How did I miss this??
Native Son is a movie based on one of my favorite books out of High School, back when I first started college and began my journey of literally devouring Black Literature. So, the first thing I noticed about this trailer is that it’s a modern adaptation. If you’ve read the book, you know the story was written in 1940 and takes place in the 1930s. Bigger Thomas is a young black man of only 20-years-old and is living in extreme poverty on Chicago’s South Side. The movie appears to have a modern spin and Thomas doesn’t appear to be as poor as he was in the book.
I won‘t lie. In the first three seconds of seeing the trailer, I was surprised to see the military look of the jacket and beret bigger wears because that is not the persona of the Bigger in the book. Bigger in the book is more so laid back (at least that’s how I pictured him). Like all book adapted films, I am expecting everything not to be exactly the same while hoping the plot resembles the book and that things aren’t too modern even with the modern adaptation. I admit I kinda hoped it did take place in the 1930s. I’m a Historical Fiction writer after all so of course I think they could have left the timeline alone. I guess I fear the whole “black revolutionary” thing is becoming too much of a trend. Like he’s gotta be militant because being “black” is cool now and everybody’s “woke” or whatever.
Anywho, excited to see this though!
Apparently, it has already aired so I’ll be looking for it. I might just reread the book before I do and of course, I’ll be sure to blog my thoughts.
In the meantime, have you seen this? Looks like it premiered two days ago (4/6). How was it?
The PBS Blog 
My husband and I just saw the trailer last night. Being history buffs and Richard Wright buffs we were a little disappointed in how the trailer seemed like a totally different vibe. I can’t wait to hear what people think about it especially people who have read the book.
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Exactly! I was trying to be nice but…totally different vibe
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I won’t be. Nice that is haha.
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Loll 😂
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Although I’ve not seen the trailer I do know the actor that’s playing Bigger is very talented. Despite the ‘cultural twist’ I believe it may just be a pretty decent picture.
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Oh for sure. I haven’t seen the movie yet but I’ve seen Ashton, the actor playing Bigger, in other movies (like Equalizer 2) and the acting is on point. I just hope the movie sticks to the book somewhat. But books are usually far better than their film adaptations anyway because of the limitations they have in film so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s totally different.
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