What does it mean, and how is Super Fly an example of the genre? This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 20:33. Lex Scott Davis plays Georgia, a sophisticated gallery owner involved with Priest. Yam pepper scatter scatter . Trevor Jackson Re-invents the Sleek Priest, The original Priest, played by Ron ONeal, famously sported leisure suits and floor-length overcoats, but Trevor Jacksons version of the drug dealer favors a less flamboyant style drawn from AllSaints, Burberry and German designer Phillip Plein. He is murdered after being forced to reveal information about Priest to Mason. The songs "Freddie's Dead" and the title song both shot up the Pop Top Ten chart in late 1972, with each single selling over a million copies. Cynthia: [after refusing a snort of coke because Priest is going to leave rather than stay for sex] Some things go better with coke. It has good protection but is ahead of the control surfaces for better 3d flying (vs placed at the trailing edge). One day, Priest confronts Fat Freddie, one of his dealers, about money that Freddie owes and threatens to force Freddie's wife into prostitution unless he robs a competitor. Super Fly is a 1972 American blaxploitation crime drama film directed by Gordon Parks, Jr. and starring Ron O'Neal as Youngblood Priest, an African American cocaine dealer who is trying to quit the underworld drug business. There's also marijuana and cigarette smoking and drinking. Theres no spiritual dimension, no sense of genuine civic aspiration. He also has a run-in with the Snow Patrol, a rival crew of coke dealers who dress in white. Priest's white mistress, Cynthia, is dismayed to learn that Priest does not return her love and is planning on quitting the business. We get almost no sense of the dailiness of Priests existence. Eddie argues that crime is the only option left to them by "The Man." After the men leave, Priest finds his partner, Eddie, and asks him how much cash they currently have. As an explanation for his desire to get out of the drug life, he says, All the power in the world cant stop a bullet. In the Sep 1972 NYT interview, ONeal also defended the film by stating that cocaine was not a major drug problem among African Americans, and that not only was it not addictive, it had never caused an overdose. [1], The soundtrack for the film was curated by American rapper Future, who also acted as a producer on the film. [4] Filming wrapped in March 2018, a process that Deadline Hollywood called an "unprecedented turnaround". .st1{display:none;fill:#FFFFFF;} Special Nodes - Poser As he is escorted outside to be booked in another precinct, Freddie attempts to escape and is killed when he dashes in front of a car. Their stuff isnt even carried in the U.S. but its really well made, very slim and lean. Fat Freddie: Listen, Priest, that's my wife you're talking about, man. Theres another crucial difference between the two films, a difference that marks virtually every encounter, every scene, every moment: firepower. Super Fly, Miracle Workers, Black Lightning, Ozark, and Avengers", "Future Unveils 'Superfly' Soundtrack Track List", "Film News Roundup: Sony Opening Crime Thriller 'Superfly' Two Days Earlier", "At $2.5B To Date, Summer's B.O. Parks, Jr. would make only three more films before his death in 1979 in an airplane crash. Refused by Scatter, Priest has to pitch himself to a deadly Mexican cartel manager played by Esai Morales. I took away from it a desire to pay homage to Atlanta by reflecting the community through the costumes.. Outside, Priest is held by two patrolmen, although he smiles to himself as Georgia makes good her escape. What the F*CK are you gunna do except hustle? Snow Patrol members led by Juju shoot up Priest's mansion. Director X was very hands on with the look, she recalls. If you are a California resident, California law may consider certain disclosures of data a sale of your personal information (such as cookies that help Motion Picture Association later serve you ads, like we discuss in our. One day, Priest confronts Fat Freddie, one of his clients, about money that Freddie owes and threatens to force Freddies wife into prostitution unless he robs a competitor. