MechanicalDummy.com (4/8/2014): Original G'z - Melvin Van Peebles [Pt. 1]

Melvin Van Peebles is a pioneer in the arts of film and music.
57 years since creating his first short film, the director of the cult classic “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” is still hard at work on new material for screen and stage.

To this day, the 81-year-old is revered by fans of counter-culture film. But Van Peebles impact on popular culture goes much deeper than many realize. His movies ignited the “Blaxploitation” boom of the 1970’s, his music planted the seeds of Rap music, and his dignity and dedication showed generations of disenfranchised artists how to tell their truth without bowing to the powers that be.

Mechanical Dummy was honored to speak with the legendary Melvin Van Peebles for our latest #OriginalGeniuz profile. Below, MVP talks about his current projects, his enigmatic legacy and the long journey that made him one of the most important artists in the history of cinema.

READ MORE HERE.

SAMPLE:

MD: Do you feel like you get the respect you deserve from the film community?

MVP: I’ve got a mirror.

MD: So you don’t need respect from others?

MVP: Look, I never been famous and I made it possible.

MD: You’ve made it possible for countless Black actors, directors, even your own son Mario. Who do you see that came after you that makes you proud?

MVP: Anyone who gets in and gets in a position to do what they need to prove themselves is fine… For example, Bill Cosby, after finishing “Sweetback” etc, um, gave me—or owed me— some money to finish the hit. Also, Bill Cosby hired me as a director for one of his television shows which he made. The (actor’s) union, they didn’t have black directors at that time. Bill Cosby did that. Everybody been nice and helping each other out, etc. but that was later. Nobody ever reached out or offered me anything.

MD: Did you want someone to reach out?

MVP: I thought it would’ve been nice, after understanding how insidious it is. For example, you know the movie Shaft? The original Shaft was in production when “Sweetback” started making money. You know what they did? They re-shot the movie and turned it Black; “Shaft” was really (supposed to be) a white detective… Because they saw “Sweetback” made an impact.

READ MORE HERE.

https://mechanicaldummy.com/2014/04/original-gz-melvin-van-peebles-part-1/