The Film The MAN Doesn't Want You To See!

Question: What's more badass than a black man killing cops? 

Answer: A black man killing cops and GETTING AWAY with it!

Produced, written, and directed by Melvin Van Peebels, "Sweet Sweetback's Badassss Song" is the film that started the "blaxploitation" movement, which has now turned into a genre, but not to be considered the first, (Cotton Comes to Harlem, ect.) it rather was the most paramount and controversial. 

(1971)

The political Climate of the early seventies was full of fire with issues such as Vietnam and constant protest throughout the county. Later in the 70’s the end of the Vietnamese conflict brought the rise of the Watergate scandal and Iran Contra. These issues swept headlines and ingrained people’s thoughts. Social issues also played a big role

 in the developing culture of the seventies. Protests and constant outbreaks about gay rights and women’s rights seemed to overtake the country in storm.

As you can see with an outraged America and the people taking a can-do attitude, this let the DIY filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles take all of cinema by storm. 

Here is an excerpt from a documentary narrated by Peebles. The first 1:50 is all I ask you to watch but, the rest is a great overview of Blaxploitation.

Sweetback, in my opinion also represents moments of neo-realism, with its everyday actors (this movie was shot in 19 days in fear that the "actors" would get haircuts) and it's intentionally close and almost realistic setting (it being the time and stereotypes), but all this is countered by the over the top action and the ridiculous stereotyping.

Here you can see How Sweetback gives a "tour" of the city, this method is used in almost every blaxploitation film.

Sweetback was a monument to black people everywhere, it gave hope, and more than that courage. It showed on all fronts the power of a message and if you have that can-do attitude anything is possible. Melvin Van Peebles is responsible for so much, giving out empowerment, blowing up a music revolution (including Earth, Wind, and Fires big break) showing how to make a film and get paid, Shaft would have never been black, and Spike Lee would have never been inspired.  Peebles is a genius at heart and a comedian at mind.

Here is the trailer for "Sweet Sweetback's Badassss Song"