Analysis of Great Debaters by olaiya tomisin

ANALYSIS OF THE GREAT DEBATERS BY OLAIYA TOMISIN
The duo of Denzel Washington (the first black to win an Oscar award for Best Actor) and Forest Whitaker, another Oscar winner in his portrayal of Idi Amin in the Last King of Scotland can only give you perfection in delivery for any film they are casted. Nothing could come short of the acting prowess of these two people especially the former in the depiction of black negritude in American history.
The story is centered on a young man named Dr. Melvin Tolson who goes ahead in Wiley College to inspire three young debaters- Henry Lowe, Samantha Booke and James Farmer jnr, into becoming black national heroes with one weapon in their advantage- solid education.
The Great Debaters to a large extent, conveyed its message with the following elements:
THEMES:
EMANCIPATION: This is the predominant theme of the movie. The Negro emancipation from the shackles of segregation by the white majority was constantly preached in the course of the film. The film opened with a narrative voice of James Farmer a renowned black scholar moving for the racial emancipation of blacks through education. In his words, “Education is the way out of ignorance into the glorious light”. It was stressed that education was the key to combat the unfair and inhumane treatment of Blacks. Education would equip blacks especially in regards to historical knowledge in harnessing for equal rights.
The whole film centers on emancipation from Negro emancipation continually canvassed by Dr. Melvin Tolson’s debaters to the emancipation of workers including both blacks and whites. From the debate in Oklahoma University to the last debate in Harvard University, the central focus was always on the emancipation of the black people.
Thus, the movie was a clarion call for the necessity to bridge the gap between the whites and the blacks and the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights of the former by the latter.
RACISM/DISCRIMINATION: As indicated in the film, they were majorly two races portrayed- the negroids and the caucasoids. The caucasoids or whites are referred as the superior race while the negroids are the inferior race. This ideology has only resulted to strife.
The extent of racism in the 1930’s was projected in the first debate in a white school. There was a clear cut distinction between where the blacks and the whites stayed. It was also noticeable during the course of Samantha’s speech delivery when many white folks left.
The film also in line with the various debates, draws attention to the issue of separate learning centers for whites and blacks, slavery and the lynching of blacks.
INJUSTICE: The theme of injustice is birthed from racism or discrimination of the blacks by the whites. The exposé of injustice is shown during the disruption and assault of the Southern Tenants Union by the Sherriff and his officers to discourage any form of government opposition.
Subsequently, Melvin Tolson’s arrest for alleged involvement in the union is also unjustifiable under the human right law.
Most importantly, was the lynching of the black man in Texas for reasons unknown and the attempted assault of Tolson and his debaters by the white mob.
DETERMINATION: To have these laws against black people in America abolished, something had to be done and the only way for Henry Lowe, Samantha Booke and James Farmer jnr. To contribute their own quota in this process was through organizing debates which would serve as a platform for re-sensitization.
There was determination to make a change especially when they lost in Howard University and went over to Harvard University.
There was also determination by Prof. Tolson’s relentless attitudes
LOVE: The theme of love portrayed between Henry Lowe and Samantha. Also that of Prof. Tolson and his debaters.
HOPE: When the debaters lost to Howard University they were still hopeful that a showdown with Harvard University would emerge.
NARRATIVES: The film made use of the debate as a form of unfolding the major themes in the movie.
EXPECTATIONS:
a. That the Debaters will end up victorious
b. Dr. Tolson would be arrested and later released from any charge of sedition.
c. Samantha Booke and Henry Lowe would fall in love with each other.
d. The ever obedient James Farmer jnr. would stand against his father.
At this junction, it is imperative to note some cheated expectations like:
a. That Hamilton Burgees would leave the team of debaters due to his father’s concerns about Tolson’s extra academic activities.
b. Samantha’s departure from the debate against Howard University leading to her replacement by the unprepared Farmer which led to their loss.
c. Surprised that Henry Lowe would debate against Harvard instead he stepped down for Farmer.
EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS: The film established feelings of love between Samantha and Henry; Tolson and the debaters, pity-the lynching of the black man and communalism-the support for Tolson by the black community.
CAUSE AND EFFECT: The major cause and effect is that James Farmer jnr’s witnessing of the unjust assault of the union workers would stir up the need for a revolution or change in him.
Another, is that the debaters witnessing of the lynching of the black man would ginger them into winning all their debates.
Also, the arrest of Tolson would only stir up protests by not only the union but the community.
Additionally, if Tolson had written the last paper for their debate, maybe they wouldn’t have won against Harvard University.
SIMILARITY AND REPETITION: There was significantly a similarity in the two crane shots used to show first, the journey of the Farmers and then, the journey of the debaters. These two crane shots indicated a clash between the subjects who were blacks and the whites.
Also, a gathering of two or more whites, signaled trouble.
DIFFERENCES AND VARIATIONS: The vulnerability of Henry Lowe whenever he is with Samantha in contrast to his rebellious and stubborn nature, displays his weakness.
Secondly, the arrest of Prof. Tolson who has always been known by the debaters as relentless and stubborn, also portrays him in a vulnerable situation.
The dual personality of Prof. Tolson that is, his academic activities and the union activities.
The two characters-Prof. Tolson and Dr. James Farmer. These two hate the conditions of the blacks, the latter is sad but quiet about trying to salvage the situation while the former, is relentless.
The difference between the uniqueness of Harvard University and the other black universities.
Lastly, the characters of the two debaters- Henry Lowe and James Farmer. The former is obstinate and rebellious while the latter, is quiet and submissive.
DEPTH OF STORY TRANSMISSION: The film plunged into the psychological image of James Farmer jnr when he was imagining dancing with Samantha Booke.
FUNCTIONS OF ELEMENTS:This is the justification of some elements in the film like:
a. What would have happened if Prof. Tolson had not stopped Henry Lowe from killing the man at the bar?
b. Would the three debaters have won if they had not been stirred up by the lynching of the black man?
c. Would they have won if they used Prof. Tolson’s script for their debate?
d. Would Henry Lowe have won if he had debated?
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
The mixture of Extreme Long shots and zooming in at the beginning of the film to show Henry Lowe and the band.
The use of crane shots during the journey by the Farmers and the debaters.
Effective use of panning especially during the Prof. Tolson’s address to the students.
Rear projection: From the background to the foreground- this is a reference point during the debate especially the one with Samantha at Oklahoma City university.