MovieChat Forums > Liberty Heights (1999) Discussion > Orlando Jones Kidnap Scene

Orlando Jones Kidnap Scene

posted 15 years ago by bellaalma
7 replies | jump to latest

I found this scene very offensive and typical of the dismissive view that many non-whites have regarding the legitimate angst that some non-whites feel as a result of the inhumane way they have been treated, especially during the time this film was shot.

I was also offended at how Jones' character was portrayed as ignorant, low class and misogynistic. The whole "touch her titty" scene with the Jewish kid and the black girl was just too much. It was completely unnecessary.

I found it hard to take this movie seriously after that.

[–] Fleur_de_lis 15 years ago

The buffoonish tone of his performance is the one low point in an otherwise wonderful movie. It's not just that it's offensive, it's completely over the top, regardless of the content of his lines.

[–] peahen78 10 years ago

Honestly, I took it as a representation of different types of people. There were gentile jerks, Jewish jerks and black jerks; good Gentiles, good Jewish people and good black people.

Then there were grey area folks. Just like real life.

[–] ebright99 9 years ago

I think the character is more complex. Remember, he was TOTALLY WRONGED by the numbers racket mob. He legitimately won and they were giving him the run around, trying to lowball him and other shenanigans. It certainly doesn't excuse his crime or behavior, but he WAS being royally *beep* out of his money. There's more nuance there than you guys are giving credit for.

[–] bjamzilla 9 years ago

It's even funnier when you watch it on TV. Instead he says: touch her cookie.

[–] NikolajCostas1005 8 years ago

LOL that actually sounds much dirtier.

They don't call me Col. Homer cause I'm some dumbass army guy!

[–] NikolajCostas1005 8 years ago

I think this film dealt with racism in a more even handed fashion than most. Melvin's character was buffoonish and low-class, but then again he was a criminal. Outside of his circle, the other two major black characters in the film represent the other end of the spectrum not normally portrayed in period films; affluent people like Sylvia and her father. Even some of the Jewish characters describe how the black students academically exceed them. And similarly, the bourgeois WASP crowd in the film is portrayed as being quite imperfect, most notably through the Dubbie character. I thought it was brilliant how they shattered that bubble.

They don't call me Col. Homer cause I'm some dumbass army guy!

[–] ItsEddieHaskellBeyotch 7 years ago

I think this film dealt with racism in a more even handed fashion than most.

Excellent assessment. Just the one of reasons why I love this film so much.

When there's no more room in Hollywood, remakes shall walk the Earth.