Something's Happening
Something's Happening

Movie spotlight

Something's Happening

1967
Movie
75 min
English

A documentary chronicling the "youth movement" of the late '60s on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Sidney PoitierGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young white musician, desperate for money, becomes entangled with a black bar owner and his wife. He becomes increasingly paranoid as his involvement escalates, leading to a violent and tragic confrontation. The film explores themes of racial tension, desperation, and the destructive nature of greed.

Critical Reception

Sidney Poitier's directorial debut was a gritty and intense drama that received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its raw portrayal of social issues and Poitier's confident direction, others found its tone bleak and its narrative somewhat unfocused. Audience reception was similarly divided, with its challenging subject matter and grim outlook not appealing to all.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching look at racial dynamics and desperation.

  • Criticized by some for its bleak atmosphere and narrative inconsistencies.

  • A notable directorial debut for Sidney Poitier, showcasing his ambition beyond acting.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for 'Something's Happening (1967)' is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Sidney Poitier directed 'Something's Happening' as his feature directorial debut, choosing a darker, more complex theme than audiences might have expected from his established persona as a leading man.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review