What is “Blaxploitation”?
The term “blaxploitation” refers to cinema in the 1970’s where African-American actors starred in generally action films that were lower in budget than most films. The term was coined by Junius Griffin, a former film publicist who later ran the NAACP in Los Angeles. However, while action was the main genre of “blaxploitation”, it went beyond just action films that usually involved a motive of revenge. Comedies and horror films would further solidify the genre, showcasing a talent of well-known stars that would become one with the genre.
What film is considered the first “blaxploitation” film?
This is one question that has been in debate for many years and still is. Some credit Melvin Van Peebles’ SWEET SWEETBACK’S BAADASSSSS SONG (1971) as the first of the genre. Others credit Gordon Parks Jr’s detective drama SHAFT (1971) as the pioneer of “blaxploitation”. In essence, if one were to argue that they were released in the same year, then it could be said that both films could be the pioneering films of the genre.
What is expected in a “blaxploitation” film?
A majority of the films are set in the urban areas of big cities, mainly the ghettos, for one. Furthermore, the Caucasian race is seen more as inferior villains when it comes to action films. Don’t fret. They were usually depicted as corrupt policemen or politicians, drug pushers, and in some cases, prostitutes. This also stands out for African-Americans who were depicted as the aforementioned while the heroes were usually either cops or everyday people hoping to make a change. Expect words that pretty much can be described as racial slurs towards either African-Americans or in some cases Caucasians. One thing that stands out in these films is the soundtrack, usually featuring jazz, funk, or Motown-inspired music.
Are there any big names in the genre that one should know about?
Without a doubt, and we’re not just talking actors. Filmmakers themselves have been one with the genre and their films are worth getting, starring the big actors of the genre. The following is a list of actors and filmmakers noteworthy of making the genre one of the most popular in the 1970’s:
Actors
Jim Brown
Tamara Dobson
Pam Grier
Gloria Hendry
Jim Kelly
William Marshall
Rudy Ray Moore
Ron O’Neal
Richard Roundtree
Fred Williamson
Filmmakers
Larry Cohen
Jamaa Fanaka
Jack Hill
D’Urville Martin
Gordon Parks Jr.
Larry Spangler
Melvin Van Peebles
Is there any material one can find with information on “blaxploitation”?
There is some great material that have some riveting information on the genre. A book that is highly recommended is entitled Reflections on Blaxploitation by David Walker, Andrew J. Rausch, and Chris Watson. The book features interviews with some of the big names listed in the table as well as others. Here is the information to find this book:
Walker, David, et.al. Reflections on Blaxploitation. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, 2009. ISBN: 0-8106-7060.
A documentary by director Isaac Julien entitled Baadassss Cinema is definitely worth checking out as well. The 56-minute documentary features interviews with Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree, Melvin Van Peebles, as well as film fan turned director Quentin Tarentino to name a few. It is available on DVD.
One can even check out the website http://www.blaxploitation.com for information on the genre as well as http://www.blaxploitationpride.org. There is another site to check out, http://www.blackflix.com/blaxploitation/blaxploitation.html
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