Black or White starring Kevin Costner (Elliot Anderson), Anthony Mackie (Jeremiah Jeffers) and Octavia Spencer (Rowena Jeffers) was written and directed by Detroit native, Michael Binder. Inspired by actual events, the story of a biracial child torn between her Caucasian grandfather (Kevin Costner) and African American grandmother (Octavia Spencer) ignites a custody battle between the two. Both families have the child’s best interest at heart and want what they feel is best for her. Confronted with feelings and emotions of forgiveness and understanding, Black or White attempts to analyze various perspectives of life, race and family.
I believe Black or White dealt with classism as opposed to racism. Rowena’s family was a loving and caring family but Elliot did not trust that Rowena’s family would raise Eloise in the way that he thought she should be. Rowena doesn’t think Eloise would get the love and attention she needs after the death of Elliot’s wife. With Elliot, race wasn’t the issue when it came to raising Eloise but Rowena believed that race played a huge part in Elliot’s decision.
Black or White is quite parallel to Binders situation. “My wife and I helped raised my biracial nephew after the death of my wife’s sister. I wanted to play out the scenario and allow audiences to look inside two vastly different families as they unite by their shared love for the child that binds them together.“ Binder expresses.
Binder’s films all seem to fit his personality, starting his career as a writer and stand up comedian. “All my movies are drama with a little comedy but this one has that race element and you’ll never be able to make everybody happy with a film when there is race involved.
Playing the role of a successful black attorney is different from other roles that Mackie has played. When asked how comfortable he was with this role, Mackie replied “This was an extremely different role for me, I had to play the game really well and walk that tight line as a successful corporate black man. There was a level of subtlety and arrogance that this role called for which I’m not accustomed to in day to day life.”
When asked about his all-star casting of the movie Binder responded, “if you cast right, the biggest part of your job is done.” Binder says he is heavily involved with the casting of his movies and that he has had the same casting directors since his first movie.
Mackie expresses that this film provided everyone the opportunity to do something they believe in. “When you have someone as amazing as Octavia Spencer and legendary as Kevin Costner, the water can get muddy with egos, but we were just having fun, it was an enjoyable experience.”
Black or White was told as if it is about race but the real issue is socio economic status, which we often confuse in society, however the story does show the importance of love and family. I would encourage everyone to go see this film.
Black or White opens in theaters Friday, Jan. 30th
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