South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin wouldn’t be South by Southwest without all the amazing film screenings. One of these film screenings that really stood out to me was, “The Dutchman.” It premiered on March 8th at the Paramount theater, and it quickly rose the ranks to a must-see. Based on the acclaimed stage play, “Dutchman” by Amira Baraka, previously known as Everett LeRoi Jones, this film explores the race relations and power dynamics of modern-day New York through the tense environment that psychological thrillers embody.
The original “Dutchman” was released 1964, filled with racial tensions of Civil Rights Movement and exploring the interactions between the main character, Clay, a young black man, and an older white woman, Lula, as they share a subway ride in New York City. The name is reminiscent of the myth of the “Flying Dutchman,” filled with the symbolism attributed to the myth— that haunting feeling of inescapability.
This modern adaption of the play with the additional “The” was directed by a friend of mine, Andre Gaines, known for his work as a producer of the reboot of Stephen King’s “Children of the Corn” and the Emmy nominated “The One and Only Dick Gregory.” Gaines is making the jump to directing with “The Dutchman” as his directorial debut among the feature film categories. Andre Holland and Kate Mara are the stars of this film, bring new life to the well-known characters of Clay and Lula, giving us a phenomenal performance and making the characters their own.
Without giving too much away, “The Dutchman” is a must-see because of its powerful messages and its relevance in today’s conversations about race. The story takes place in the background of a complex marriage where Clay and his wife, Kaya, are getting marriage counseling. His time with the therapist leads Clay to embark on a journey of self-discovery while dealing with his mental health. During this time, he finds himself meeting Lula and getting stuck in her game of seduction, keeping the audience on their toes as they watch the psychological thriller unfold.
Overall, “The Dutchman” is an amazing film that brings to light relevant racial conversations while bringing a new, modern twist to an award-winning play from such a pivotal point in American history.
News Story by our Entertainment Today TV News Reporters: Nina Ameri and Jennifer Hutchins.
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