When we first heard that the film version of Ntozake Shange’s brilliant play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf would be adapted, produced and directed by Tyler Perry, we were not exactly thrilled. Perry has made a fortune perpetuating stereotypes of black women in his Madea movies and is not exactly the first name that comes to mind as a sensitive storyteller. (OK, he did produce Precious, but writing an adaptation is a long way from opening a checkbook.) Deadline Hollywood reports that even Perry’s close friend Oprah didn’t want him to make the film, echoing the outrage of many black women who believe that “the storyline is profoundly their story, not a man’s, and especially not his.”
I have to say, though, that after seeing the trailer, I am impressed. For Colored Girls has an impressive lineup, including Janet Jackson, Macy Gray, Kerry Washington (replacing Mariah Carey, who dropped out), Loretta Devine, Whoopi Goldberg, Phyllicia Rashad and Thandie Newton. And the film’s promoters certainly are taking advantage of having such a stellar cast. Take a look at these posters. (Visit CinemaBlend to see other gorgeous posters.)
Here’s the trailer:
The film opens Nov. 5, which makes it eligible for awards consideration. And if the rest of the movie lives up to what we’ve seen so far, For Colored Girls will be a strong contender.
What do you think? Are you ready to give Tyler Perry a chance? Is For Colored Girls on your list of must-see movies this fall?
