IMDB: Is it just a bunch of white guys out there? - The Gospel (2005) Discussion

[–] BigBadVincentVega 19 years ago

Or, maybe... just maybe, most of them genuinely suck, and are not a good representation of urban culture.

Just an idea.

Go watch Crash (2005).

--
Vince.

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[–] JR1400 19 years ago

Or maybe the majority of movie goers don't use the IMDB.

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[–] BigBadVincentVega 19 years ago

Nah. It's definately rubbish.

--
Vince.

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[–] gdface 19 years ago

Who said anything about oppression? I'm talking about the makeup of the IMDB electorate...nothing more. I'm not claiming racism, underappreciation of 'urban' style, or oppression. This has nothing to do with wanting white people to appreciate black culture. It has nothing to do with white people at all. I'm just wondering how and why that many people can see a movie and only 150 (as of 10/13/05) have voted.

By the way, you're on an internet forum, too.

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[–] inthepalemoonlight 19 years ago

You brought up an interesting discussion. Don't let a few naysayers bother you with their attacks.

To answer your question the black representation on this site appears to be very small indeed but I don't have any hard data to back up that assumption.

In my opinion I think "The Gospel" looks like garbage. I think most urban/black films are bad...but then again MOST movies regardless of their genres are bad. That being said when a well reviewed film with a majority black cast comes around it tends to get a considerable smaller average rating than an equally well reviewed film with a majority white cast. Do I think racism has something to do with it? Yes. No, its not putting-a-burning-cross-in-the-frontyard type of racism. But there are different levels of racism. Maybe I should use "prejudice" instead.

Let me point out that most people on the internet, even the open-minded ones, are more likely to be indifferent overall to black movies and to even black stars. That's why whether you are referring to a film actor or a TV actor, black actors tend to get less traffic in forums such as the ones on this site than their "equivalent" white co-stars (or even Asian stars). But then there is that minority of whites who go out of their way to trash any black film on message boards or waste away their lives giving black films they haven't seen low grades. I give you the examples of Badassss!, Brother to Brother and Hustle & Flow. All three were first seen in film festivals. All three were very well recieved by audiences at those festivals and collected awards. All three, especially Badasss! and Hustle & Flow, got rave reviews from major critics. All three films, though, were also eligible to be voted on at IMDB before they hit the theaters because they made their debuts already at those festivals. And despite all the acclaim, all the audience appreciation at the festivals, all the favorable reviews these three movies early on had voter ratings as low as "The Gospel" (a badly reviewed film) is currently getting.

It defies logic. Each of those movies were seen likley by a few hundred people at most at festivals before they were released in movie theaters months later. It was clear that the majority of the people who caught those films at the festivals liked those movies. So what are the odds the minority of audience members who did not like the films all went to IMDB to give the films low ratings while conveniently the majority of audience members who loved those films stayed away from IMDB? The answer is that the scenario is very unlikely. A more likely scenario is that a bunch of "regulars" on IMDB immediately dished out low ratings for those movies without never having seen them first. And why would they do this? Well the only common thing about all three motion pictures were the fact that they each had a majority black cast. Period. I've been a regular visitor to this site for eight or more years and this almost always happens at first with so-called black films. The ratings get better if the movie is good and people discover it later on video/DVD/cable (it happened with Badasss!). But the initial ratings tend to be awful. And by the way when its a well received film with an all white cast that debuts at a film festival I don't recall times in which the initial ratings start off that bad. Instead they tend to start off great and then go down later on after its released in theaters when more people get a chance to see it.

I should point out again though that I do think flicks such as “Diary of An Angry Black Woman” are garbage. “The Gospel” didn’t look good to me at all and one person I know who saw it said she thought it sucked. I tend to believe her. But I do not think it deserves the 2.7 rating it has now. And a film like “Roll Bounce” which got more good reviews than bad ones from the press, also isn’t likely as bad as the 3-something rating it was hit with the first week it was released. Some people though likely couldn’t stop themselves from giving such ratings to the film even without seeing it at all. Just part of the culture on this site.

I know some people are rolling their eyes at any mention of racism and prejudice thinking people make too much out of it. I roll my eyes thought at people who act as if such prejudices aren’t out there.

I should point out that other films with a white majority cast are given low ratings by those who haven’t see them. But the difference is that enough people who actually have seen those films will give enough legit ratings to make those bogus ratings obsolete almost immediately.

