Mean Mother

Mean Mother is a gripping 1973 blaxploitation action drama film powered by star performances from Dobie Gray, Dennis Safren, and the beautiful Luciana Paluzzi. Unapologetically gritty and intense, this movie reveals the underbelly of the crime world while subtly touching on emotional elements of mother-son relationships.

Mean Mother centers around the gritty lives of two individuals, Beau Barker (Dobie Gray) and Joe "Joker" Barker (Dennis Safren), both deserters, but from vastly different backgrounds. The movie opens with Beau fleeing from his duty as a Vietnam War conscript while Joe abandons his obligations as a mobster's son in Hollywood. Their divergent paths converge in Toronto, leading to a serendipitous partnership born out of their shared desire to survive in a world that continually pushes them to the edge.

Dobie Gray delivers a compelling performance as Beau Barker, a tortured soul trying to escape the horrors of war and an oppressive past. Beau's anxieties manifest throughout the film as he grapples with guilt over abandoning his country and his estranged relationship with his mother. Gray's haunting portrayal injects a palpable sense of desperation and fear into Beau’s character, making him very dimensional and genuine, a real standout of the movie.

Dennis Safren brings a contrasting energy to his role as Joe "Joker" Barker, a jovial crook plying his trade wherever he can. Joe is just as complicated as Beau, grappling with the realities of his criminal existence, spiced with moments of humor and wisecracks that balance out the intense proliferating drama. Safren manages to humanize Joe with his charismatic portrayal, making him a character the audience can sympathize with alongside Beau.

Luciana Paluzzi offers a riveting performance as Edie, an opportunist who becomes entangled in the chaotic lives of Beau and Joe. Paluzzi successfully infuses strength and determination into her character, standing toe-to-toe with Gray and Safren in key scenes and providing a female perspective to a predominantly masculine narrative.

Directed by Al Adamson, Mean Mother showcases his unique ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seat as the characters navigate an underworld filled with dangerous mobsters, crooked cops, and murky alleyways. With cinematography that successfully illustrates the grimy yet captivating life in the underworld, he creates a visually engaging piece that mirrors the narrative’s tone and suspense.

Elements of blaxploitation are prominent throughout the movie, mirroring the era's socio-political climate. Mean Mother uses this sub-genre’s tropes effectively, providing a raw glimpse into the struggles of African Americans at the time and the stereotypes and fear that plagued society. Beyond this, the film's title itself offers a deeper exploration of motherhood, or more specifically, the fraught relationship between a 'mean mother' and her child. As the narrative unfolds, we glimpse the psychological effects this complicated relationship has on Dobie's character.

The brilliant sound design and score of Mean Mother require a separate mention. Bolstered by a mix of soulful ballads and funky tunes that reflect the times, it adds another layer to the film’s grit and depth. The soundtrack, populated by period-specific music, perfectly frames every scene - whether a high-tension conflict or a quiet moment of introspection.

Despite its harsh realities, Mean Mother goes beyond its face value as a crime drama. It offers a psychological commentary on the hard-hitting consequences of war, the stress of underworld life, and the complex web of mother-son relationships. The film grapples with heavy themes, all encapsulated within the overarching narrative of survival and resilience against the odds. It stands as a testament to the tumultuous 70s era, offering insightful commentary on race, crime, and familial ties.

Mean Mother is indeed a cornerstone of 70s cinema and essential viewing for those interested in blaxploitation films. With its potent blend of action-packed narrative, emotional depth, and socio-political commentary, it remains a captivating watch till this day. The exemplary performances from the cast lay the groundwork for a movie that dares to tackle heavy themes while immersing its audience in a roller coaster of crime, survival, and raw emotion.