image source https://www.amazon.com/Atury-Antebellum-Poster-Teaser-Artwork/dp/B086HB5D5G
By Imara Ikhumen
The opening extended one shot in Antebellum set the tone for me to understand
that in terms of cinematic visual composition, I would be in for a treat; however,
I may need to strap in for a bit of trauma ahead.
This hypothesis, which I formed within the first 5 minutes of watching, did turn
out to be completely correct. In fact, Antebellum is so gorgeous, that at times, it
can be an almost uncomfortable juxtaposition with the gross brutality it
portrays and sometimes lingers on. This was especially true for the plantation
scenes.
The film is very painful to watch at times because it is mainly through use of
graphicly violent imagery, that the writer/directors Gerard Bush and
Christopher Renz attempt to make a very serious criticism of contemporary
American society, quite literally comparing the present to the time of slavery.
Simultaneously, they ask how close we are to returning to the same sort of civil
war that took place in the U.S. not too long ago. Still, there is humor inserted
where it’s appropriate to stop the viewer from becoming too extremely
depressed.
Is there a successful commentary present? I feel there are levels on which there
is. By the end many of my concerns from in the beginning felt mostly
reconciled. Ultimately, Antebellum is very unique and incredibly ambitious. It
shows a great deal of talent from the filmmakers and is supported by stand out
performances from Tongayi Chirisa (as Eli) and Janelle Monáe (as Eden), who
were both particularly moving.
There are also quite a few visual motifs to emphasize the connection between
the past and present, and an observant viewer will see many moments of visual
symbolism as well as “easter eggs”, allowing for the experience to evolve with
repeated viewings.
Different from most films that involve slavery, Bush and Renz made a choice to
use the n-word scarcely or possibly not at all. As a black viewer, this was quite
appreciated. Nonetheless, Antebellum still may be too gruesome or even
trauma-inducing for some viewers, and it would be impossible to discuss the
film without acknowledging this.
