BAADASSSSS!
Encyclopedia
BAADASSSSS! is a 2003 American biopic
, written, produced, directed by, and starring Mario Van Peebles
. The film is based on the struggles of Van Peebles' father Melvin Van Peebles
(played by Mario himself), as he attempts to film and distribute Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
, a film that was widely credited with showing Hollywood that a viable African-American audience existed, and thus influencing the creation of the Blaxploitation
genre. The film also stars Joy Bryant
, Nia Long
, Ossie Davis
, Paul Rodriguez
, Rainn Wilson
, and Terry Crews
.
Various people appear as themselves, including Melvin Van Peebles
and Bill Cosby
.
and a 75/100 on Metacritic
, which correlates to a favorable review. It was a commercial failure, however; at the box office, Baadasssss! made a little less than $400,000.
2004 Philadelphia Film Festival
2005 Black Reel Awards
2005 Independent Spirit Awards
2005 NAACP Image Awards
Biographical film
A biographical film, or biopic , is a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people. They differ from films “based on a true story” or “historical films” in that they attempt to comprehensively tell a person’s life story or at least the most historically important years of their...
, written, produced, directed by, and starring Mario Van Peebles
Mario Van Peebles
Mario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...
. The film is based on the struggles of Van Peebles' father Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
(played by Mario himself), as he attempts to film and distribute Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song is a 1971 American independent drama film, written, produced, scored, directed by, and starring Melvin Van Peebles, father of actor Mario Van Peebles . It tells the picaresque story of a poor African American man on his flight from the white authority...
, a film that was widely credited with showing Hollywood that a viable African-American audience existed, and thus influencing the creation of the Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation
Blaxploitation or blacksploitation is a film genre which emerged in the United States circa 1970. It is considered an ethnic sub-genre of the general category of exploitation films. Blaxploitation films were originally made specifically for an urban black audience, although the genre's audience...
genre. The film also stars Joy Bryant
Joy Bryant
Joy Bryant is an American actress and former fashion model. Joy currently stars as Jasmine Trussell in Parenthood-Early life:...
, Nia Long
Nia Long
Nia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
, Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:...
, Paul Rodriguez
Paul Rodríguez
Paul Rodriguez is a Mexican-American stand-up comedian and actor.-Personal life:Rodriguez was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México to Mexican agriculture ranchers.. His family migrated to East Los Angeles, where he enlisted in the military; he was stationed in Iceland and Duluth, Minnesota...
, Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Dietrich Wilson is an American actor and comedian. He is primarily known for his role as the egomaniacal Dwight Schrute on the American version of the television comedy The Office...
, and Terry Crews
Terry Crews
Terrence Alan "Terry" Crews is an American actor, comedian, voice artist and a former player in the National Football League....
.
Cast
- Mario Van PeeblesMario Van PeeblesMario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...
— Melvin Van PeeblesMelvin Van PeeblesMelvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
– The protagonist of the movie, Melvin (played by his real-life son, Mario), has recently found success with his movie Watermelon ManWatermelon Man (film)Watermelon Man is a 1970 American comedy-drama film directed by Melvin Van Peebles and based on the book The Night the Sun Came Out on Happy Hollow Lane by Herman Raucher...
. Although he’s offered a three-picture contract by Columbia PicturesColumbia PicturesColumbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It is one of the leading film companies...
, Melvin is pushed by his agent, Howie Kaufman, to follow up with a comedy. Disgusted by the mainstream film portrayal of African-Americans as either villains or comic relief, Melvin decides to make a film with “ghetto realism” to portray the black community as he knows it. This is underscored in the opening credits of Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, with the line “Starring: The Black Community.” The movie follows Melvin through all the trials and tribulations he faces in his effort to bring his message and movie to the big screen.
- Adam WestAdam WestWilliam West Anderson , better known by the stage name Adam West, is an American actor best known for his lead role in the Batman TV series and the film of the same name...
— Bert – One of the first investors Melvin visits to finance his film. Melvin manages to get a meeting with this man through his friend Bill. The meeting at Bert’s beach house goes well at first, with Bert commenting that Melvin’s stubbornness is much like his own. Bert also marks it as an attribute that shows Melvin is different, with a vision that he will not compromise for the sake of following the status quo. Later on, though, Melvin decides not to go through with the business partnership when Bert uncovers himself and comes on to Melvin, inviting him to swim together.
- David Alan GrierDavid Alan GrierDavid Alan Grier , also known as "D.A.G." , is an American actor and comedian known for his work on the sketch comedy television show In Living Color.-Early life:...
— Clyde Houston – Melvin, at first, has no idea how he will be able to produce his film without being shut down. Upon passing an adult theatre, he comes up with the idea to disguise the movie as a black porno, thereby enabling it to pass any scrutiny that would keep it from production. Sitting in on a movie, Melvin notices the name “Clyde Houston” repeatedly appears in the credits. Seeking him out, Melvin hires Clyde, another African-American in the film industry, to be his production manager. Later on in the production of the movie, though, due to mounting stress, Melvin ends up firing Clyde.
