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Dolemite

Name: Dolemite
Director: D'Urville Martin
Released: 1975
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1975

Director

D'Urville Martin

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dolemite serves as a significant cultural disruptor by centering Black ability to act during a period dominated by white-centric storytelling. By bypassing traditional Hollywood gatekeepers, the film provides a platform for Black narratives to drive the plot and navigate systemic corruption. However, the film is limited by the social norms of its time. It lacks LGBTQ+ visibility and relies on traditional patriarchal structures, where women are often relegated to secondary roles. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of systemic injustice and its focus on personal empowerment through moral relativism, offering a sophisticated challenge to mainstream 1970s cinema.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dolemite have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a strict assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities featured in the story.

How does Dolemite portray gender?

Limited

Female characters mainly play supporting roles, often portrayed as love interests or sex workers. The story emphasizes traditional gender roles by highlighting the male protagonist's dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dolemite?

Excellent

The film features an almost entirely Black cast, challenging white-centric storytelling traditions. It highlights Black urban culture and character's ability to drive the story.

How does Dolemite represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film portrays a critical view of legal and state authorities, depicting the police and judicial system as corrupt through a lens of situational ethics.

Does Dolemite include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities among the main characters.

Present on Screen

The film centers an almost entirely Black cast, providing high levels of racial ability to act.
It offers a powerful critique of systemic institutional corruption and state authority.
The narrative disrupts mid-century cinematic norms by prioritizing Black urban culture.

Limited or Absent

The film reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal structures.
Female characters are often relegated to secondary roles as love interests or sex workers.
There is a complete lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight identities.

Official Synopsis

Dolemite is a pimp who was set up by Willie Greene and the cops, who have planted drugs, stolen furs, and guns in his trunk and got him sentenced to 20 years in jail. One day, Queen B and a warden planned to get him out of Jail and get Willie Green and Mitchell busted for what they did to him.

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