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That Man Bolt

Name: That Man Bolt
Director: Henry Levin, David Lowell Rich
Released: 1973
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1973

Director

Henry Levin, David Lowell Rich

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

That Man Bolt stands out as a key example of the Blaxploitation era, primarily through its focus on a Black lead. Fred Williamson’s character, Jefferson Bolt, is depicted with significant control and skill, navigating international settings as a highly competent expert. This portrayal offers a level of racial representation that goes beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth. However, the film sticks to traditional genre clichés. The narrative structure relies on conventional gender roles where women have secondary roles, and there is no representation of LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent individuals. While it challenges racial stereotypes, it upholds the social and gender norms of its era.

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Category Breakdown

Does That Man Bolt have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. It follows the assumption that everyone is straight, which was typical of 1970s action movies.

How does That Man Bolt portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles remain traditional. Female characters play supporting roles and react to the actions of male characters, often serving as victims whose deaths motivate the male protagonist's journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Man Bolt?

Good

The film features a Black protagonist who has significant control and skill. Jefferson Bolt's expertise as a martial artist challenges the racial stereotypes of the time.

How does That Man Bolt represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story focuses on personal revenge against criminals rather than criticizing the system. It operates within a standard capitalist and legal framework.

Does That Man Bolt include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or hidden disabilities shown with significant roles or used as major plot devices in this work.

Present on Screen

Features a Black protagonist with significant control and skill.
Challenges racial stereotypes through the lead's competence.
Offers substantial representation within the Blaxploitation genre.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or queer subtext.
Female characters are limited to secondary, reactive, or victimized roles.
Does not provide a systemic critique of institutions, focusing instead on personal revenge.

Official Synopsis

Fred Williamson chop-sockeys his way through this popular blaxploitation adventure as Jefferson Bolt, a Kung Fu expert assigned to deliver a cool $1 million to Mexico City from Hong Kong with a stop in Los Angeles. When Bolt discovers the cash is dirty mob money and his gal has been killed, he heads back to the Far East to get even.

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