Wattstax

My all time favorite music film, probably because it shows how soul was about so much more than music. Stirring performances (Isaac Hayes, The Emotions, Rance Allen Group) and hilarious running monologue from Richard Pryor (at his peak). Also some provocative social statements from Watts residents in the early '70s who speak out on race and romance. Catch it whenever you can---no VHS or DVD is available.

This is an absolute gem and a richly textured time capsule in so many ways. Growing up making Hip-Hop in the 80's and 90's I used to wish I was a teenager in the late 60's and early 70's just to be around all of that great music. Seeing this movie now has solidified that dream. I should mention the scene when Rufus Thomas comes on and the crowd literally 'bum-rushes' the field in what today would be considered a riot but as the swarm of people descend from the stands to the sound of Rufus's opening number 'Funky Chicken', the riot is a dancing, feel good frenzy! I don't think anywhere in the world in today's society could so many people swarm into a small space like that and there not be any violence. They were just itching to dance and boy did they ever!!! Then, after Rufus wrapped it up he playfully instructed them to kindly move back to the stands and like angels, every single one of them did as requested in unison! OK one drunk guy stayed but Rufus joked with him and then told the crowd to 'go get him' and on cue some of them rushed the field to 'playfully' scurry him back to the stands.

You've really got to see this movie! Very addictive; I watched it three times within a week of first seeing it. Far out and solid!

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.

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.

I only heard of this movie recently, bought it yesterday, and watched it this evening. Wow! I'm old enough to remember 1972, but I was very removed from the feel of this film at the time.

The musical performances are magnificent, and the attempt to capture the feel of the people in the audience is admirable, but I wonder if "Isaac the Bartender" from "The Love Boat" was actually a Watts resident or if he was an actor hired to evoke a mood (same deal for "Woodrow" from "Sanford and Son").

I suppose it's good that we would consider the Reverend Jesse Jackson enticing 100,000 black people to shout "I am somebody!" not so significant today, but in 1972 it was probably considered radical.

Rufus Thomas is an absolute gem. It's amazing to see how smoothly he works crowd control, completely eliminating the need for police intervention, by appealing directly to the masses. And of course it's always a treat to see the Staple Singers perform.

I recommend this movie first for the fabulous musical performances, and second for its capturing of the feel of the time and place. I give it an 8 instead of a 10 simply because I wish I could have seen ALL of the performances in their entirety.