Some don't feel like this is a Blaxploitation film, as it is far better in quality and content than most of those films. I disagree though. It came out in 1973, is about a pimp and his struggle with the MAN, and is a black film through and through. I think it definitely counts. It just happens to be very high end.
Having a good sized budget and the distinction of looking good help. It also really helps that the film is quite well witten, features terrific performances, and that the subject matter is handled in a good way that many lesser films fail at doing. His role isn't as big as I thought, but Richard Pryor does a really good job here in a nice and serioud dramatic role. Max Julien is excellent though. He's a guy you really feel for, and want to see him succeed. Unlike a lot of movies about pimips, this one isn't really exploitative with the subject matter. It's a lot like "Willie Dynamite" in that regard. This is probably though, the movie that started it all let's say, when it came to brining the profession of pimping into the mainstream. Besides great perforances, a good look, and a well-written script, this movie just excells in the substance department. This is not a kitschy film. It treats the subject matter with respect, while simultaneously being about something, and providing reasons for the action. The message isn't necessarily a new one, but it's done well and I think this is a movie that scholars could find a lot to chew on (both positively and negatively, but I would mostly hope positively). I really like the soundtrack too. Willie Hutch's music is awesome. He also did the music for "Foxy Brown". They're probably hard to come by, but i would love the get the soundtracks for both this and that. All in all, a quite excellent Baxploitation film that is actually accessible to all audiences, and suprisingly good given the sbject matter and the belief that this might be some sort of kitschy, silly mess.
June 11, 2010
