Benzon, Bill The Valve: A Literary Organ. The Valve, 2 Dec. 2007. Web. 18 Apr. 2010
This source is a not just a film review, but a critical literary analysis of Mo’ Better
Blues. We will be able to use this to help shape our argument about the content of
the film’s message. Not only does this piece analyze the meaning behind the plot
and key scenes, but it also takes a look at the inner workings of the characters.
The author makes connections between the major players in the story and classic
character types in order to analyze their purpose in carrying the film’s message.
Ebert, Roger. "Mo' Better Blues." Chicago Sun-Times 3 Aug. 1990: n. pag.. Web. 18 Apr.
2010
Roger Ebert is a well-known movie critic who is infamous for being extremely harsh on movies he doesn’t like, or even parts of movies he doesn’t like. Where other critics give praise, Ebert will likely give criticism, so his perspective should contrast with that of some of the other reviews. This different opinion will give us a more well rounded idea of the movie in combination with the other sources.
Gleiberman, Owen. "Movie Review: Mo' Better Blues." Entertainment Weekly 3 Aug.
1990: n. pag.. Web. 17 Apr. 2010.
In this Entertainment Weekly review of the film, the author is impressed by some
aspects of the film and left wanting more by others. His overall grade of B- shows
that he didn’t hate it but he also didn’t love it. Beyond the typical film review, the
author describes that while in previous films Lee dealt with topics such as race
and attitudes, Mo’ Better Blues goes further to deal with interpersonal human
emotions and the struggles created by our feelings.
Hicks, Chris. "Mo' Better Blues." Deseret News [Salt Lake City] 13 Aug. 1990: n. pag..
Web. 18 Apr. 2010
This review from the Deseret News in Salt Lake City is far from flattering.
The author feels that this film fell short coming off the heels of the huge success
of Do the Right Thing. Although he does criticize many aspects of the film, the
author does provide some interesting analysis of some of the characters, namely
Giant (Spike Lee) and Indigo Downes (Joie Lee). Unlike a lot of reviews that are
quick to praise Spike without providing evidence, this source is not afraid to
attack possible shortcomings. This will give us balance in our sources.
James, Caryn. "Spike Lee's Middle Class Jazz Musician." New York Times 3 Aug. 1990:
11. Web. 18 Apr. 2010
This New York Times film review of Mo’ Better Blues is very interesting in that
it calls the film conventional. Conventional films are far from what Spike Lee is known for, and this author goes so far as to suggest that the film is done in a typically Hollywood fashion. This source was the probably the most scathing of any of the reviews in the list, which isn’t strange for the New York Times. While the author does go to great lengths to point out some of the film’s flaws, she doesn’t just attack the film. There is also analysis of the major characters, particularly Bleek’s female interests.
Norment, Lynn. "'Mo' Better Blues': Backstage with Spike Lee and the Cast." Ebony Sep.
1990: 76-78. Web. 17 Apr. 2010.
This article from the September 1990 issue of Ebony magazine contains an
interview with Spike Lee and stars Denzel Washington and Cynda Williams.
Spike Lee provides insight into what he had in mind for the movie and what it is
about to him. There is also a brief plot synopsis that is interspersed with
comments from the director. This will be helpful because it isn’t just a movie
critic’s interpretation but what the director actually meant the film to be.
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