Eddie Murphy had long been trying to get a biopic about blaxploitation filmmaker and comedian Rudy Ray Moore for a long time. In 2003, he met with Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander – screenwriters very well known for their biopics – as well as Moore, and they started developing the concept. It took 15+ years, but they finally got it made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we return to our Eddie Murphy series with a Member Bonus episode for April 2021 looking at Craig Brewer’s 2019 film Dolemite Is My Name. We talk about the film and how perfect Murphy is playing Moore, and look at why the film may not have been as recognized in the awards circuits as it possibly should have. We look at Moore and the creation of his Dolemite character, how it fit in the blaxploitation genre, and our thoughts on the so-bad-its-good (or at least entertaining) style with which it’s imbued. We chat about the misogyny inherent in Moore’s films and how that translates into this biopic. We discuss the nature of biopics and how this fits into the genre. And we look at the bevy of talent starring in this film. It’s a fun film that’s certainly a great biopic and got us interested to watch more of Moore’s films. We had a great time talking about it so check it out then tune in!
And remember – it’s a member’s only episode, so become a member! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
