Watch Chester Himes: A Rage In Harlem, Internationally Acclaimed Writer

Chester Himes: A Rage in Harlem is a biographical documentary that chronicles the life and works of the late African-American writer Chester Himes. The film is directed by French filmmaker Fabienne Kanor and was released in 2017. Chester Himes was a prolific writer, whose works explored the lived experiences of Black Americans in the 20th century. Some of his most famous works include A Rage in Harlem, The Real Cool Killers, and If He Hollers Let Him Go.

The film opens with archival footage of Himes himself, talking about his childhood growing up in poverty in the 1920s and 30s. Born in Missouri in 1909, Himes spent much of his early life moving from city to city with his family, as they struggled to find work and make ends meet.

As a young man, Himes was a rebellious spirit, who chafed against the strictures of white society. He was expelled from college after protesting against the discriminatory treatment of Black students, and later moved to Los Angeles, where he became involved in radical politics and the Communist Party.

However, it was Himes' gift for writing that ultimately set him on his path. After a series of odd jobs and stints in prison, Himes began writing short stories, many of which were based on his own experiences growing up Black in America.

His big break came in 1945, when he published If He Hollers Let Him Go, a novel that explored the psychological toll of racism on Black men. The book was a critical success, and Himes soon began writing full-time.

However, despite his talent, Himes struggled to gain mainstream recognition. The film explores his contentious relationship with the white literary establishment, which often ignored or dismissed his work as too "sordid" or "sensationalistic".

Undaunted, Himes continued to write, and in the 1950s he moved to Paris, where he found a more accepting literary community. It was there that he met his wife, Lesley, and began writing some of his most famous works, including A Rage in Harlem.

The film takes a deep dive into Himes' creative process, examining both his writing style and the themes that dominated his work. It also features interviews with some of Himes' contemporaries, including fellow writers Richard Wright and James Baldwin.

Throughout the film, there is a palpable sense of admiration for Himes, both as a writer and as a person. The filmmakers paint a portrait of a complex, passionate man, who was unafraid to speak truth to power, both through his writing and his activism.

The film does not shy away from Himes' flaws, however. It touches on his tumultuous personal life, including his battles with alcoholism and his difficult relationship with his son, who struggled with mental illness.

Overall, Chester Himes: A Rage in Harlem is a moving tribute to a writer whose legacy has too often been overlooked by mainstream literary circles. It is an insightful and engaging look at the life and times of a man who used his words to explore the darkest parts of the American experience, and who left behind a body of work that continues to resonate with readers today.