DVD: Baadasssss Cinema
Directed by Isaac Julien (Docurama)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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This DVD offers a documentary on the Blaxploitation films of the 1970s, originally produced for the Independent Film Channel. Filmmaker Isaac Julien did a first rate job on the project, earning Official Selection status at the Toronto Film Festival, a high achievement for a one hour TV program.

There's plenty to enjoy in that fast paced hour, which highlights classic films like Sweet Sweetback's BaadAssss Song, Shaft and Superfly, looking at the stars, the crews and the music that produced a cult genre that continues to draw new fans and inspire filmmakers a quarter century after its glory days.

There's more here than the hour, though, with extended interview footage of Pam Grier, Gloria Hendry, Fred Williamson and Quentin Tarantino. The comments of Hendry and Williamson, in particular, about the demise of the genre and the impact that had on the career of Black actors, directors and others are thought provoking. Williamson's take on the genre's great proponent, Quentin Tarantino, will definitely raise eyebrows among viewers.

And hey, it's got the Theme From Shaft and some fine footage of Curtis Mayfield in Superfly! How can you go wrong?

© 2003 - Shaun Dale