A film like this is virtually impossible to detach from context - specifically, the history of black (African-Caribbean) people on British TV and in society as a whole. This is largely a history of omission and misrepresentation, to the extent that there is considerable ignorance about 'our issues' as a community, even within the community. Anything that purports to delve into that territory is thus likely to be affected by unrealistic expectations, simply because it doesn't happen that often.
Such is the case with 'Shoot The Messenger'. As a drama, it has its good points - some strong performances, high-quality production values, and an immediacy and urgency which at times made for compelling viewing. It also has its negative points - an uneven storyline which on occasion screamed 'agenda', and characterisations which were extreme in their simplification and caricaturing of personalities and situations.
It's a point of view on a range of issues affecting the community; it contains some partial truths whilst not representing the whole truth. It might have benefited from some historical context; on the other hand, its grounding in the 'here and now' is what lends the film its urgency and energy.
The reaction to the film in some quarters, whilst understandable, has had the unfortunate effect of reinforcing the film's central message - when we are portrayed in a negative light, we tend to 'shoot the messenger' rather than address the message. It would have been good to hear a little more from those people who are and have been working for decades to address the social problems the film graphically portrayed. As it is, the contributions like those from Ligali tend to generate more heat than light.
In summary, 'Shoot The Messenger' is an incomplete story - worth watching, but incomplete. We need more in the same vein to help fill in some of the gaps.
Such is the case with 'Shoot The Messenger'. As a drama, it has its good points - some strong performances, high-quality production values, and an immediacy and urgency which at times made for compelling viewing. It also has its negative points - an uneven storyline which on occasion screamed 'agenda', and characterisations which were extreme in their simplification and caricaturing of personalities and situations.
It's a point of view on a range of issues affecting the community; it contains some partial truths whilst not representing the whole truth. It might have benefited from some historical context; on the other hand, its grounding in the 'here and now' is what lends the film its urgency and energy.
The reaction to the film in some quarters, whilst understandable, has had the unfortunate effect of reinforcing the film's central message - when we are portrayed in a negative light, we tend to 'shoot the messenger' rather than address the message. It would have been good to hear a little more from those people who are and have been working for decades to address the social problems the film graphically portrayed. As it is, the contributions like those from Ligali tend to generate more heat than light.
In summary, 'Shoot The Messenger' is an incomplete story - worth watching, but incomplete. We need more in the same vein to help fill in some of the gaps.