Review of Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp (2012) by B. W — 27 Jul 2013
Engaging and colorful, Iceberg Slim, the man, gets captured beautifully in this well-researched and entertaining documentary. A life (and a world) unknown to many, yet his impact is still felt today. Great interviews with Chris Rock, Quincy Jones and co-producer, Ice-T, are interspersed with family and friends, co-conspirators and bystanders.
Plus, we get a taste of Slim's books amidst a backdrop of key historical events. On the surface, this may be seen simply as an African-American survival story, but I couldn't help feeling this went way beyond race.
Rising from poverty, abuse, bad luck and heartbreak, Robert Beck (aka 'Iceberg Slim'), continually bounces back with a gleam in his eye. Beck's luck continues in the after-life: his books are more popular than ever, and he is blessed with filmmakers who have the passion and vision to reveal his unique genius.
This review of Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp (2012) was written by B. W on 27 Jul 2013.
Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp has generally received positive reviews.
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