Watch Losing Ground

Losing Ground is a 1982 independent drama film directed by Kathleen Collins and starring Seret Scott, Bill Gunn, and Duane Jones. The film explores the complexities of love, identity, and fulfillment in the lives of two academic professionals, a philosophy professor and an artist. Sara, the protagonist, is a highly respected philosophy professor at a prestigious university in New York City. While her career is flourishing, her personal life feels stagnant. She is stuck in a loveless marriage with her husband, Victor, who is a mathematician. Sara decides to take a sabbatical to focus on her research and pursue her true passion, photography. She enrolls in a photography class and meets a charming and attractive African American artist, Duke, who becomes the subject of her art and the object of her affection.

The chemistry between Sara and Duke is undeniable as they embark on a passionate affair. But their relationship is complicated by the racial and cultural differences that divide them. Sara is a privileged, upper-class, and educated African American while Duke is a working-class, uneducated, and bohemian white man. The social and cultural norms of their respective communities challenge their connection, and they struggle to reconcile their differences in the face of their growing love.

Meanwhile, Victor, who is more focused on his work than his wife, discovers that Sara has been unfaithful to him when he finds a film roll of Sara’s intimate photos with Duke. He becomes angry and demanding, but unable to confront Sara directly, he retreats into his work and his own world of logic and reason.

As Sara explores her newfound passion for photography and her growing affection for Duke, she faces conflicts and challenges within herself. She must reconcile her intellectualism with her emotional desires and navigate the complexities of love, identity, and belonging.

Losing Ground is a groundbreaking film that explores the intersection of race, gender, and class in a realistic and nuanced way. It challenges conventional stereotypes and expectations of African American women in academia and society and offers a multidimensional and authentic portrayal of their lives.

One of the film’s strengths is its attention to detail and character development. The characters are well-drawn and fully realized, with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and struggles. The film delves into the inner lives of its characters, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and desires in a way that feels true to life.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of color and cinematography. The vibrant colors and evocative imagery reflect the emotional and psychological states of the characters and create a vivid and immersive visual experience.

Overall, Losing Ground is a powerful and thought-provoking film that remains relevant and resonant today. It is a testament to Kathleen Collins’ talent as a filmmaker and storyteller and a groundbreaking work in the history of African American cinema.

Losing Ground is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.