Soul Man: More Than One Way to Lose Your Soul (and Find it?)
The word "soul" has depth. It spans human emotions and catchy tunes. Hollywood has tackled it many times. Let's explore the cinematic world, starting with a movie that stirred debate: Soul Man from 1986.
Soul Man (1986): A Comedy of Errors?
The plot of Soul Man is wild. Mark Watson, a white college student, dreams big. He wants to go to Harvard. But his father won’t pay. So, Mark uses questionable logic. He decides to become Black to get a scholarship. Yes, you read correctly.
Mark applies to Harvard Law as a Black man. He gets accepted and goes full method. He tans his skin, changes his hair, and alters his speech. He believes being a "minority" makes law school easy. The irony is thick.
Predictably, Mark faces racism. Surprising, right? He also falls in love with Sarah Walker. She’s a Black student, played by Rae Dawn Chong. Cue guilt and deceit. It’s labeled a comedy, but the humor has not aged well.
C. Thomas Howell later expressed regret about the film. He realized it was offensive. Soul Man changed his career, affecting his future roles. It wasn’t in the way anyone hoped. That had to hurt.
Behind the Camera and in Front: C. Thomas Howell
Now, let’s delve into C. Thomas Howell. Did you know that 'C' stands for Christopher? His full name is Christopher Thomas Howell. His father, Chris Howell, is a stunt coordinator. There’s talent in that family.
Howell starred in The Outsiders at 16. Teenage fame was a challenge, yet he managed. After Soul Man, he remained in films. However, leading roles became scarce. The man is versatile, though. He is now a singer-songwriter.
Lights, Camera, Location!
Soul Man takes place in Royal Oak, Michigan. Yet, filming happened in New York City. The magic of movies means locations can differ from reality.
The Original "Soul Man" and "Soul Men" (with an "e"!)
Let’s honor the original soul men: Sam & Dave. Their song "Soul Man" is a classic from 1967. It was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. They crafted tunes that resonate long after.
In 2008, a film called Soul Men came out. This time, it had an "e." This also was linked to Stax Records. Isaac Hayes had a supporting role. Sadly, both Hayes and Bernie Mac died before its release. Life is often ironic.
Sam Moore of Sam & Dave claimed copyright issues. He argued that Soul Men copied their story, the duo’s conflict, and their signature song. Hollywood drama exists off-screen as well.
Where to Catch the "Soul" Train (Movies, That Is)
Want to watch Soul Man (1986)? It’s streaming on Tubi for free. For a different "soul," check out Pixar's Soul (2020). It’s on Disney Plus and available for rent on other platforms. Quite the difference in cinematic stories.
Pixar's "Soul": A Different Kind of Soul Story
Now, let’s shift to Pixar's Soul. This film contrasts starkly with the 1986 comedy. It offers thoughtful insights on life and purpose.
Inspiration from the Real World
Believe it or not, Soul was based on Dr. Peter Archer, a retired music teacher. Talk about reality influencing art! Kemp Powers co-directed and added his perspective as a Black man. Their stories enriched the movie.
Groundbreaking Animation
Soul was significant for Pixar. It featured their first Black lead character. Representation matters in storytelling and culture.
Setting the Scene in the Big Apple
Like Soul Man (1986), Pixar’s Soul is set in New York City. Filmmakers chose this recognizable location. Even fantastic tales need roots in reality.
Sam & Dave: The Original Soul Men
Let’s return to Sam & Dave, the original "Soul Men." Samuel Moore and David Prater rose to fame in soul and R&B. Sam is the still-living member and continues to represent their legacy. Sadly, Dave Prater died at fifty.
A Partnership Forged in Soul
Sam & Dave were active in music from 1961 to 1981. They created an experience with their dynamic presence and vocals. Recently, the music world lost Sam Moore at 89. His legacy as a soul great endures.
The Inevitable Split
Like many music partnerships, Sam & Dave faced challenges. They split in June 1970. Sam wanted a solo career, while Dave simplified it, saying Sam pursued his own path. Their duo ended, but their music lives on.
Soul Music: The Genre That Moves You
Let’s discuss soul music more broadly. Emerging in the late 1950s and early 1960s, soul is a cultural phenomenon. It blends gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B for a powerful mix.
Catch the Rhythm
Soul music is all about feeling and rhythm. Catchy beats and handclaps urge you to dance. It’s lively and engaging music that resonates.
Legends and Labels
Think of Stax Records and Atlantic Records when discussing soul. Artists like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding were pivotal. They shaped soul music with raw emotion. Wilson Pickett added grit and energy to the genre.
Black Music Roots
Soul music is rooted in African-American culture. It expresses joy and pain from the Black experience. This genre is vital in the tapestry of Black music.
C. Thomas Howell: Soulful Career Trajectory
Returning to C. Thomas Howell, let’s reflect on his career. His early role in The Outsiders showed talent. Then came Soul Man, which shifted his trajectory significantly.
Man. It stirred up debate. It put him in a hot spotlight.
Soul Man's Impact
Soul Man had issues. Yet, it changed Howell's career. It limited his roles in big films, but he kept working. He became a character actor, staying active in the industry. He also explored his music talents.
Soulful Side Notes
Before ending, some soulful facts. Black music thrives in many forms. It includes blues, gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop. Black artists also shaped country music. That shows wide influence on genres!
For a philosophical view, Thomas Aquinas said the soul is "tota in toto corpore." His idea states the soul exists fully in each body part. These thoughts connect deeply to a feeling-based genre.
So here it is. "Soul" spans movies, music, and philosophy. It holds weight, history, and emotion. Think about Soul Man (1986), Pixar's Soul, or the timeless hits of Sam & Dave and soul music. There’s so much to discover. Go on, find your soul.
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