- Glenn PlummerGlenn PlummerGlenn E. Plummer is an American film and television actor.Plummer was born in Richmond, California. He has appeared in numerous films and television series, primarily in supporting roles or small bit parts, such as High Top in Colors. His prominent roles came in the films Menace II Society, Speed,...
— Angry Brother – At the casting call for the leading role of Sweetback, this character shows up and delivers the line with a major stutter. Although he is mocked by the others that have shown up for the part, Melvin embraces the man's stutter as “real” and casts him in another role. When the time comes to shoot the scene, though, the actor is shown to have taken speech classes, getting rid of his speech impediment. The situation is easily remedied, though, when Melvin takes the actor’s gun from him. In his angered and flustered state, his stutter returns and the scene is shot without a problem.
- John Singleton — Detroit J
- Joy BryantJoy BryantJoy Bryant is an American actress and former fashion model. Joy currently stars as Jasmine Trussell in Parenthood-Early life:...
— Priscilla – Melvin’s young, ambitious secretary. Every time she enters the room to notify Melvin or give him some important information, she turns it into an audition, promoting herself all the time to play a part in his movie. Although Melvin grants her wish and gives her a role in the movie, she ends up turning down the part because her boyfriend does not approve. Although this proves to be a minor setback, it is Priscilla that recommends her boyfriend, Maurice, to Melvin to get his group Earth, Wind, & Fire, to do the music for the movie.
- Karimah Westbrook — Ginnie – Melvin first meets Ginnie at a party hosted by Bill, and they end up sleeping with each other. Although she appears to be a minor character at first, Melvin later calls her to be a part of the movie. After Priscilla quits on him, Melvin is desperate to cast Ginnie in an early scene of the movie. Although she initially believes the movie to be a porno, threatening to leave the set and throwing another obstacle in Melvin’s path, Melvin manages to convince her of the true purpose of his film, to create a movie that portrays blacks with an eye to reality instead of in a continually subservient role. After being convinced, along with some money up front, Ginnie is convinced to star in the movie.
- Khalil KainKhalil KainKhaliloeron Kain is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Raheem Porter in the 1992 film Juice, and as Darnell Wilkes on the UPN/CW sitcom, Girlfriends.-Life and career:...
— MauriceMaurice WhiteMaurice White is a Grammy Award–winning American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, arranger. He is the older brother of Verdine White and Fred White and the leader and founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire...
– Priscilla’s boyfriend, and a member of the (at-the-time) young group Earth, Wind, & Fire. His initial action in the movie is to restrict Priscilla from acting in the movie, but he, with his group, later create the soundtrack of the film with Melvin. Their production is spurred on by the $500 check Melvin cuts them, even though they it ends up bouncing when they try cashing it.
- Khleo Thomas — MarioMario Van PeeblesMario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...
– Khleo plays Mario, as the real Mario is playing his father Melvin. Although Mario (the character) loses his virginity at a young age, it does not damage his relationship with his dad and he is shown to be pretty happy to have gotten such a part in the film.
- Len LesserLen LesserLeonard King "Len" Lesser was an American actor. He was known for a key role in the Clint Eastwood movie Kelly's Heroes and his recurring role as Uncle Leo in Seinfeld, which began during the show's second season in "The Pony Remark" episode.-Early life:Lesser was born in The Bronx in 1922...
— Manny Goldberg/Mort Goldberg – The twin owners of one of two theaters that picks up Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, they first plan to show it between two other films as part of a triple-feature. Melvin, wanting to impress upon them the importance of the film, wagers two tailored suits in order to get them to show the movie by itself. Although this move may be seen as one of either supreme confidence or supreme desperation, it pays off, as the film garners much more attendance and revenue for the owners than they previously had.
- Nia LongNia LongNia Talita Long is an American actress and occasional music video director. She is best known for her roles in the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Third Watch, and the films Boiler Room, Soul Food, Love Jones, The Best Man, Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Are We There...
— Sandra – Melvin’s girlfriend, she helps him manage his children throughout the production of the movie. Although she has not grown up with such a clear view of the oppression faced by African-Americans of the time, she is extremely supportive of Melvin’s undertaking.
- Ossie DavisOssie DavisOssie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:...
— Granddad – Shown to be a gruff figure in the movie, he too helps Melvin take care of his children and also plays a minor role in the film.
- Paul RodriguezPaul RodríguezPaul Rodriguez is a Mexican-American stand-up comedian and actor.-Personal life:Rodriguez was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, México to Mexican agriculture ranchers.. His family migrated to East Los Angeles, where he enlisted in the military; he was stationed in Iceland and Duluth, Minnesota...
— Jose Garcia – As a Puerto Rican cameraman, Jose acts as a symbol of the unifying nature of not just the film, but its creation as well.
