Customer Reviews

Chameleon Street

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

a van peebles-esque tour de force with a kind of orson welles twist. this is one of the best african-american independent films of the last 20 years, made by a true artist who seems equally at home with blaxploitation and cocteau's beauty and the beast. the failure to find an audience for this film speaks to a recurring problem: no one seems to have much confidence that a film like this with diverse aesthetic references made by a black artist can or should have an audience. i certainly see this in my own work in the music business. the film is curious because it is not specifically a film about race or racism but hits it hard. and it's main character's ability to remake himself as needed is a nice metaphor for a new kind of black-identified archetype: a person who's flexible, literate, not locked in to the conventions of what we black folk are supposed to be able to know.

Although alittle dark at times, this true story is extremely funny and thought-provoking. Once you realize that Doug Street actually did ALL of these things (farces), it becomes a more remarkable story. Harris' performance as the "psychotic" Street is one that viewers will never forget. Both his intensity (and drastic mood swings) and expansive vocabulary were accurate depictions of the real-life Street. This is one of the unheralded gems!!

Wendell B. Harris has crafted one of the most sophisticated African-American films to come along in years. Based on a true story, the film follows the life of Douglas Street (played by Harris). Increasingly frustrated and desperate for money, Street impersonates several different characters.

A big winner at Sundance about ten years ago, the film got little more than a token theatrical release. Fortunately, through its release on homevideo, this inspired film was given a new lease on life.

The film is highlighted by well-crafted and witty dialog that captures the frustrations of many men (not just African American men) in a fresh and compelling way. One of the best scenes in the film, involves a verbal sparring match between Street and a "local" in a bar. Brilliant.

If you're looking for an intelligent serio-comedy, CHAMELEON STREET is an excellent choice. This is particularly true if you're looking for an alternative to the formulaic movies that Hollywood studios regularly crank out. CHAMELEON STREET is a film for the literate filmgoer who wants to be stimulated as well as entertained.

While I am loathe to squeeze Chameleon Street into the confines of "A Black Movie", one of the reasons that I love this film is it's one of the woefully few films out there that takes an intelligent and sophisticated look at the aspects of being a Black man in America without being preachy or heavy-handed.

The script is well written and Wendell B. Harris Jr. delivers a beautifully nuanced performance.

If you're tired of the limited buffet of in-the-hood movies, modern day mammys (Madea, Big Momma's House 1 & 2), or other films of general black buffoonery (Friday 1 & 2, White Chicks) that Hollywood gladly finances and distributes - give this under-appreciated movie a try.

You'll be glad you did.

This movie is a classic. I used to rent it on VHS years ago. Akin the "The Spook Who Sat by the Door", it's the story of a genius, African American man, who assumes various identities because he can. Life is a game to him and he plays it to the 'inf degree. Not for children. One disturbing scene. A must have for the video library!

If you have ever wondered what it does to a man to put him into a cage and demand that he win a race, any race, then you must see Chameleon Street. What does it profit a nation to curtail the potentials and the possibilities of its own sons? This movie breaks with the usual cinematic story-lines, and exposes the habits of a mind that is "so far ahead of yooouuu..." (as he tells the prison staff psychiatrist), and too cynical to ignore.

This film is great. It ranks among the best in critical Black cinema films. I am always trying to find more like this film that stretch boundaries with great art and wonderful script writing.

Wow. What a masterpiece. You know those films that you can watch so many times that you know all of the lines and its just as fun to watch every experience. That is Chameleon Street.

It's hard to believe more people don't know this movie. It was the Grand Prize winner at Sundance back when the festival was truly independent. It's star and director is Wendell B. Harris Jr. - a charismatic presence who was also seen in Steven Soderbergh's Out of Sight (Collector's Edition). This movie deals with identity and deception, and has many political undertones. If you liked Catch Me If You Can (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Features), then you'll really enjoy "Chameleon Street." It also features great cinematography by Daniel S. Noga.

Very good. Kinda arty, but down to earth.
I wish someone would put it out on DVD.