In the Heat of the Night

After viewing In the Heat of the Night, it became apparent the clear contrast between this movie and other films we have viewed in class, such as Band of Angels. The movie portrays a murder mystery in the South in 1967, a case needing to be solved. We find that local police have to solve this crime with the help of a detective from the North. Obviously this film takes place in a later time than our other films, a period filled with social and societal changes and advancements. This film, unlike the others, focuses on the changes in societal views towards African Americans and how the race was slowly becoming more integrated and accepted throughout society. 

The movie begins with the murder of a wealthy white man, Philip Colbert. We meet the southern Sheriff Bill Gillespie work together with northern Detective Virgil Tibbs to investigate the cause of this tragedy along with the murderer themselves. I really found it interesting, especially in comparison to the other films we’ve watched, how races were portrayed here and how much they worked together cooperatively. During this time the issue of race and racial equality and inequities was very important, since we are in the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Though originally falsely accused of murder, Virgil ends up playing a lead role and helping to work through the case and its evidence. A black man playing a lead role during this time was shocking, especially one that is respectable. 

Another key part of the film that really resonated with me was the relationship between Tibbs and Gillespie from the beginning to the end of the movie. Originally, which is normal for this time, Gillespie holds the general stereotypes and feelings towards Tibbs because of the color of his skin. Over time, Tibbs proves himself to be far above the general stereotypes, and to actually be quite accomplished and intelligent. The sheriff changes his beliefs and perceptions towards Virgil Tibbs and ultimately grows to respect him because of his passion along with how educated and accomplished he is. Contrary to the societal norms of the time, this challenges biases and inequities between races and shows the progressive time the film takes place in. 

This is not to say that this film showed complete respect and positive attitudes towards the advancement of colored people, because there are plenty of examples of it that still prevail. Prior to the bond that the sheriff developed with Virgil, he assumed that he was involved in the murder upon finding he had a lot of money with him that day. This, due to societal views towards African Americans, seemed impossible and that he had to have had some involvement in order to get this money. As discussed, it is later found that he is just a hard working, accomplished man and the stereotypes do not apply to him. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and the comprehensive progress it shows towards African American people. I think the use of the plot and the development of characters really helped to portray that theme. Though as I said before, the movie was not completely unbiased and morally right in the way African Americans were treated, but it was a strong representation of the time period. It was a well displayed depiction of what was being accomplished in society at the time. I really enjoyed the film and I would say it is my favorite so far.