The Watermelon Woman

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

Product Description
Cheryl Dunye's debut feature is as controversial as it is sexy and funny. Cheryl is a twenty-something black lesbian working as a clerk in a video store while struggling to make a documentary about Fae Richards, an obscure black actress from the 1930's. Cheryl is surprised to discover that Richards (known populary as "the Watermelon Woman") had a white lesbian lover. At the same time, Cheryl falls in love with a very cute white customer at the video store (Guinevere Turner from Go Fish).

Such are the complexities of race and sex in this startlingly fresh debut, which has been attacked by conservative Congressmen for having been funded by the NEA and lavishingly praised in the editorial pages for being charming and courageous.

The minute The Watermelon Woman played on the screen, I felt that can't-part-with-this kind of instant affection toward it. It was funny, honest, and cool. I collect DVDs and this one surely made the top on my list for future purchase. I'm almost grateful to the school I attend that its library has it in its collection. I had an absolutely good time watching it.


Excellent portrayal of the artistic process...   February 10, 2002
Dana Alison (Hoboken, NJ United States)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

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. Or it can be viewed as a study of the creative process.

The love story bored me (luckily both Cheryl Dunye and Guineviere Turner are both really hot!)... but the exploration and struggle of the artistic journeys of Cheryl was very interesting. Any film-maker, artist, photographer, etc. would enjoy this movie... and it should not be dismissed as another silly, unrealistic lesbian love story.


Insightful Examination of Black Lesbian Indentity   March 7, 2001
Ibochild (Los Angeles, CA USA)
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 many viewers, irrespective of one's sexual orientation.

Unlike other films dealing with gay characters or themes, WATERMELON WOMAN is not pretentious or preachy. Instead, it tells a simple story which touches upon universal themes such as searching for one's place in the world. Dunye, while not a polished actress, is nonetheless appealing in her lead role. Her character possesses a youthful charm that makes you really care about her journey. The other members of the cast are also appealing.

Adventurous filmgoers tired of formulaic plots will find much to savor in this film. Aspiring filmmakers can also look at the film as a guide in how to create a compelling story on a modest budget. Being one of the few people to actually see the film during it's brief theatrical run, I was happy to learn that I could see it again in the convenience of my own home. Now a much wider audience can enjoy this special film. Check it out.

On another note, her next film, STRANGER INSIDE, is slated to premiere this year on HBO. Hopefully, that film will live up to, if not surpass the promise of Dunye's earlier film. Only time will tell.


A Trip Out Film!   July 23, 2000
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com (usa)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

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!


This is a wonderfully creative film with a great storyline.   April 12, 1999
5 out of 10 found this review helpful

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.