Spike Lee's 'Bamboozled' (2000) at 25 with Idris Goodwin

For the "Audience Interrogation" cycle's Suggestion Box episode, Emilio, Julian and Madeline go with a pick that's been a long time coming: 'Bamboozled', Spike Lee's unapologetically confrontational satire from 2000 about racial stereotypes and the media. The group welcomes back multi-disciplinary artist, professor, and fellow appreciator of satire Idris Goodwin to the discussion, and consider why, now a quarter of a century after it was initially released, 'Bamboozled' continues to captivate audiences and grow in esteem. They discuss the film as a time capsule of the year 2000, how the mini DV format it's shot on creates a feeling of discomfort, how Spike Lee spotlights multiple forms of black expression in his films, the many cinematic influences the film wears on its sleeve, why Paul Mooney's scene is so pivotal to the narrative, the film's prescient "defense strategy" scene, and much more. It's an earnest and far reaching conversation about why this particular Spike Lee Joint is, whether you like it or not, one of the writer/director's most essential and important works. Be sure to follow Idris Goodwin on IG at idrisgoodwin. His latest book "King of the Neuro Verse" is available for pre-order and can be found wherever books are sold next month. Additionally, you can follow him and find his plays, music, published works, and varied artistic endeavors at http://www.idrisgoodwin.com/ If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow! Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats