The “Origin” of Oppression

I left the cinema with so much food for thought, it was so much better than I was expecting it to be. Spellbinding and powerful, Origin is a bold and ambitious film, based on Isabel Wilkerson’s groundbreaking book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Transcending the boundaries of traditional storytelling, this movie delivers a poignant exploration of systemic prejudice and discrimination that has and continues to plague societies across the globe. For a film adapted from a thesis-like novel, Ava DuVernay succeeds in creating a captivating cinematic experience.

Right from the start, Origin grabs your attention and refuses to let go. This biographical film brilliantly combines multiple stories, seamlessly transitioning between historical events and the main character Isabel’s personal narrative. The theatrical outcome is a patchwork of human experiences all tied together by a common thread of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. As Isabel delves into the intricacies of caste systems across different cultures, I was taken on a journey of curiosity and enlightenment. Through her eyes, the story discusses the interconnectedness of humanity, the struggle against oppression, and the unwavering spirit of those who challenge the status quo.

The movie navigates through pivotal moments in history, such as Nazi Germany, the Jim Crow South, and post-independence India, to shed light on the insidious nature of caste systems and their impact on society. Origin humanises the victims of caste-based discrimination, highlighting the connections between the many uncomfortable truths in the systems that uphold prejudice and injustice. Director Ava DuVernay expands on Isabel Wilkerson’s ideas by incorporating her personal stories and experiences, making the complex subject matter of the source material more grounded. In essence, Origin serves as both an adaptation of Wilkerson’s work and a standalone cinematic experience. It offers a visually appealing and emotionally resonant portrayal of the themes and ideas explored in Caste while also bringing new dimensions to the narrative. I was honestly so impressed by how unique yet faithful the film remained to the book, of which I had been listening to the audio version. Through touching performances, stellar cinematography, and thought-provoking dialogue, Origin not only entertains but also provokes introspection.

At the heart of the film is Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s mesmerising performance as Isabel Wilkerson. Ellis-Taylor brings depth and authenticity to the character, effortlessly embodying Wilkerson’s intellectual curiosity and determination amid personal tragedies. As Wilkerson embarks on a journey of discovery and loss, Ellis-Taylor navigates the emotional complexities of the role with grace and nuance.

Origin is definitely a testament to Ava DuVernay’s visionary storytelling style. Through her direction, DuVernay transforms Isabel Wilkerson’s complex thesis into a fantastic film. From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the quiet corners of post-war Germany, each scene is beautifully crafted, depicting the various eras and settings. I was drawn into Isabel Wilkerson’s world with unparalleled authenticity as she uncovered the link between widespread social hierarchies.

Cinematography

The cinematography and filming process behind the film reflects the ambitious nature of adapting a complicated book to the screen; I personally loved the visual style and editing. The book’s extensive scope of historical events, personal narratives and sociopolitical analysis definitely presents itself as a challenge. Ava DuVernay’s focus on the intimate human relationships embedded within the book’s scholarly framework made the film an enjoyable feature with historical context as well as individual character study.

Love and loss are explored through stirring cinematography, whether it is the tender moments between Isabel and her husband Brett, or the heartbreaking scenes of grief as Isabel deals with the losses of her husband, mother, and cousin. Each frame is imbued with emotion, conveying the profound impact of loss on the human spirit. The intercutting of flashback scenes from bygone eras further emphasises the nature of resilience amidst hardship. Through close-ups and intimate shots, the film showcases the individual humanity of people affected by oppression, effectively conveying the devastating toll of dehumanisation.

Shot on 16mm film, I did quite like the grainy look as it added a sense of nostalgia to the visuals, grounding the narrative in a raw, tactile reality. From the tranquil streets of suburban America to the depths of Nazi Germany, my journey with the characters was engrossing. One notable depiction in the film features the young Al Bright, a black boy back in 1951, who was denied entry to a segregated pool. Forced to sit alone on the other side of a fence while his white teammates had fun in the water, this scene powerfully illustrates the insidious nature of discrimination, as Al is ostracised simply because of his race. Similarly, the depiction of a couple in Nazi Germany, torn apart as the Jewish woman is whisked away to a concentration camp, is a haunting representation of the dehumanising effects of systemic oppression. Another striking sequence showcases the infamous Nazi book burning in Germany, which was both vivid and chilling in its enactment of such lengths of censorship and the suppression of knowledge.

