Paul Laurence Dunbar (A. Slate) is known for his ability to manipulate the written and spoken word and bring to life sentiment that can often be difficult to express. Paul Laurence Dunbar: An American Poet elaborates on Dunbar’s role in American history and allows audiences to see his importance in the fight for equality in the early 1900’s. During a conversation with Dayton, Ohio’s Mayor, Charles D. Snyder (Timothy J. Cox), it becomes clear the immense pain and suffering that America had experienced even after the time of slavery. It is brought to light that Dunbar is unwilling to settle, and he will refuse to rest until equality is achieved.
Paul Laurence Dunbar--it seems pretty obvious that this historical figure is a man, but writer-director Kane Stratton chose to cast A. Slate, a female, to fill this monumental role. What a bold move! The reality is that this decision could have buried the film and ruined it before it even got started. Sure, years ago men would play nearly every role in stage productions, so why can’t things happen the other way around? Well, both Stratton and Slate prove that it can, and the woman portraying a man can find immense success in doing so. As Paul Laurence Dunbar: An American Poet plays out, Slate shines beautifully, conveying the deep, meaningful emotions that Dunbar would have exuded in a similar situation. As the film began the cynic in me expected it to be difficult to accept Slate, but her ability to quickly transition my way of thinking is a testament to how wonderfully talented she is.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: An American Poet takes place more than one-hundred years ago, but the message that Stratton is attempting to convey couldn’t be more relevant. Over the course of the past year the streets have been littered with individuals fighting for equality. Relevance is key in filmmaking, as a film needs to connect with its audience. Regardless of your point of view on the occurrences of the past year or so, the fact of the matter is that Stratton, Slate, and Cox--with the help of MyJoy Filer (Matilda Dunbar) and Tanner James Brown (Fitzgerald Roe)--are able to bring to light the way in which millions of people around the country feel and bridge the gap between the early twentieth century and 2021.
Viewers are pulled into the intimate situation in which Dunbar and the others face. That comes as a result of the impeccable acting and the simple, but relevant story presented by Stratton. The beautiful cinematography, wonderfully talented actors, and the perfectly relevant story bring together Paul Laurence Dunbar: An American Poet and allow it to succeed. I’m once again impressed by what Cox has to offer, but delighted by what newcomers Slate and Stratton have brought to the table. While Paul Laurence Dunbar: The American Poet is short, it presents the world with meaningful dialogue that works so beautifully because of Slate’s abilities. Playing a character of the opposite gender in your first film could certainly be damning, but Slate’s prowess presents her the opportunity to find success in the future. Everything marries together marvelously to create a touching film about Dunbar, his trials and tribulations, and the current state of the world in which we live. What a beautiful representation of the talented poet’s life and his passion for equality.
Written & Directed by Kane Stratton.
Starring A. Slate, Timothy J. Cox, MyJoy Filer, & Tanner James Brown.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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