- Penny Bae BridgesPenny Bae BridgesPenny Bae Bridges is an American actress. Her television work has included roles in For Your Love, Family Law, Boy Meets World and The Parent 'Hood. She is best known for her role in Half & Half, as the young Mona....
— Megan – Along with Khleo, Penny plays one of Melvin’s children, acting in a minor role in the film.
- Rainn WilsonRainn WilsonRainn Dietrich Wilson is an American actor and comedian. He is primarily known for his role as the egomaniacal Dwight Schrute on the American version of the television comedy The Office...
— Bill Harris – Melvin’s friend, Bill tries but fails to acquire financial backing for the creation of the film. Even though the film ends up being independently financed by Melvin himself, with the help of Bill Cosby, Bill stays on the crew to help with the production of the movie.
- Saul RubinekSaul RubinekSaul Rubinek is a Canadian actor, director, producer and playwright, known for his work in TV, film and the stage.-Early life:...
— Howard "Howie" Kaufman – Melvin’s agent, Howie pushes Melvin to sign a contract with Columbia Pictures. Although Melvin does not end up doing so, Howie helps Melvin post-production in finding distributors for the film. Although Howie is his agent, he is far from being solely after money, as evidenced by the close relationship he has with Melvin’s kids.
- Terry CrewsTerry CrewsTerrence Alan "Terry" Crews is an American actor, comedian, voice artist and a former player in the National Football League....
— Big T – A crew member that acts as sound assistant and security for the crew, Big T ends up being part of the group that is arrested by the cops for alleged theft. Although he almost leaves, threatening Melvin in the process, he is convinced to stay after an impassioned speech by Melvin that shows him the importance of the film to the community.
- T.K. Carter — Bill CosbyBill CosbyWilliam Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
– Bill Cosby, while not delivering a major number of lines, ends up loaning Melvin $50,000 to finish the movie, with the only stipulation being that he gets his money back. His contribution to the production of the film brings yet more emphasis on the recognized importance of the film by all the cast and crew members involved with its making.
- Vincent SchiavelliVincent SchiavelliVincent Andrew Schiavelli was an American character actor noted for his work on stage, screen, and television often described as "the man with the sad eyes." He was notable for his numerous and often critically acclaimed cameo appearances.-Early life:Schiavelli was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a...
— Jerry – The man at Cinemation who initially manages to distribute Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song to two theaters across America.
- Wesley JonathanWesley JonathanWesley Jonathan Waples , known professionally as Wesley Jonathan, is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as Jamal Grant on the NBC Saturday morning dramedy series City Guys, the dim-witted Gary Thorpe on The WB sitcom What I Like About You, and as Sweetness in the 2005 film,...
— Panther – Although he is shown leaving midway through one showing of the movie, he comes back with 22 other members of the Black Panthers. Recognizing the revolutionary film to be of immense cultural substance, he helps bring the crowds to the viewing of the film, even though it stands on its own as opposed to being a part of a greater number of movies.
Various people appear as themselves, including Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin Van Peebles
Melvin "Block" Van Peebles is an American actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer.He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films...
and Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
.
Reception
The film received mostly favorable reviews, with a 91% rating on Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
and a 75/100 on Metacritic
Metacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
, which correlates to a favorable review. It was a commercial failure, however; at the box office, Baadasssss! made a little less than $400,000.
Awards and nominations
2004 Gijón International Film FestivalGijón International Film Festival
Gijón International Film Festival was created in 1963. It was born as an initiative of the local authority and it was sponsored mainly by Gijón City Council and the then Caja de Ahorros de Asturias ; both institutions are still the main organisers of the festival, along with funding from the...
- Best Feature — Mario Van PeeblesMario Van PeeblesMario "Chip" Cain Van Peebles is an American director and actor who has appeared in numerous Hollywood films. He is son of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.-Life and career:...
(nominated)
2004 Philadelphia Film Festival
Philadelphia Film Festival
The Philadelphia Film Festival is held annually in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Until 2009 it was generally held during the first weeks of April....
- Best Feature Film — Mario Van Peebles (winner)
2005 Black Reel Awards
Black Reel Awards
The Black Reel Awards began in 2000 and were designed to annually recognize and celebrate the achievements of black people in feature, independent and television films...
- Best Actor, Drama — Mario Van Peebles (nominated)
- Best Director — Mario Van Pebbles (winner)
- Best Film, Drama (nominated)
- Best Screenplay, Original or Adapted — Mario Van Peebles (winner)
- Best Supporting Actress — Joy BryantJoy BryantJoy Bryant is an American actress and former fashion model. Joy currently stars as Jasmine Trussell in Parenthood-Early life:...
(nominated)
2005 Independent Spirit Awards
- Best Director — Mario Van Peebles (nominated)
- Best Feature — Mario Van Peebles (nominated)
- Best Screenplay — Dennis Haggerty, Mario Van Peebles (nominated)
2005 NAACP Image Awards
- Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture — Mario Van Peebles (nominated)
- Outstanding Independent or Foreign Film (nominated)