On G List of Movie Reviews
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Go Tell It on the Mountain (1985)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
10/25
10/25:
I debated whether or not Go Tell It on the Mountain should be classified as a Southern Gothic film
and had concluded yes.
That's because of the peculiar nonlinear storytelling as taken from James Baldwin's semi-autobiographical
novel. Almost all elements are met; it's just that the flashbacks take place in the Jim Crow South even though
the present day is New York City of 1934, having been timestamped by the theatrical release of
Of Human Bondage.
At first, I thought Paul Winfield would dominate the screen, but to my surprise, it ended up being Ving Rhames,
in his first movie role of any kind, as the young version of Gabriel. Nonetheless, Paul Winfield showcases his
power as usual, especially in one scene by having an argument with just about everybody in the apartment.
The themes are richly complex, and I rightfully knew well to dismiss Fences as
a silly play-picture about nothing. John is mainly confused by his father's ways. It's because Gabriel grew up
in a violent environment created by white Southerners, developed survival skills, and had no formal education
to begin with. Behind the heavy religious façade, there's hypocrisy that only can be scoffed at by his
sister Florence, but it's all Gabriel knows in terms of taking the path of righteousness.
All in all, thanks to the strong cast, Go Tell It on the Mountain is a completely overlooked film in
black cinema.