Elvis Mitchell on 'Is That Black Enough For You?!?'

Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air

The Ringer

Society & Culture

4.8 • 3.6K Ratings

🗓️ 20 November 2022

⏱️ 75 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Larry is joined by writer and filmmaker Elvis Mitchell to discuss his new documentary on Netflix, 'Is That Black Enough For You?!?', which focuses on the unsung heroes of African-American cinema during the 1960s and '70s. They begin their conversation by talking about the genesis of the project and some of the legendary actors who serve as inspiration for the film's focus, particularly Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Next, they examine how the psychological dynamics and representation presented in films like 'Cotton Comes To Harlem', 'Night of the Living Dead', and 'Uptight' were flashpoints for the blaxploitation era and the mainstream popularity of movies like 'Superfly' and 'Shaft' (22:39). Next, they talk about the stigma of the Black cowboy in American culture and the power within films that can shape social narratives (). After the break, they dive into Pam Grier's potency as a screen icon and share anecdotes about growing up watching their favorite favorite films from the era. They end the pod by examining the importance and intersection of music in Black films from the 1970s, notably Curtis Mayfield's contributions to 'Superfly', and how the bevy of amazing footage was obtained for the project (53:17). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Elvis Mitchell Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	The time has come to get ready for the 2022 World Cup.
0:05.5	And what better way to prepare than by revisiting the World Cup's most amazing goals.
0:12.5	I'm Brian Phillips. I'm making a podcast about the history of the men's World Cup.
0:18.0	Told through the stories of 22 iconic goals.
0:22.0	The show's called 22 Goals. It's out now on the Rinner Podcast Network.
0:26.5	And we're having so much fun.
0:37.5	Alright, welcome back.
0:39.5	You guys, this is such an honor and a pleasure.
0:43.5	I've been a fan of this man's writing for a while.
0:45.5	He's a great film critic. His observations and films are really, really, you know,
0:51.5	his voice is just a voice that we always need out there talking about culture.
0:56.5	I guess it's a better way to put it. You know, it's a long time host of the treatment.
0:59.5	And he has this documentary, which I have to use the word breathtaking because it took my breath away in so many different ways.
1:05.5	And we're going to talk about that and you'll understand what I mean by.
1:08.5	And it's called is that black enough for you, which is a great title.
1:11.5	And it's on Netflix right now. Mr. Elvis Mitchell, welcome to black on the air, my friend. It's so great to see you.
1:16.5	It is great to see you. Thank you for doing that.
1:18.5	And I've always wanted to use the words breathtaking. It is breathtaking.
1:21.5	What was breathtaking about it?
1:23.5	It takes my breath away because here's what takes my breath away.
1:26.5	It hammers home how often and how much black excellence has hidden in plain sight.
1:35.5	And that's the part that I'm just, I have no words.
	...

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