Single Film – Critical Study- ‘Set in the early 1970s, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song is actually a film about the black man in American history.’ Discuss the film in relation to this statement.
- What is the importance of movement and soundtrack in Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song?
- What does your chosen film reveal about the usefulness of one or more critical approaches you have applied?
- Consider debates that have arisen in the critical reception of your chosen film, either at the time of its initial release or now or both.
- How useful have you found a particular film critical approach, such as an auteur or genre approach, in gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of your chosen film?
- With reference to critical and review writing you have considered as part of your study, discuss how your ideas on your chosen film have developed.
There are key areas of study are as follows:
- The politics of the film
- The representation of black masculinity
- The film as satire
- The context of production
- Van Peebles as Auteur/Avant garde figure
- The Low production values and visual style
- The success or otherwise of the film as a narrative
- Specific evocation of a black history
- The impact of the film for African American audiences in the US
- The film’s reputation (including its UK release problems)
- It’s status as radical film, the Black Panther/Ebony debate
Genre and Narrative
‘Sweetback’ has been categorised as a Blaxploitation film – both ironic and physical the name refers to…
