Routledge - Blaxploitation Films of the 1970s Book

Explore the historical evolution of Black representation in cinema with Blaxploitation Films of the 1970s: Blackness and Genre. Part of the Studies in African American History and Culture series by Routledge, this book examines the shift from early motion picture caricatures to more complex portrayals of Black identity. For much of film history, Black performers were limited to restrictive archetypes. This text traces the change that began in the 1950s and 1960s with performers like Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge. Their work helped create the foundation for the blaxploitation movement, which rose to prominence between 1970 and 1975. This scholarly work provides a deep look into how the genre emerged and flourished. It is an essential resource for students and readers interested in the history of film, African American culture, and the social impact of cinematic movements. Gain a better understanding of how these films redefined the screen during a transformative era in American history.