Blu Ray Review: 'Hollywood Shuffle'

Is Stardom All It Is Cracked Up To Be?

Review by David Clark

Buckle up for this one and be prepared because Hollywood Shuffle will make you laugh, think, and feel guilty all at the same time. Robert Townsend, known today as a well rounded actor, writer, and director, had a message on his mind that he wanted to share with the world. Nearly 30 years later Townsend’s little project is still funny and still holds relevance.

Joined by the likes of Keenan Ivory Wayans, David McKnight, Anne-Marie Johnson, Helen Martin, and Sarah Coughlan; Townsend sheds light on what life as a young would-be minority actor is like in hollywood. Despite the important message regarding equality for actors, Hollywood Shuffle does not preach or lecture, it is a satirical comedy that has a moral at the center.

The movie follows Townsend as he plays the character of Bobby Taylor, a young African-American actor trying to earn his big break in the movie and television industry. Bobby tries to juggle time constraints, family expectations, personal and public judgements, and hollywood expectations as he tries to find his place as an actor.

Hollywood shuffle takes frequent breaks from the main narrative with In Living Color type skits that are supposed to be Bobby’s daydreams. These daydreams poke fun of the racial issues in hollywood such as tight casting and stereotypes while also parodying movies like Indiana Jones and Dirty Harry.

The Blu Ray conversion of Hollywood Shuffle was brought about by a studio named OliveFilms. The philosophy of OliveFilms is a belief that, “Films are aesthetic expressions of human experiences [and OliveFilms is] dedicated to bringing independent, foreign, documentary & classic films to life.” Hollywood Shuffle may not fit directly into any one of those categories, but given the message of the film it encompasses the goal behind OliveFilms’ mission.

Filmed in 1987 the film shows age despite the upgrade to Blu Ray. The movie has an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and is available in both color or black and white. Though grainy in some spots which adds to the character of film, the colors are still very vivid and beautiful in an old fashioned way. Another area where the Blu Ray holds up is that of the audio. Backed with a solid Soundtrack led by Patrice Rushen, even Townsend lends his vocal chops to the featured music. Overall the genuine vibe of the upbeat synthesized tones of the 80’s can be heard on every track.

From a cinematography perspective it is important to remember this film is nearly three decades old. If there is any area within which Hollywood Shuffle shows age it is the lack of unique camera techniques. Three decades has shown great advances in camera technology, editing techniques, and filming methods. Audiences are used to having their attention held by the use of modern camera tricks and Hollywood Shuffle is old school. There was a time when a movie’s writing, directing, and acting had to engage and captivate an audience on nothing but pure skill and talent. Hollywood Shuffle is a great example of what a clever script can do when coupled with talented and funny actors.

It is great to see OliveFilms concentrating on bringing older movies to the forefront of a new era. Hollywood Shuffle touches on such important and sensitive subjects with an unholy irreverence that sends a message without people realizing they are learning. Hollywood Shuffle has a runtime of 78 minutes, a price tag from OliveFilms of $21.99, and is rated R. A rating that, at first glance, is surprising because the movie does not contain nudity or violence. The rating is due to the subject matter and the way it is presented.

It is good this movie was made in the 80s because it might not have been made today. The movie touches on stereotypes and racism with a level of self realization and self deprecation so great; even the most forward thinking and desensitized people are likely to feel uncomfortable during the more offensive moments. Comedy Central might even think twice before playing a movie like this one.

Hollywood Shuffle is a very good movie and the Blu Ray version, though lacking in any additional features, is a great watch. Be warned, if easily offended, self-conscious, or a person of a sensitive nature, Hollywood Shuffle may not be the best avenue through which such a person should learn about the racial issues presented within this film.