A Comparison of the Representation of the Afro-American Actresses Hattie McDaniel and Whoopie Goldberg in the Scam Scenes of Gone With the Wind

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A Comparison of the Representation of the Afro-American Actresses Hattie McDaniel and Whoopie Goldberg in the Scam Scenes of Gone With the Wind Gone with the wind was released in 1939 and was directed by Victor Fleming. The film tells the epic tale of a woman's life during one of the most tumultuous periods in America's history. From her young, innocent days on a feudalistic plantation to the war-torn streets of Atlanta, from the utmost luxury to absolute starvation and poverty and from her innocence to her understanding and comprehension of life. This woman’s name is Scarlet O'Hara, during this compassion I will be focusing on her Mammy, played by actress Hattie McDaniel. The film received eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress (for Hattie McDaniel - the first time a black had been nominated and honoured) Ghost was directed by Directed by Jerry Zucker and released in 1990. The film is about the murder of Sam Wheat, who’s love for his partner enables him to remain as a ghost on earth. However, in his ghost form he cannot be seem or heard, Sam is only able to communicate to his loved one (Molly) through Oda Mae Brown, a psychic played by Whoopie Goldberg. It is the character of Oda Mae that I will use in the comparison. Whoopie Goldberg was the second Black actress to win an Oscar for best supporting actress, some 51 years later. The characters played by Hattie McDaniel and Whoopie Goldberg have many similarities and differences. Subsequent to studying the two films it is clear to see the progress and changing representation of the Afro-Americans. In gone with the wind, there are several tracking shots of Scarlet, with Mammy scurrying on behind. The camera follows Scarlet, Mammy has to join. It is also notable that, when in shot, Mammy, despite having a large build, fills little of the screen. This reflects the way Afro-Americans were seen at the time, with much lower

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