiqued, Reid also delves into the world of the modern black horror film ("Bones") and independent film. Scholars will be interested in his provocative thoughts on the significance of Whoopi Goldberg and Halle Berry as symbols of the era; a useful filmography of the 1990s and a bibliography complete the volume. Although brief, this book will make a solid addition to the growing library of recent black film studies, including "Black American Cinema", edited by Manthia Diawara; "Struggles for Representation", edited Phyllis R. Klotman; and Janet K. Cutler and Paula J. Massood's "Black City Cinema". Highly recommended for all film collections. -Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A& M Univ. Lib., TX

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