Cast
View All
Jenifer Lewis
as Jackie Washington
Tim Curry
as Edward Whatsett St. John
T.V. Blake
as Antandra Washington (Jackie's Daughter)
Tangie Ambrose
as Shaniqua Summers Wells (Jackie's Daughter)
Whoopi Goldberg
as Nurse Ethyl Washington Rue Owens (Jackie's Sister)
Robert Bailey Jr.
as Wilson Wells (Jackie's Grandson)
Tom Arnold
as Marvin Pritz (Jackie's Former Manager)
Loretta Devine
as Snookie Tate (Jackie's Childhood Friend)
Julie Hagerty
as Pammy Dunbar (Infomercial Host)
David Hyde Pierce
as Perry (The Deaf Rehearsal Pianist)
Kathy Najimy
as Lola Molina (Jackie's Stalker)
Isabel Sanford
as Miss Krumes (Jackie's Play Mama)
JoBeth Williams
as Jo Face (Jackie's Vocal Coach)
Mary Wilson
as Vesta Crotchley (Jackie's Third Grade Teacher)
Reynaldo Rey
as Cadillac Johnson (Retired Pimp)
Crew
Director
- Robert Townsend
Writer
- Dee LaDuke
- Mark Alton Brown
Producer
- Gideon Amir
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Jackie's Back! represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Robert Townsend 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 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jackie's Back! took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1450 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jackie's Back! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rules of Attraction, which focuses more on action than character development, Jackie's Back! offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Nowhere and Russian Dolls explore similar territory, Jackie's Back! 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: June 14, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 31m
