Remembering Richard Roundtree: The Impact of Shaft and Blaxploitation Cinema.
A Tribute to Richard Roundtree, Gordon Parks, Isaac Hayes, and the Impact of Blaxploitation - by Tapi Nyoni
The recent passing of the iconic actor Richard Roundtree marks the end of an era in the history of Black Hollywood. In the last 18 months, we've bid farewell to three legendary actors—Sydney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Roundtree—whose presence on screen symbolised the changing mood and landscape of mid-20th-century Black America, particularly during the civil rights movement.
Richard Roundtree plays John Shaft in “Shaft” (1971). MGM
Richard Roundtree's portrayal of John Shaft in Gordon Parks' "Shaft" in 1971 was a groundbreaking moment in cinema history. The character of Shaft, a take-no-nonsense private detective, represented a departure from the earlier portrayals of Black leading men in films like "Lilies of the Field" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Shaft exuded a swagger and confidence that resonated deeply with audiences, making Roundtree an inspiration for generations of Black actors.
Roundtree's impact reached far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on actors such as Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and Will Smith. The importance of both "Shaft" and Roundtree's portrayal is further emphasised by the recent acknowledgment from Omari Hardwick, who attributed the character of Ghost in the popular series "Power" to Roundtree's enduring legacy.
Shaft, with its captivating story, memorable quotes, and a soundtrack composed by Isaac Hayes, became an integral part of many people's lives, mine included. Isaac Hayes' music for Shaft not only earned him the first Oscar for a Black artist but also set the standard for future Black action-adventure film soundtracks.
“Black Moses” - Isaac Hayes
Moreover, the success of "Shaft" marked a significant shift in film scoring, with a contemporary artist, Isaac Hayes, entrusted with creating the movie's musical identity. Hayes captured the essence of Shaft with his distinctive sound, using high-hat cymbals and wah-wah guitar, setting a new precedent in film composition.
Isaac Hayes' impact extended beyond the film as his music became a source of inspiration for countless artists, with tracks from the "Shaft" soundtrack frequently sampled in hip-hop. This demonstrated the enduring relevance of Hayes' work and the lasting influence of the "Shaft" soundtrack.
Gordon Parks, the director of "Shaft," for me serves as an inspiration for challenging the monolithic representation of Black characters today in British cinema and television. The film, along with others in the Blaxploitation genre, laid the foundation for many Hollywood production, character, and story conventions, including the archetype of the Black action hero, which has evolved over the years.
Inset: Gordon Parks
The Visionary - Photographer, composer, author, poet, and film director, who became prominent in U.S. documentary photojournalism in the 1940s through 1970s—particularly in issues of civil rights, poverty and Black Americans—and in glamour photography.
Roundtree's performance as the smooth-talking private eye navigating a complex plot to rescue a gangster's daughter cemented Shaft's status as cinema's first modern Black action hero. It paved the way for subsequent successes like Ryan Coogler's "Creed" and "Black Panther." Will Smith’s “I am Legend” and Wesley Snipes “Blade” to name but a few.
The film's triumphant success can be attributed to Gordon Parks' storytelling, Isaac Hayes' soundtrack, and Roundtree's charismatic portrayal. While "Shaft" might have its critics for its depiction of Black masculinity, it undeniably initiated vital conversations about the representation of Black men in film, particularly in action-oriented dramas.
As pure entertainment, "Shaft" offers a unique blend of police procedural and action, with Roundtree's irreverent and stylish performance complemented by smart, over-the-top dialogue. Shot in 1970s New York’s Harlem, Greenwich Village, and Times Square provide a captivating backdrop for the story, with a hypnotic calm amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
A scene from ‘Shaft’ (1971)
The mise en scene, presented in a linear montage of shots, aligns with the busy streets of 1970s New York, capturing a sense of grit and surrealism. Meanwhile Hayes' soundtrack adds to the film's atmosphere, earning him an Oscar for Best Original Song and Best Original Dramatic Score.
While there were certain challenges concerning the depiction of the Black community and its association with the then-controversial Black Power movement in the United States, Roundtree's performance encapsulated a nuanced complexity that mirrored the lived experiences of Black Americans within racially charged environments.
His portrayal skill-fully conveyed the daily struggles and grievances confronted by Black individuals, communicated through subtle gestures, expressions, and Roundtree's impeccable execution.
"Shaft" surpassed the boundaries of cinematic achievement to emerge as a cultural turning point, laying the foundation for Black composers and artists while marking the dawn of the Blaxploitation era. Its profound influence on both the music and film industries remains indelible, with its soundtrack serving as an enduring muse for artists across diverse genres. From Curtis Mayfield to the RZA, the legacy of this film and its iconic character knows no bounds.
As we find ourselves amidst a burgeoning cinematic epoch, characterised by the resurgence of "New Blaxploitation" films, it is imperative to acknowledge the evolution and lasting impact of this genre. These modern narratives, exemplified by films such as “Sorry to Bother You”, "They Cloned Tyrone," "Black Dynamite," and "Dolemite Is My Name," represent a fusion of classic Blaxploitation aesthetics with a contemporary lens. They delve into the intricacies of the Black experience in an ever-changing society, a reflection of the genre's enduring relevance.
“Dolemite is my name, and rapping and tapping is my game. Yes, I'm young and free, and just as bad as I wanna to be! Take a look at me! I'm a rare specimen of a man, don't you agree?” - Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, Dolemite Is My Name. (2019)
Dolemite Is My Name - Netflix Movie Poster (2019)
"They Cloned Tyrone" mirrors the essence of its Blaxploitation forebears while dissecting the multifaceted experiences of Black characters within a society in constant flux. "Black Dynamite" skilfully pays homage to the genre's tropes, all the while infused with a satirical flair that underscores the genre's transformation over the years. In a similar vein, "Dolemite Is My Name" pays tribute to Rudy Ray Moore, a trailblazing figure in the Blaxploitation movement, encapsulating the enduring power of storytelling within the Black community.
In light of this cinematic renaissance, we must not forget the personal, cultural, and historical significance of Richard Roundtree as "Shaft." The recent loss of Roundtree, alongside the enduring legacies of Gordon Parks and Isaac Hayes, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence these artists have exerted upon the film industry. Their pioneering work continues to be an enduring source of inspiration, providing an essential foundation for the ongoing dialogue surrounding Black representation in cinema. As we navigate this evolving era, let us honour the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future of "New Blaxploitation" cinema, guided by the indomitable spirit of its pioneers. Always remember:
“They say that Shaft is a bad mother...
SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
I’m talking bout’ Shaft...
Then we can dig it!””
I write this in memory of these legends, I say, RIP Gordon Parks. RIP Isaac Hayes and RIP Richard Roundtree aka SHAFT.
