The year is 1997. A typical year for some, but not for Theodore Witcher. This is the year he would write and direct the timeless classic, Love Jones.
Love Jones evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time many, especially Gen-Zers, have never experienced. How can one feel nostalgia for a time they’ve never lived? The power of film makes it possible. Here we are, 27 years later, and the film holds up tremendously. This isn't true for all '90s films, but Love Jones stands out as a cult favorite for many reasons. The plot, fashion, poetry, and the dynamics of life are just a few elements that contribute to the greatness of this film. Therefore, it deserves a thorough analysis.
The film is a love story between two black creatives (portrayed by Larenz Tate and Nia Long) living in Chicago. The opening scene welcomes you into the film with open arms. The film kicks off with Dionne Farris’ “Hopeless” and the first verse of the song starts with “Hello, mornin”. Dionne is welcoming us into the film. Remember, we are breaking down the film as if it is our first watch and we know nothing about the plot. The scene captures the urban, black streets of Chicago in black and white. Black and white is a creative choice for the director as it adds a layer of reminiscence. We are going to keep returning to the nostalgia piece as it is a reoccurring theme within the film. We are being taken through the streets of Chicago through the film camera lens. The featured faces belonged to people who had their own lives full of untold stories. A photo can say a lot of things; therefore, the montage gives us viewers the opportunity to create one for them. The places and faces are depictions of the time and how things change. From the hairstyles, to the clothes, to the record stores and the costs of goods, the intro to this film shows us the importance of capturing moments in time. We are being offered more than a love story here; we are being offered the black experience.
The opening montage concludes with a daydream from Nia Long’s character, Nina, as she is remembering someone once she loved. The plot immediately begins developing by setting the scene. The scene captures Nina, a photographer, packing up equipment and moving out of her place. Nia Long’s co-star, Larenz Tate, stars as Darius Lovehall, an aspiring author who is navigating the changes of life as well. It is apparent that a new beginning is on the way.
We get a first-hand look at the lives of these two characters as they navigate life, dreams, and love. Both had a passion for the arts and actively sought opportunities to make their dreams a reality. Nina was a photographer who dreamed of working with high-end fashion magazines. Her path was not linear and the film captured the highs and lows of trying to make it. Darius was an outstanding poet who channeled his talents into writing with the hopes of publishing his own book. We can learn a lot from these characters. Their experiences show us that perseverance is the key to success, whether in love or in one’s career. It also shows that the first-world problems of life can be navigated successfully, no matter how challenging they may seem.
Just as one can learn from any experience, life lessons can be found through the lens of the film and out of the characters’ mouthes. Thanks to the excellent writing of the screenwriter, Love Jones is filled with notable quotes and unforgettable lines. Here are a few personal favorites:
“Romance is about the possibility of the thing…”- Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate)
“And right now I am the blues in your left thigh… trying to become the funk in your right…” - Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate)
“The goal of an artist is to create a definitive work that cannot be surpassed.”
-George Bernard Shaw
The simple mentioning of Gordon Parks, American photographer and composer.
“I love you… That’s urgent like a mother-f*****.” - Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate)
Nia Long’s iconic looks in this film are important. For starters, the 90s was known for celebrating natural beauty, and who better to showcase this than Nina Long. The looks that Nia produced in this film are still impactful today. Let’s break them down one by one.
The Hair: The jet black bob was the star. This hairstyle was effortless and mature, making the statement, “I never have to do too much.” She even sported hats and bandanas to spice things up.
The Makeup: Throughout the film’s entirety, we are exposed to makeup looks that are staples to this day. Nia is seen with a brown lip and one can assume this is done by using black or brown liner and topped with a brown lipstick. Timeless. She is also seen with a sort of metallic, silver lip, in which one can assume came straight out of MAC Cosmetics. The red lip had its moments as well. All looks were subtle yet poignant.
The Outfits: From the leather jackets to the flannels, Nia’s wardrobe epitomized the simplicity of '90s fashion. Let’s not forget about the high-rise jeans.
The power of friendship is one of the biggest highlights from the film. We see these characters navigate life’s challenges and it is made easier because of their friendships. Several times throughout the film, we see Sheila (played by Bernadette L. Clark), the token single girlfriend of the group, hold her guy friends accountable. Her utter disappointment was enough to put the guys in check and make them reflect on their decisions. Often times we seek validation through others. This makes us secure enough to make choices and we see this throughout the film as well.
Single or taken, it is important to have a village, a place where one can feel safe. Not to mention, this film came out in the days before social media and cellphones. The friendships in this film were pure and authentic without the constant distraction of cellphones. People were forced to mingle and enjoy each other’s company. These are moments we will never get back.
We cannot talk about this film without mentioning the element of romance. This movie illustrates pre-21st century romance. One could say its ancient history. The relationship was raw. We saw these characters break-up and make-up just to do it all over again. We saw Darius persevere to win the woman of his dreams. That man showed up at Nina’s doorstep unannounced with an Isley Brothers’ CD. A little much, but perseverance nonetheless. The efforts he put in and the poetry he wrote would make almost any woman fold. Some women go their whole lives without experiencing this kind of courting. There were at least two scenes in the film where the two characters went out for a night of dancing. This kind of energy is dead, faneto. No one dances anymore. Girls dance on one another and men just hold up the wall. The elements of romance within this film should be in history books. This makes Love Jones important.
Last but certainly not least, let’s get into the movie’s soundtrack. The soundtrack contains hits from favorites such as Lauryn Hill, Groove Theory, Xscape, Maxwell, and many more. The replay value is heavy. Beginning the film with Dionne Farris and ending it with Lauryn Hill was pure genius. The soundtrack is R&B/Soul at its best.
In conclusion, Love Jones evokes a unique nostalgia, demonstrating its ability to transcend generations. After 27 years, it still holds up, distinguished by its compelling plot, timeless fashion, and unforgettable poetry. These elements contribute to its lasting greatness, making it important.