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Deputy Commissioner: Who the f*** do you think you're talking to? The gaudy fashions might be as obsolete as the old crumbling '70s New York City that serves as the background to the scenes, but the substance of the movie has ensured that Super Fly remains something more than a relic. There aren't any reviews yet. Those released in the previous decade could probably be counted on one hand. Superfly (1972) Cast & Crew Cast; Crew; Ron O'Neal Priest Carl Lee Eddie Sheila Frazier Georgia Julius Harris Scatter Charles McGregor Fat Freddie Nate Adams Dealer Polly Niles Cynthia Yvonne Delaine Mrs. Freddie Gordon Parks Jr. Director Phillip Fenty Screenwriter Sig Shore Producer James Signorelli . "Super Fly" Filmed In Harlem, NY, 1972 Priest must find a way to keep the money he has made while staying several steps ahead of the corrupt police department. African-Americans were a part of the process as well, with Gordon Parks Jr. as director and Phillip Fenty as screenwriter. Their argument is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Scatter, who is being pursued by his supplier. Its a death-steeped drama, but no major character falls victim to gun violence. Jacob Ming-Trent as Frederick "Fat Freddie" Davis, one of Priest's oldest colleagues. After the deal is made, Priest and Eddie are picked up by the police, where it's revealed that the supplier is a lieutenant in the department and that they can now have as much cocaine as they want to sell on credit and protected by the police. The film is well known for its soundtrack, written and produced by soul musician Curtis Mayfield. In response, Freddy (without Priests permission) shoots up a barbershop thats a Snow Patrol hangout, and a game of bloody vengeance is launched. K. C.s only other motion picture appearance was in the 1972 United Artists release Across 110th Street (see above), which was also filmed on location in New York City. Nothing, nothing better happen to one hair on my gorgeous head. SuperFly Now Playing: Superfly: Character Piece-Scatter Summary: The movie is a remake of the 1972 blaxploitation film Super Fly. And then when you get closer, obviously its them. Superfly (2018) - Necessary Violence Scene (8/10) | Movieclips Both movies tell the story of Youngblood Priest, a coke dealer looking to make one last big score and then get out. While this new development excites Eddie, Priest is still determined to get out of dealing and decides to commit to his girlfriend Georgia (Sheila Frazier). Soon after, the drugs are cut and being sold by Priest and Eddies family, with many buyers being attracted by the high quality. All rights reserved. Writing Credits Phillip Fenty . Although the timid Freddie abhors violence, he agrees and accompanies another member of Priest's "family" of lower-level dealers to commit the robbery. Formerly a Chicago musician, he now lives in Los Angeles with his dog-rescuing wife Marla and their Afghan Hound. But you kill me, and you and your whole f***in' family die. According to a 17 Sep 1972 NYT article, the project was initially brought to Shore by first-time screenplay writer Philip Fenty after Fenty and actor Ron ONeal, a longtime friend, had worked together to develop the story. Youngblood Priest: You don't own me, pig, and no motherf***er tells me when I can split. Frequent profanity, including the "N" word, "motherf----r," and "f--k." Lead character uses the word "f--got." Just think about it, don't throw it out, just, just think about it. (Even the weapons in their armamentarium of machine guns and handguns are encased in sleek white ornamental sheaths.) After "The End" is displayed, the film fades to black, but Mayfield's "Superfly" continues to play for a few minutes until the track ends. With Mason's gun at Freddie's head, Freddie's girlfriend reveals his criminal history and Priest's identity. The article also reported that the distribution arm of Shores company, Plaza Pictures, would distribute Super Fly, but in mid-Apr 1972, Var reported that neither Plaza company would be involved with the film. Both enraged and scared, Priest gives the information on Reardon and an envelope of cash to two mafia men and takes out a $100,000 contract on "the Man's" life. In addition, the picture marked the first screenplay written by Philip Fenty. That night, after picking up the kilo from Scatter, Priest and Eddie are apprehended by several policemen. Super Fly (1972 film) Quotes Its kind of hilarious take on the extremes of gangs showing their power in color alone. Yet all the threats and double-crosses are, in a word, standard. [13] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it a 68% overall positive score. If it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't be here, I'd be O.D'ed some place. The look for the Snow Patrol was scripted, says Messam, describing the rival gang that prides itself on dressing in all-white. It holds your attention yet leaves you with nothing."