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Watermelon Woman
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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786304850848
Format: Color, NTSC
ISBN: 6304850840
Label: First Run Features
Languages: English (Original Language), Analog
Manufacturer: First Run Features
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: First Run Features
Release Date: November 16, 1999
Running Time: 85 minutes
Studio: First Run Features
Theatrical Release Date: March 05, 1997
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Editorial Review:
Cheryl Dunye has transcended the usual pitfalls that pockmark most lesbian-themed movies: specifically, the usual angst and suffering that occur when the gay gal falls for a heterosexual friend. The Watermelon Woman is more a cultural document, addressing speculative sociological gay history themes with an interesting and engaging cover story about a video store clerk named Cheryl (played by Dunye) who, in her research for a movie, comes across an old-time black actress simply called "the watermelon woman" and becomes obsessed with her persona. In the process, Cheryl finds herself embroiled in a relationship that parallels that of her icon.
What makes The Watermelon Woman special is its layered story line and its willingness to present its characters as comically flawed. Dunye also creates an aura of mystique around the enigmatic watermelon woman, and her life and tribulations become fascinating to the viewer. Even Camille Paglia shows up to make commentary about the "actress," and while the story-within-a-story concept is tricky, the power and purpose of the movie emerges, and the character becomes as fascinating as if she were flesh and blood. --Paula Nechak
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - you just don't want to part with this film..
Was it Jamaica Kincaid who said that there are books you just can't part with? That you just have to take them with you after you read them at, for instance, a library? (Well, whoever it was, was she justifying book thefts? I like to think so, for I understand such a quick and strong 'attraction' to certain books myself. There really are books that you can't part with.)
The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. ... Read More
Rating:  - Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...
This movie is the story of a woman that wishes to become a film-maker. She becomes obsessed with an actress from the 30's - and begins searching for information on her, and films a documentary in the process. Soon, the lead's love life begins paralleling the actress that she is researching.
This film can be viewed on several levels... as a (lesbian) love story... a romantic comedy, if you will. It can be viewed as a story about African American women finding their place in an urban society. ... Read More
Rating: - Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity
The best films inform and enlighten as well as entertain. Cheryl Dunye's debut feature, WATERMELON WOMAN does just that. It takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into one black woman's life as she searches for a lesbian role model. She finds her in the form of a mysterious figure known only as the "Watermelon Woman." Utilizing a light-hearted, documentary style approach, Dunye (who also stars in the film) has crafted an intelligent and entertaining film that will resonate with ... Read More
Rating: - A Trip Out Film!
This Film is very Creative&Eye-Opening.it Shows The World&Lives of Lesbian Women.it deals with Race,Sex&Class Issues.i happen to catch it on B.E.T Starz's&it kept my attention.it showed the flaws of The Women&everyday struggles&Battles they went thru.I wish HBO,Showtime,etc...would also show this film for a wider audience.because this Film Balance's out alot of things.it's a trip out film!
Rating: - This is a wonderfully creative film with a great storyline.
This movie was so creative that I've been searching for a copy of it. It was just great. The excellent story shows what an endless imagination Cheryl Dunne has.
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