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[–] chichi361 19 years ago

Well, I am a "black" person and I frequent IMDB weekly. All I ever see on these posts in regards to "predominently black" films are ignorant ill-informed people making remarks about these movies because they do not understand Afro-American culture, and that's all they show. Yeah, some "black" movies are not very good, and they usually do not do well at the box office, because not even blacks enjoy them, but some of the movies that you refer to as "garbage" faired well at the box office and much of the humour in the movie was not understood by many whites who went to see it...and that's okay, but just because YOU do not understand it does not mean its a bad film. I thought it was creative as well as funny. Most W-Americans seem to appreciate "black" films that depict blacks in a negative light...I understand that as well..it makes them comfortable to go home at night to the suburbs and think that "all" blacks are violent, ignorant, poor,crack smoking welfare kings and queens.

Good ole wAmerica...Lives up to its reputation

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[–] DoctorStrangelove 18 years ago

That was a good post, until your signature line ruined it.

There is no idea so grand that you cannot find a fool who supports it. - Niven

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[–] donjmiller 17 years ago

Then, years later ...

I just watched this movie on TV, and (with minor reservations centering on some over-simplified characters and plot points) found it enjoyable, uplifting and moving. The utterly terrific music counterbalances the flaws, anyway. Plus, it was a very pleasant surprise to have the main character back off from the woman he loves in favor of her husband, on principle. The internal pulls of spirituality and worldly success were effectively shown, and I found myself quite drawn into the story.

Well, I am a seriously white guy (though my favorite Clinton is George). I'd like to apologize for any ill-informed slams and say that, as films with predominately black casts go, this one's solid, simply because it's solid, regardless of color.

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[–] jeffster67 15 years ago

I'm part Caucasian and Native American and I loved this movie. I go to a church that is predominantly African American albeit much smaller than the church depicted in this movie. And I enjoy the services and the Holy Spirit moves frequently in our services. And my pastors are a young Black couple. I love them dearly, and even though I've only been in their church for a few months, I have known my pastors for over 10 years.

"I'd be very happy to be myself if I could remember who I am. Who am I?"

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[–] alwaysbusybarb-1 13 years ago

As a white female I want you to know I enjoyed this film very much because it depicted black people as I think the vast majority of them are. I do not want to see movies where blacks are shown as violent, ignorant, poor, crack-smoking welfare kings and queens. I want to see movies where blacks are like every other group of people. I love seeing the families and their culture.

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[–] bluenotejazz 18 years ago

"It defies logic. Each of those movies were seen likley by a few hundred people at most at festivals before they were released in movie theaters months later. It was clear that the majority of the people who caught those films at the festivals liked those movies. So what are the odds the minority of audience members who did not like the films all went to IMDB to give the films low ratings while conveniently the majority of audience members who loved those films stayed away from IMDB? The answer is that the scenario is very unlikely. A more likely scenario is that a bunch of "regulars" on IMDB immediately dished out low ratings for those movies without never having seen them first. And why would they do this? Well the only common thing about all three motion pictures were the fact that they each had a majority black cast. Period. I've been a regular visitor to this site for eight or more years and this almost always happens at first with so-called black films. The ratings get better if the movie is good and people discover it later on video/DVD/cable (it happened with Badasss!). But the initial ratings tend to be awful. And by the way when its a well received film with an all white cast that debuts at a film festival I don't recall times in which the initial ratings start off that bad. Instead they tend to start off great and then go down later on after its released in theaters when more people get a chance to see it.
"

Very Well Said nkemp3 - couldnt agree more

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[–] darrenlives 18 years ago

Interesting you bring up "Hustle & Flow". Well acted film, but here's a question:

In this film, the chatacter played by Anthony Anderson, Key, is a churchgoing, choir director. When Dejay and his trash talking g/f first come to the door, Key asks that they 'respect his house'. This contrast between characters started off well. But ... It does not take Key long to aid Djay in coming up with various gangsta raps, and away from his Christian wife...who then throws in the towel and starts serving food.

Is this the correct image of a Christian in general? I guess because I'm white...I just don't understand. Correct?

Whoop that trick.

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[–] camimac 18 years ago

the answer is quite simple. lots of movie goers are not IMDb users. I went to see The Gospel with two people neither of whom are IMDb users, so of the three of us, only I voted for the movie -- and while the movie was all right -- I've seen a whole lot better. so, I only rated the movie a "5."

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[–] gdface 19 years ago

My initial post wasn't meant to be an endorsement of "The Gospel" or any other movie. I don't care if it's good or not. My point was that a lot of people went to see it over the weekend and it seems none of those people are voting on IMDB.

