The complexities and diversity of 'African' culture are also highlighted, with the tribal divisions between those who were captured shown by differences between language, culture and beliefs. Rather than turn the story of the Amistad into a celebration of the kindness and generosity of white abolitionists, Sengbe is shown to be the instigator and cause of the freedom which is eventually granted to the enslaved Africans. Sengbe, the lead member of the enslaved Africans, is shown as strong, knowledgeable and highly intelligent. This distinctive approach to the filmic representation of the Atlantic slave trade is also evident in the portrayal of African culture and identity. The courtroom arguments that centre upon the ownership of the 'cargo' of the Amistad are resolved only when this 'cargo' is recognised as being human bodies. The suffering body on the slave ship serves as a graphic reminder of the pain inflicted onto others. The muscular body which strikes against those who have imprisoned it is forcefully expressed. The strong body, the body in pain and the body in law form a means of comparison and contrast. It is this expression of the corporeal which marks the film as innovative and which has won it so many accolades. It is the human form which becomes the means by which the suffering of enslavement is portrayed, the strength of the enslaved is celebrated and the legality of enslavement debated. Suffering and survival are thereby expressed with the film's evident attention to the human body. Sickness, brutality, mutilation and death are depicted in these scenes blood is splattered across the deck of the ship as the visceral horrors of enslavement are brought to attention. In the hold of the slave ship, the camera pans across the chained bodies of the enslaved. These images are coupled with representations of the Middle Passage which are often considered to be the most powerful aspect of the film.
The enslaved Africans are not represented as supplicants: they have fought for their freedom. The opening scenes of the enslaved Africans overrunning the Amistad, killing its crew and taking over sets the tone of the film, and the audience is never allowed to forget the image of the muscular African screaming as he thrusts his sword into one of his former captors. The way in which these two are represented mark the film as unique.
The film succeeds on the basis of two core themes, suffering and survival. Featuring the notable actors, Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins, the film has gained a prominent place in the filmic representation of the Atlantic slave trade. It describes the Africans capture, their enslavement, their purchase, the overthrow of their captors and the subsequent trials in America, where they won their freedom and eventual return to Africa. Owens book, Black Mutiny: The Revolt on the Schooner Amistad. The film follows the events which occurred after the revolt by enslaved Africans onboard the slave ship Amistad.
0 kommentar(er)
