Dope by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi Essay Example

The movie "Dope Official film #1 (2015)" conforms to stereotypes of African-Americans through the nostalgic obsession of its characters. The narration in the film describes the characters' nostalgic obsession and their frustratingly blank roles. For example, Malcolm, who is typically an expressive performer, plays a blank role by using humor to exhibit stereotypes of African-Americans. Throughout the film, the characters in "Dope" consistently display a nostalgic obsession, aiming to enhance the artistic essence of the movie.

Malcolm, the main actor in the film, is nostalgic as he continuously reminisces about his dream of attending Harvard University. At the same time, he remains optimistic at the beginning of the film, believing that he will successfully gain admission to Harvard. The film's choreography highlights the irony of Malcolm, a black American geek, being the sole star in a movie featuring mostly white characters. Additionally, the film "Dope" addresses racial issues through the scene where Willy and other college students choose to attack a black student and steal his possessions.

The strength of an African taking revenge on white college students is showcased in Malcolm's decision to retaliate by firing a gun. This supports the empowerment of black individuals and their ability to seek justice. In addition, Malcolm's expressive nature is evident as he humorously embraces the label of a drug trafficker, carrying drugs in his backpack without fear. He also takes on the role of a moderator, teaching Nakia how to pass exams, despite being mistakenly identified as a robber due to his possession of a gun. Ultimately, Malcolm's choice to retaliate when assaulted highlights his disposition as a murderer.

The film "Dope" effectively portrays Malcolm as a talented and

versatile performer who takes on a variety of roles with humor. The inclusion of African-American characters in the film adds a sense of nostalgia, as Malcolm's experiences highlight the idea that Africans can be just as capable and equal to white individuals. This is evident when he receives an academic appointment letter from a white-run university, indicating that he has been granted admission to Harvard University. Guerrero (201) suggests that contemporary white films often use African characters to explore themes of cultural, political, and social identity.

Additionally, the author claims that white individuals often portray black characters in stereotypical roles, like armed robbers and drug dealers. This is exemplified in the film "Dope" where Malcolm is depicted as a symbol of poverty and engages in money laundering. Furthermore, the film conveys a meaningful and impactful message. Society tends to look down upon young African American males, particularly those from disadvantaged neighborhoods, emphasizing this notion (Boyd 094). Throughout the movie, Malcolm highlights his academic achievements and reflects on how attending a drug dealer's party contributed to his personal development.

In the film Dope Official film #1 (2015), the line “So why do I want to attend Harvard? If I was white would you even have to ask me that question?” is directly stated. This line appeals to all audiences, but specifically resonates with African American males who understand the struggles they have faced. Another aspect of the film that showcases a nostalgic obsession is how the character Nakia embodies the art of female comic relief and reflects on how women used to be perceived in the past, before the geek and hip hop culture. Throughout the movie, a

white woman is symbolically portrayed as a source of comic relief in the presence of men. Nakia's beauty adds another layer of comic relief for men who are attracted to white women. Additionally, the characters in the film are described as putative and ostensible due to their actions. Despite these nostalgic tendencies, Dope is still considered a good film.

This movie not only educates those unaware of the fact that African Americans can be intelligent and accomplished, but it also provides a valuable portrayal of the challenges faced by African American males. It successfully engages diverse audiences through the inclusion of humorous scenes depicting Malcolm's struggles. However, it is important to note that the initial majority of the film is comedic. Nonetheless, this does not prevent it from making a significant statement, as humor is utilized as an integral part of this message. Towards the end of the film, when Malcolm reads his essay, the comedic aspect diminishes.

It is exacerbated by the fact that the final sentence of Malcolm's essay lacks coherence, which implies a lack of confidence on the part of the movie. However, this change in tone in the last act is unnecessary because the majority of the movie is excellent.

Reference

• "Dope Official film #1 (2015) - Forest Whitaker, Zoe Kravitz High School Comedy HD". YouTube. N.p., 2016. Web. 8 Nov. 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ViVPRWRRmk
• Bogle, Donald. Toms, coons, mulattoes, mammies, and bucks: An interpretive history of Blacks in American films.

Bloomsbury Publishing, 2001.

• Boyd, Susan C. Hooked: Drug War Films in Britain, Canada, and the United States. University of Toronto Press, 2009.
• Guerrero, Ed. Framing blackness:

The African American image in film. Temple University Press, 2012.