03/12/06 Baadasssss!

Baadasssss! (2003), directed by Mario Van Peebles

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home

Paying homage to his revolutionary father Melvin Van Peebles, son Mario writes, directs and stars in this biography of the elder's life. Serving as the soul godfather of early independent African-American cinema, Melvin was seen as both a controversial and groundbreaking auteur. He stood up for what he believed should be a fair fight in Hollywood, to include black people in the same status as white people, as well as exorcise all the years of persecution and prejudice suffered by his race. Melvin had a rebellious soul, incredibly intelligent social acuteness, and a tough-as-nails demeanor that carried through to his parenting. It's fascinating to see this protrayal on film of a grown son not only paying respects to his father's work, but living vicariously (and I'm sure therapeutically) through the role of his father. It pulls no punches in the seedy underbelly of Hollywood production, racial discrimination, drug & sexual exploits of the hippie-fied late 60's, and family drama. It's amazing to think, that with no budget, no proven actors, his failing health, and a rag-tag crew to work with; that Melvin ever got the groundbreaking film that would be Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song of the ground. It served as a milestone and catalyst for the 1970's black cinema explosion. Mario displays the character and cinematic skills that he gained from his father, and put into action with this biopic. Really impressive. Paved the way for Superfly & Shaft. One random trivia fact that I found amusing...guess who plays Melvin's best friend hippie Bill? Yup, Rainn Wilson, better known to fans probably for his dorky office worker in Steve Carell's sitcom "The Office." Threw me for a loop
4 out of 5 stars