Mr. Soul!

Essential viewing...if you are studying American contemporary history, especially Black history. And, an essential tribute - and, overdue obituary - for a man who was a true visionary - a curator of the Arts.

Don't expect a warts-and-all exposé of Mr Haizlip's private life, he was a private gay man and the film respects that...perhaps, a little too much. Because...we really get to know nothing about the man himself. There is more to this man than what is shown: Being black, being gay, rubbing shoulders with nascent icons, living through those tumultuous years of the Vietnam war and the Civil Rights movement, Mr Haizlips's life is rich pickings. But, the filmmakers chose to focus - solely - on his relatively short-lived, massively influential TV programme: Soul!

This is a catalogue of those who appeared and soundbites from those who loved him. He challenged his audience and championed the lesser-appreciated artforms...he really did deserve a film that evoked the same kind of emotion that he managed to create...through careful curation.

Still, as an introduction to... and, a memory of...this multi-faceted man - it does a fine and respectful job.

Trailer...