After watching the ending of Amiri Baraka’s Dutchman in class, I wanted to further explore Clay and Lula as symbols of black and white America. The following shot by shot analysis looks at the ways in which camera angles and mise en scène (everything in front of the camera) interact with the dialogue, and ultimately advance this duality…
A. “They’ll murder you, and have very rational explanations. Very much like your own.”
In his final speech, Clay warns Lula that the day will arrive when black America will turn to a forceful/violent response after centuries of being victims of murder. The silver/white appearing subway pole slices through the image in a jarring fashion. The way the pole intrudes on the image seems to undercut his message and foretell that he is Lula/white America’s next victim.
