Film Lens
The Slanted Screen is a documentary film directed by Jeff Adachi that examines the portrayal of East Asian males in American cinema from the silent era to the 21st century. It features interviews with Asian American filmmakers, critics, producers, and actors, and includes film clips that illustrate the stereotypical roles assigned to Asian American men, such as Mr. Moto and Charlie Chan. The film emphasizes the significance of influential Asian actors like Sessue Hayakawa and Bruce Lee in shaping the narrative around Asian representation in Hollywood.
Organized chronologically, the film discusses the evolution of Asian American portrayals in Hollywood, starting from the 1920s and moving into the future. It advocates for more inclusive representation by calling for roles specifically designed for Asian Americans and the inclusion of diverse directors, writers, and executives. The film concludes on a positive note, encouraging young actors to be creative and rebellious, especially with the rise of independent Asian American writers gaining recognition outside the traditional Hollywood system.
Why Watch
- •See interviews with influential Asian American filmmakers.
- •Find out about the impact of Bruce Lee on Hollywood.
- •Meet the stereotypes of Asian American men in film.
Did You Know
•The Slanted Screen premiered on March 19, 2006, at the San Francisco Asian American Film Festival.
•The film won Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film and Video Festival.
•It received the Grand Festival Prize at the Berkeley Film Festival.
•The first screening took place at the Laemmle Fairfax Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12, 2006.
Perfect For
Film history enthusiastsAsian American representationHollywood stereotypes