[14]. "Future to Co-Produce Director X-Helmed 'Superfly' Remake", "What's filming in Atlanta now? Scatter wont give him a bigger cut of drugs to sell, so Priest, accompanied by his scampish partner, Eddie (played by the scene-stealing Jason Mitchell, whos like Tracy Morgans amoral little brother), goes right over his head by driving down to Mexico and connecting with the cartel thats the source of their product. Scatter (Michael Kenneth Williams), refuses to increase Priest's . Michael isnt trained as far as I know, but hes a dancer. The way that the media depict and distort police violence is embedded in the film, in a scene showing a news report that follows a monstrous incident, as is the power of media to amplify misdeeds and ruin careers at a single stroke. MORE TRAILERS AND CLIPS (30) 2:26 0 Superfly (Trailer 2) 1:00 0 Superfly: Director X (Vignette) 0:14 0 Superfly: Character Piece-Scatter 1:01 0 Superfly: Priest (Vignette) 0:56 0 Superfly: Everyone Loves A Hustle 0:53 0 Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. He seems almost as influenced by Brian De Palmas Scarface (itself a remake) as by the original Super Fly. Witness the bright oranges and subsequent neon colors in the movies opening scene: a tracking shot of an underground nightclub, depicting Priest on a mission to collect money owed. Scatter, who now runs a popular restaurant, initially refuses to help Priest, but Priest plays on his emotions, claiming that he wants to get out while he is young and before he has to endure the extreme hardships faced by Scatter. As Mayfields Pusherman plays, Priests drugs are seen hitting Birmingham, Ala.; Nashville; Miami; and Houston. If I quit now, then I took all this chance for nothing and I go back to being nothing. Both enraged and scared, Priest gives the information on Reardon and an envelope of cash to two mafia men and takes out a $100,000 contract on "the Man's" life. Photograph by Quantrell D. Colbert / Sony Pictures Entertainment, The New Yorker Interview with David Remnick, Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard. David Remnick talks with Dean Baquet, the executive editor of the Times, and Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for the paper, about reporting on Trump and the perils facing American democracy. Brought in by his mentor Scatter at a young age, he has been dealing drugs ever since and lives like a king with his two girlfriends, Georgia and Cynthia. Note that you can actually plug a . The new HBO film dramatizes the effect of culture and politics on the most intimate extremes of a persons lifeand how particularly distorting and damaging this collective power has been for women. Adalberto threatens Priest, telling him that he can never get out of the game. Sakall." The unit publicist on the film, David Parks, was Parks, Jr.s brother. Eight Track Stereo, color T.V. He needs one big score to do it. Takin' it, sellin' it, bankrollin' so other small time pusher. Release Dates Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Getting up to speed in a hurry, Messam went power-shopping over the holidays in Toronto, where she loaded up on Fresh Company clothing. (Click here to read about the 2018 remake.) [3] Principal photography started in Atlanta, Georgia in January 2018. Having settled his business obligations, and with his enemies either dead or in custody, Priest and Georgia relax on a cruise in Montenegro. On the one hand, its a clever idea to have the pair negotiate drug supplies while sparring in Scatters martial-arts gym; on the other, the cleverness becomes beside the point because Director X cant manage to make both the action and the dialogue work in tandem. He lacks Parkss canny compositional wit, his sense of the dramatic power of practical attention to time and space. New York City--Harlem New York United States. Superfly reflects the gun-madness of modern American society, with drug dealers and police alike bearing arsenals-worth of military-style firearms and using them with a chillingly casual frequency. To stay up to date with the The Credits, subscribe to our newsletter. After the announcement, Warner Bros. issued an apology for its erroneous submission of the song for consideration. PyTorch torch_sparse installation without CUDA - Stack Overflow He was an actor and writer, known for Super Fly (1972), The Connection (1961) and The Doctors and the Nurses (1962). Before the opening cast and >>, Working titles