Lemmons has said she approached Bayou like a painting. And then we'll say, "So that was the damn point." Starring Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Meagan Good, Jake Smollett and Diahann Carroll, the film received accolades including nominations for the 1998 NAACP Image Awards. I wrote it the night before cause now were constructing a new ending. So, to me, it wasnt controversial. For the viewer, it is a reminder that sometimes films can venture into the realms of poetry and dreams, he wrote in his original review. Kasi Lemmons 1997 filmEves Bayouhas as its unknowable kernel what orthodox psychoanalysis uses to predicate the slippage factor of all relationality incest. After a party, main character, Eve witnesses her father having sex with a family friend causing a ripple effect of a turbulent summer leading to tragedy. That was claimed by our customers, that's why we have no need to prove opposite. She brings a lush, sultry quality to Mozelle that sits alongside her startling vulnerability, which bubbles to the surface when she falls in love again. Therefore, Eve can only see what Cicely conjured up. Echoing this sentiment, inEves Bayou, Eves father Louis Batiste comments on how his sister Mozelle is not unfamiliar with the insides of a mental hospital.Eves Bayoudiffers fromCat Peoples treatment of femininejouissance, or what Keeling calls the black femme function, insofar as it discards the father Louis Batiste at the end of the film in service of a vaguely impossible and non-agential futurity of femininejouissance. A mix of classic R&B oldies ( Bobby Bland's "Turn on Your Love Light," Ray Charles' "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying," Etta James' "Sunday Kind of Love", Johnny Ace's "Anymore") with a bit of Cajun ( Geno Delafose's "C'est Pas La Peine Bariller"), old-time jazz ( Louis Armstrong's "Trouble in Mind"), and some unimpressive smooth modern soul . When Cisely tries to convince Eve that her father was not cheating on the mother, the use of the asynchronous sound demonstrates the fear, confusion and frustration that Eve feels. Lynn Whitfields performance as Roz is only more evidence that she should have been an A-list star. Its actually a very innocent relationship that theyre having. Christened "the best film of 1997" by the late film critic Roger Ebert, Eve's Bayou continues to leave a spell-bounding mark on audiences on its 20-year anniversary.. Suddenly, sounds in the carriage house awakened the young woman, who then witnessed her father with a family friend engaged in an embrace. Husband, father and womanizer Louis Batiste is the head of an affluent family, but it's the women who rule this gothic world of secrets, l Read allWhat did little Eve see--and how will it haunt her? It was a sweet indulgence, but nothing in her behavior prepared me for what happened on the night of the storm. The filmmaker chooses the use of flashbacks, close-up shots, and specific sounds to effectively portray the superstitious Louisiana ambiance. Eve's Bayou written by Kasi Lemmons. Staying beside Mozelle becomes a place of solace for Eve as tensions simmer and her family slowly disintegrates around her. In feminized descendants of the tale such as Atonement and Eves Bayou, girls have only one suspected lie to tell before their reputations precede them. Lemmons began her career as an actor, with notable turns in Candyman and as Clarice Starlings best friend and fellow FBI recruit in Silence of the Lambs. The sound effects and the Voodoo entity's loud and evil laugh show the fearfulness of the other characters. Add the fact that Elzora also already knows that Louis is going to die, and you have a clear opportunity for Elzora to not only profit off of Eve, but get revenge on Mozelle by causing psychological trauma to her own niece. Hailed as the best film of 1997 by film critic Roger Elbert and also an indie success in the American film world that year, this film spoke to audiences from coast to coast which translated into box office ticket sales and plenty of critiques on race, class and gender. Closeup shots of Eve crying were used by the filmmakers to evoke a further empathetic response from the audience because Cicely's is leaving the house shows separation anxiety and fear. And I wanted it to be a direct eye contact scene and Kasi said, No, no, no, just continue to look out of the window. It is a selection of memories, filtered . Using our custom writing services. On the infamous kiss between Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Cicely (Meagan Good): Kasi Lemmons: My intention was, what if you explode this moment? What stays with me after all these years are the images of its female characters in liminal states, on the edge of awakenings: Rozs beautiful faade cracking under the pressure of her husbands impropriety; Mozelles languid repose on a moss-covered knotted tree, reminiscing about the lives she has led; and Eve holding hands with her sister as they look out to the bayou, uncertain about everything in their future save for the fierce love they have for one another. 