Customer Reviews

The Watermelon Woman

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a lesbian film student of color, I find inspiration in Cheryl Dunye's vision. "The Watermelon Woman" seamlessly weaves together the issues of race relations, ethnic and lesbian identity construction, and prevailing oppression in all its subtleties. Setting up the film as a pseudo-documentary of an aspiring filmmaker's research on a Black lesbian actor from the thirties counterpoints a historical context of these issues, with its modern manifestations. An excellent film from a multiple-minority perspective. The acting may call for more training, but the successful execution of the issues excuses the sometimes contrived reading of lines. The portrayal of Guin Turner's naively ignorant character (a white woman who prefers men and women of African-descent) was well written and played. The film illustrated race relations on many sides of the issue -- the relations between people of the same race and cross-racial relations. Funny, as well as socially valuable, "The Watermelon Woman" is one of those rare films that reaffirm my expectations for film: not just as a form of entertainment or art, but as a tool for social commentary.

This Film is very Creative&Eye-Opening.it Shows The World&Lives of Lesbian Women.it deals with Race,Sex&Class Issues.i happen to catch it on B.E.T Starz's&it kept my attention.it showed the flaws of The Women&everyday struggles&Battles they went thru.I wish HBO,Showtime,etc...would also show this film for a wider audience.because this Film Balance's out alot of things.it's a trip out film!

This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker. She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process. Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.

This film can be viewed on several levels... as a (lesbian) love story... a romantic comedy, if you will. It can be viewed as a story about African American women finding their place in an urban society. Or it can be viewed as a study of the creative process.

The love story bored me (luckily both Cheryl Dunye and Guineviere Turner are both really hot!)... but the exploration and struggle of the artistic journeys of Cheryl was very interesting. Any film-maker, artist, photographer, etc. would enjoy this movie... and it should not be dismissed as another silly, unrealistic lesbian love story.

A film that shows the neurotic side of some lesbians. A film that proves to me that I am not the only lesbian in the US who would doggedly pursue any tidbit of information on a famous person I presume to be a lesbian. Hey, I'm not proud of it....but it is certainly calming to know there are more of us out there. Simple dialogue and charming characters made this a very enjoyable movie.

The central quest of this movie is the search for a kindred spirit in the past. Too often history ignores those who are not affluent, white, and heterosexual. Cheryle Dunye's search for the long-forgotten and unexplained "watermelon woman" she spots in an old film becomes a quest to affirm her own place in history as a black lesbian who is indeed a real person with a voice.

Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.)

The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. It was funny, honest, and cool. I collect DVDs and this one surely made the top on my list for future purchase. I'm almost grateful to the school I attend that its library has it in its collection. I had an absolutely good time watching it.

Cheryl Dunye's Watermelon Woman was sweet. I fell in love with all the characters, they were all so great, especially her best friend, who had me laughing all the time. As a black woman it was great to see so many black women on the screen. I could totally relate to some of these characters, especially Cheryl's character who was totally fascinated with "the Watermelon Woman". I myself being fascinated and passionate about other women, would have probably gone the same route as Cheryl. Definitely a movie to see!!! It sweet, passionate and real Way to go gyrl!!!!

'The Watermelon Woman' is a good mocumentry (a film that pretends to be documentary, but is not actually one). To be sure, Cheryl Dunyene does a wonderful job in this entertaining film that exposes the hidden racism in the Lesbian community, and the whole movie is rich in the painful-funny humor that made Dunyene famous among Indi-cinema lovers.

The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing.

Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out.

On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.

As a black lesbian I was excited to find this movie and actually get the chance to watch it. It's common knowledge that not many films..independent or mainstream..are out there for us that feature us in other forms of life besides our lives behind closed doors but after I watched this...WOW..I can't believe how much of a waste of money it was!!! I was highly..HIGHLY..disappointed..the script was boring and flatline and the acting was terrible. I literally fell asleep watching it. I've seen some of Cheryl Clarke's other works and enjoyed the others but this..*sigh*..I really don't know what else to say but I have to give this two thumbs DOWN..I will be passing this on to someone else who may actually enjoy this film because I, for one, definitely did not..