The feature-film debut of filmmaker Rodney Evans, who wrote and produced in addition to taking on directing duties, Brother to Brother explores the life and struggles of black, gay artists in the present and past. Anthony Mackie stars as Perry Williams, a young man dealing with the strife involved with being both African-American and a homosexual in contemporary New York. He is shunned by his father for his sexual identity and wary of being viewed as a sell-out by black peers when his work gains
a white audience. When Williams meets an aging poet who was involved in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s, he suddenly finds himself transported back in time and cavorting with the likes of Langston Hughes (Daniel Sunjata) and Zora Neale Hurston (Aunjanue Ellis). Among such legends, Williams is able to gain perspective about his own life. Also starring Roger Robinson and Larry Gilliard Jr., Brother to Brother screened in competition at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
There are a couple of self-conscious moments, to be sure, and some anachronisms, but on the whole, Brother to Brother is a graceful work of range and depth.
A friend's recommendation reminded me that I saw this stunning documentary-style-film on PBS's Independent Lens. The literary world of the Harlem Renaissance is more central to this than homosexuality amongst African American men (see Paris is Burning for the best film on that topic). It's admirable unabashed reality
and as result, quite depressing at moments with an overall tone of bittersweetness.I think this is a very important film for young artists, especially writers, to see.
One of the reasons I like this movie so much was the way Anthony Mackie chose to portray his character, Perry; very honestly and without going over the top like so many straight actors do in gay roles. It's hard to find something about this movie not to compliment, but I really liked Roger Robinson as Bruce, Alex
Burns as Jim and Duane Boutte as young Bruce. And despite its much deeper and more significant message there's much eye candy here, too, in Mackie, Burns and the stunningly gorgeous Duane Boutte.
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