The film The
Blood of Jesus depicts a certain type of reality. Spencer Williams was a Hollywood outsider attempting to
depict African Americans on the screen. African American viewers are
finally able to see an image is more like what they see in their own
community. Black characters are no longer celluloid characters or
the object of a joke or stereotype. The characters are defined by
their own world and are central to that world. As Diawara explains,
“Hollywood blacks exist primarily for white spectators whose
comfort and understanding the films must seek.”(Diawara, 596)
The low budget production techniques lend to the relationship between reality and
The Blood of Jesus. There is little to no camera angles that
would distort the actual image. The amateur skill level of actors
helps the film approach reality. Not necessarily the film itself, but
the message that the film attempts to send to the audience. It is not
only the message of black morality and faith, but also a message of
black progress. Simply the creation of this film shows new mediums
and opportunities opening up to African Americans. The Blood of
Jesus, in this respect is truly art because of the comment it
makes on the reality of the current state of Black culture and what
it has done to shape that reality.
Fanon explains that
there is a double standard in how films represent race. Stereotype in
film creates the concept that the average man and a black man do not
act in the same manner. The Blood of Jesus is able to
accomplish showing African American that are defined by their own
actions and abilities, rather than “being for others
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