Beyond Trauma: The Audience Fatigue Behind "The Color Purple" Underperformance
By Odessa Graves // Opinion // EEW Magazine Online
The 2023 reincarnation of The Color Purple is a departure from Alice Walker's Pulitzer-winning novel and its 1985 adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg. Above, Sofia (Danielle Brooks) and Celie (Fantasia Barrino) in the new film. (Credit: Eli Adé/Warner Bros. Pictures)
In a cinematic landscape where representation matters more than ever, the stories we choose to tell are as significant as the voices we amplify. While film has long been a medium for exploring the complexities of the Black experience, a growing chorus of voices within the African American community is calling for a shift away from narratives steeped in trauma and suffering.
In this article, EEW Magazine Online examines the underwhelming box office performance of the latest adaptation of "The Color Purple" as a case study in audience fatigue and a call to action for storytellers to embrace the full spectrum of Black life.
Diminishing Returns on Trauma Narratives
For decades, Hollywood has produced films that focus on the pain and struggle of Black characters, often against the backdrop of slavery, segregation, and racial violence. These stories, while important, have saturated our screens to the point of desensitization. In recent years, Black audiences have expressed a desire for narratives that go beyond historical wounds to celebrate Black joy, resilience, and creativity. This sentiment is reflected in the media, with outlets like USA Today and The Guardian discussing the fatigue with trauma narratives and the desire for change.
The Color Purple: A Cultural Milestone Yet a Box Office Disappointment
"The Color Purple," based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg's acclaimed 1985 film, is a landmark piece of African American culture. However, its latest cinematic iteration did not resonate with audiences as expected. This lack of enthusiasm can be attributed in part to the film's heavy emphasis on the traumatic experiences of its protagonist, which, while powerfully conveyed, feels increasingly out of step with the current mood of its target audience. According to a Forbes piece, allegations of low pay and poor working conditions during the film's production have also cast a shadow over its release, potentially affecting its reception.
Danielle Brooks is nominated for a 2024 Oscar Award for her portrayal of Sofia in “The Color Purple” remake. (Credit: Ser Baffo)
The Call for Diverse and Uplifting Stories
Scholars and critics alike have noted the psychological toll that constant exposure to trauma can take on an audience. As such, there is a growing appetite for content that uplifts and empowers, reflecting not only the struggles but also the triumphs and everyday lives of Black communities. Films like "Black Panther" and "Hidden Figures" have demonstrated that there is a robust market for stories that inspire and entertain while still engaging with the cultural and social realities of Black existence. Sources like Media Culture emphasize the need for genuine portrayals that reflect the diverse experiences within the Black community.
Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.” (Credit: Ser Baffo)
Learning from the Underperformance
The underperformance of "The Color Purple" is not just a box office story; it is a narrative about narrative itself. It serves as a reminder to creators and studios that Black audiences are not a monolith and that the richness of Black stories cannot be confined to tales of suffering. The reaction to trauma films, as discussed by VICE and Northwestern, indicates a disconnect between the media's anti-racist intentions and the preferences of Black audiences, along with the potential for re-traumatization.
It is important to note that a call for a more diverse portrayal of Black life in film is not a rejection of our history but an embrace of our future. While acknowledging the critical role that movies depicting Black trauma have played in educating and informing, it is time for the film industry to listen to its audience and diversify the stories it tells.
The underwhelming response to "The Color Purple" is not an indictment of the film's quality but a message that audiences are ready to turn the page. As we move forward, let us champion narratives that honor the fullness of Black humanity, celebrating our joys as loudly as we have mourned our sorrows.
