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RaMell Ross explains why Nickel Boys refuses to “revel” in trauma

RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys” Film Offers a Visceral Look at Trauma, Avoiding Exploitation

RaMell Ross’s film adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel "Nickel Boys" tells the horrific story of the Dozier School for Boys, a reform school in Florida with a dark history of abuse and murder. Instead of focusing on the brutality, Ross takes a unique approach to portraying the trauma experienced by the characters.

Impact: This film affects anyone interested in stories about racial injustice, historical trauma, and the power of art to shed light on difficult subjects. It also has particular relevance for those familiar with Colson Whitehead’s work and the history of the Dozier School.

Context: Ross’s approach stands in contrast to the often exploitative nature of films dealing with trauma. He chooses to focus on the psychological impact of abuse, using innovative techniques like showing the characters’ perspectives and incorporating archival images of the real victims. This artistic choice creates a powerful and disturbing experience for the viewer, forcing them to confront the reality of the Dozier School’s atrocities without resorting to gratuitous violence.

Further Considerations:

  • The film highlights the importance of memory and testimony in dealing with historical trauma.
  • Ross’s filmmaking style challenges conventional approaches to depicting violence onscreen, offering a more nuanced and impactful way of engaging with difficult subject matter.
  • "Nickel Boys," along with Ross’s previous work, contributes to a growing body of art that aims to tell authentic stories about the Black experience in America.

"Nickel Boys" had a limited theatrical release on October 25th and is available for streaming on Prime Video. It is a must-watch for those seeking powerful storytelling that grapples with complex issues in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.

Author Bio
Content Creator | @hitomidocameraroll

I'm Annelise, a film lover and pop culture obsessive sharing my thoughts on movies, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram. Follow along for film reviews, book recommendations, and a healthy dose of geeking out over all things pop culture.

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