Comments on: Film Directors Tyler Perry and Spike Lee’s Irreconcilable Differences…

By: Pelvo White, Jr.

Pelvo White, Jr. — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 18:33:23 +0000

Both of these magnificent directors, and actors have a depth of artistic range yet to be fully determined by a global audience.Both are geniuses in their own right. Their artistic creativity is rooted in humanity’s search for the meaning of life. I frequently pay money to enjoy their work.

By: Ellen Kehough

Ellen Kehough — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 17:20:54 +0000

First off, I’m a 63-year old Caucasian woman and retired educator. I adore Tyler Perry movies. I think the majority of them are juxtaposed with substation messages about humanity. While Madea may be goofy, the characters (usually young woman/mothers) that enter from the side, convey messages of high morality, expert parenting, sacrifice, perseverance and more. I’m not sure what is so “backward” or racist about that. The vast majority of Madea movie make me laugh hysterical and also bring me to tears with their substantial message of hope.

By: Arthur Lewin

Arthur Lewin — Sat, 28 May 2011 13:56:16 +0000

J. Wilson, you say that Tyler Perry is not in a league with other Black directors like Spike Lee “who have worked so, so hard to announce to the world that Black directors can also intelligently express their take on the World itself, not just a little enclave.” But that sort of implies that Black director’s should strive to prove something to the world. Black artists, soldiers, scientists, etc. have been doing this for centuries. Why should we continue to do so?

White directors like Woody Allen never step outside of white Manhattan with their films and are universally hailed. However, I do think Perry can be “judged,” if you will, by the “quality” of his productions. And he does seem to offer a balance. He puts out dramas and slapstick comedies. I thought that Why Should I Get Married I and II and some of his other films were effective and thought provoking. Most people, though, prefer his slapstick comedies.

It is a shame that these two great directors had words. But the debate has raised important questions. Hopefully they can resolve their differences and we can all look forward to a Spike Lee Joint made in Tyler Perry Studios.

By: J.Wilson

J.Wilson — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:15:08 +0000

The situation that people really don’t get, maybe they are too simple to understand the point of view of Spike Lee. Here is a director who had paid the same hard dues, or even more so, than Tyler Perry. And please, don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I applaud Tyler Perry for beginning his studio from the trunk of his car to being a media giant he is. Yes, Tyler Perry’s movie have a message “We fall down, but we get up” and get back to family, church, and morals. He explores the heaviness of relationships from the cheating to the confusion of it all, I got it. And I tell you what, it’s sappy, simplistic, and one-dimensional. Perry’s movies numb your mind to reminiscent, non-thinking slumber. And he has safely, safely fulfilled his dreams – nothing daring or provocative, just safe.

Spike Lee is trying to tell people to wake up, as he rightfully does, and see the movies for what they are: safe and simplistic. Even I, dare Perry to take on a major social, historical issue that has effected or influenced the world OUTSIDE of the Black community. He has the money. He is said to be the acclaimed director he is. What I do not understand is how people rush to defend and protect Tyler Perry like he is a special, slightly touched 13 year old. He is an adult. He is an artist. An artist takes on things that are OUTSIDE the comfort zone and brings it to the audience. Spike Lee has done that. So has Antoine Fuqua, Mario Van Peebles and his father, Carl Franklin, and Bill Duke to name just a few who have worked so, so hard to announce to the world that Black directors can also intelligently express their take on the World itself, not just a little enclave.

Focusing constantly on the Black experience, the Black woman experience without even showing how the issue connects with the world OUTSIDE is shallow, narrow-minded and getting old.

By: M

Sat, 28 May 2011 09:03:59 +0000

While I do not condone a male wearing a dress, nor acting effeminate, I think Spike Lee is very jealous of Tyler Perry’s success. I am not sure why the author of this piece is pro Spike Lee since Lee has not always portrayed African American women in the best light either…i.e. Jungle Fever, She’s gotta have it. Spike Lee is a typical Morehose man…it is hard to tell them they don’t know it all.

These directors focus on two very different genres of film catering to different demographcs. Isn’t it funny how Black people hate stereotypes, but want to say what ALL Black people should or should not like a cetai film? Question – has Spike Lee ever commented on the Wayans family films? If not, were they not successful enough for his commentary?

By: HAD TO GO THERE

HAD TO GO THERE — Sat, 28 May 2011 02:34:12 +0000

Antbee and HAD TO GO THERE HAS LEFT THE ROOM!!!

By: AntBee

AntBee — Fri, 27 May 2011 23:29:09 +0000

Sorry, but Tyler Perry has not set anyone or anything back 50-60 years!

What is wrong with you?

Each man has made their contribution, but I can tell you that Tyler Perry has employed more black folks in an industry that is mostly closed to them, than Spike ever has!

Tyler Perry’s sitcom is about “COMEDY”. It is something to make us laugh, and plenty of black folks do laugh and enjoy it! Those who do not can simply not watch it! You have a choice!

Whites and others do not condemn the Three Stooges, or Laurel & Hardy, or Lennie & Squggie! They understand that these are characters/comedians, and are in shows that are to be laughed at. They also understand that these types of characters will not “put them back 60 years”.

Who are you to tell any person what they should be doing?

I hate that two black men who have been given opportunity has to have their foolish arguments in the media/press for all to see just how small some of us can be.

After so much “talk” against TP and his films/work by Mr. Lee, I have to admit that I was happy that he did finally speak up for himself.

If you don’t like Tyler Perry’s work then remember the words to the old STAPLE SINGERS song, “Respect Yourself”, “just get out the way and let the gentleman do is thing”, and move on!

I have great respect for Tyler Perry and from where he has come. You don’t like his work then don’t see his films! Leave others alone who do enjoy his work! There is room for everyone!

No one can put you back but yourself!

By: HAD TO GO THERE

HAD TO GO THERE — Fri, 27 May 2011 21:40:18 +0000

Tyler Perry has single handedly set black folks back 60 years.

Didnt want to do there, but I will. How the DAM HELL DOES ANOTHER MOFO SET ANOTHER MOFO BACK. You gotta be stupid, dumb and ignorant to BELEIVF that you AS A PERSON can be set back by another person. You are stupid and you deserve to be this way for BELIEVING THAT MESS!!

And for the record….. I was watching Jungle Fever the other day, and Wesley Snipes was walking his daughter to school, and out comes HALLE BERRY ( I truly adore her) out of the BLUE, says to him in FRONT OF HIS DAUGHTER. CAN I SUCK YOUR DICK? NOT ONCE BUT 2-3 TIMES. YEAH this is a Spike Lee Joint. And you say Tyler Perry set people back.

Let me say this……. You dont have a hell or heaven to put Tyler Perry in, he is here to stay. if you dont like. GET OUT OF THIS LIFE!!

By: Arthur Lewin

Arthur Lewin — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:31:44 +0000

Good points. But doesn’t Perry have two kind of films, serious dramas in addition to these caricature filled films? It is interesting that Madea films pull a much larger audience than the Why Did I Get Married flicks. He offers both. Look at which one the audience prefer.