Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror

Look I'm a big fan of horror, especially when it has to do with the history for horror. And I also enjoy documentaries that dive into the behind of making such a film, and how it came to be whatnot. And "Horror Noire" does that properly, describing the history moments what the predominant black people went through. Although, there's few of these interviewees that sounded so sour, like a someone yapping, complaining. I mean I guess some film directors didn't want black people to come out in films or I guess these "monsters" were interpreted as blacks. Why not just think of those creatures, just creatures. All these subtext and metaphors that they're trying to dive in too deeply. How come when it comes to black movies, why's it all the time it revolves around racism, slavery, gang, absent of parent?? Just like what Jordan Peele said about not being stuck in a bubble anymore, okay, then use that analogy of talking about something else besides slavery, racism. There's other things that are as important to dive in like sexual abuse, child trafficking, sicknesses etc.

I enjoyed the overview of black people in horror films, and being introduced to a couple of films that I missed when they were released. From scary black voodoo practitioners through "black guy who dies first" to (of course) Night of the Living Dead and on up to Get Out, a group of academics, directors, and actors talk about what the changes meant and how they reacted to it.

Why I don't rate it higher is that while the academics and screenwriters and directors had interesting things to say, the actors did not and said basically, only "man, I loved this." Not insightful. I suppose being able to have name actors in the cast means more people might watch the film, but if we're watching a film analysis documentary, maybe we care less about actors and more about the people who have insights they can better articulate.

Good info, half-wrong cast.

Probably my biggest criticism of "Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror" is one I don't like in other movies: the length.

This fantastic documentary needed to be longer!!

Still, at only 83 minutes, it's incredibly paced, well shot and includes so many WONDERFUL movies and performances that the mainstream audience may never have heard of or seen without a mention here. To that/them I say: BRAVO. One in particular was Jada Pinkett Smith.

Just to give an example, way back in the day, I first saw her in Demon Knight on the big screen and LOOOVED her. Thought that very little known actress would go far after this horror movie. And she did. And they mentioned this movie/role in a nice little segment. If the rest of the doc didn't impress me (and it did,) this definitely was high on my list.

I've seen at least one, maybe a couple or more documentaries on Queer representation in cinema. It's nice to hear from another, very predominate group in horror films and their evolution. While I did see it with my own eyes, it's really nice to hear many different and important points of views. From incredibly well spoken experts in this field to actors/directors that I definitely admire.

Again, I just wish there was more. Here's hoping to probably the first ever documentary sequel for more content!*

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Final thoughts: *I did NOT research that. So maybe there's already a documentary sequel. But, I'd still love to see one to this and learn even more and hear more intimate stories!

This is a well produced documentary telling the story of African American actors in horror movies over the last 100 years. Great guests/pairings. Left out a few movies like 28 Days/Weeks Later, among a few others(especially the 80's). Great conversations and enlightening, especially for the horror fan.

Great commentary and interviews by respected actors, filmmakers, writers and intellectuals on the history of Blacks in cinema and the horror genre. Fun to watch too.