for this film were Black Irish , If I Die Before I Wake and Take This Woman . Your privacy is important to us. Eddie is elated by the new situation, claiming that they are set for life, although Priest is still determined to quit after selling the thirty kilos. After Super Flys release, Filmfacts reported that the picture turned out to be the most commercially successful black film to dateas well as the most controversial. Reviews of the picture were mixed, with some critics praising its authenticity and others decrying it as exploitive and poorly made. Youngblood Priest: You don't own me pig. According to an Oct 1972 LAT article, Var had reported that by Sep 1972, Super Fly was third behind The Godfather and Play It Again, Sam (see above for both) in the list of top-grossing films of 1972. Super Fly (1972 film) Quotes. Priest explains that he hired contract killers to murder Reardon and his entire family should anything happen to him. Youngblood Priest: Don't argue with me, man, I'm trying to give you a chance. [8] Several California organized crime veterans, including drug trafficker "Freeway" Rick Ross, have cited the film as an influence in their decision to take up drug dealing and gang violence. To engineer that score, he screws over his mentor, Scatter (Michael Kenneth Williams), the veteran dealer who discovered him on the streets. Some contemporary and modern sources list the films title as Superfly, although the opening title card and copyright records list it as two words. The Snow Patrol members leave while Priest gives the victim money and directs them to the trauma center. See our. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Youngblood Priest: [while Reardon's pointing a gun at him] Kill me, Reardon! On Freddies Dead, a song on the 1972 soundtrack album (its not sung in the film itself), Mayfield calls out Another junkie plan/Pushing dope for the Man, vocalizing in a tone that the critic Greil Marcus (in his great book Mystery Train) called incredulous and disgusted.. There's also marijuana and cigarette smoking and drinking. Priest demands his half of their profits from Eddie. Superfly was released in the United States on June 13, 2018 and received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the movie's style but ultimately found a lack of substance. Ad Choices, Nancy Reviewed: A Complex, Untapped Story of a Womans Desperate Hoax, The Tale, Reviewed: A Filmmakers Daring Excavation of Her Own Memories of Sexual Abuse. When he finds out from his partner Eddie (Carl Lee) that they have $300,000, Priest proposes that they take that money to buy 30 kilos of the best cocaine money can buy, sell it, and end up with a million dollars. Eddie: I went along with that thing of yours about getting out cause I had nothing else. The next day, Freddie is picked up for fighting, and when he is beaten by the police, he reveals when and where Priest and Eddie are to pick up the first kilo of cocaine from Scatter. Is More Colossal Than Ever Imagined; Dinos Still Rule With $60M+ Second Weekend", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Superfly_(2018_film)&oldid=1140373587, Fictional portrayals of the Atlanta Police Department, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Super Fly is a 1972 Blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks Jr. (son of Shaft director Gordon Parks) starring Ron O'Neal, Carl Lee and Julius Harris. The new Superfly transplants the tale to the swank environs of contemporary upscale Atlanta, and it gives its hero the 21st-century equivalent of ONeals processed-pimp look. Superfly (2018 film) - Wikipedia The soundtrack alone generated about $5 million in profits one of the first film soundtracks to earn such a sizable return primarily from the biggest singles "Super Fly" and "Freddie's Dead". She upends the stereotype by digging into the role with relish. This Superfly has original songs by the hip-hop artist Future, whos also a producer of the film. As reported by Filmfacts, as well as other contemporary news items and reviews, Super Fly was the first black-oriented film to be financed entirely by blacks (in this case, a group of businessmen from the Harlem community) as well as the first to use an all-black and/or Puerto Rican technical crew. In mid-Apr 1972, Var noted that, because of the black-oriented nature of the screenplay, Fenty and Parks, Jr. directly approached the Harlem community for financial backing, which they obtained from a consortium of businessmen, lawyers, dentists et al. The films pressbook adds that