Cast
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Pam Grier
as Friday Foster
Yaphet Kotto
as Colt Hawkins
Godfrey Cambridge
as Ford Malotte
Thalmus Rasulala
as Blake Tarr
Eartha Kitt
as Madame Rena
Jim Backus
as Enos Griffith
Scatman Crothers
as Reverend Noble Franklin
Ted Lange
as Fancy Dexter
Tierre Turner
as Cleve
Paul Benjamin
as Senator David Lee Hart
Jason Bernard
as Charles Foley
Ed Cambridge
as Lt. Jake Wayne
Julius Harris
as Monk Riley
Rosalind Miles
as Clorils Boston
Carl Weathers
as Yarbro
Crew
Director
- Arthur Marks
Producer
- Arthur Marks
Reviews
Cat Ellington
I wish I could give this timeless Arthur Marks-directed masterwork TEN stars! That is just how much I LOVE it. Friday Foster is one of my all-time favorite movies, and I could never wax weary of it. I love this movie so very much, as do I its beautiful star protagonist, Pam Grier ... An inimitable motion picture luminary in her own right.
Opening to a groovy soundtrack, "Friday Foster", the film, pays homage to the namesake of its lead character, Friday Foster, a stunning former model turned magazine photographer played by Grier, who finds herself entangled in a web of murder-for-hire involving America's wealthiest black man, the fictive Blake Tarr, who is respectively portrayed by another 70s film/TV legend, Thalamus Rasulala. It is inside of an airplane hangar where a hired killer attempts (but fails) to assassinate the billionaire Tarr, forcing Friday, unbeknownst to the would-be killer, to seek safety in a shielded area. The stubborn and rebellious Friday is not only shaken up, but an eyewitness to the goings on: For she eventually sees the assassin's face, as does he hers. And just that quick, Friday gets her name added to the murder hit list. Why? Well, because Friday, while snapping pics of the chaos, also captured a still image of the would-be killer's face. From there folks, the fun-filled action and suspense builds ... And builds ... And builds...
As the plot uniquely unfolds in this fast-paced, and well-shot action thriller, the Yves Saint Laurent silk scarf-wearing, Louis Vuitton Speedy bag-carrying Friday decides to take it upon herself to "play detective" - much to this head-graying and frustrated dismay of her boss - in order to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the foiled assassination attempt on Blake Tarr's life, and also to prevent the hit-in-waiting on her own. Enter private eye, Colt Hawkins - played by the irresistible Yaphet Kotto - who teams up with Friday (at Friday's request) to capture not only the would-be killer, but also those higher ups who executed the contract on Tarr's head in the first place. . .
Friday Foster, the film, takes its watchers on one helluva dangerous and exciting thrill ride - from the throes of Los Angeles to the political power seats of Washington, DC - leaving a trail of dead bodies in its wake ... Including that one of Friday's best friend, Cloris.
Rounding out the all-star cast in this hilarious, though undeniably suspenseful cinematic work of art are: Carl Weathers, Godfrey Cambridge, Eartha Mitt, Jason Bernard, Ted Lange, Rosalind Miles, and Julius Harris, just to name a few.
A well-aged tale of money, power, ruthlessness, deception and murder, Friday Foster is a cult classic in motion picture history. Its dramatic suspense never lets up until the end credits begin to scroll. Great movie! Five out of five HUGE stars!
Feb 16, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Friday Foster distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Arthur Marks 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1975, 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 Friday Foster took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1975, 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 Friday Foster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 10 to Midnight, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Friday Foster subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Uncovered and Zatoichi on the Road explore similar territory, Friday Foster 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: December 25, 1975
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
