Black Hollywood
Blaxploitation and Advancing an
Independent Black Cinema
Screen Edge
MVDVisual
Region Free DVD
Web: http://mvdb2b.com/
Black
Hollywood is an intelligent, well informed and entertaining look at both Blaxploitation
and Black cinema in general. Rather than simply extolling the “cult” value of
Blaxploitation films, it explores the economical, sociological and cultural significance
of such films in terms of the development of Black Cinema. It examines the way
in which Hollywood used Blaxploitation (and films aimed at other minorities) to
overcome a lack of success with mainstream audiences and then when it was back
on its feet, left behind those it had seemingly exploited. It is a perceptive
documentary deliberately allowing different “voices” from within the Black
community to discuss their experience and perceptions of Hollywood. These range
from the bitter and furious to the pragmatic; from perceptions of racism to a
more “economic” view of how Hollywood operates. Some have more confidence about
the future than others, but all are willing to share their experiences.
Shot entirely on location in Hollywood in 1984, this documentary is
still extremely relevant, especially with the current interest in
Blaxploitation titles. It has many rare interviews, but is not just made up of “talking
heads”, it includes comedy routines, lots of action packed movie clips and some
excellent commentary.
In a very wide reaching presentation Diahnne Abbott, Rosalind Cash
and Alfre Woodard talk about negative stereotyping. While Jim Brown, Vonetta
McGee and D'Urville Martin come up with alternative solutions to the
one-way-street that was "blaxploitation" and discuss new ways of
advancing an independent black cinema. There is a rare interview with Lorenzo
Tucker, the Black Valentino, about his career with Oscar Micheaux and Joel
Fluellen and Vincent Tubbs tell memorable stories of what life was like for the
few blacks working in Hollywood in the 50s and 60s.
This is a comprehensive documentary which balances coverage of
Blaxploitation with discussions of Black Cinema in general and the politics of
race and the financial mechanics of Hollywood. It is honest, at times biting,
at other times amusing, but always informative and entertaining.
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This review will appear in Volume 2 No.4 (2009) of the digital and
print edition of Synergy Magazine.
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