Pennsylvania State University

Berks Campus

THE ART OF THE CINEMA

Written Film Analysis Paper

Mitchell Hanna

COMM 150

Section 051

April 23, 2008

Heidi Mau

Introduction

Emmitt Perry, Jr., American film director, was born September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His childhood was marked by poverty and physical abuse from his father, and molestation by a neighbor. Perry has since changed his first name to Tyler, because of his troubled relationship with his father (whom he has since forgiven).

Tyler Perry, lacking support growing up from both his family and his community, dropped out of school when he was 16, and suffered depression; attempting suicide twice. At the age of 18, while he was watching The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1992, Perry took the advice that it can be therapeutic to put feelings down on paper, which inspired him to write letters of his painful childhood. These letters eventually became plays (and were later produced into movies).

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His first work became the musical I Know I've Been Changed, which was about adult survivors of child abuse. The show addressed such issues as spousal abuse, drug use, and broken families. Eager to see his first play come to life, Perry saved up $12,000 and moved to Atlanta to launch the show himself. Unfortunately, the musical only drew 30 people for its first weekend run.

A depressed and angry Perry was quickly out of money and was forced to hold down odd jobs (such as a bill collector and used-car salesperson) while trying to regain financial stability. He even found himself homeless for a while, as his mother begged him to find a regular job and stop stage performing altogether.

The ever-determined Perry launched the show again at Atlanta's House of Blues in 1999. This time, the show was...