Cast
View All
Fred Williamson
as Tommy Gibbs
Gloria Hendry
as Helen
Art Lund
as McKinney
D'Urville Martin
as Rev. Rufus
Julius Harris
as Mr. Gibbs
Minnie Gentry
as Mama Gibbs
Philip Roye
as Joe Washington
William Wellman Jr.
as Alfred Coleman
James Dixon
as "Irish" Bryant
Val Avery
as Cardoza
Patrick McAllister
as Grossfield
Don Pedro Colley
as "Craw"
Myrna Hansen
as Virginia Coleman
Omer Jeffrey
as Tommy (as a boy)
Michael Jeffrey
as Joe (as a boy)
Crew
Director
- Larry Cohen
Writer
- Larry Cohen
Producer
- Larry Cohen
- Kenneth Rive
- Benjamin Fisz
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Black Caesar 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 Larry Cohen 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 1973, 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 Caesar took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Caesar shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Black Shampoo, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Black Caesar subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Coffy and Foxy Brown explore similar territory, Black Caesar stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: February 7, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
