Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart (2017)

In the ending of "Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart," the film culminates in a reflection on Lorraine Hansberry's legacy and the impact of her work, particularly "A Raisin in the Sun." The film concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of her struggles and triumphs as a playwright and activist, emphasizing her contributions to American theater and civil rights.

As the film progresses toward its conclusion, it revisits key moments from Hansberry's life, showcasing her determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The narrative highlights her battles against racism, sexism, and her own health struggles, culminating in her untimely death at the age of 34. The final scenes are interspersed with interviews and reflections from those who knew her, illustrating the profound influence she had on future generations of artists and activists.

The film closes with a sense of hope and inspiration, as it underscores the importance of Hansberry's voice in the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

As the film "Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart" approaches its conclusion, the narrative unfolds with a series of reflective scenes that encapsulate the essence of Lorraine Hansberry's life and work.

The first scene in this concluding segment revisits the powerful impact of "A Raisin in the Sun." Clips from the original production and subsequent adaptations are interspersed with commentary from actors and directors who have been influenced by Hansberry's writing. Their voices resonate with admiration and respect, emphasizing how her work opened doors for African American narratives in theater. The camera captures the emotional weight of these reflections, with close-ups of the interviewees' faces revealing their deep connection to Hansberry's themes of aspiration and struggle.

Next, the film shifts to a more personal lens, showcasing archival footage of Hansberry herself. In these clips, she speaks passionately about her experiences as a Black woman in America, her commitment to social justice, and her desire to challenge the status quo. The viewer can see the fire in her eyes, a testament to her unwavering spirit. This segment is underscored by a haunting score that evokes both sorrow and inspiration, mirroring the complexities of her journey.

As the narrative progresses, the film delves into Hansberry's health struggles, revealing her battle with pancreatic cancer. The tone becomes somber as it depicts her declining health, yet it also highlights her resilience. Even in her final days, Hansberry is shown engaging with her work, writing and advocating for the causes she believed in. The juxtaposition of her physical frailty against her indomitable spirit serves to illustrate her profound dedication to her craft and her community.

In the final scenes, the film transitions to a montage of her legacy. Images of protests, theater productions, and educational initiatives inspired by her work flash across the screen. The voices of contemporary artists and activists echo her sentiments, affirming that her influence continues to resonate. The camera pans over a diverse group of people, young and old, who are inspired by her message of hope and resilience. This visual representation of her impact serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

The film concludes with a poignant reflection on Hansberry's life, emphasizing that although she passed away at a young age, her voice remains a vital part of the cultural landscape. The final shot lingers on a quote from Hansberry, encapsulating her vision for a better world. The screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a sense of both loss and inspiration, a testament to the enduring power of her words and the importance of continuing her fight for justice.

In summary, the ending of "Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart" encapsulates the essence of Hansberry's life, her struggles, and her lasting impact on society, leaving viewers with a profound appreciation for her contributions and a call to action to carry her legacy forward.

The film "Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart" does not contain a post-credit scene. The documentary concludes with a powerful reflection on Hansberry's legacy and the impact of her work, particularly her groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun." The film wraps up by emphasizing her contributions to literature and civil rights, leaving the audience with a sense of her enduring influence rather than a specific scene after the credits.

Lorraine Hansberry was deeply influenced by her own experiences growing up in a racially segregated Chicago. The struggles of her family, particularly her father's fight against housing discrimination, fueled her desire to address issues of race, identity, and the American Dream in her work. This personal connection to the themes of the play is evident in the characters' aspirations and conflicts.

Hansberry's upbringing in a middle-class African American family exposed her to both the privileges and the challenges of her race. Her father's legal battles against discriminatory housing practices and her mother's strong values instilled in her a sense of social justice. These experiences shaped her worldview and inspired her to write about the complexities of African American life, particularly in A Raisin in the Sun.

Lorraine Hansberry's sexuality as a queer woman is explored in the documentary, highlighting how it intersected with her identity as a Black woman and influenced her writing. Her relationships with women and her experiences in the LGBTQ+ community informed her perspectives on love, identity, and societal expectations, which are subtly woven into her characters and narratives.

Hansberry's work, particularly A Raisin in the Sun, resonated with the Civil Rights Movement by articulating the struggles of African Americans for equality and justice. The play's themes of aspiration, dignity, and the fight against systemic racism inspired activists and provided a cultural touchstone for the movement, emphasizing the importance of representation and the fight for civil rights.

As a Black female playwright in the 1950s, Hansberry faced significant challenges, including racial and gender discrimination in a predominantly white male theater industry. She struggled to have her voice heard and her stories told, often battling stereotypes and expectations placed on her as a Black woman. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, becoming the first Black woman to have a play produced on Broadway, which was a monumental achievement.

"Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart" is a documentary that explores the life and work of playwright Lorraine Hansberry, particularly focusing on her groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun." While the film is primarily educational and celebrates Hansberry's contributions to literature and civil rights, it does contain some themes and scenes that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Racial Discrimination: The film discusses the harsh realities of racism and segregation that Hansberry faced, which may be distressing for younger audiences. There are depictions of systemic racism and personal accounts of discrimination.

2. Personal Struggles: The documentary delves into Hansberry's personal life, including her struggles with identity, sexuality, and her experiences as a Black woman in a predominantly white society. These themes may be complex and challenging for younger viewers to fully understand.

3. Emotional Turmoil: There are moments that reflect Hansberry's emotional struggles, including her battles with depression and the impact of her work on her personal relationships. These scenes may evoke strong emotions and could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

4. Historical Context: The film includes discussions of historical events related to civil rights, which may include references to violence and injustice that could be unsettling for some audiences.

Overall, while the film is a significant cultural and historical piece, it addresses serious themes that may require parental guidance for younger viewers.