the consortium of eighteen investors included pimps, madams and drug dealers. In a Sep 1972 Var article, Parks, Jr. specifically thanked his father, director Gordon Parks, Sr., and two black dentists, Ed Allen and Connie [Cornelius] Jenkins, for financing the production. As the lead character Youngblood Priest, the late Ron O'Neal brought a fresh take on the "man of few words" cinema archetype. And no motherf***er tells me when I can split. In SUPER FLY, Youngblood Priest (Ron O'Neal) is at the top of his game as a Harlem cocaine dealer. Superfly by Lynn Crosbie | Poetry Foundation The Custom Scatter node has the following attributes: Surface Color: The overall color of the surface. The first film titled Super Fly (two words instead of one) was a low-budget affair with a gritty look and a claustrophobic feel. One lengthy sex-in-the-shower scene between the characters played by Mr. Jackson, Ms. Londo and Ms. Davis has a nearly risible box-checking quality. After leaving Cynthias apartment, however, Scatter is captured by the corrupt policemen, who give him a fatal overdose of drugs and leave his body in Priests car. At one point I do give him a jacket that has color in it, to show his confidence. In Jan 1973, trade papers reported that although it previously had been announced as under consideration as a nominee, Mayfields song Freddies Dead had been ruled ineligible for entry in the Best Original Song category because it appeared in the film only as an instrumental. In the original Super Fly, a few handguns made an appearance but, if memory serves, not one of them is discharged in the entire film; the gun is the ultimate threat, one that is even unsheathed only sparingly. The original red and black Warner logo is replaced by the updated AOL/Warner logo used at the time of DVD release. Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. SuperFly (2018) - Plot - IMDb Mason threatens to expose Priest's dealing if he does not work with her. The website's critical consensus reads, "Superfly updates the blaxploitation original with a stylish remake that's exciting and visually arresting enough to offer its own slickly staged action rewards, but disappointingly short on social subtext. A standard definition DVD was released by Warner Brothers on January 14, 2004the day its star, Ron O'Neal, died after battling cancer. Although the timid Freddie abhors violence, he agrees and accompanies a member of Priests family of lower-level dealers to commit the robbery. He had done several fashion shows prior to Super Fly. However, w. And he was there a week ahead of time doing the work and getting the choreography down. Priest turns to Scatter (Julius Harris), an older and retired dealer who now runs a popular bar and grill, for help in getting Scatter's supplier. Diawara, Manthia. That night, after picking up the kilo from Scatter, Priest and Eddie are apprehended by several policemen. [1] It dropped to $3.4 million in its second weekend, finishing eighth, and after being pulled from 1,064 theaters in its third week made $1.3 million, finishing 12th. While controversial among civil rights groups for its portrayal of African Americans as negative and antiheroes, this film has stood the test of time as a classic of the "blaxploitation" genre. [According to contemporary sources, ONeal, the star of Super Fly, had been considered to star in Shaft but was deemed too light-skinned for the role.] But getting out isn't as easy as Priest hopes when it's revealed that the actual supplier from the police is higher up the chain of command, and this supplier wants Priest dead if he quits. black finish and cool bubble top and turn it over to a superyoung girl with rags and a bucket of soapy water, with a smile and a dead president, make it shine my sister. Super Fly stopped airing in 1970. . On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 93% based on 27 reviews, and an average rating of 7.3/10. Most drug dramas are set in New York or L.A. (at this point, a dated cinematic reflex), but what matters is forging a vivid sense of place. The famous soundtrack by R&B and soul legend Curtis Mayfield, who had a cameo in the film with his band, actually outgrossed the film. Keep up with The Credits for the latest in film, television, and streaming. Its initial success transcended the African American audience it was made for at a time when African American actors were hardly ever given lead roles in movies. By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. "Scatter" Stephens Was A Cleveland Street Legend & The