Melvin Van Peebles' Classified X

He's respectful of the people who made careers as a black actor in Hollywood while still pointing out the broad assumptions underlying the roles and the changes from decade to decade. I checked this film out becuase of Spike Lee's comment about it on the Bamboozled dvd. Like Spike, MVP doesn't apologize for not suger coating how he sees things. And his views are fascinating, if difficult.

I consider this a must see dvd for anyone interested in film history, black cinema, or a different look at the Lethal Weapon series. MVP talks about how there was a moment when he saw past the film on the screen and into the broader view of the films taken together as a whole. After viewing this dvd I had quite a bit to think about. I wish I had seen this film before Bamboozled as it is a great prequel to the message of the Spike Lee film.

My hope is that these two together lead to more extensive studies of the topic - perhaps a joint project with MVP, Spike Lee and other interested actors/directors. If you're even thinking about ordering this dvd - do it. It's less costly than a large pizza and much more filling.


Much Props to Melvin Van Peebles   May 30, 2004
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com (usa)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

everything He said Hit Home ten fold.the History of Black Actors&Actress's out in Hollywood hasn't always been given the best possible showing.this Documentary pulls no punches&just deals the Cards the way they were dealt from start to finish.I wish this was longer because when you are watching History you want to keep on learning.Brother Melvin VAn Peebles is truly a Pioneer&One of the Most Versatile Creative Human Beings that has graced the Planet.


Truthful   February 24, 2006
Coffy6 (Trenton, NJ United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is a very informative DVD. Melvin Van Peebles is a master of entertainment. He gives a very informative and accurate overview of the history of Black Cinema. I recommend this DVD to anyone who is interested in exploring the true roots of African-Americans in film. We have come a long way from Step N Fetchit!!!


Good video for my class   March 2, 2006
Gerald Strothers (Cleveland Ohio)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Here is one of two presentations that I show to my class every year following a discussion on stereotypes. This is a no BS presentation that shows how images have been maniupulated through the decades of film.
I finally bought the DVD so it could be stopped and discussed. Since I teach African American History all year round instead of just during February, this video is one that I always have available. My suggestion is to also find a copy of the Bill Cosby video "Black History: Lost, Stolen, Strayed" if you can and show or watch right before this one.


this prune would think degrading Africans is funny   July 9, 2004
3 out of 13 found this review helpful

Spoken like a (...). How can this airbrain claim that black ppl bo-janglin, sa- sucking and samboing was a good thing cos they could pay their bills and it was just comedy? Sure, comedy at the expense of ppl suffering from such demeaning antics. I guess this idiot feels that slavery and degradation of a culture was in good taste and approved as being universally ethical. Aussie dude get yur head from down under ground cos u actin like a ostrich and it is not FUNNY!