Bianca Bell
November 20, 2014
Humanities 1105
Instructor: Frank Demos
Baadasssss!
A film that seemed small with a big voice. When the original film (Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss song) starring Mr. Melvin Van Peebles himself came out in 1971 it was very popular amongst the African American community. Know as a very motivating and inspiring movie. The story of a young black orphan working in the brothel he once grew up in. Sweetback works as part of a sex show. He ends up getting framed for murder given up by his very own employer. He is turned over to two white cops. Desperate and fed up Sweetback kills the two cops and decides to flee to Mexico all while encountering several obstacles. Years later in 2003 the movie Baadasssss was released. Starring Melvin Van Peebles son Mario Van Peebles. Baadasssss told the story of how Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song was made, along with the details of Melvin Van Peebles life. Exposing the many scarifies Melvin Van Peebles had to make in order to bring his film to life. It is reasonable to say that both films served a great purpose to the world of movies and film making. The early 70’s was a crucial time for African Americans. Racism and discrimination was boldly displayed towards minorities. Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song gave minorities something or someone to believe in. Those who were frustrated with all the negative and ignorant behaviors looked at the character Sweetback as a hero or a vigilante of that time. Most minorities that were able to land any type of role in a film usually played parts like maid, hooker, criminals, and servants. Minorities rarely played a lead role. This movies showed minorities in a different light. Exhibiting the talents and professionalism that just needed the opportunity to be unleashed. Baadasssss (2003) showed a more unclose and personal view of the challenges it takes to make it as black independent film maker. The film showed the trials and struggles of hitting rock bottom loosing everything and everyone including respect from people all to follow your dreams. Many people don't have the courage to do this. Often we take the easier way out or do what others may want us to do. Melvin Van Peebles did exactly what he wanted to do with his filming and acting. In those earlier times it was not easy to find loop holes or fast fixes which is why he did so much of the work himself. He was not afraid to get his hands dirty. One of the best ways to run a business is to be able to do every job in the company Mr. Melvin Van Peebles is defiantly a man of many talents. Only certain types of films were perceived as interesting, mainly comedies. These were the films that were able to get funded easily. There were several scenes in the Baadasssss film (1971) that had to be
