Just watched filmmaker Ava DuVernay’s amazing 2011 debut, I Will Follow. This is one of the best independent,
character-driven movies I’ve ever seen and deserves all the accolades and
honors it’s won.
In the movie, Salli Richardson-Whitfield plays a Hollywood makeup
artist who takes an extended leave of absence to tend to her aunt who is dying
of breast cancer. Though Beverly Todd is just in a few brief flashbacks as the
aunt, her performance is powerful and memorable.
It’s interesting that DuVernay, who wrote and directed the film,
chose to make Todd’s character a drummer. I wonder if she was inspired at all
by Sheila E., one of my favorite artists of all time.
Whether it’s the drummer-aunt or a female “cable guy,” DuVernary
artfully shows women in non-conventional roles without being preachy about her
feminist perspective. DuVernay is especially effective at showcasing Richardson-Whitfield,
whose extraordinary beauty could easily distract from the fact that she’s a
skillful actress.
It’s amazing that DuVernay self-financed I Will Follow on a budget of just $50,000. It looks much richer
than that, in every sense of the word. With quality visuals, strong
performances and subtle yet effective music as the score, I Will Follow is
everything a movie should be.
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