Year: 1987
Director: Robert Townsend
Country: US
Language: English
Director Robert Townsend had the audacity to put $40,000 of the film's $100,000 budget on credit cards. He was very lucky that the film proved to be a hit, otherwise he'd probably have filed for bankruptcy. Indeed, aside from some small acting gigs he was not well known, but due to Hollywood Shuffle's financial/critical success he became established in the industry.
In this, Bobby Taylor wants to be a respected actor. From Sam Spade to Shakespeare to superheros, he can do it all. He just has to convince Hollywood that gangstas, slaves and "Eddie Murphy-types" aren't the sum of his talents.
Funny enough, Robert Townsend himself auditioned for SNL, but was rejected in favour of Eddie Murphy. Townsend's dissection of Hollywood's treatment towards black actors is honest, refreshing, biting and funny. Some of the film is straightforward narrative, other parts are sketch comedy. I love the parody of Siskel and Ebert named Speed and Tyrone who sneak into theatres and give their ghetto take on movies.
Amadeus is slammed by Speed and Tyrone...for being too hard to pronounce. Townsend is great at writng material that makes fun of tired stereotypes that are still being treaded over 30 years later. Though instead of a gangster, Hollywood has found new use for black people; best friend of superhero in Marvel movie. Townsend makes his point over and over, without making the audience feel like they're being lectured to or preached at.
Townsend's Hollywood Shuffle is poingant and entertaining. Though most of the actors he employs are not well known, they each bring a distinct charm and charisma to the screen. Combine these factors with a breezy runtime of 1hr 18min and you've got a nice afternoon treat.
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