Not that the film is any brilliant example of filmmaking. 14 as part of the Nuart’s blaxploitation festival, that has remained prominent over the years, gaining at least as much cult-like significance among black audiences as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has had on mainstream culture. Yet it is “The Mack,” which will play Oct. ‘The Mack,” along with other blaxploitation films of the period-including “Willie Dynamite” and “The Candy Tangerine Man"-were cinematic excursions into the world of pimps, players and prostitutes. “The Mack"-the title of which is a derivative of the French word for pimp, maquereau- has not only lingered, it has built a huge following of devotees, especially among rappers like Too Short, who samples its dialogue, and cinephiles like Quentin Tarantino, who create homages on-screen, despite the fact that the video is officially out of print. These memorable scenes define the quest for pimping’s Holy Grail as pursued by Goldie in one of the most significant, though seldom-seen cinematic gems of the 1970s. Clearly the Robin Hood-like attire is more than coincidental. Dressed in a costume reminiscent of Robin Hood, he begins passing out money in a manner Mother Teresa would applaud. Later on, after Goldie has graduated to running his own stable, he shows that success has not spoiled him as he displays his benevolent nature to several disadvantaged youth. With this, we cut to Goldie, an aspiring pimp and the star of the film, who seems to be taking it all in as though attending a graduate seminar on “Pimping 101: The Ethics of the Game.” It’s all about the money game with me,” leaving no doubt as to his embrace of the corporate bottom line. Frank Ward, the pimping game’s equivalent to infomercial king Tony Robbins, explains his seniority in the game: “I work mine from Frisco to Maine. Much like any corporate CEOs would discuss their daily business endeavors, Pretty Tony and the other entrepreneurs are interested in maximizing their profits in a rather unstable market.
When I get a bitch, I got a bitch.” To which his dutiful apprentice, Bob, appropriately co-signs, “Right on.” I keep ‘em looking good, fly, and all that, but no dough.
I keep ‘em broke-wake up one morning wit some money in their pockets, they subject to go crazy. “You know, man, all bitches are the same, just like my ho’s. The gentlemen in question are either sporting an Afro or getting a touch-up on their meticulous process as they exchange wisdom on the ever-evolving nature of their profession.Īn aspiring MVP (most valuable pimp) by the name of Pretty Tony, a ‘70s version of Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko, explains to all in earshot the strategies that he uses to maintain morale among his employees. Envision for a moment a key scene in the cult hit film “The Mack.” We are in a rather generic Oakland barbershop, circa 1973, surrounded by nattily dressed gentlemen of leisure, who are adorned in the haute couture of Elaganza, the Jean-Paul Gaultier of the ghetto, purchased from that citadel of sartorial excellence, Flagg Brothers, which offers styles even Barney’s cannot compete with.