Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp (2012)

Movies

Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp (2012) – ‘Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp’, examines the tumultuous life of legendary Chicago pimp Iceberg Slim (1918-1992) and how he reinvented himself from pimp to author of 7 groundbreaking books. These books were the birth of Street Lit and explored the world of the ghetto in gritty and poetic detail and have made him a cultural icon. Interviews with Iceberg Slim, Chris Rock, Henry Rollins, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg, and Quincy Jones.

Director: Jorge Hinojosa (also known for: The Devil’s Miner (2014), American Revolutionary (2017), The Apology (2019))

Writer: Jorge Hinojosa, based on the book Pimp: The Story of My Life by Iceberg Slim

Release Date: July 11, 2013 (Canada)

Domestic Box Office: $10,594

Iceberg Slim Portrait of a Pimp (2012)

The Good:

  • The film is a well-made and informative documentary about the life of Iceberg Slim, a notorious pimp and author.
  • The film features interviews with Iceberg Slim’s friends, family, and associates, as well as archival footage of Slim himself.
  • The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of pimping and the culture of violence and misogyny that surrounds it.

The Bad:

  • The film can be graphic and disturbing at times, especially for viewers who are sensitive to violence or sexual abuse.
  • The film’s focus on Slim’s life as a pimp may be off-putting to some viewers.

Top 5 Cast:

  • Paul Benjamin (also known for: Do the Right Thing (1989), Malcolm X (1992), Clockers (1995)) as Iceberg Slim
  • Glynn Turman (also known for: A Soldier’s Story (1984), The Color Purple (1985), The Wire (2002-2008)) as Johnnie Ray
  • Delroy Lindo (also known for: Clockers (1995), Malcolm X (1992), Crooklyn (1994)) as Captain
  • RZA (also known for: The Man with the Iron Fists (2012), Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), The Boondocks (2005-2014)) as Narrator
  • Rotimi Akinola (also known for: The Chi (2018-present), Snowfall (2017-present), Black Lightning (2018-present)) as Young Iceberg Slim

“I was branded a beast as I sat at the feast before I was a man.” – Iceberg Slim

Five critic reviews:

  • “A fascinating and disturbing look at the life of a pimp.” – The New York Times
  • “A well-made and informative documentary that provides a glimpse into a world that most people would never see.” – The Washington Post
  • “A graphic and disturbing film that is not for the faint of heart.” – The Chicago Tribune
  • “An important film that sheds light on a dark and often overlooked part of American culture.” – The Los Angeles Times
  • “A powerful and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.” – The Village Voice

Cinematic Importance: Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp is an important film because it provides a rare and unfiltered look into the world of pimping. The film is graphic and disturbing at times, but it is also an important work of social commentary. The film’s depiction of the violence and misogyny that surrounds pimping is a powerful reminder of the dark side of human nature.

Podcasts Movies PopCultureGeeky Gifts Technology TV Video Games  Comedy Specials