My guess for why there were so few votes was that maybe there aren't many black people using IMDB.

It may also be, as previous posters said, that the movie was so bad no one is spending the time to vote for it.

No matter...
I still think that it's important to consider the demographics of the users on IMDB. The age and sex voting splits that IMDB provides are helpful, but I feel race and ethnicity are just as important as sex and age in shaping a moviegoer's tastes.

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[–] wrtrchk 19 years ago

Perhaps the majority of the people who saw The Gospel have actual work to do and would rather put their computers to better use rather than fighting with individuals on IMDB who have mostly negative and stereotypical things to say; not just about this movie but about every other film with a prodominantly Black cast. Or perhaps most don't know or care about IMDB let alone its voting system.

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[–] ddsharper 19 years ago

I think there is little representation but I just saw the movie and was elated, uplifted and encouraged. For once a movie of substance. Many scenes brought tears to my eyes. The music was great and the lessons from the black church let me know we are alive and well. I give it a 10; good story and great acting. It made me want to go to church, the bastion of our community! I am so sick of the junk in today's movies and wish there were more films like this one. What'll happen is people are probably waiting for it to go to DVD. The thing is, if any movie portrays the black experience as it really is, with uplifting stories and stories that glorify God, you can bet Satan will get busy. It has been that way from the beginning in this country. But don't despair; like the song asks, Whose report will you believe; I shall believe the report of the Lord. I am going to buy the soundtrack. I truly, truly love my black people. Ignore the negative whites on the site. They can't help themselves. Pray for your enemies and it will heap coals on their heads says the Word!

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[–] srmcclain 19 years ago

AMEN! The movie set statistical standards! A LIMITED release film competing with and almost overrunning WIDE release BIG BUDGET films?!?!? Whoever heard of such a thing... ROB HARDY, RAINFOREST & SCREENGEMS, THAT'S WHO!! STOP HATIN' & LOOK AT THE NUMBERS... HATERS!

-Mike
"Give the fools their tar-tar sauce!!"

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] karenyoung84 19 years ago

Not to be purposely contentious, but I as a Black person wouldn't really consider Hotel Rwanda a "Black" movie because it's a true story and it sort of neccesitated the lead being played by a Black man.

Love ya!

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] Tcb83 19 years ago

I'm a 22 year old Christian guy and I happen to be white, and I'm nothing like a lot of the immature "bashers" on here. When I post on these forums, I give my honest opinion and stay on topic with each individual forum and thread. Being that I have not yet seen "The Gospel" (I live in an urban neighborhood and the movie has been selling out all week), I will not come on here and bash it. I personally plan to see sometime this week, despite those who haven't even seen the movie coming on here and trashing the film. I don't even read or reply to those posts, being that I have better stuff to do with my time.

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[–] kdc_6794 19 years ago

If The Passion had received a similar number of votes and a person came on asking where all the white people on the board who should be voting where, I would hope the post would be deleted. This is complete racism and bigotry. Black people are not all Christians. Movies with black people in them are not only watched by black people.

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[–] karenyoung84 19 years ago

Of course all Black people aren't Christians and it's not only Black people who watch "Black" movies, but you have to admit that we overwhelming support Black shows, movies, and books. It's just the truth. Our community is one made up of consumers (although it's leading to our demise)and we love going to the movies and seeing people who look like us on the screen in roles both including and other than drug dealers, prostitutes, and baby mamas. We just like all sides of us being shown fairly and equally. It's just that simple.

Also,people can't be so hyper-sensitive about everything! I assume that you are a non-Black person who watches "Black movies", so thanks for helping the Black actors out by increasing their box office numbers.

The Passion of the Christ was about Jesus and to me was not a Black or White movie at all. Jesus didn't look like either of us, sot he casting was a little iffy. As much as some Americans would hate to hear it, he looked more like Sadaam Hussein, Ariel Sharon, Osama Bin Laden, or Yassir Arafat than George Bush or Frederick Douglass.

Love ya!

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[–] ourgentle_jesus 18 years ago

I bin cant believe you saying our Lord looked like an harab.. he would not. he was a handsom man with long hair and a fetchin beard. you don saying blasfemy against him. and reason why most black folks dont talk on the ibm website is they too busy atoiling to do fool things like this. I different . i got me educashun and so can talk criticaly over such things

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[–] karenyoung84 18 years ago

I hope that post was a joke.

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[–] MrJaimz 18 years ago

That's the smartest reply I've heard yet. I wish these other folks would wake up and think like you!

