Capturing the frustration and energy of the 1970s, Blaxploitation films created space for Black women to be action stars with top-line credit. Though originally coined by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as a derogatory term, Blaxploitation films like Coffy (1973) addressed racial injustice and reflected the Black power and women’s rights movements of the era.
Coffy stars Pam Grier as “the baddest one-chick hit-squad that ever hit town”. Grier blasted her way into Hollywood history as the first female action hero and inspired stars like Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra Jones, 1973) and Jeanne Bell (TNT Jackson, 1974). Though these posters represent the explicit content and stereotypes that the NAACP found troubling, they also take a stance, and modern versions like Proud Mary (2018) trade salaciousness for strength in their design.
While audiences and critics remain conflicted about Blaxploitation perpetuating stereotypes, Grier has defended her star-making roles and credits the power of her characters to the women in her family. “I loved the fact that these women I was playing were forceful but without giving up their femininity or their sexuality.”
Foxy, fierce and fearless
Pam Grier revived her gun-toting, 1970s vigilantes in Jackie Brown (1997). The neo-noir film was developed as a star vehicle for the Godmother of Blaxploitation and written in homage to her foxy, fierce and fearless characters. The director bought the entire cast and crew Kangol hats – embroidered with Black Power symbolism and ‘Mighty Mighty Afrodite’ – similar to the 1990s fashion staple that Grier wears throughout the film. The beret references the revolutionary spirit of the Black Panther Party, while the insignia’s punching motion reflects the raised Black Power fist and martial arts, both of which influenced Blaxploitation.
In the video below, Pam Grier explains the appeal of Blaxploitation cinema.
Related works
Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
1 October 2023
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
193595
Curatorial section
Goddess → Fighting Back → Blaxploitation