Cast
View AllJohn Daniels
as Mr. Jonathan
Tanya Boyd
as Brenda St. John
Joseph Carlo
as Mr. Wilson
Skip E. Lowe
as Artie
Gary Allen
as Richard
William Bonner
as Maddox
Bruce Kerley
as Jackson
Sheldon Lee
as Chauffeur
Anne Gaybis
as Mrs. Phillips
Heather Leigh
as Mrs. Simpson
Fred D. Scott
as Freddie
Marl Pero
as Peg
Kelly Beau
as Meg
Ruby Williams
as Ruby
Helene Farber
as Manicurist
Crew
Director
- Greydon Clark
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Black Shampoo examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Greydon Clark brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Shampoo took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 325 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Shampoo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Joe Bullet, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Black Shampoo subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Three Colors: White and Italian for Beginners explore similar territory, Black Shampoo stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 5, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
