Holiday 99:Music of The
Heart - Is this theme getting silly?
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Holiday 99:Music of The
Heart - Is this theme getting silly? |
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By Shelby J. Jones
Meryl Streep in yet another film about a white
person moving into the hood to save hopeless students of the ghetto. I
thought, "here we go again." We've watched Michelle Pfeiffer, Treat Williams,
Tom Berenger, Jon Lovitz and even Jim Belushi swoop into the hood and
save the day. Pretty soon Pauly Shore may even have a chance. Personally,
I started to become offended by the genre as I know many Black and Latino
teachers and administrators that are involved in saving these children
daily. Couldn't a studio find a story where we are saving our own? So
needless to say, I was reserved and somewhat pissed about Music of
SYNOPSIS
THESPIANS
Meryl Streep is a prime example of why classically
CRITIQUE
The film industry is densely populated with worn-out
genres, silly clichés and many stories that are simply bad. I
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The Heart. But guess what, Hollywood finally got it right. Much like
Morgan Freeman's stint as roughhouse principal Joe Clark, Music of
The Heart is a true story based on the life of Roberta Guaspari. The
film was surprisingly well done and uplifting and it was not filled with
too many cliches. Of course there were the disruptive students but most
of their stories prior to the principal character's arrival wasn't over-exaggerated.
of a phone call no doubt. Roberta was forced to fend for her and her two
sons. She leaves her small town and bolts to East Harlem. If this weren't
a true story that would have been a questionable move. The great thing
about this story besides the fact that it is true is that it is inspiring.
It shows how Roberta and anyone who is determined can turn lemons into
lemonade. She stumbled upon a golden situation where she could utilize
50 Violins (the original title) to teach young children how to play. Of
course she meets with constant resistance from the students, the principal
(Angela Bassett) and other lethargic teachers. With patience, a goal and
the idea of teaching children a beautiful instrument, Roberta stays focused
and delivers. Another solid aspect of this film is that we learn about
Roberta's life; her weaknesses and most important her fears. By doing
this the filmmakers take away the silly, overdone theme of the indestructible
European-American that saves the ghetto. Guaspari still teaches in East
Harlem and has for almost two decades. 
trained actors are so good at what they do. No matter what role she
plays, she always develops the small intricacies about her character
thereby making her performances memorable. Her performance may garner
awards. Angela Bassett (Janet Williams) handles her role with raw power.
She ain't no Stella in this flick. She plays a hard-nosed, yet caring
principal in a tough school. Her portrayal will not go unrecognized
as well. Gloria Estefan makes her acting debut as Isabel Vasquez and
she manages not to stumble with the talents of Streep and Bassett.
thought Music of The Heart would be another widget on the assembly
line of bad taste. But leave it to Wes Craven to throw a curve ball
in the bottom of the ninth (I'm a Yankee fan - had to use that line)
to save the day. He did it with Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream
which both can be credited with saving horror pictures. With Music
of The Heart he saves Jesse Jackson's favorite anthem - "Keep Hope
Alive." Music of The Heart is an inspirational film because it
is a story of will, faith and hoping for better. Roberta wanted more,
the children wanted more and together they deliver a wonderful presentation
by utilizing the violin to plant a little music in your heart. Don't
be surprised if you walk out of the theater with ideas about teaching
someone…something. What's that popular statement - "each one teach one."
Music of The Heart is that type of flick. Check it out!