Tyler Perry is the most successful African-American filmmaker of his generation; garnering both accolades and controversies with each new film. In Tyler Perryrsquo;s America; Shayne Lee digs into eleven of Perryrsquo;s highest-grossing films to explore key themes of race; gender; class; and religion; and; ultimately; to discuss what Perryrsquo;s films reveal about contemporary African-American life.Filled with slapstick humor; musical wizardry; and religious imagery; Tyler Perryrsquo;s films have inspired legions of fans; and yet critics often dismiss them or demean their audience. Tyler Perryrsquo;s America takes the films seriously in their own right. After providing essential background information on Perryrsquo;s life and film career; the book looks at what the films reveal about postndash;civil rights America and why they inspire so many people. The book examines the way the films explore social class in Americamdash;featuring characters from super-rich Wesley Deeds to homeless Lindsey Wakefieldmdash;and the way Perry both celebrates upward mobility and critiques soulless wealth. The book discusses the way religion fills the filmsmdash;from gospel music to biblical quotes; the power of sexuality; and more. Lee also devotes a chapter to Madea; one of Perryrsquo;s most controversial and complicated characters.Tyler Perryrsquo;s America is a thought-provoking examination of this powerhouse filmmaker which highlights the way Perryrsquo;s films appeal to viewers by connecting a rich African-American folk-cultural past with the promise of modern sophistication.
#2423384 in eBooks 2014-11-18 2014-11-18File Name: B00XRSHJZQ
Review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Sassoon changed haircutting forever.By tintintooThis is a surprisingly thoughtful autobiography by Vidal Sassoon. I came to it after seeing "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie;" an excellent documentary. I was moved by his rise from humble circumstances by dint of hard work and by his hunger for learning. I knew Vidal Sassoon was a revolutionary hair stylist but never imagined I would be so riveted by the story of his life and by his voice. The book and the movie both capture the excitement of London in the sixties. Sassoon single-handedly modernized hairstyling in the twentieth century and all hair salons today bear the impress of that revolution. I couldnt put the book down.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining and Undemanding AutobiographyBy Paul C. CurleyI bought this book because I wanted to learn more about Vidal Sassoons early life and how he overcame the impoverished circumstances of his youth to become an international success. I was not disappointed. I also learned some things about the hair cutting business and Mr. Sassoons singular role in transforming womens hair styles in the 1960s. These were also engaging subjects. As for the inevitable parade of celebrity customers; I found it a little boring; but I suppose thats the part that many of the books readership have a real hankering for; in which case they will not be disappointed. Mr. Sassoon was a remarkable man and I thought it was a privilege to get to know more about him; in his own words; through this entertaining and undemanding autobiography.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Vidal The Man behind the scissorsBy Virginia MaloneyVidal Sassoon; was the most inovative hair stylist of all time. I found his autobiography; so interesting; I grew up with his inovative techinal hair styles; but knew nothing of his life. I enjoyed his book and bought another copy for my own hair dresser..Cant wait to find out her reaction too. He was so much more than some one who "cuts hair" he is a legend and lived a life from rags to riches; he helped many stylists and was a philthropist..Such a wonderful true story; I truly enjoyed every aspect of his hard working life; his travels his hair products and all he did for his industry...His love for man kind; a wonderful ; lively story..
