Introduction
Blaxploitation films, a genre that flourished during the 1970s, dramatically shaped the film industry and offered a platform for African American actors. However, by the mid-1970s, the dominance of this genre began to wane, leading many to ask, 'Did Hollywood’s blockbuster successes effectively kill Blaxploitation films in the 1970s?' This article explores the reasons behind the decline of Blaxploitation films and whether the blockbuster successes of Jaws and Star Wars were indeed the main culprits.
The Impact of Jaws and Star Wars
The 1970s was a tumultuous period for the film industry, marked by both success and failure. During this time, Blaxploitation films emerged as a significant genre, providing much-needed revenue and a platform for Black actors. However, the rise of Jaws in 1974 and Star Wars in 1977 marked a turning point. These films, despite not featuring Black actors in prominent roles, demonstrated that high-quality, box office success could be achieved without relying on the Blaxploitation model. The unexpected blockbuster success of blockbusters led Hollywood to shift its focus to fantasy, science fiction, and horror, which were perceived as more lucrative genres.
The Television Impact: Roots and Changing Public Sentiment
The impact of television was also significant in the decline of Blaxploitation films. The success of the mini-series Roots and the subsequent "White guilt" it evoked created a cultural shift that made films featuring drug dealers and pimps less palatable to many viewers. Despite the limited roles for Black actors and the persistent production of exploitative films, the majority of Blaxploitation films ceased by 1979. This shift reflected a broader societal trend and the changing views of the predominantly white Hollywood audience.
Changes in Theater Business and Urban Demographics
By the late 1970s, the theatrical landscape underwent significant changes. Urban theaters, which had traditionally been the stronghold for Blaxploitation films, began to close and were replaced by multiplexes. These new theaters offered a wider range of films, including higher-budget blockbusters, which were less appealing to suburban audiences. As minorities began to move to the suburbs in greater numbers, the studios realized that the niche audience for Blaxploitation films was diminishing, prompting a slowdown in production.
The Failure to Produce Strong Box Office Stars
Another factor that contributed to the decline of Blaxploitation films was the difficulty in producing significant box office stars from the genre. While many featured notable actors, few managed to achieve the level of stardom expected by the industry. Even established stars like Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby, who had already achieved success outside of the Blaxploitation era, found it challenging to break through to higher levels without the genre's support. Similarly, Richard Pryor's fame stemmed more from his stand-up comedy than his roles in Blaxploitation films. This lack of star power, combined with low box office returns for high-budget films, further discouraged studios from investing in the genre.
The Continued Presence of Blaxploitation Films in the 1980s
Despite the decline of Blaxploitation films in the early 1970s, the genre's influence persisted into the 1980s. Films like The Last Dragon, Krush Groove, and later entries in the Penitentiary series continued to be produced, albeit with reduced prominence. However, even these later films, while still produced, were unable to sustain the momentum of the 1970s. The declining interest from the audience, combined with the success of other genres and the pursuit of higher profits by Hollywood, led to the eventual abandonment of the Blaxploitation films.