Hollywood Shuffle

. . . just the idea of having the audacity to finance a major movie using one's credit cards. And while it's unclear what those card companies thought of the project, the movie-going public are the recipients.

Robert Townsend, infant terrible of the late 80s makes a splashy, dynamic debut in "Hollywood Shuffle." There's no doubting Townsend's unbridled energy, imagination, and punch. Here's a man who has something to say, and uses comedy, parody and satire to make his points.

How the film will appeal depends on individual tastes. However, Townsend has assembled a good looking cast, which throws itself into the proceedings with enthusiasm and verve.

More power, Mr. Townsend.

The main way it is dated is that Robert Townsend does so many parodies of early 80s movies that are somewhat forgotten that younger viewers may not know what he is talking about. But the main message of the film comes through loud and clear - that African Americans do not have an easy time getting dignified roles in film. And think how much truer that was in 1987.

Townsend plays an aspiring African American actor, Bobby Taylor, who spends all day at auditions where he is told by a committee of white people that he is "not black enough", and to come back when he sounds "black enough". And the parts are all for gangsters and pimps. Bobby aspires to play a black Superman someday, or some other dignified and heroic role, but things are not looking up for him to get that kind of a part.

Meanwhile he does have a day job at "Winky Dinky Dog", a hot dog stand where his coworkers tell him to forget this acting dream and pay attention to his "actual" job and "actual" opportunity there. Serving fast food. You have to see the hats with hot dogs sticking out of them. Hilarious.

Bobby is a prolific day dreamer, and this helps pad the plot with some very funny satirical skits including a take on Siskel and Ebert's old film review show, except this one is called "Sneaking Into the Movies".

I haven't found this one on streaming or cable lately. Maybe folks would be offended without some context. Many people have been asking why there isn't more African American cinema in the boutique label Criterion collection. Many have discussed adding "Moonlight", which isn't a bad idea, but if part of Criterion is introducing people to new films, why not add this to the collection? It's not that well known anymore. Oh, and people often say, why is the DVD so bare? Why no commentary track? The reason is that Robert Townsend, who directed and wrote this film as well as starred in it, had to put the entire thing on a credit card. No studio would back it. So I'm sure he wasn't about to lay out any more dough for a commentary on a project he wasn't even sure would succeed.

This one is worth seeking out. I'd recommend it.

Hollywood Shuffle (1987) was the directorial debut of Actor/ Director Robert Townshend. His self financed film Hollywood SHUFFLE pokes fun at the struggles many black actors face whilst looking for an acting career in Hollywood. It's sad as well because many of these stereotypes are still true to this day. While progress has been made in the American Movie Industry, they still need to make more progress. This film showed people how the Movie making business handles the majority of young black actors who're trying to make it in the movies.

The story is about a young, talented and aspiring actor who wants to make it in Hollywood as a director. But when he tries out for roles, he meets a lot of stumbling blocks. Many of these are about his racial background (i.e. he's not black enough, he's too black, doesn't act black, etc. etc.). Eventually he's offered a role but will he throw away his dignity to accept it? Can young Robert make it in Hollywood without "selling out"? Will his peer drag him down? To find out you'll just have to watch Hollywood SHUFFLE.

Highly recommended film.

As a black man and a longtime movie fan, it angered and frustrated me as to how blacks were stereotyped and exploited in Hollywood over the years. This was especially true during the first half of the 80's when I saw talented actor like Larry Fishburne play a hoodlum in DEATH WISH 2, Wesley Snipe play a hoodlum in WILDCATS and Mario Van Peebles play a hoodlum in EXTERMINATOR 2. Of course they've gone on to bigger, and totally unexpected, better things. That's why this satire hit a nerve with me. The one scene that sticks in my mind are the audition scenes where blacks audition for demeaning roles casted by clueless white producers and directors trying to tell blacks to act the way they think blacks should act (ain't that a blip!) and looking for an "Eddie Murphy type". The script, co-written by Townsend and co-star Keenen Ivory Wayans is accurate and on the money. While Wayans has sone on to better things (IN LIVING COLOR, I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA and SCARY MOVIE), Townsend has not been so fortunate (The uneven THE FIVE HEARTBEATS, The lame TV sit-com THE PARENT 'HOOD and the godawful B.A.P.S.). The film also features Helen Martin, Damon Wayans, Anne-Marie Johnson and John Witherspoon. If you a fan of on-target satires, I strongly recommend this movie.

This is a great movie. It is absolutely hilarious, and it easily represents R. Townshend's best work. In fact, it's far, far better than anything else he's ever done, which is remarkable considering the film's tiny budget.

The humor is biting and relevant. The movie is highly recommended.