Every month, we present Staff Picks at the Oriental Theatre - crazy classics, obscure delights, and cinematic masterpieces curated by the incredible Milwaukee Film and Oriental Theatre staff! Before each film screens, we're having a brief chat with each staff member about their selection. Next up in this series? Our incredible Black Lens Community and Education Outreach Coordinator, Tyanna! Read on...
What's your name?
Tyanna!
What's your job title at Milwaukee Film?
Community and Education Outreach Coordinator for Black Lens.
What movie did you pick?
Mo' Better Blues (dir. Spike Lee)
When did you first see said movie?
Around 1990.
In ten words or less, tell us why we HAVE to see this movie!
It's a Spike Lee Joint! Nuff said.
Okay - expand on that - why did you make this your staff pick?
I choose this film because I appreciate jazz music and love how this style of music was weaved into the film. While I don't think this film is about jazz (as a genre of music) the "jazz" in this film, for me, was an organic, unscripted, and improvised display of the nuances that exist in relationships, dreams, and issues related to responsibility. The falling from "grace" and the ability to regroup and get back up is another important quality of this film why I enjoy watching it over and over. I had no business watching this film at the tender age of 10 (oh well). I don't know why watching this film was a personal New Years Eve tradition for many years. I guess I'm just a fan of Spike Lee films.
Any parting words you'd like to impart?
It's a very dope film. It has jazz music. It has love stuff. It's funny. It makes you think. It's a Spike Lee Joint! Nuff Said.
Special thanks to the wonderful Tyanna for taking the time to participate! See Mo' Better Blues this Saturday afternoon at 3 PM at the Oriental Theatre! TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.
Posted by: Tom Fuchs