Review of The Jazz Singer (1927) by Matthew Y — 15 Mar 2008

Possibly the best silent movie I've seen, The Jazz Singer a story about a timeless subject: the difficulties and pressures of growing up in a family steeped deeply in tradition.

Al Jolson's character is born into a Jewish family that has produced Cantors for five generations. While Jakie Rabinowitz (who changes his name to Jack Robin) is expected to carry on the tradition, his heart isn't in it. He instead wants to be a jazz singer. This breaks his father's heart, causing him to disown Jack.

Throughout the movie, Jack is torn between wanting to stay true to his family and his faith, and hiss passion for jazz.

This is truly a timeless story, little different than the actor who was "supposed to be" a doctor, or the rock musician that was "supposed to be" a laywer, like their father was.

As a black man, seeing Al put on black face made me uncomfortable, but ultimately, I found it acceptable within the context of the movie, that is, he wasn't actually portraying a black man, he was portraying a singer in a vaudeville act, which, historically did include black face, and even then, all he really did was sing.

All in all, I'd say this movie is worth of its "classic" label. Four stars.