Director Mario Van Peebles' film biography of his father, Melvin, opens today at many theaters. Last night I attended a screening at which Mario appeared in person to introduce the movie and take audience questions afterwards.
"Baadassss" is an account of Melvin's venture into independent filmmaking and chronicles the ups and downs he encountered while putting together "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasss Song" in 1970-71. This inspired "Shaft" and other blaxploitation films.
Earlier Melvin recorded for A&M, releasing BRER SOUL (SP 4161), AIN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE A NATURAL DEATH (SP 4223) and AS SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK (SP 4326) as well as a double-LP (SP 3510) of the stage play of the same name as the second album.
Mario's own soundtrack for POSSE was released on A&M in 1993.
Don't want to spoil the plot, but there's much drama and humor to be enjoyed. Paul Rodrigues plays a crew member. Ossie Davis is quite good as Melvin's father. Sally Struthers plays a manager's wife and Bill Cosby -- an early supporter for Melvin's efforts -- does a narration at the end.
Mario is in town this weekend for the Knoxville African American Film Festival and will give another lecture tonight.
As for Melvin, his wit remains quite intact. Mario said the two shared adjoining rooms while promoting the movie. An enthusiastic female fan kept them up late, until Melvin decided to turn in for the night.
He looked at his son and said "Goodnight, Kobe."
Be sure to take in this flick soon.
JB
"Baadassss" is an account of Melvin's venture into independent filmmaking and chronicles the ups and downs he encountered while putting together "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasss Song" in 1970-71. This inspired "Shaft" and other blaxploitation films.
Earlier Melvin recorded for A&M, releasing BRER SOUL (SP 4161), AIN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE A NATURAL DEATH (SP 4223) and AS SERIOUS AS A HEART ATTACK (SP 4326) as well as a double-LP (SP 3510) of the stage play of the same name as the second album.
Mario's own soundtrack for POSSE was released on A&M in 1993.
Don't want to spoil the plot, but there's much drama and humor to be enjoyed. Paul Rodrigues plays a crew member. Ossie Davis is quite good as Melvin's father. Sally Struthers plays a manager's wife and Bill Cosby -- an early supporter for Melvin's efforts -- does a narration at the end.
Mario is in town this weekend for the Knoxville African American Film Festival and will give another lecture tonight.
As for Melvin, his wit remains quite intact. Mario said the two shared adjoining rooms while promoting the movie. An enthusiastic female fan kept them up late, until Melvin decided to turn in for the night.
He looked at his son and said "Goodnight, Kobe."
Be sure to take in this flick soon.
JB
