Contrary to IMDB describing this movie as a "drama/documentary," it's actually a comedy/MOCKumentary. Cheryl Dunye plays "Cheryl Dunye," a video store employee who is making a documentary about a black film actress from the 1930s. The 1930s actress is a fictional character, and Dunye does a nice job integrating the "film within a film" into her story.
Yes there are dramatic elements, particularly around race relations in the lesbian community. But there are many comedic moments, and very droll one liners. Dunye does a nice job gently poking fun at lesbians, African Americans, and radical leftists (the scene at the Center for Lesbian Info and Technology -- figure out THAT acronism -- is hilarious).
Some of the acting is amateurish (though Dunye herself is a standout! I wish she would keep appearing on-camera in other films. She's very talented). And Dunye the director should have done re-takes in a couple of shots where the actors blow their lines. But the clever idea of a mockumentary really makes the film interesting -- nice debut for Dunye. Will be interesting to see how her career pans out.
Yes there are dramatic elements, particularly around race relations in the lesbian community. But there are many comedic moments, and very droll one liners. Dunye does a nice job gently poking fun at lesbians, African Americans, and radical leftists (the scene at the Center for Lesbian Info and Technology -- figure out THAT acronism -- is hilarious).
Some of the acting is amateurish (though Dunye herself is a standout! I wish she would keep appearing on-camera in other films. She's very talented). And Dunye the director should have done re-takes in a couple of shots where the actors blow their lines. But the clever idea of a mockumentary really makes the film interesting -- nice debut for Dunye. Will be interesting to see how her career pans out.