A comprehensive deep dive into the film that ignited a genre!
Shaft (1971) wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined Black masculinity on screen and launched the Blaxploitation era. But did you know its star, Richard Roundtree, was paid only $7,000 for the iconic role?

In this episode of REEL ONE, host Jenelle Troxell sits down with acclaimed film historian and author Josiah Howard (Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide) to uncover the incredible story behind Shaft. They explore how the success of a low-budget comedy,Cotton Comes to Harlem, opened Hollywood's eyes to the power of Black audiences and paved the way for a cinematic revolution.


Join them for a compelling discussion on:

The creation of a new Black anti-hero, a stark contrast to the roles of Sidney Poitier
How director Gordon Parks fought to keep the main character Black after the studio considered casting white actors like Steve McQueen.The crucial role of Isaac Hayes's Oscar-winning theme song in cementing the film's legendary status.
How Shaft became a rare crossover hit, embraced by white audiences and reaching #1 at the box office.
The complex legacy of the Blaxploitation genre, including its challenges with violence, misogyny, and language.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the film, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how Shaft became more than a movie—it became a landmark in film history.
 
TIMESTAMPED CHAPTERS: 0:00 Richard Roundtree's Shockingly Low Salary for Shaft 1:38 What is Blaxploitation? The Film Before Shaft 3:33 The Impact of Isaac Hayes's Oscar-Winning Soundtrack 4:09 Shaft vs. Sidney Poitier: A New Kind of Black Hero 5:05 The Fight to Keep John Shaft a Black Character 7:06 How Merchandising & Music Made Shaft a Phenomenon 8:25 How Shaft Differentiated Itself from Other Genre Films 9:07 The Incredible Story of Richard Roundtree's Audition 12:08 Challenging & Reinforcing Black Masculinity 14:36 The Trap of an Iconic Role: "He Wasn't Richard Roundtree, He Was Shaft" 16:10 What About the Modern Shaft Remakes? 18:31 The Role of Violence in Blaxploitation Cinema 22:54 Was the Violence in Shaft Cathartic for Audiences? 26:25 John Shaft as the "Black Superman" 32:34 Would Shaft Exist Without its Iconic Music? 36:59 Inheritances from Classic Film Noir 44:21 Navigating the Black & White Worlds 49:31 Richard Roundtree's $7,000 Contract and Why He'd Have Done it "For Free" 53:00 Favorite Scenes & On-Set Injuries 57:51 The Enduring Legacy of Shaft

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Josiah Howard is a film historian and the author of several books, including
"Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide" purchase here:https://a.co/d/7ZIU2gj
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What's your favorite scene from Shaft? Let us know in the COMMENTS below!
CREDITS: Recorded at Open Stage Media Studios
Directed and edited by Zebulon Schmidt
 

Produced by Paul Kazee
 

#Shaft #Blaxploitation #RichardRoundtree #FilmHistory #JosiahHoward #GordonParks #IsaacHayes #70sMovies #BlackCinema #FilmAnalysis #REELONEPodcast




 
 

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