description Super Fly Overview
Directed by Gordon Parks Jr., Super Fly is a 1972 crime drama centered on Priest, a Harlem cocaine dealer who wants to leave the drug trade. His effort to secure enough money for an exit brings him into conflict with people who benefit from keeping him involved. The story explores the difficulty of changing a life shaped by criminal income and limited opportunities for social mobility. A major commercial success, the film became a key work of the blaxploitation genre.
Its depiction of Black urban experience and its focus on a morally compromised protagonist make it relevant to discussions of representation in American cinema. Curtis Mayfield's soundtrack adds a perspective that can question the world shown on screen. It suits viewers interested in 1970s crime films and the relationship between popular entertainment and social commentary.
help Super Fly FAQ
Who directed the 1972 film Super Fly?
The 1972 film "Super Fly" was directed by Gordon Parks Jr., the son of Gordon Parks who directed the genre-defining film "Shaft" the previous year. Parks Jr. brought a gritty, stylistic approach to the movie that cemented its place in cinema history.
What is the plot of the movie Super Fly?
The film follows Youngblood Priest, a successful cocaine dealer in Harlem who decides he wants to leave the criminal underworld after pulling off one final deal. The narrative focuses on his struggles to retire while navigating corrupt police and rival drug syndicates.
Who composed the famous soundtrack for Super Fly?
The iconic soundtrack for "Super Fly" was written and performed by Curtis Mayfield. His groundbreaking funk and soul tracks are often considered as important as the film itself, with the album hitting number one on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts.
Was Super Fly a financial success?
Yes, "Super Fly" was a massive commercial success, grossing over $6 million domestically against a very small production budget. Its profitability helped solidify the blaxploitation genre as a major box office draw for Hollywood studios in the 1970s.
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