Cri de Coeur

July 20, 2018 9:52 AM

The 1959 film The Cry of Jazz (via Openculture) is a kind of filmed essay presaging the ideas of Black Nationalism, framed by stilted dialogue, and ending in a prophecy about the end of jazz. Written/directed by Edward Bland (NYT obit), music by "The Sun Ra."
posted by kozad (4 comments total)

Such a cool film; I saw this on a lark when I was 19, it was hugely influential on me. Thanks for the post.
posted by weed donkey at 10:57 AM on July 20, 2018

The dialogue is pretty silly, but the street scenes and concert clips are mesmerizing, and the music is exhilarating—thanks for the post!
posted by languagehat at 1:54 PM on July 20, 2018 [1 favorite]

I found this pretty amazing. My favorite part was the poodle at the pet groomer signifying the White American lifestyle.
posted by The Toad at 5:57 PM on July 20, 2018 [2 favorites]

I thought this was fascinating. Yes some of the performances were pretty stilted, but on the whole it was very on point. Had to rewatch it a couple of times actually.
posted by molecicco at 1:02 PM on July 22, 2018