In addition to the visuals, the decision to prioritise authenticity in casting also played a role in the film’s attention to detail. Non-professional actors, such as Dalit scholar Suraj Yengde portraying himself, brought a level of authenticity to the storytelling.

The Book & Wilkerson’s Analysis

Wilkerson’s book is a sprawling exploration of social hierarchies throughout history, spanning nearly 500 pages and delving into various anecdotes from disparate corners of the globe. I actually decided to listen to the audiobook before watching the film yesterday; however, I am now very keen to purchase the book as I found the film so moving.

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, published in 2020, presents a compelling examination of how caste systems, often associated with India, have manifested in different forms. Wilkerson’s book draws on extensive research and anecdotes to illuminate the parallels between caste systems and other forms of social stratification, such as race and class hierarchies. The historical analysis, sociological insights, and personal narratives are certainly profound while also serving as a powerful call to action to confront discomfort and challenge injustice.

A caste system, according to Wilkerson, is upheld by eight fundamental pillars: divine will, heritability, endogamy, purity and pollution, occupational hierarchy, dehumanisation and stigma, terror and cruelty, and inherent superiority and inferiority. This system typically emerges when a privileged upper class, often of a single race or ethnicity, seeks to maintain its social and economic dominance amidst potential upheaval or economic downturns. Through strict regulations, lower-class individuals are trapped in cycles of poverty and oppression. The upper caste is revered by society at large, exacerbating psychological warfare against the lower caste and undermining their morale and aspirations. In times of unrest, the system may elevate a puppet leader from the lower caste to quell protest temporarily, even if they end up enforcing the caste system later on; it is a cyclical oppression that perpetuates the existing hierarchy. Wilkerson’s analysis is beautifully rich and tickles my anthropological mind.

Contrary to popular belief, America’s social hierarchy remains largely veiled, as the term racism fails to adequately address the entrenched social structures that perpetuate inequality across generations. It is difficult to prove or measure, too, because it operates on multiple levels, from overt acts of discrimination to more subtle forms of bias. So by reframing the conversation around social hierarchy in terms of caste, Wilkerson urges a deeper exploration of the structural forces that perpetuate inequality, rather than solely focusing on individual attitudes or behaviours.

It is a book that you would hope would inspire audiences to engage in critical conversations and take meaningful action towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

Caste and race are neither synonymous nor mutually exclusive. They can and do coexist in the same culture and serve to reinforce each other. Race, in the United States, is the visible agent of the unseen force of caste. Caste is the bones, race the skin. Race is what we can see, the physical traits that have been given arbitrary meaning and become shorthand for who a person is. Caste is the powerful infrastructure that holds each group in its place.

Caste Systems Around the World and the Universal Relevance of ‘Origin'”

Isabel Wilkerson’s investigation of caste resonates not only within the context of American society but also across various cultures and societies worldwide. In Nigeria, for instance, the Osu caste system among the Igbo people illustrates how caste-based discrimination exists and persists. The Osu are treated like outcasts and face social ostracisation, similar to India, where the hierarchical structure continues to impact the lives of those belonging to lower castes, such as Dalits. Discrimination against these lower castes, both overt and covert, persists in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and marriage.

Caste-like systems exist in numerous societies globally, each with its unique manifestations and consequences; atrocities are not to be compared; they are all bad. Whether it is a system based on marginalising groups for their ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status, many of these injustices persist worldwide and are often overlooked or underreported by mainstream media. By shedding light on widespread oppression, dehumanisation, and inequality, Origin underscores the importance of recognising and challenging oppressive structures wherever they exist. Like the old house metaphor, we cannot declare the work that needs to be done as not our responsibility. Instead, we must acknowledge our collective duty to dismantle systems, brick by brick.

What sets the Origin movie apart from other films is its commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths in a way that is not sensationalised. Through powerful imagery and true-to-life performances, the film shines a light on the darkest corners of human history. However, amidst the pain, there is an overarching theme of hope for a future where empathy and understanding triumph over atrocity and division.

As I left the cinema, I felt a sense of awe and inspiration because this film reminded me once again why I love cinema as a medium for education through storytelling. Origin is not just a movie; it is a call to action to challenge us to confront our own biases and prejudices, to question the systems of power and privilege that govern our lives, and to strive for a future where people are treated with dignity and respect. So, if you are looking for a film that will both entertain and enlighten, look no further than Origin. It is a cinematic gem that demands to be seen and discussed. It is an intellectual adventure filled with history, personal reflections and poignant themes – a must-watch.

Ignorance is no protection against the consequences of inaction