A Huey P. Newton Story (2001) (TV)

Director:

Spike Lee

Writer:

Roger Guenveur Smith (play)

Release Date:

18 June 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Plot Keywords:

African American | Based On Play | Character Name In Title

Awards:

3 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Roger Guenveur Smith

...

Huey P. Newton

Runtime:

86 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks

Movie Connections:

Features Orfeu Negro (1959)

Soundtrack:

Where is the Love

Huey Newton back to life

Mr. Smith is amazing in portraying a man who was as brilliant as he was self destructive. He was the greatest mind in the Black Panther Party. Eldridge Cleaver notwithstanding. But he was also ultimately a sad victim of his own appetite: he took to crack like he took to revolutionary theory. Robert G. Smith becomes Huey Newton: the chain smoking hyper active monologue master. He also shows that Newton was not just some slogan spitting radical: he was funny as hell. And when he spoke of revolution, it was with brilliance, passion and clarity. But never was it boring. He could have you in hysterics and furious indignation at the same time. The great thing about Robert G. Smith's play is that he IS Huey Newton. His performance is mesmerizing. It is also woefully under rated. He brings to life a portrayal of Huey not as a martyr or a joke. He shows Huey as a real human being with real weaknesses. A genius junkie who at one point had much of white America in fear. Because Huey (and the Panthers) represented the antithesis of the MLK approach. To Huey, if they shoot at you, you shoot right back. Because dignity means standing up for what you believe, and human rights are inalienable rights. And should be protected (of attained) by any means necessary. Just see it. If you don't care for the politics, just appreciate a brilliant on target performance by Robert Guenveur Smith. He will bring Huey Newton into your living room.