Blaxploitation: What It Is, What It Was
From The Deuce
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History
The term "Blaxploitation" was coined to describe a specific kind of film genre of the 1970s. The films were centered around black casts and they were usually set in and around urban locations. There were all kinds of subgenre films made as well. Everything from Revenge films to Kung Fu to Horror.
The first film that ushered in the Blaxploitation era was Melvin Van Peebles' Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song (1971). It was written produced and directed by Van Peebles and it gained a big following after its release. This film also marked the beginning of the main theme in many of the Blaxploitation films which was about "Fighting The Man". "The Man" represented the oppressive white bigoted majority. These films were special because they not only gave Black writer-directors their own form of cinematic expression, but they also were very good representatives of the new Black Empowerment in Hollywood of the time.
Gordon Parks Sr. directed Shaft (1971) starring Richard Roundtree. It told the story of a tough independent private investigator who didnt take any jive from anyone. He was a very strong icon to the Black audiences and he brought an edge not seen previously in film to the big screen. Shaft also featured a hit soundtrack by Isaac Hayes. Who would later go on to score and star in several Blaxploitation films himself, including Three Tough Guys (1974) and Truck Turner (1974).
Exploitation film auteur Jack Hill (Spider Baby, The Big Doll House), a protege of the legendary B Movie King Roger Corman, directed his first Blaxploitation film in 1973. It was called Coffy and it starred a young, beautiful woman named Pam Grier. Grier's sexuality and her ability to be a one woman hit squad was a great thing for other women to see at that time. The story revolved around a woman out for Revenge after her younger sister succumbs to drug addiction. Coffy blames the pimps n pushers for her sisters state and she vows to get the scum that did her sister wrong. The action sequences are really well done, and although they are over the top, Hill does an excellent job creating atmosphere, providing comedy and adding his own touch of style to them. Pam Grier shines as the busty vixen who is referred to as "The Godmother of Them All" in the films exciting trailers. Coffy went on to be a hit at the box office in 1973. Jack Hill followed up in 1974 with his next Pam Grier Revenge actioner entitled Foxy Brown.
In 1972, Gordon Parks Jr (son of Gordon Parks Sr) directed his own Blaxploitation film called Superfly. Superfly told the story of a pimp/drug dealer named Youngblood Priest (Ron O'Neal) who is looking to make one last score and get out of the business and start over in life. The main problem is Priest's ties within his surroundings are not letting him go so easily. This film is an excellent portrayal of the life of a criminal. The soundtrack was by Curtis Mayfield and its one of the best movie scores ever made. With great tracks like "Freddys Dead" and "Pusherman", Mayfield really gives a wonderfully crafted commentary on the films content and characters lives. Note: Superfly was the first film to push The Oscar Award winning classic The Godfather from the #1 spot that year.
Director Michael Campus' The Mack (1973) told the story of a ex con released from prison who enters back into the life of being pimp on the streets. His name is Goldie (Max Julien). This film was a special document of life at the time in and around the inner city of Oakland California. The film co starred many real life pimps and players. They can be seen in full pimped out glory at the "Players Ball" in the film. Max Julien does a great job as Goldie, the smooth talking, mack daddy who cons loads of women into hooking for him. The film also has a special treat in the form of Richard Pryor who plays Goldies maniacal partner Slim. Goldie must dodge the cops, and even his own brother who is trying to help rid the streets of the crime.
There were many comedies at this time that revolved around all black casts. Oscar winner Sidney Poitier and comedian Bill Cosby teamed up on a few of these films together: A Piece of The Action, Lets Do it Again and Uptown Saturday Night. These films were alot of fun and showed much lighter comedic side to the hard edge of the regular Blaxploitation films.
The Blaxploitation era lasted from approximately 1971 to 1976. In that time hundreds of films were directed by, written by and starred African Americans. They mightve been mostly low budget action films and crazy comedies, but they had an exciting, soulful quality unlike any other film genre up until that time. These films are definitely classics and pieces of Hollywood history that will always have a special place in cult movie lovers hearts.