Reviews

As my summary states, this great piece highlights the documentary as an art form and not a clip show, or 'greatest-hits' package. The filmmaker takes his primary thesis - North American horror films of the 60's and 70's and how they relate to the events of the time, and builds it beautifully. Using exclusive interviews, great film clips, and wonderful behind-the-scenes photos, the filmmaker paints a stunning, and slightly disturbing, picture. I've seen, heard, and read many things about the featured filmmakers before, but this documentary managed to mine fresh and very interesting anecdotes and insight. My one complaint echoes that of another reviewer in wishing that this was longer. My one hope is that someone makes this available to home video so I can see it again and share it with others.

If your only impression of Bill Cosby is the funny man from FAT ALBERT, or the kindly Cliff Huxtable from THE COSBY SHOW, this documentary is a revelation. Basically, the filmmakers take you through a history of African-Americans in cinema. Now, this being the late 60's, it is a very ANGRY retrospective, hosted by a very, shockingly, ANGRY Cos. This doc is loaded with really amazing historical footage and some rather shocking footage from the time. The "Black Power" elementary school is a true masterwork. It is a shame that this doc isn't available on home video, because it is a slice of a life and an insight into a time that has been glossed over by the slow drift of history. Call your local PBS station, petition home video distributors, demand that you see this piece! Bill seems so angry in it, that he may scare younger viewers, but it sure seems more 'real,' than the guy who sells you the Jello.