No. 85 (2022) SYDNEY October 20th.

 

Film No. 85 (2022)  October 20th.  7.35 PM   APPLE TV,  Mt. Hawthorn, West Australia.

 "I could not play that! It wasn't me." (Poitier responding to Hollywood's notion that black performers played roles that depicted their race disrespectfully).

This "tick all the boxes" documentary on one of the most influential actors in history, both in theatre and on the screen, is an important historical tribute. But the true greatness of Sidney Poitier is expressed through the words of the actors we might believe to be the black performers of most influence over time; Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey etc etc.

A true appreciation of who Sidney was is given though his recollections of arriving in Miami in the late 40's, a shy young man fresh from the Bahamas who had never before experienced racism. He never once accepted whites treating him as an inferior being. His stories (told to camera) of his introduction to racism are riveting. Sidney travelled to the U.S. for a better life, this documentary shows how he achieved that better life, but more importantly, how he achieved that life on his terms.

Sidney became an actor, responding to a call from a black actors theatre company. He began with small roles, never compromising on the fact he'd only play characters of substance. He was spotted by Joseph Mankiewicz in 1949 and cast as Dr Luther Brooks in NO WAY OUT (1950). His star was on the rise. Sidney was the first black male to win an Academy Award, for LILLIES OF THE FIELD (1963). He cut more than a path for the likes of Lee, Washington and Freeman ... it was more a freeway. 

For the moment, SIDNEY is only available on Apple TV. Be sure to stream it if you are a subscriber. This icon of the screen has a story to tell. Director Reginald Hudlin  (known more as a producer) has done what Oprah (the lady with the money) requested of him. She wished for her hero to be recognised with the dignity he deserved. This story of Sidney Poitier's adventures in Hollywood is well told.  9GUMS.