Dr. Cornel West addressed the Tyler Perry vs. Spike Lee controversy during his book tour in Atlanta last week. In case you’ve missed all the hoopla, Tyler Perry has been facing extreme criticism over his portrayal of Black America in his films and plays. Spike Lee was even quoted comparing Tyler’s Meet The Browns characters to a modern day Amos & Andy:
‘I think there’s a lot of stuff out today that is coonery and buffoonery. I see ads for ‘Meet the Browns’ and ‘House of Payne’ and I’m scratching my head. We’ve got a black president and we’re going back. The image is troubling and it harkens back to Amos ‘n’ Andy.”
Tyler responded via a 60 minutes interview where he was visibly upset about the comment and stated that he uses the characters as “bait” to draw in White America then hits them with storylines consisting of God, love, faith, forgiveness and family. Dr. West, in addressing the “beef” between the two filmmakers made a few comparisons as to why each approaches their subject matter differently. The well-known public intellectual spoke of Lee’s background as a well-to-do Morehouse Grad versus Tyler’s abusive childhood and life on the streets. He goes on to explain how Spike Lee is a GREAT filmmaker while Tyler Perry is a GOOD filmmaker and although Spike’s comments may have been based with good intentions, the delivery could have been better.
You’ll have to watch the video to understand but West didn’t diss Tyler, he actually gave him props. He does, however state that if Tyler’s still doing Madea at 65 THEN he has a problem. I guess that gives us about 25 more years of Madea since TP just turned 40.
Tyler Perry, who recently turned 40 in September of this year, went to his blog to express how the new film “Precious” ignited some hurtful memories of his childhood. Perry, an executive producer of the film which details an young teen’s struggles with an abusive mother, is no stranger to hardship but he’s taken those painful memories and used them to create powerful movies and plays. As he shared details of his abusive upbringing Perry states: “Turning 40 is such a blessing. Especially because as I child I always thought I would die before I grew up.”
In his recent message to his fans, Tyler reveals being molested by a woman when he was 10 years old, beatings from his father and also speaks about an experience where his grandmother forced him into an “ammonia bath.” The blog is detailed and disturbing, however Tyler’s cathartic writing led him to the key to all his successes: Forgiveness.
If you’re having a hard time getting over something in your life, maybe you can try forgiveness too. It’s not easy, but it does bring forth healing. I know that there are a lot of people out there with stories far worse than mine but you, too, can make it. To those of you who have, welcome to life. I celebrate you.
I love receiving Tyler’s messages in my inbox. They’re always so uplifting and spiritual and this one gives way more insight into Tyler Perry as a person. Read more of his message, entitled “We’re All Precious in His Sight” below: (more…)
Check out the official movie poster from Tyler Perry’s latest flick “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.” The movie stars Oscar nominated Taraji P. Henson, Brian J. White, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and more. The film is signature TP with a twist, as Perry resurrects his pistol-packing Madea character for yet another family feature. Synopsis of the film:
When Madea catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of Raymond, her married boyfriend, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April’s basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Raymond and the new possibilities of family, faith…and even true love.
Check out the official trailer featuring Mary J. Blige singing the title track below:
I told you around this time last year about a stalker that was harrassing Tyler Perry. I assumed it was either one of Tyler’s alter egos or Mr. Brown. Well… I was wrong! Meet Dawne Wilson, the woman who can’t get Tyler off of her mind. Dawne was arrested for aggravated stalking Wednesday outside Perry’s production studios in Atlanta ~ a place where she’s been an unwelcome visitor many times before, after she violated a restraining order that Tyler had placed back in March 2008.
According to court documents, Dawne Wilson began contacting Tyler by sending crazy “A”zz emails last year. The restraining order also states that she did so “in a menacing manner,” causing Perry to fear “apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury.” Wilson sent another e-mail saying in April, 2008 stating, “You need to check your heart condition because it is filled with murder….your love has been but costly and deadly….Murder I say is the verdict.” she rambled on, “Why do you insist on assisting the devil?” (Source)
This chick is wayyy past crazy!<~~ Can you say “coo coo for cocoa puffs!”
Fresh off the success of his current film release, Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail (which grossed over $41 million opening weekend), Perry is already planning a quick escape from the madness of Hollywood. Recently, the 39 year old bachelor confirmed to People Magazine that for his 40th birthday (September 14th) he plans to join the ranks of David Copperfield and Mel Gibson with the purchase of the ultimate getaway. A tropical island paradise!
“I’m a loner by nature, so when I’m out there on these islands, I just feel like the only person in the world,”
After recently spending a week vacationing on a private island in the Great Exumas in the Bahamas, he admits it’s not all relaxation: “Renting an island is the best place for me to work uninterrupted.”
What will he call his own private isle? “It won’t be Tyler Perry’s Island!” he laughs. “I’m so sick of seeing Tyler Perry all over everywhere!”
Instead, he’ll wait until he’s inspired by the exotic locale, which he hasn’t quite decided on yet. “It’ll speak to me,” he says. “I’ll know what to call it once I’m there.”
I’m sitting here wondering what would possibly go on on TP’s island paradise. Will there be tons of Madea-esque drag queens struttin around smoking cigarettes in bikini’s or sexy island mami’s catering to his every whim? Hmmmm? *scratching head* We’ll never know…cause Tyler’s already imposed one rule before he’s even signed the closing documents… No paparazzi! So I guess we’ll just have to either wait for an invite or use our imagination…
Have fun Tyler! Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail is in theatres now.
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Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail is in theatres now.
