Review of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) by Mark S — 18 Apr 2011

An important film that introduced two things to the world: Earth, Wind & Fire and the concept that African American focused films could be a reality. Most view this as the first blaxploitation film, but I feel that is inaccurate.

This film really plants the seeds for this genre since there is very little of the trademarks of blaxploitation. The story is a lot more serious as well. Sweetback isn't trying to make a statement, but simply running away from the law so he won't end up in jail.

Why? He was agreeing to be "arrested" by the cops so it would look like they were caring about a crime committed in the black community. Sweetback was going to be held for a while, then released and no one would suspect that the cops did nothing.

Apparently, Sweetback had done this dance quite a few times. On the way to the station, however, the cops stop catch a militant black youth and decide to rough him up. Sweetback decides to take a stand, beats the cops unconscious, and runs for his life.

If you're looking for the familiar protagonist of blaxploitation, then Sweetback isn't exactly it. He hardly says a word throughout the film and does more running than fighting. In fact, Sweetback frequently uses sex to get out of situations.

The film even goes so far to insinuate that even as a 10-year-old, Sweetback was great at sex in probably the creepiest "becoming a man" scene I've ever seen. I can't help but wonder if Melvin Van Peebles used this film as an excuse to have sex with a bunch of women "for art".

The cinematography frequently uses fast-paced montages and quick jump-cuts for a unique look that was a rarity for films at the time. Unfortunately the overuse of these techniques result in an amateurish feel and mixed with the repetition of music can become quite annoying.

I respect what the director was aiming for, but the film ends up a frantic yet culturally important mess. The director does everything to build Sweetback as this baad--shut yo' mouth!--guy when in reality he's just a man who stood up for someone in need and is now running for his life.

Somehow...I doubt he's coming back for vengeance. That job would be left to the other heroes of the blaxploitation genre that were inspired to take up the cause.