KEEP IT OLDSKOOL MOVIE OF THE WEEK

 

 

 Hollywood Shuffle was released in 1987 was written Keenan Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend who also directed the movie. This movie addressed the lack of quality rolls for African American actors. The movie is also known for the fact that of the $100,000 budget $60,000 was funded by  Robert Townsend’s personal credit cards. The movie went on to gross $5million dollars which at the time was quite a feat due to the limited release in theaters. While now largely forgotten this movie main plotline, how hard it is for African Americans to play characters other  than pimps,pushers,hookers etc is still prevalent today.

 

   

 

The movie tells the story of Bobbie Taylor played by Robert Townsend as a struggling actor trying to make it while working at fast food stand Winky Dinky Dog. He often fantasizes about parts that are traditional African American roles (butler, rapist etc) and roles that are not normally given to African American actors. He gives interesting takes on Siskel and Ebert called “Sneakin in the Movies” and a private eye “Who killed Cookie Head Jenkins aka Death of a Breakdancer” with a memorable part of “Jehri Curl” played by Keenan Ivory Wayans. He also shows how casting agents can be a bit too focused on a specific type of actor “We want an Eddie Murphy type” he is told. He finally  gets the role of a lifetime or so he thinks playing lead role of Jimmy in the movie “Jivetime Jimmy’s Revenge” He comes to realize that no movie role is more important the self-respect. This movie while often hilarious sheds a light on a serious subject. After seeing the movie you will understand this quote “Sh** there is work at the Post Office”

 

 

 

 

KEEP IT OLDSKOOL