:-( Sidney Poitier died yesterday. He was nearly 95.
I've been a fan of his since I was fifteen and saw Blackboard Jungle (1955) for the first time. He's one of those actors that, if I see he's in a movie, it makes me want to watch it. I've liked every movie of his I've seen, but I've only seen seven, so I can't do a top ten favorites list for him at this time. However, I've got a couple of his movies I haven't watched yet, so... give me time.
I actually dedicated my book One Bad Apple to Sidney Poitier's honor because I loved imagining him playing the Reverend Eli Mallone, father to my Snow White character. Poitier made what I believe is the only major motion picture about the Exoduster migration: Buck and the Preacher (1972). It's a powerful western, and I will try to review it here sometime soon.
Even though I have only seen him in one movie (and a part of another), that one movie made such an impression on me. I watch Blackboard Jungle for Glenn Ford, but Sidney Poitier was so good in that movie! So good. I want to watch more of his films.
ReplyDeleteAnd how special that you dedicated OBA to him. <3
Eva, I hope you can see more of Poitier's films in the future! He was in so many big, important movies, but also little-known gems like our beloved Blackboard Jungle :-)
DeleteI was sorry to hear about his death, and sorry because I knew it would make you sad.
ReplyDeleteHe was a true legend.
One of my old professors, who's an expert in African-American history, wrote this article in memory of him:
https://theconversation.com/sidney-poitier-hollywoods-first-black-leading-man-reflected-the-civil-rights-movement-on-screen-174570
(It appears my professor also wrote the first full biography of Sidney Poitier, "Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon." I had no idea. Now I want to read it!)
Katie, aww, that's really cool to me that you knew his death would make me sad. It definitely has.
DeleteThanks for sharing that article! I especially liked the part about Poitier having the warmth and charisma of a minister -- that is exactly why I imagine him as the Reverend Eli in my book! He projected such wisdom and kindness and dignity, and that's what I needed for that character.
(Also, wow, what a cool person to have had as a prof!)
You're welcome! I liked that part too, because I remember Dr. Goudsouzian talking to us in class about the cultural importance of ministers in the African American community, and their strong influence on the Civil Rights movement. So when he compared Poitier's screen presence to a minister, I immediately knew that was a very significant image.
DeleteYeah!! Dr. Goudsouzian is a very kind man, and a very modest guy, so it took me a while to figure out how famous he actually is in the field of African-American historical scholarship. Because he didn't talk about it xD He also got to interview James Meredith and write a book about him, "Down to the Crossroads."
Katie, and that is exactly why I had Hopeful's dad be a minister. It was such an important leadership role for African-American communities in that era, often the main civil as well as spiritual leader. Closest thing I could find to a "king" for my "Snow White" to have as a father.
DeleteFamous + modest is just the coolest combo.
I finally saw my first of his last year, and he captivated me the whole time. There are more in the future for me and I'm so happy that he made them. He'll be missed for sure! I love knowing now that Reverend Eli Mallone is supposed to look like him in your book! <3
ReplyDeleteChloe, Poitier is an electrifying actor, I think. By which I mean he seems to make other actors and actresses act their best when they're in scenes with him. Fascinating to watch!
DeleteAnd yes, find a picture of Poitier in his 50s and that's how I picture the Reverend Eli :-)
A class act!
ReplyDeleteManiac, absolutely.
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