Blaxploitation In Observation

"I'm your mama I'm your daddy I'm that ni**a in the alley, I'm that doctor when you need, have some coke have some weed." No, this is not an illicit marketing slogan, it's a line from the song 'Pusher man' by Curtis Mayfield from the album 'Superfly' which is the soundtrack to the film of the same name.

The film tells the story of a 1970s hustler or 'pusher' who is trying to get one last big score and get out of the game for good, and all the trials and tribulations that such endeavours entail. I enjoyed the film and was pleasantly entertained at times. but there is no doubt in my mind, that the soundtrack is streets ahead in terms of quality, consistency and professionalism. There are definitely no clear mistakes on the album; in comparison to the film, where you may a see trailing camera wire during a chase scene casually occupying the shot. This is not a complaint, more of an observation.

Its the little amateur touches like - using orange paint to depict blood in the film "Truck Turner" starring the late great Isaac Hayes, that gives blaxploitation films the cult status they have today. The fact that a soundtrack can out shine its film in the afore mentioned terms sums up the whole stigma of the blaxploitation film. I think it is safe to say that there where issues of budget and inexperience surrounding the films, perhaps in contrast to the soundtracks which were often made by musical geniuses such as Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes. So naturally the music gains an advantage. Remember, not a complaint, merely an observation. Also remember that there are lots of positives to be taken from the blaxploitation franchise.  

The films were made in an age of Aquarius, an era of change and revolution for black people in particular.There was black power, black panthers, black is beautiful, afros, James Brown, pimps, hoe's, pushers and junkies all new on the scene. Events such as these demand to be highlighted and glamorised in some form or fashion. So before Hollywood gave us all the Mafia films in the 80's and 90's, we had the blaxploitation films in the 60's and 70's.

"Boss Nigger" is a western film in which a black man takes over a small town as sheriff, armed only with his revolver and brazen masculinity. Together with his trusty sidekick, they are the law, despite the expected opposition from the local cowboys who disagree with the concept of the foreign vigilante.What a plot! would it work as a big budget Hollywood blockbuster in today's modern climate of social taboos and political correctness? I very much doubt it. That's the beauty of blaxploitation, it works despite the imperfections. Your most comfortable shoes are never your newest or best looking are they?

Submitted by David, The Collective