Real Superfly 2 years ago Scott Burnstein You are unauthorized to view this page. Priest demands his half of their profits, and when Eddie protests that they should keep selling, Priest asserts that Scatter was murdered by the police, and that they also are in danger. Superfly - Necessary Violence: Adalberto Gonzalez (Esai Morales) kills Scatter (Michael Kenneth Williams) after he realizes that he's been stealing from him. When Eddie states that they have $300,000, Priest reveals his plan to buy thirty kilos of high-quality cocaine, which they can sell for $1,000,000 within four months. The film's soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield was well enough received that he was sought for other soundtracks. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. If you go back and . Gritty, mature cop story with violence and nudity. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, "The return of "Freeway" Ricky Ross, the man behind a crack empire", "Trevor Jackson & Jason Mitchell To Star In Sony's 'Superfly' Remake From Director X; Future & Joel Silver To Produce", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Super_Fly_(1972_film)&oldid=1136581494, United States National Film Registry films, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Lucky Scott as Himself (The Curtis Mayfield Experience), Craig McMullen as Himself (The Curtis Mayfield), Tyrone McCullough as Himself (The Curtis Mayfield), This page was last edited on 31 January 2023, at 01:45. Super Fly (1972 film) - Wikipedia Trevor actually has been doing capoeira for maybe 10 years, so hes really excited and really capable to do these kinds of things. Curtis Mayfield as Curtis Mayfield, Julius Harris as Scatter, and Al Kiggins as Policeman. My Superfly R/C - RC Groups The film was directed by Director X, written by Alex Tse and stars Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell, Michael K. Williams, Lex Scott Davis, and Jennifer Morrison. Super Fly Quotes Superfly is a 2018 American action crime thriller film and a remake of the 1972 blaxploitation film Super Fly. Nate Adams coordinated the fashion and wardrobe for the film. The American Dream is invoked several times in Superfly. The mentions come from the movies lead character, and from a song on the soundtrack. Freddie attempts to escape and is killed when he runs in front of a car. And that robs Superfly of the dramatic flavor a good underworld drama needs. . Eddie threatens Scatter, demanding that he reveal his source if he will not supply them, but Scatter holds him at gunpoint. We're out here building a new nation for black people. It treats Atlanta the way all those thrillers of the 90s treated Toronto,as a big gleaming anonymous generi-city. Priest diffuses the Youngblood Priest, an African-American drug dealer who specializes in selling cocaine, enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in Harlem. Additionally, the end credits on the original film release and video cassette differ from the DVD. "Pusherman," "Little Child Runnin' Wild," "No Thing on Me," "Give Me Your Love" and "Superfly," music and lyrics by Curtis Mayfield. director of photography Film Editing by Bob Brady Hugh Hart has covered movies, television and design for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wired and Fast Company. When I get out what am I gunna do? AFI|Catalog - Super Fly Radius. .st2{display:none;fill:none;stroke:#979797;stroke-linecap:square;} Juju suspects Priest of a hit on Snow Patrol and plans to retaliate. American Film Institute 2021 North Western Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027-1657. The wide shots are really stunt people. He can wear a slick duster overcoat and fedora one day, and a stylized track suit the next., Messam acquired Scatters track suit from UK athletic wear company Boxraw. Within those cynically defined contemporary parameters, Youngblood Priest (Trevor Jackson, dressed to the nines and sporting what one character derides as Morris Day hair) is doing well. You aint that good., The close call and its concurrent threat of a gang war compel Priest to take stock. All these corrupt agents of the law are white; Priest and his circle, as well as the entire Snow Patrol, are black; and, clearly and bitterly, Superfly puts ingrained American racism and its resulting inequities, injustices, and outrages at the center of the filmmost conspicuously, in its depiction of the ease with which white police officers can get away with summarily executing black people and even be celebrated for doing so.