How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (And Enjoy It)

2005

1h 25m

Documentary

List

92%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

85%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Its framing motif—in which he has his head cast in polyurethane for a sculpture and ultimately poses beside it at an exhibition—nicely captures the artist's fierce powers of self-invention...

Jun 28, 2022

Full Review

Nathan Rabin

AV Club

[Van Peebles] could surely survive a more critical and complete look at his extraordinary life and times.

Rated: B-

Nov 27, 2006

Full Review

Jeremiah Kipp

Slant Magazine

The 72-year-old Melvin remains fascinating as an artist, self-promoter, and success story.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 7, 2006

Full Review

Christopher Campbell

Cinematical

A phenomenal outline of [Melvin Van Peeble's] prolific and varied life.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 17, 2007

Full Review

Joe Lozito

Big Picture Big Sound

Rated: 3/4

Jul 14, 2007

Full Review

Eric Monder

Film Journal International

The first film to fully encompass Van Peebles' long, varied and impressive career.

Mar 1, 2007

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walter m

Although many know him primarily through his work on film(notably the landmark "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song"), what the entertaining and illuminating documentary "How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company(And Enjoy It)"(perhaps the best title ever for a documentary) sets out to prove in fine style is that there is much more to Melvin Van Peebles than just that. As he is the epitome of the modern renaissance man, Van Peebles has also been a navigator for the air force, drove a trolley in San Francisco, a writer, a musician(although as one person puts it, he sings like a 'frog on crack'), a television commentator and, oh why not, a Wall Street trader. He came to filmmaking while living in France where as a writer he was able to get a part-time filmmaking license.(Which is so cool by the way.) And that led to Hollywood, followed by his greatest success with 'Sweetback' that as the documentary puts it, made it hip to be a revolutionary, unlike the movie's many imitators which simply did not get it. Okay, there are some places where this documentary does not go very deep, but probably for the best, considering it would involve Van Peebles' personal life. And I would like to salute his stamina for his prolific love life which in reality probably did lead to more than its share of heartbreak. And sadly there is no mention of his son Mario's film "Baadasssss!" about his father's film, nor about Mario's very small and controversial part in said film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

loved it. i wouldn't have given "baadasssss" another thought had i not seen this (though i still dont plan on checking it...but have more of an appreciation for it). fascinating individual.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fascinating & edifying.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Melvin Van Peebles is a genius! His body of work is insane. Broadway, Films and Wall Street!!!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Fascinating look at the life of Melvin Van Peebles. Best known for his controversial film "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song", he's also spent time as an author, musician, Tony-nominated playwright and as a trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

Audience Member

briliant. first dude to commoditize "blackness."

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Joe Angio

Director

Joe Angio

Writer

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Synopsis

Melvin Van Peebles was one of the first black directors to challenge the white establishment in his films, which include "Watermelon Man" and "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song." In this documentary, the life of Van Peebles is discussed, including his work not only in film, but also as a novelist, actor, musician, stock trader and even Air Force pilot. Interview subjects include Gil Scott-Heron, Spike lee and Melvin's son and fellow filmmaker, Mario Van Peebles.

Director: Joe Angio
Screenwriter: Joe Angio
Production Co: Breakfast at Noho LLC
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 4, 2016
Runtime: 1h 25m

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