Music and Boredom

    Something that struck me about the film Black Girl was the music. Throughout the film it seemed to be the same song, over and over, and now after leaving class it's the one thing I can't seem to shake off. The plucking of a stringed instrument, I assume it's an instrument native to Africa, maybe a marimba, creates a light-hearted, even comedic, background to a film that is altogether quite serious. This contrast may be to emphasize the seriousness, or it may just be a form of dark humour. The article sheds light on this matter as Sembene is known for portraying African leaders and regimens in a comical manner, which reminds me of the satirical cartoons in the back of The New Yorker. I believe he used this comical music to set us up for the surprise of Diouana's suicide, and I certainly was surprised! Perhaps the most surprised this semester. 

    Shock factor seems to be a trend in the films we've watched so far, since they have largely focused on heavy topics. But I did not have such a strong reaction to this film. I'm not saying I'm uncaring towards the message of the film, but I found it hard to sympathize with Diouana. She sat on the curb all that time to be selected for a job as a maid without the luxury of being picky, but when the bitch wife started giving her the duties of a maid instead of caring for the children, she was taken aback and complained about it. I found her dressing up with jewelry and heels everyday a turn off as well. This statement gives off an air of pride and narcissism, no better than her keeper. I think some humility would have gone a long way. Where I do sympathize is having to answer to such an ugly woman, and the boredom of living cooped up in a house with no one to talk to. That would have driven me to suicide as well, unless I had the option of going home, which....yeah.

- steffie