300 words/page Eve's Bayou Written and directed by Kasi Lemmons. She had such a clear vision for the film. On the 20th anniversary and impact of the show: Jurnee Smollett-Bell: I think its such a source of pride for all of us because it stood the test of time. Speaking at the National Film Theatre about the film in 1998, Jackson noted, Studios looked at the script, and said Who is gonna come and see this? Just because we couldnt put a hip-hop soundtrack on it meant it wasnt going to be Soul Food. The scene that encapsulates the wonder of Eves Bayou comesabout halfway through the film. 1. Aug 18, 2009. Terms of Service apply. You may find titles such as Friday, Boyz in the Hood and The Color Purple with plenty of analyses, theories, and reviews . Written Off: Why Arent Black Female Screenwriters Getting Their Due? Surname 1 Student's Name Instructor's Name Course Date Film Literary Analysis: Eve's Bayou "Memory is a selection of images, some elusive, others printed indelibly on the brain. . We had to shoot my perspective, his perspective, and then the actual perspective of what really happened. On a scale of laminated-eyebrow drama to Lemon Lady Secrets. The sound effects used when the Voodoo entity and the aunt were talking give a risky and fearful feeling. Edit, She didn't kill him directly, but she did cause his death. I remember how my heart raced as Eve ran to undo the vengeful voodoo shed set against her father, no longer confident in her assessment of his evil. There are two types of narrative structures: linear and non-linear. Productive in affective survival and communal resistance, yet non-productive in being unable to secure a futurity beyond the determinations of the violent normative Symbolic order, both the African slave woman and the black femme, the latter of which is the figure Keeling specifically uses to describe the seers ofEves Bayou, contribute to an impossible engagement with forms of liberation. The director used the closeup shot of the family at the fathers funeral to emphasize their sadness and their vulnerability and to evoke empathy among audience members. And sometimes, I think there's no point at all, and maybe that's the point. Consider Elzora's hatred of Mozelle. Infidelity, an over-protective mother, the psychic aunt's tragic loss of loves and a delicious dose of voodoo all make this a good watch. Im striving for some of the freedom that I had then because I didnt know as much and maybe I took greater risks.. Learn More. The closeup shot used when the Voodoo entity was talking to Eve emphasized an even greater risk and is employed as a device to evoke dread and fear in the audience. Eve's Bayou differs from Cat People's treatment of feminine jouissance, . That when we die, it will all come clear. The camera effectively captures a black and white image of the mother and the aunt in a way that shows the vulnerability of those two women. Non-Discrimination | Eve's Bayou. Like Atonement, Bayou tragedizes a young girl's sexual abuse accusations . In the film, Eves aunt is known for possessing a mysterious metaphysical power that allows her to foresee the future. Nonetheless, as the origin story is being told, the mysterious figure of Eve appears and vanishes into the land that she is rewarded, first into the bayou itself (figure 2) and then into the trees of the land (figure 3). Edit, All of Mozelle's dead husbands: Andersen, Maynard, and Harry. The sound effect that used in this scene amplifies Eves Fear. This is why transformative justice appeals to me the premise that someones life doesnt have to come to an end (or to ruin) if theyre believed to cause harm. I still believe Cisely, and I dont know if she lied. Eve (Jurnee Smollett): . Perhaps thats why its the only film my mother and I agree on. By Angelica Jade Bastin, a New York and Vulture critic covering film and pop culture. Rooted in Creole history, folklore, and mysticism, Eve's Bayou is a scintillating showcase for a powerhouse ensemble of Black actressesincluding Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, and the legendary Diahann Carroll as a voodoo priestessas well as a profoundly cathartic exploration of trauma, forgiveness, and the elusive nature of truth. The director uses sound effects when the mother and the father are talking with Cisley about her decision to leave them, to emphasizes their fear of losing their daughter. Its also a remarkably textural experience. The character of Mozelle is based on my aunt Muriel loosely, Lemmons said. She witnessed many people consulting with her aunt who would subsequently foretell their futures. Husband, father and womanizer Louis Batiste is the head of an affluent family, but it's the women who rule this gothic world of secrets, lies and mystic forces.What did little Eve see--and how will it haunt her? Jurnee Smollett and Lynn Whitfield in Eve's Bayou . Eve wanders off to crash in the old carriage . This Eves Bayou film introduction is a black and white scene of the father and his mistress in a passionate embrace. The sound effect used in this scene helped the audience to experience empathy for Cicely and Eves. Did Cirie go too far by bringing family matters into the game? Louis betrays his wife and family for other women. In my mind, Lemmonss greatest strength is the delicate performances shes able to draw from her actors. My favorite aspect of the film is how it navigates its thorny thematic territory through the intergenerational bonds of its protagonist. In the following scene, the long shot of the Batistes family house with the same sound effect of the last scene further shows the familys weakness and fear. Is Still a Stunning Portrait of Black American Life. Because Cicely's emotions and thoughts were conflicted (perhaps due to transitioning from a child to a woman), the rebuttal from the second kiss, and her dispassion for her mother, Eve saw only what entangled in Cicely's mind. She held onto her desire to create Eves Bayou even as she faced obstacles finding funding. Relevant and up-to-date sources The train soundtrack was also used to represent the inherent risk. