DUNWOODY, Ga. – Movies can be good, bad or even “rotten tomato” terrible. On a wholly different level, an upcoming presentation will look at an entire genre the presenter calls “badass films.”
The presentation will explore blaxploitation in cinema and be given by Georgia State University Perimeter College professor Paul Gaustad, Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Georgia State’s Dunwoody Campus auditorium, NC building, room 1100, 2101 Womack Road.
The “Badass Films” presentation will explore the decades-old, cinematic genre known as blaxploitation, which Gaustad says featured strong, but flawed African-American characters who, at the time, were at war with traditional American values. His talk will address the historical and sociological interpretations of this genre and feature illustrative clips.
Blaxploitation, according to one Internet definition, is a term coined in the early 1970s that refers to action films aimed at black audiences. Featuring African-American actors in lead roles and many times having anti-establishment plots, the films often were condemned for their stereotypical characters and glorification of violence.
“The films of the blaxploitation genre filled a big black void: politically, culturally, and commercially,” Gaustad said.
“At the time (mid-’60s) the African American community had little cinematic representation beyond that provided by Sidney Poitier.” Gaustad said. “Poitier’s films were dependent on a mixed audience reception; the films of the blaxploitation era were decidedly not focused on mixed audiences, although they would be a welcome addition to the films’ box offices. They (the films) were targeted to an African American audience in urban neighborhoods throughout America that had not been cinematically served before.”
Gaustad’s lecture also will highlight modern examples of blaxploitation, including movies such as “Django.”
“I want them to be entertained, and I want them to be educated,” Gaustad said of his expectations for lecture attendees, noting also that his presentation will contain expletive language.
Hosted by the Perimeter College Sarah Larson Lecture Series, “Badass Films” is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ryan Lake at [email protected] or 770-274-5475.