Movie spotlight
Mr. Soul
A serial killer preys on prostitutes from the mean streets of a small, mid-west city as the police turn a blind eye. With an insatiable sexual appetite, the killer brutalizes his victims and leaves their bodies at Moon Lake outside of town. A voice inside the killer's head commands him to kill, his victims beg for death. John Martin Crawford is only too happy to oblige. But Moon Lake happens to be a spiritual holy ground for the local Native Americans, and soon the victims' ghosts are haunting both family members and complete strangers in desperate pleas for justice so their souls may rest. A supernatural story that reminds us the dead are not powerless.
Insights
Plot Summary
Mr. SOUL! chronicles the story of Ellis Haizlip, the producer, director, and host of the groundbreaking public television show SOUL!, which aired from 1968 to 1973. The series provided a vital platform for Black artists, intellectuals, and activists during a turbulent era. It showcased a wide range of talent, from musicians like Nina Simone and James Brown to writers like James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, fostering dialogue and celebrating Black culture.
Critical Reception
Mr. SOUL! received widespread critical acclaim for its rich historical content, its powerful portrayal of Black artistic and intellectual life, and its intimate look at Ellis Haizlip's life and legacy. Critics lauded its timely relevance in shedding light on a crucial period of Black history and cultural expression.
What Reviewers Say
A vital and celebratory documentary that honors a forgotten cultural cornerstone.
Offers a profound and timely look at Black artistic and intellectual history.
Praised for its insightful examination of Ellis Haizlip and the impact of the SOUL! program.
Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise "Mr. Soul!" for its historical significance, its vibrant celebration of Black culture and artistry, and its compelling portrait of Ellis Haizlip. Many found the documentary to be eye-opening, inspiring, and essential viewing for understanding a crucial era in American history.
Awards & Accolades
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2018 AFI Docs Film Festival, Winner of the Audience Award at the 2019 Black Reel Awards for Television, Nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Documentary at the 2019 Directors Guild of America Awards.
Fun Fact
Ellis Haizlip, the subject of the documentary, was the nephew of Hal Jackson, a pioneering radio DJ and founder of the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters.
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