I'm probably like every other American, and regrets the fact that he knows exactly where he was when "the verdict" was read. So why view this documentary eight years after the fact? Because that's the time it took us to resonate the "truth" that had there been no O.J. Simpson, there would have been no sense of inequality (nor groans for equality) between black and white Americans. That's right: there was no Civil Rights Movement, there was no Martin Luther King Jr., there was no Rosa Parks. No, there is "black," and there is "white," and there is "O.J.," because the Juice is a part of that equation. Are you offended by this proposition? Perhaps you are, but you needn't be, because of all the names listed above, only O.J. Simpson's story unfolded (and, in many persons' views, also unraveled) on National Television - from appearances on the college field, to commercials, to cameos on TV shows like "Dragnet," to tiny little criminal trials that might have *seemed* like a good idea to get regular civilians interested in how law operates in this country. All the talking heads agree (although none actually say it), we have race relations only because it was good for Simpson's career, and he knew how to use the camera (even in his clumsier "Naked Gun" roles, which, conspicuously, are not mentioned in this hour-long expose).
3 Reviews
Chilling, yet excellent
metalrox_200019 December 2005
HBO provides, without a doubt, some of the best sports documentaries around today. OJ, a Study in black and White, is one of the. As much about the separation of race that exist today, as it is about the case in and of it's self, It also was a great document on how OJ was on top for so long, only to see it fade after his career ended in sad fashion with an absolute horrid San Fransico 49ers team. The show doesn't ask you to judge OJ, nor does it ask you to feel sorry for him. It is one of the best examination on one of the most memorable trails of the late 20th century. Some say his fame bought his freedom, (much like fame would Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis, who was a witness and a participant in a murder that occurred at Super Bowl party, where as OJ was physically seen at the crime, Lewis was both seen at the crime, and reported to have been heard by dozens to have given to death order) The documentary reminded me of that day sitting in creative writing class that day at college, watching the verdict on live TV. It takes powerful film making to bring one back to a certain point, and it makes a powerful moment for one to remember exactly where they were when it happened. One true must for anyone who wishes to see a documentary on OJ Simpson, without his guilt or innocence being forced.
O.J.: A Study in Black & White (2002)
Michael_Elliott24 June 2016
O.J.: A Study in Black & White (2002)
*** (out of 4)
Here's a very good, if somewhat depressing look at race in America and how it has surrounded O.J. Simpson. We learn about his early days at USC where he refused to stand up like Ali and Jim Brown to "black issues" and then we learn how "white America" was willing to accept him into their homes. This here all leads up to the now notorious murder trial where race would once again become a very big issue.
O.J.: A STUDY IN BLACK & WHITE is a very good documentary that manages to show how much racial tension was brought up via the trial and how things really boiled over when the verdict was read. The documentary certainly shows O.J. in a pretty poor light considering many accused him of "acting white" and that he only pretended to like the black community once everyone white turned against him during the trial.
The documentary features some very good interviews with various people of both races who discuss how they saw things during the biggest trial in history.
*** (out of 4)
Here's a very good, if somewhat depressing look at race in America and how it has surrounded O.J. Simpson. We learn about his early days at USC where he refused to stand up like Ali and Jim Brown to "black issues" and then we learn how "white America" was willing to accept him into their homes. This here all leads up to the now notorious murder trial where race would once again become a very big issue.
O.J.: A STUDY IN BLACK & WHITE is a very good documentary that manages to show how much racial tension was brought up via the trial and how things really boiled over when the verdict was read. The documentary certainly shows O.J. in a pretty poor light considering many accused him of "acting white" and that he only pretended to like the black community once everyone white turned against him during the trial.
The documentary features some very good interviews with various people of both races who discuss how they saw things during the biggest trial in history.
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