Watch Gordon Parks hustle through 'Shaft' like his rent's due — Isaac Hayes included, no extra charge.
A behind the scenes look at the filming of the movie Shaft (1971). The movie's director, Gordon Parks is seen directing a couple of fight scenes which he wants to get in as few takes as possible due to the set-up time and the danger involved in the stunt work. He is also seen speaking to the composer of the film score, 'Isaac Hayes', about the overlaying of the music over one of those fight scenes, and what he wants musically for another scene involving the lead character, John Shaft, moving through Times Square. The latter would eventually become the movie's iconic theme music. Being a frenetically paced action movie, he also works closely with the film's editor, Hugh A. Robertson.
Direction
Parks directing stunts with zero patience for nonsense.
Score
Isaac Hayes cooking up THAT theme in real time.
Editing
Robertson's frenetic pace matching the final film's energy.
Director
Hugh A. Robertson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This doc captures Black artists owning their process during Blaxploitation's explosive rise — rare footage of creative control in real time.
Gordon Parks was already a legendary LIFE photographer before directing; that eye for composition shows in how he blocks these fight scenes.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
