Review of The Jazz Singer (1927) by Katty M — 25 Jan 2010
Well known as the first talkie, this really is a misnomer as much of the film still uses intertitles and the use of synched up sound only happens at given moments. Still the score is outstanding and it definitely can be seen the effort to incorporate the new technology.
if you focus on the narrative you can see the film shows a struggle between the old world and the new, and a parallel can be seen between the oncoming struggle between the new "sound" technology and the old established film methods.
The film is an excellent window into early 20th century NYC and even a little into Jewish familial ties and traditions. Especially Jewish guilt! :) The film is racist in content, particularly in its protagonist use of blackface.
To me this is more a device used to further establish the protagonist away from his core character and his values. It must also be remembered that blackface was an extremely popular form of entertainment especially in minstrel shows.
This is not an excuse for its use as its still overtly racist. Al Jolson played the protagonist torn between family and career extremely well but it was a little hard to view him as he was a little old for the role I felt.
Still, a great film overall.
This review of The Jazz Singer (1927) was written by Katty M on 25 Jan 2010.
The Jazz Singer has generally received mixed reviews.
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