As BAM TALENT gears up for its next shadowcast screening, we felt it pertinent to provide a small crash course into the world of our next chosen cult classic. As we know, no past media is without its problems, but at its core, the 1997 comedy film "B.A.P.S." starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle-Reid, is a celebration of Black womanhood and the pursuit of dreams. While often overlooked in discussions of cinematic excellence, it offers a unique lens through which to examine themes of identity & class within the Black community. The protagonists, Nisi and Mickey, are portrayed as strong, independent women who are not afraid to take risks and chase their aspirations. However, their journey is fraught with challenges, as they grapple with issues of cultural identity, class disparity, and the pressures of both societal & self-imposed expectations.
As a viewer, it's easy to get caught up in the slapstick, the quick jabs and the turns of phrase but one of the film's most compelling themes is the concept of authenticity, directly explored through the experiences of Nisi (Halle Berry) and Mickey (Natalie Desselle-Reid). These two young Black women from Decatur, Georgia, with their vibrant personalities and uniquely intricate sense of style, find themselves thrust into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Their journey becomes a humorous and poignant exploration of staying true to oneself amidst external performative conformity.
Nisi and Mickey's "ghetto fabulous" aesthetic, characterized by their flamboyant outfits, elaborate hairstyles, and long, brightly colored nails, immediately sets them apart in the polished world of Beverly Hills. This visual representation of their identity clashes with the more subdued and conventional styles they encounter, highlighting an initially unrecognized tension between their authentic selves and societal expectations. One which they, funny enough, believe they are assimilating to by dressing as extravagantly as they do for their journey. These attempts to both fit into and stand out within a societal narrative is one of those revealing moments connected to the authenticity of the characters. One may view their ignorance as a detriment, but it soon becomes the vehicle that drives them (and us as the viewer) into the film's central themes.
This struggle for authenticity is first exemplified in the scene where Nisi and Mickey are on the airplane. Their over-the-top outfits and hairstyles draw stares and judgment from fellow passengers, highlighting the scrutiny and prejudice they face based on their appearance. This scene underscores the challenges Black individuals often encounter in navigating spaces where their cultural expressions are not readily accepted or understood. As the film progresses, we find subtle addresses of the pressure many Black people face to code-switch, adapting their behavior and appearance to fit in with dominant cultural norms.
The magic of "B.A.P.S." is even when we see Nisi and Mickey appear to assimilate more by donning more semi-conservative attire and toning down their hairstyles, they still ultimately remain true to their inner-selves, knowing happiness lies in embracing their individuality and expressing their authenticity, regardless of external influences or lacking attempts to belittle. Moreover, the scene in which they explore their fashion sense on their first shopping spree allows them the room to not just figure out who they are in this world, but even help Mr. Blakemore get more in touch with his street side, suiting him up in hip hop fashions of the time. That one scene not only gave a sense of levity to the moment overcrowded with material extravagance. It showed us the impact that these authentic women made on the people they’d encountered by not straying from but rather leaning into their realness.
Ultimately, "B.A.P.S." champions the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to one's roots. While the film has its comedic moments, it also offers a poignant commentary on the importance of community and the power of sisterhood. Nisi and Mickey's friendship serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, it is essential to have strong support systems. By celebrating Black womanhood and exploring the complexities of the Black experience, the film continues to resonate with audiences today, in a time when discussions about race, class, and identity are more relevant than ever. Nisi and Mickey's journey encourages viewers to embrace their authentic individuality, resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and recognize the need to lean into community now more than ever.
Get your shadowcast tickets! https://grcmc.org/theatre/event/b-a-p-s-shadowcast-screening-presented-by-b-a-m-talent-/830
Kommentare