Fantastic Fest 2019: DOLEMITE IS MY NAME

Often in film criticism, one finds themselves judging a film on two axis: entertainment and merit. A film can be perfectly shot and compellingly written and performed, but it may not be entertaining. Superhero movies and the latest franchise installation certainly thrills its audience, but does it become art?

Dolemite Is My Name is the perfect film to straddle both of these cinematic standards. Furthermore, it understands this distinction and is able to bring it into conversation. What do the people want? Action heroes and beautiful leading ladies and suspense and laughs; Dolemite Is My Name gives us all of that and so much more.

In Dolemite Is My Name, Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before being featured as the highly anticipated “Secret Screening” of the 2019 Fantastic Fest film festival, in Austin, TX. The cast of Dolemite is dynamite with Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Titus Burgess, Chris Rock, Snoop Dogg, and an absolutely stellar performance by Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Craig Brewer is at the helm as director.

Dolemite & Blaxploitation Cinema

For the uninitiated, Dolemite was an alter ego created by comedian Rudy Ray Moore for his stand-up acts. Dolemite is described as the ultimate “ghetto hero.” He’s profane. He’s a well-dressed pimp. He’s a kung-fu master in the streets and another kind of master in the sheets. You get the picture. Most importantly, Moore’s alter ego became synonymous with the blaxploitation era of 1970s cinema.

Blaxploitation was at its peak in the early 1970s and a celebration of black culture that was originally created for the urban African-American audience, but expanded into mass appeal. The genre is defined by bold statements regarding violence, sex, and racial and social issues. Blaxploitation films were cutting edge in storytelling, for their time, and continue to influence modern cinema with their unique style and brazen approach. The scene has been set, so let’s talk Dolemite Is My Name.

A Love Letter to the Filmmaker

Dolemite is my Name is a story about the grit that goes into filmmaking. Rudy Ray Moore’s path to stardom was not a straight line. It was barely a “rising star” that he rode to the top. There was a lot of scrapping and reframing and trial and error that went into making the man. That scrappy, gritty experience is mirrored in the making of his film.

The story of a ragtag group of dreamers, battling the odds and cobbling together something great, is the perfect allegory for the Hollywood dream and for Moore, himself. It takes guts. It takes talent. Above all, it takes persistence and desire.

In addition to that message, the film features many hilarious scenes about the practical problems of a film set and all the outrageous personalities that gather on it. There are plenty of films that could be described as love letters to Hollywood, but not one of them will be as honest and down-and-dirty about it as Dolemite Is My Name. Well done.

As a period piece, Dolemite brings all the very best color and energy to the film. The costumes are beautiful and the locations and settings reflect that same message discussed previously. One could describe it as the “glimmer under the grit.” The appearance may be rough, but there’s a light that is shining through.

This film is filthy. We’re talking nudity, obscenity, the works! It’s also incredibly sweet, moving, and sincere. Behind every swear-laced monologue is the struggle of overcoming an obstacle or moving beyond the limitations of a vindictive parent or other naysayer.

In a way, the impact of all of that hard language and lewd imagery is softened because what the viewer really experiences is the heart that is underneath it all. These characters are “bad motherf*ckers” that are also incredibly kind and dedicated to one another. This is a very subtle balance and the cast is to receive all praise and credit for pulling it off.

A New Career High?

Eddie Murphy is at his absolute best in Dolemite Is My Name. The humor and chops for drama that he brings to the role are a perfect c*cktail that you just can’t help but drink up. It’s a stellar performance. As for the rest of the cast, the energy and talent assures that there will never be a dull moment on-screen (especially Keegan-Michael Key). This may be a new all-time favorite role for Wesley Snipes.

Dolemite is his name and bringing down the house is his motherf*cking game! Come for the cast and the costuming, stay for a truly fantastic film experience. Don’t sleep on this one. It comes with our highest recommendation.

Dolemite Is My Name will be released on October 4, 2019, only in select theaters, and hits Netflix streaming on October 25!

What’s your favorite blaxploitation film? Let us know in the comments!