It's a problem with audiences, certainly white ones, who only access the sub-genre through tropes. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are fetishized constructions of blackness in America. Sex, violence, hyper-masculinity, vice. Friday Foster enjoys defying the traditions of its filmic context.
There are two types of Pam Grier fans: those who want to see her breasts and shoot a gun, and others who appreciate her adroit delivery, acumen and presence. In a way, she embodies the very polarity of blaxploitation, which builds a dichotomy of black caricatures as well as authentic depictions of blackness.
This film is remarkable for not only its gender fluidity and subtle feminist undertones, but also for the bevy of massive black talent. It's also funny as hell, winking a constant satirical eye at the audience. This type of self-consciousness separates FF from other films of the genre. It also should remind viewers of the complexity, nuance and importance of post-soul black media and performances as vital to our broader understanding of American culture.
There are two types of Pam Grier fans: those who want to see her breasts and shoot a gun, and others who appreciate her adroit delivery, acumen and presence. In a way, she embodies the very polarity of blaxploitation, which builds a dichotomy of black caricatures as well as authentic depictions of blackness.
This film is remarkable for not only its gender fluidity and subtle feminist undertones, but also for the bevy of massive black talent. It's also funny as hell, winking a constant satirical eye at the audience. This type of self-consciousness separates FF from other films of the genre. It also should remind viewers of the complexity, nuance and importance of post-soul black media and performances as vital to our broader understanding of American culture.