Soul Man

Soul Man is a provocative comedy-drama film, directed by Steve Miner, that was released in 1986. The movie tells the thought-provoking story of Mark Watson (C. Thomas Howell), a privileged, Harvard-bound young man who, after his wealthy father refuses to pay for his tuition, resorts to an extreme action in order to secure a scholarship made available to African-American students only. Beyond simply being a comedy, Soul Man presents a satirical take on racial issues and societal norms in American culture.

The opening sequence introduces us to Mark Watson, a spoilt, affluent young man whose life is flipped upside down when his father declares he won’t be footing the bill for his Harvard Law education. Mark, accustomed to a life of privilege, is left in shock and desperate to find a means to continue his education. To this effect, the creative premise of this movie’s narrative finds Mark resorting to desperate measures, taking an overdose of tanning pills to darken his skin and applying for the scholarship meant for African-American students.

C. Thomas Howell delivers a highly engaging performance in the central role of Mark Watson. He takes on the challenge of portraying a character whose deeply flawed decision to resort to exploiting his skin color for personal gain soon results in a deeply personal transformation. Howell’s portrayal captures not only the comedic situations his character finds himself in but also imparts a serious reflection on the consequences of his choice.

Opposite Howell, Rae Dawn Chong puts in a strong performance as Sarah Walker, a law student of color who forms a bond with Watson. The dynamic between Chong and Howell becomes a central plot point, with Sarah providing a stark contrast to Mark’s initial ignorance of the realities of life for non-white Americans. Sarah's character also encourages audience reflection on the issues of racial identity and privilege.

In addition, Arye Gross plays the role of Mark's friend and roommate, Gordon Bloomfeld. He acts as a mirror for Mark during the course of his life-changing journey. Their relationship adds another layer to Mark's character development, revealing the nuanced complexities of racial stereotypes and biases in the heart of American society.

The plot unfolds as Watson tries to balance his transformed social identity with his personal ambitions. As Mark navigates his new life at Harvard, the narrative reveals not only his struggles but also his profound realizations about the pervasive racial biases and stereotypes that he, too, was once guilty of perpetuating.

Soul Man is not just a comedic flick but a social satire. It attempts to bring to light the often overlooked racial prejudices deeply ingrained in society while simultaneously exploring themes of privilege and racial discrimination. The film seamlessly uses comedy to deliver its social commentary, resulting in a thought-provoking satire that invites viewers to reassess their attitudes toward race and privilege.

Despite the plot's controversial premise, the film takes the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and prejudices about race while sparking conversations on racial discrimination. Instead of presenting a feel-good narrative, Soul Man could be seen as a wake-up call to audiences about the subtle presence of racism and the impacts of privilege in our society.

The environment of the prestigious Harvard Law School grounds adds an intellectual feel to the film, which subtly emphasizes the educational and societal disparity that can exist for people of different racial backgrounds. The contrast between Mark’s old privileged life and his new existence underscores the stark reality of racial inequality.

As Soul Man's provocative narrative unfolds, it strives to encourage audiences to think critically about their inherited biases and prejudices, delivering not just laughter, but insightful commentary on societal issues that continue to resonate even years after its release. The movie serves as a bold and daring examination of racial issues and is sure to instigate deeply needed conversations on these themes. While certain viewers may find the premise questionable, Soul Man's intention to catalyze discussions about racial equality and privilege is undeniable.