How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It) (2005)

August 10, 2022 7:42 AM

Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include Watermelon Man and Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.

A documentary by Joe Angio (Revenge of the Mekons).

92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime, Kanopy, Arrow, Tubi, Crackle, Plex, and Fubo. Also available for digital rental on multiple outlets. JustWatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (1 comment total)

As with the Mekons doc, Joe Angio has great taste in what to make docs about, interviews interesting people, and tells the story in a straightforward (you could even reasonably say rote, conventional) way. It's not an innovative or striking film on its own. (This is maybe a little bit of a bummer considering how outside the box MVP films are.) But it is a competently presented batch of organized information about a cool subject.

So, choose whether to watch based on how interesting you think Melvin Van Peebles is.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:50 AM on August 10, 2022