The documentary 'I Was Born This Way' chronicles the extraordinary life of Archbishop Carl Bean, who was a prominent gay gospel singer and minister. Directed by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard, the film struggles with structuring the narrative due to the vast array of Bean's experiences over decades. It features musical elements and contributions from artists like Questlove and Lady Gaga to highlight his impact. While it honors Bean's contributions to the LGBTQ+ Black community, it also reflects on current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals against a backdrop of erasure in society.
The challenge of shaping Carl Bean's life into a documentary stems from the sheer breadth of his experiences, making it difficult to establish a singular dramatic narrative.
The filmmakers chose to maintain a musical beat throughout the documentary, immediately establishing Carl Bean's influence and legacy for a contemporary audience.
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