Wattstax

This is one great film not only because of the classic concert footage, but because of the fact that the cameras went out into the community and showed how life was and, for the most part, still is in the inner city. Of course, I am a little biased due to the fact that I live in Los Angeles. In fact, the non concert footage could stand alone as a separate film due to the fact that they show various aspects of African-American life. Also, it is quite sad to see Richard Pryor in this film. This was before the years of abuse began to take their toll and probably helped contribute to the Multiple Sclerosis, which would contribute to his death years later. However, the concert footage is what pushed this film over the top, especially the footage of Issac Hayes. You pretty much could see why he was inducted some 30 years later into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This not only a great concert film, but a great commentary Black America.

After realizing Richard Pryor was in this ,I have spent about 2 years trying to track down a copy ,as I am collecting and have most of his body of work (audio & video).This picture is very seldom seen and a true picture Of us in the early 70's.The beauty of this film is in the impact of seeing real people in the so called 'hood at that time. It was a simpler time, and we still had alot of soul and pride in being what we were.We were one with the music and able to express our individuality. The civil rights movement had just begun to show some gain .But for most of us,it was about sex ,drugs ,and funky soul music .Seeing the young radical looking Rev. Jesse Jackson was incredible and its a shame we recently lost Rufus Thomas ,Johnny Taylor ,Pop Staples .I think in retrospect there is much truth in this film ....

Not only was I at the colliseum to witness this incredible event from the beginning to the end, but my wife my nephew and I appear briefly on camera. To say that I enjoyed the beautiful expressions that I observed that day is to put it mildly. To see such a large crowd of beautiful, proud and peaceful African Americans celebrating our musical heritage was an event that I will cherish to my grave. I can only give thanks to everyone who participated in making this such a seminal event in my life. I was fortunate enough to be able to tape the movie when it came on cable TV but of course I am anxiously waiting for it to come out on DVD. You know the thing that really impresses me is that this came about as the aftermath of a very violent occurrence and there were, at least to my knowledge, no acts of violence during this event. What a great testament to us. Be proud black folks, be very, very proud.

This rarely seen gem has Richard Pryor running on all twelve cylinders, stashed in a Watts bar, rapping with his buddies, the high point of a fascinating unvarnished view of ghetto life that slid down a black hole. This is one of a kind.

This is not just a concert film; it's a documentary about African-American life in Los Angeles in the early 1970's. The concert is to commemorate the Watts riots of 1965, and some of the positive changes that took place in the area. Although there is a lot of humor to be found in some of the comments that the residents make about changes in their area, it's sad to realize that the lingering problems of racism and unequal opportunities still exist to this day. However, there's a lot of joy and hope expressed throughout the film. This is one of Richard Pryor's earliest appearances on film, and he is pure genius. Ted Lange ("The Love Boat") and Raymond Lewis (Woodrow on "Sanford and Son), are some of the Watts residents who give their thoughts about the political changes. Thespian couple Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee can be glimpsed in the stands during a quick shot.

All of the musical performances are solid. The movie opens with The Dramatics' "What You See Is What You Get" which serves as a commentary on Watts itself. Some of the musical acts perform away from the concert area. The Emotions do a heartfelt rendition of the gospel song, "Peace Be Still", in a local church and blues great Little Milton does a classic, "Walking The Back Streets Crying" while sitting near a railway. The late, great Johnny Taylor sings "Jody Got Your Girl and Gone" to a nightclub audience populated by players and hustlers in full regalia. Back on the concert stage, Rufus Thomas appears in an outrageous outfit and mixes comedy along with his music. The Staple Singers, The Barkays, Carla Thomas, Kim Weston, Albert King, Rance Allen please the audience. Issac Hayes caps the night off when he struts in to the "Theme From Shaft" and The Rev. Jessie Jackson gives him a king's welcome.

I saw this film during the Chicago International Film Festival this year, and afterwards, the director, Mel Stuart, explained that legal entanglements continue to keep this film from being released on video. That's a shame, because this film is an excellent time capsule of a piece of 1970's culture.