Notes from the Field

This is nothing more than the cynical attempt of a D-list actress to profit from various social issues. If it wasn't a one person show I would take it seriously, and might even believe that the intentions behind it were sincere, but as it is I think this was done to bolster Anna Deavere Smith's brand rather than out of a genuine desire to affect a positive change, or to bring awareness to issues.There are SO MANY talented artists who could have made a meaningful contribution through this as well, that it honestly reeks of narcissistic self-indulgence on the part of Smith to perform it solo.

I will never understand why people in the entertainment industry insist that people should listen to anything they have to say. Right or Wrong, These are people that Sing and Lie. Things that most children do and these people make a life out of it. Same goes for athletes. Its fine if you want to put your two cents in about how a ball is affected by the wind or how Sleeping around helps the vocal cords. What these people have to say on real issues that real people deal with day in and day out. Like they have the first clue on what its like to live anywhere other than LA-LA-LAND. Get on stage and do your little song, belt out that monologue you have been practicing in the mirror all week. Outside of that you can crawl back on that tumor you been sucking on and shut the hell up. Sold their souls to get rich now they think they have the answer to everything. Let the people that have more than a professional ability to lie for a living figure things out. From what I see Actors only make things worse when they try the PSA thing. They get actors to do this stuff BECAUSE THEY NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN SELL A LIE.

Written by and starring Anna Deavere Smith, who wrote also wrote and starred in the Off Broadway New York Play, which the movie is adapted from. Anna is usually a supporting actor on film but a very accomplished actress on stage.

Although the focus is about the 17 presentations discussing racism, inequality, the justice system, the prison system, and a whole lot more I really felt it was more about Anna getting the chance to show her amazing range and it begs the question why hasn't she had the chance for a lead role in a great move before.

I would bet we will be seeing more of her in bigger roles soon.

In fact the data show stronger policing, and longer sentences for criminals, results in more opportunity, and more class mobility for people in violent and impoverished urban neighborhoods. The data also confirm that crime, with minority victims, INCREASES with any reduction in policing and arrest/imprisonment rates of criminals from those neighborhoods.

As far as Freddy Gray, this film was made before all the police were acquitted of the ridiculous charges -- and acquitted by juries that were mostly African American.

I was disturbed by the use of the term "paddy wagon" throughout the film, particularly in the recounting of Freddie Gray's ordeal. This term is very derogatory to people of Irish descent and should not be used EVER. I think the actor thought it meant the police vehicle was "padded." A very ignorant assumption. Do your homework and show some respect for other cultures!