Podcast Summary: Toure Show | Episode: Justin Simien - I Love Black Cinema

Podcast Information:

• Title: Toure Show
• Host/Author: DCP Entertainment
• Episode: Justin Simien - I Love Black Cinema
• Release Date: March 9, 2025
• Description: Touré engages with successful individuals to uncover their paths to success and glean insights to aid listeners on their own journeys. New episodes drop every Wednesday, with throwbacks available on Sundays.

Guest:

• Justin Simien: Acclaimed filmmaker known for "Dear White People," discussing his docu-series "Hollywood Black" and the evolution of black cinema.

Introduction

The episode opens with Touré introducing Justin Simien, highlighting his pivotal role in modern black cinema and his latest work, a docu-series titled "Hollywood Black." Simien is praised as one of the great contemporary filmmakers, and the conversation sets out to explore the history, challenges, and triumphs within black cinema.

Notable Quote:

• Justin Simien [03:05]: "I'm good, man."

Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler: Pillars of Modern Black Cinema

Simien and Touré delve into the significance of Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler in redefining black cinema. They discuss Peele's groundbreaking work in horror with "Get Out," emphasizing its dual appeal to horror enthusiasts and black audiences by subverting traditional tropes.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [03:24]: "I would say him and Ryan Coogler. Ryan Coogler really is like the reason Marvel is even really in the... the success of Black Panther is pretty hard to go backwards to."
• Touré [03:51]: "Peele, hey, he's like. He is a thing. He's a genre unto himself."

Exploring "Get Out": A Miracle in Storytelling

The discussion focuses on "Get Out," highlighting its complexity and ability to navigate both horror conventions and the unique experiences of black viewers. Simien applauds Peele's craftsmanship in creating a film that surprises and engages diverse audiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [03:59]: "It's deceptively simple. But what he's doing, you know, I've had some experience in the horror space myself, especially with black characters... It is navigating both of those sets of expectations and happens to make a brilliant... It's like, a miracle movie."
• Touré [04:54]: "Brilliant conversation about race through horror."

Alternative Endings and Audience Reception

Touré and Simien critically examine the film's ending, debating the impact of a more realistic conclusion versus the one that ensures audience satisfaction. Simien argues that the chosen ending offers a more profound narrative experience, even if it diverges from traditional horror expectations.

Notable Quotes:

• Touré [05:02]: "And we all know the original ending was... he walks off into prison."
• Simien [05:18]: "Yes. But that would not have been a successful... it would have just been like, yeah, racism. We know."

Spotlight on Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay

The conversation shifts to legendary filmmakers Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay. Simien praises DuVernay for her emotionally charged documentaries like "13th" and "Selma," which humanize historical movements and reshape public perception.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [18:58]: "Yes."
• Touré [18:58]: "Ava DuVernay is one of the stars of Hollywood Black. She is an incredible filmmaker... She makes it important for you to see it that way, too."

Blaxploitation and Its Legacy

Simien and Touré explore the blaxploitation era, acknowledging its role in providing black filmmakers and actors with opportunities post the collapse of the studio system. They discuss iconic films like "Sweetback's Badass Movie" and "Ganja and Hess," appreciating their artistic contributions despite the genre's commercial constraints.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [30:12]: "Yes, we're both right."
• Touré [31:35]: "What is the best of the blaxploitation films for you?"
• Simien [31:39]: "I have a sweet spot for Trouble, man. Actually."

Tyler Perry: Commercial Success vs. Artistic Integrity

The dialogue turns to Tyler Perry, examining his dual role as a commercially successful producer and a controversial figure in black cinema. Simien acknowledges Perry's achievements in creating space for black narratives within a capitalist framework but voices concerns over the depth and quality of his storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Touré [39:47]: "Cause you touch on Tyler Perry, but the whole Tyler Perry thing is much more aesthetically and emotionally complex."
• Simien [40:38]: "He's completely alive in those movies in a way that is... How does Diana Ross convince you that she's Billie Holiday?"

Intersectionality: Black and Queer Identities in Film

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the intersectionality of black and queer identities, both personally and within cinema. Simien shares his experiences of feeling marginalized within the black community due to his sexuality and underscores the importance of authentic representation in film.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [51:02]: "I felt like, yeah, I felt like I was in this limbo some kind of way."
• Touré [53:07]: "Which in some degree, some days, in some situations, you are black first and other times you are queer first or equally black and queer."

Influences on "Dear White People"

Simien elaborates on his influences for "Dear White People," citing filmmakers like Robert Altman and Fritz Lang for their narrative structures and social commentary. He emphasizes the importance of creating complex characters that reflect the multifaceted experiences of black individuals.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [54:31]: "Robert Altman, so is Fritz Lang. A lot of those sort of composed shots where you see people in groups comes from my love of Fritz Lang."
• Touré [57:22]: "It is unbelievable to me that one of the great films of this era that I loved somehow came out of that long before we had met or anything."

Conclusion: Embracing Complexity in Black Cinema

Touré and Simien wrap up the discussion by reaffirming the necessity of embracing both the achievements and shortcomings within black cinema. Simien advocates for a nuanced appreciation that celebrates successes while constructively critiquing areas needing improvement, fostering a richer cinematic landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Simien [37:16]: "And I know I'm in the minority, by the way."
• Touré [53:46]: "Which in some degree, some days, in some situations, you are black first and other times you are queer first or equally black and queer."

Closing Remarks

Touré thanks Justin Simien for the insightful conversation, emphasizing the episode's role in fueling listeners' dreams and encouraging engagement with black cinema history.

Key Takeaways:

• Justin Simien's Contributions: As a filmmaker, Simien is pivotal in advancing black narratives, particularly through works like "Dear White People" and his docu-series "Hollywood Black."
• Modern Influencers: Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler are highlighted as transformative figures reshaping black cinema's landscape.
• Historical Context: The legacy of blaxploitation films and their impact on black independent filmmaking is examined.
• Intersectionality: The importance of representing multifaceted identities, such as being both black and queer, is a central theme.
• Critical Appreciation: The episode encourages a balanced view of black cinema, celebrating achievements while addressing ongoing challenges.

Resources:

• Visit the Show: Toure Show Website
• Follow Toure: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok (@toureshow)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing valuable insights into black cinema's past, present, and future through Justin Simien's experiences and perspectives.