Melvin Van Peebles, Filmmaker Heralded as the Godfather of Black

    Date:

    Melvin Van Peebles, the filmmaker, writer, and musician heralded as the Godfather of Black Cinema, has died at the age of 89, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety report. As THR points out, Van Peebles died Tuesday night (September 21), surrounded by family at his home. No cause of death was given. The Criterion Collection also posted a statement on their social media channels announcing the news. “We are saddened to announce the passing of a giant of American cinema, Melvin Van Peebles,” Criterion shared. “In an unparalleled career, Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. He will be deeply missed.”

    Van Peebles is perhaps best known for his 1971 film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, in which he plays the titular character—a wrongfully accused ladies man on the run from racist cops. The film, as with many of Van Peebles works, was highly influential, and is considered a gem of the Blaxploitation genre. His body of work, including movies like The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Watermelon Man, and Don’t Play Us Cheap, went on to influence directors like Spike Lee, John Singleton, and Quentin Tarantino.

    In addition to his own films, Van Peebles worked as an actor frequently throughout his career, appearing in Robert Atman’s O.C. and Stiggs, Jaws: The Revenge, Last Action Hero, and more. He pursued many creative endeavors, such as painting and writing plays, but Van Peebles was also deeply enmeshed with the music community. He composed the soundtrack to Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, which was recorded by legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire. He also wrote and sang on the score for his previous film Watermelon Man, which featured slide guitar courtesy of Ry Cooder.

    Van Peebles released a string of solo albums throughout the decades, and collaborated with a number of contemporary artists. In 2014, Van Peebles released The Last Transmission, a sprawling spoken word and jazz record with the Heliocentrics. Just last year, the filmmaker appeared in the visual for Standing on the Corner’s single “Angel.”

    Read The Full Article Here

    Popular Posts

    More like this
    Related

    Zendaya Seemingly Wears Ring With Tom Holland’s Intitials: Photos – Hollywood Life

    View gallery Things seem to be getting even more...

    Review: ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Falls into the Typical Sequel Trap

    Review: 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' Falls into...

    Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS | Official Trailer

    Austin Butler and Tom Hanks star in Baz Luhrmann's...

    Different Types Of Jackets For Menc

    Last Updated: March 20, 2023 What jacket do you...
    Zendaya Seemingly Wears Ring With Tom Holland’s Intitials: Photos – Hollywood Life
    Who Is Kristina Kelly’s Partner and Father of Her Son? Meet Max Ville
    The Judges Find Top 10 Contenders – Hollywood Life
    Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s Family Album: Photos
    The Five Devils review – A remarkably sedate and ominous film
    ‘Knock at the Cabin’ Announces Streaming Premiere Date
    I Used to Be Funny – first-look review
    Lance Reddick, ‘The Wire’ and ‘John Wick’ Star, Dies at 60
    Ariana Madix Confronts Tom Sandoval in Explosive Vanderpump Rules Midseason Trailer: “You Don’t Deserve One F—ing Tear of Mine”
    ‘1000-Lb Best Friends’ Fans Are Confused About Meghan & Tina
    How to Watch ‘Rabbit Hole’ Online — Streaming on Paramount+
    Shadow and Bone Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Ni Weh Sesh (I Have No Heart)
    U2 outselling rest of the Top 5 combined on the way to 11th Number 1 album with ‘Songs of Surrender’ – Music News
    Nandi Bushell Coves “Seven Nation Army” for Meg White: Watch
    Philip Selway: Radiohead will get together again within the next couple of years – Music News
    Alison Hammond to Co-Host Great British Bake Off
    Different Types Of Jackets For Menc
    Must Read: Kering Commits To Reducing Absolute Emissions By 40%, How Affiliate Links Have Changed Media
    US’ Lucky Brand collaborates with Laura Ashley
    Best Men’s Underwear For Your Body Type – Boxers, Briefs Or Trunks
    Sci-fi flick INTERFACE lands trailer + release date
    How Horror Rocketed Into The Mainstream
    Espionage. Magic. Wong. Discover Wong’s New Role in the Marvel Universe in Doctor Strange #4!
    Have you seen this classic movie?
    Review: ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Falls into the Typical Sequel Trap
    Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS | Official Trailer
    Wild Red Band Trailer for ‘Joy Ride’ with Ashley Park & Stephanie Hsu
    Zwigato Movie Review | Kapil Sharma | Yogi Bolta Hai
    Fire Tiger – Reunion from Hell (Official Music Video)
    Maa Dasabhuja | New Duga Puja Bhajan Full Video | Rupa pin2 khusi | Aseema Panda
    The Weeknd – Die For You (Official Music Video)
    Arctic Monkeys – Body Paint (Official Video)