Recently TCM played two of the Gordon Parks films, Shaft (1971) and The Super Cops (1974). Both held up very well and you could see many creative influences they had on other early 70’s movies like Dog Day Afternoon and French Connection.
Among his other talents he also wrote songs and poetry. Like Stanley Kubrick he started as a photographer before becoming a director. That explains the great shots and cinematography in these movies.
While dismissed as “blaxploitation”, I think they should be viewed no differently than other action films of the era like the Dirty Harry or Death Wish series.
Given current events, his films, including The Learning Tree are as relevant today as then.
Below is a link to his Photos and many interesting videos.
One reply on “Revisiting Gordon Parks”
The Learning Tree was a great film and a box office success.