Blaxploitation and Gangsta

I think the most obvious difference between Blaxploitation films of the 70s and Black Gangster films of the 80s and 90s is the era in which both were developed. Blaxploitation films are the obvious 'starter' of the black centered film that we know about today.

I think movies such as Foxy Brown and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song are what influenced the gangster films of the 80s and 90s. However, even those these movies have 'black people' ideals and are made and star black actors, white directors have been heavily influenced by these films. It is obvious to note Quentin Tarantino, like in the article we read entitled Quentin Tarantino's Phallic Fantasies: A White Boy's 'Baadasssss' Yearnings.

Both blaxploitation and gangster films have the same themes through out each of the films. There is usually a strong black actor in the lead role, there is some violence and over sexualized female character. Like Stephanie Dunn states in her article, these films were made to fulfill the 'cool' factor black audiences wanted to see in their lead roles.