90120 DOPE Program NotesUpdated 3 hours ago

Black history and future connect with this synchronized film created by young

African American filmmaker Michael Silva Bryant. Bryant combines footage from

documentaries Cry of Jazz and We Work Again, animation from The Legend of John

Henry, and modern visuals to create a story of an artist growing and chasing his

dreams.
 

Undeniably. The film’s opening sequence evokes the unbridled energy and chaotic

hustle of urban life. Against this backdrop Bryant offers a powerful series of

historical clips documenting life in black America in the mid-1900’s. Shots of

African American jazz musicians punctuate street scenes of both hardship and

community, always vaguely implying that music serves as an escape from the harsh

realities on the street. In the midst of this sequence we meet the young artist,

represented visually as a silhouette, observing his musical and cultural heritage and

trying in vain to fit in with the more established jazz players. As this section of the

music concludes a close-up allows us to consider more deeply the young man, his

heritage and obstacles.
 

Unapologetically. During this more musically introspective section Bryant explores

the acute loneliness, monotony, and self-doubt familiar to aspiring musicians. The

young artist is making progress in his ambitions, as represented by silhouettes

being replaced with monochromatic cartoon filters. During a long and restless

night he struggles with his hopes and dreams that are still just beyond his reach. A

new day dawns and with it comes a new transformation from monochromatic to

full-color imagery; our young musician has finally found his artistic identity.
 

Undisputedly. The aspiring musician is now on the move, writing music, working

hard and continuing his transformation into full-color realism. But in spite of his

growth and early successes, his life in music remains a constant battle. Bryant uses

imagery of the folk hero John Henry to great effect, compelling us to watch as the

steel-driving man continually hammers away, fights against the machine, and finally

breaks down the barriers that held him back. In the closing moments of the work an

outstretched arm grabs hold of the hopes and dreams that proved elusive for so

long.
 

©Scott Winters, 2023