What a pleasant surprise this movie was! I remember hearing about it on NPR a couple of years ago when the DVD first came out, and prior to that I had never even heard of "Wattstax", either the concert or the movie. Boy, was I missing out! Fast forward to 2006. I rented this puppy at my local video store and had the pleasure of watching one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in years.
The closest comparison I can make is to the Woodstock movie, as Wattstax is also a concert movie in a similar vein. It's very of its time (1972), but somehow doesn't feel as dated as the Woodstock movie. It's both a concert film, an exploration of Watts itself, and a document of the black culture of the time - the purpose of the concert being to celebrate both black culture and pride, as well as the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots.
It features lots of footage other than performances - crowd shots, interviews with the man on the street, a gospel performance at a local church, some B-list celebrities, etc, all of which help add to the atmosphere of both the concert and of Watts itself. There's even some very funny and casual footage of Richard Pryor in his prime, as he raps about all sorts of topics in a local bar.
Now on to the music...This movie contains some of the greatest soul, blues, R&B, and funk performances that you'll ever see. Every performance is great in its own right. The Staples Singers find a relentless groove and keep on rocking...Carla Thomas proves that she has one of the most powerful, pure voices in the business...The Bar-Kays dazzle with both their outlandish attire and their funky grooves...Albert King brings a touch of the blues with his inimitable guitar style....the list goes on and on.
For me however, the absolute highlight of the show is Rufus Thomas's performance. Sad to say, but I had only a passing acquaintance with Mr. Thomas' work prior to seeing this movie, but "Wattstax" changed everything. Resplendant in white go-go boots and hot pink shorts, shirt, and cape, Rufus proceeds to tear the roof off the joint with a relentlessly funky and hilarious performance. The crowd clearly eats it up, and there's a great montage of various audience members boogeying their hearts out, and asses off. I don't know if I've ever seen a performer with as much presence and charisma as Rufus Thomas, he's a rare bird indeed.
So, long story short, if you haven't already seen this movie you're wasting your time. Go out and watch it right now!!!
The closest comparison I can make is to the Woodstock movie, as Wattstax is also a concert movie in a similar vein. It's very of its time (1972), but somehow doesn't feel as dated as the Woodstock movie. It's both a concert film, an exploration of Watts itself, and a document of the black culture of the time - the purpose of the concert being to celebrate both black culture and pride, as well as the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots.
It features lots of footage other than performances - crowd shots, interviews with the man on the street, a gospel performance at a local church, some B-list celebrities, etc, all of which help add to the atmosphere of both the concert and of Watts itself. There's even some very funny and casual footage of Richard Pryor in his prime, as he raps about all sorts of topics in a local bar.
Now on to the music...This movie contains some of the greatest soul, blues, R&B, and funk performances that you'll ever see. Every performance is great in its own right. The Staples Singers find a relentless groove and keep on rocking...Carla Thomas proves that she has one of the most powerful, pure voices in the business...The Bar-Kays dazzle with both their outlandish attire and their funky grooves...Albert King brings a touch of the blues with his inimitable guitar style....the list goes on and on.
For me however, the absolute highlight of the show is Rufus Thomas's performance. Sad to say, but I had only a passing acquaintance with Mr. Thomas' work prior to seeing this movie, but "Wattstax" changed everything. Resplendant in white go-go boots and hot pink shorts, shirt, and cape, Rufus proceeds to tear the roof off the joint with a relentlessly funky and hilarious performance. The crowd clearly eats it up, and there's a great montage of various audience members boogeying their hearts out, and asses off. I don't know if I've ever seen a performer with as much presence and charisma as Rufus Thomas, he's a rare bird indeed.
So, long story short, if you haven't already seen this movie you're wasting your time. Go out and watch it right now!!!