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. Kasi Lemmons, 1997) could be considered a predecessor to the girl-who-cried-wolf drama. One . She plays Roz with a cool, manicured faade that gives way to a primal scream roiling underneath. Welcome to Look Back At It, a monthly column where some of the most iconic Black actresses in Hollywood reminisce and reflect on the roles that made them stars.For this month's installment, Meagan Good breaks down her careerfrom Eve's Bayou and You Got Served to her current Amazon Prime series, Harlem.. After being in the business for more than three decades, Meagan Good loves that she . Her sister, Cisely, is 14 and her brother, Poe, is 9. He is married to Eve. The women of, Sam Levinson and the Weeknd Allegedly Turned, Theres No Red Button You Can Push to Stop. 5 5.Haunting Magic: On "Eve's Bayou," 20 Years Later | Far Flungers; 6 6.Was cicely molested in eve's bayou? The family members include a ten years old daughter , Eve Batiste, her older sister Cisely, their young brother . Ciciely showed all the signs of a SA . Therefore, we have implemented a discount program to help offset college expenses. Kasi Lemmons, Jurnee Smollett, and Meagan Good reflect on their seminal film. I dont think they realize how trailblazing they were but they were. By clicking Subscribe Now, you agree to our. User Ratings Omg-Just rewatching (it's on Prime) and he absolutely molested Cicely. This is especially true for the montage in the beginning of the film and Mozelle's visions which are always true. Disclaimer | | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. An intricate family portrait. She was 88. Strict confidentiality External Reviews Eve's Bayou is a 1997 American Southern Gothic drama film written and directed by Kasi Lemmons, who made her directorial debut with this film. It all becomes clear when she cuts her hair after a visit to him, flips out over the 'period' that she never told her Mother about, then falls into a depression leading up to her wanting to go away. The story centers around the father, a successful doctor in their community, who is also a womanizer who is unfaithful to his wife. You okay? 109 minutes. . US, 1997, 109 min. In 1962, Eve Batiste (Smollett), named for the founder of their hometown, is the middle child in one of Louisiana's most sophisticated and prosperous families. I knew Cicely could never sleep through a fight like that, so . He possesses certain qualities that tend to make him very attractive to other women. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We understand that being a college student can be an expensive endeavor. Louis' role in the film includes fathering three children: Eve, Cicely, and Poe; also Louis is the husband of Roz Batiste. Consequently, sound effects and drum rhythms increased in volume when Cicely told Eves what her father did to her. Its tender exploration of middle-class black life in rural Louisiana was unique at the time, but its also indicative of how the 1990s was an exemplary decade for its depictions of the multiplicity of black identity within pop culture. I felt a huge responsibility to do a good job but I was definitely nerved-racked for sure. Honestly, its a little intimidating because it was my first film. If you looking for a professional review writer who will write acustom book review,aperfect movie review,or anaffordable article review- ask for help from our company! 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. With those opening words, "Eve's Bayou" coils back into the past, into the memories of a child who grew up in a family both gifted and flawed, and tried to find her own way to the truth. of custom written essay or research paper. When Eve goes to Elzora about her "voodoo doll," and is told that there isn't one, and that her father may already be dead, why does she panic, if she wanted her father dead in the first place? It was strange for people to ask me, Why do you have that angle there? Well, thats the story., Meagan Good: We had to shoot it probably 15 times. If I watch the directors cut of Bayou one day and learn that Cisely did lie, I wont regret my stance. Believing that her father has hurt her sister, she swears to kill him for doing so. Ratings: +149,452 / 4,226 / -3,108. People in Cicely spoke of him as a tall-tale figure at first. Its luxurious textures, melancholy mood, and the Creole that passes the lips of the black characters remind us both, in unique ways, of Loreauville. In the history of clinical analysis, the analytic experience of running against the beyond of coherent speech reveals what must be unnamable. Explained by FAQ Blog; 7 7.Cast Of 'Eve's Bayou' Talks About Film's Lasting Legacy - Essence; 8 8.Eve's Bayou & Our Elusive Truths - Shenandoah Film Collaborative; 9 9.I Watched Eve's Bayou For The First Time and . Eve's Bayou (United States, 1997) A movie review by James Berardinelli. There was the uproarious, feminist-tinged Living Single; the sharp-edged noir Deep Cover; and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a sincere meditation on war that offered the most moving depiction of black fatherhood Ive witnessed on TV. Agree on structures: linear and non-linear to the girl-who-cried-wolf drama the beyond of coherent speech reveals must! The family members include a ten years old daughter, Eve can only see what Cicely conjured up it. It will all come clear they realize how trailblazing they were but were... Subscribe now, you agree to our amplifies Eves Fear create Eves Bayou even as she faced finding! Film and pop culture for what happened on the night of the father his. 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