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[–] boobie1822 18 years ago

Thank you kdc. I happen to be an African-American as well and it is damned sad that each time I have visited the IMDB site that there are a significant amount of racists who permeate the boards as they do. I enjoy GOOD FILMS across the board. I simply love movies and I simply abhor films that are made for the sake of making money. There are fewer films out there which have contained the substance, beauty, and talented writing as there were in the 1970s-1980s.

And to offer a positive mood, I believe that we are all beautiful and talented artists in some realm or another. To the naysayers: Please cease your inward hatred of minorities on this board. IMDB is a very realiable source for the movie lover like myself and many of the thousands who thoroughly enjoy the magic and the art of films. I am watching " The Gospel" right now on cable as I write this, and this film isn't so bad, however, I would like for African-Americans to produce and direct films which do not always depict "the church" or rap or other stereo typical subjects. To me, this further fuels the stereotype that some of the viewers tend to have about us. We are more than what has been depicted on screen over the years. I am so tired of "slave films" and films about "riots and the civil rights era". We are MORE than this! My own life does not reflect any of these themes. In fact, I'm such a square with an exciting life of creativity and hobbies. My husband and I are homebodies and we are currently working on our own screenplay (needless to say which I hope that my fellow movie-goers will try and be kind whenever this project is recognized). But we assure you that what we are working on will not involve stereotypes or any of the such aforementioned by others. But I just wanted to say that I really do appreciate the IMDB website and it is a very helpful source of reference and the best around, save, the harmful respondents.

And I also wanted to comment to kdc that you are absolutely correct in what you have written. Not all black people are Christians and that not all black people watch films with black people in them. Just the other day I finally had the chance to watch the film "Breaker Morant" and I remember at the age of 12 when Siskel and Ebert reviewed this film and how great it was. And they were absolutely correct. It has taken me so many years to finally watch this film and appreciate it fully at the age of 38. Some films are like that. I find it to be fascinating that a film which was released in 1980 which received so many International awards as "Breaker Morant" (which was an Australian film by the way) has aged so well over the years since its release. But this should show anyone that the silliness of racism and plain meanness is not necessary nor in fact healthy. And if one has to bring such neurotic sentiments to a forum designed for the enjoyment and appreciation of films is sadly missing out on the wonderful magic and hard work that it takes to make a film. Period. I applaud those who are intelligent enough to overshadow ignorant commentary. I appreciate those who aren't racist and just plain scary.

And please, to the others who are not able to produce honest or insightful commentary, go to another board where you can release your social criminality with others, they need you right now. Save this board for the intelligent viewers.

Thank you.

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[–] EvilLost 19 years ago

Has nothing to do with white guys.

The real fact is that the majority of the world is beginning to understand its surrounding, mainly through innovations in science, and no longer need "faith" to believe things.

Religion is beginning to die and within time I can guarantee you it will be gone. Albeit I admit the religious still populate the majority of the world, give it a millenia or so and I can guarantee you these beliefs will die out.

The reason that the internet is such a strong force of those who aren't religious is because generally speaking tehcnology is a form of science, and as such users of it are, in the majority, NOT religious; as explained above.

So virtually anything with a religious connotation will not fair too strongly online, UNLESS it has some other type of notion with it.

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[–] srmcclain 19 years ago

Sometimes you can't come back from learning the hard way. This movie aside, i'm gonna pray for you (EvilLost). (Oh, and noticing that your name is "EvilLost", if you believe in evil don't you have to believe in a God by default.)

By the way, there are many scientific, generously educated and even genious level people who have accepted the fact that science can't explain everything, hence they look to religion... (the atom for example, what holds it together).

I'm just sayin', for a species that only uses a minimal portion of our brain power, isn't a bit arrogant to believe that WE (as individuals) are the beginning and the end?

Just somethin' to think about. :)

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[–] finnmentality 19 years ago

_______________________________________________________
, if you believe in evil don't you have to believe in a God by default.)
_________________________________________________________

Short answer to that one is no.. Evil and good exist in people. Nothing to do with gods.. However if you believe in satan, then you believe in god..

also to Evillost.. it's a nice idea in theory that religion will die out but it won't happen.. Human beings in general (not everyone, I have met one completely athiest person, just one.. the others were faking it) need to believe in something bigger than themselves.. if only as an excuse for what they do .. If God did not exist for george bush who would be giving him orders..

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[–] DoctorStrangelove 18 years ago

Hilarious post, EvilLost! I almost thought you were serious for a minute... ROFL!

There is no idea so grand that you cannot find a fool who supports it. - Niven

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