The Slanted Screen Documentary Now Available Online for Free

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36q95lsMQvI

Back in 2006, the documentary The Slanted Screen debuted, which by the documentary’s own website’s words:

“… explores the portrayals of Asian men in American cinema, chronicling the experiences of actors who have had to struggle against ethnic stereotyping and limiting roles. The film presents a critical examination of Hollywood’s image-making machine, through a fascinating parade of 50 film clips spanning a century.”

I have a copy of the DVD, but the documentary is now available online for free on YouTube in four 15-minute parts. I remember first seeing the documentary and being amazed at the history of blatant Hollywood racism preserved in media after and despite of Sessue Hayakawa’s breakthrough roles in silent films . I have to think that this documentary is required watching in any standard Asian American Studies curriculum or class.

The documentary highlights many movies, characters, and Asian American male actors and filmmakers I or others on 8Asians have blogged about, including Sixteen Candles, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Long Duk Dong, Bruce Lee, Justin Lin, Will Yun Lee, and topics such as ‘Yellow Face‘. When you get a chance, you should check out the documentary. It’s pretty eye opening. There other three parts after the fold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LsHt9zIflI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFpwypkVBQk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msQRgIC6aUY