Search - Chameleon Street on DVD

A fabulous seriously funny film

Don Byron | Woodstock, NY USA | 02/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"a van peebles-esque tour de force with a kind of orson welles twist. this is one of the best african-american independent films of the last 20 years, made by a true artist who seems equally at home with blaxploitation and cocteau's beauty and the beast. the failure to find an audience for this film speaks to a recurring problem: no one seems to have much confidence that a film like this with diverse aesthetic references made by a black artist can or should have an audience. i certainly see this in my own work in the music business. the film is curious because it is not specifically a film about race or racism but hits it hard. and it's main character's ability to remake himself as needed is a nice metaphor for a new kind of black-identified archetype: a person who's flexible, literate, not locked in to the conventions of what we black folk are supposed to be able to know."

A Witty and Intelligent Film

Ibochild | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wendell B. Harris has crafted one of the most sophisticated African-American films to come along in years. Based on a true story, the film follows the life of Douglas Street (played by Harris). Increasingly frustrated and desperate for money, Street impersonates several different characters. A big winner at Sundance about ten years ago, the film got little more than a token theatrical release. Fortunately, through its release on homevideo, this inspired film was given a new lease on life.The film is highlighted by well-crafted and witty dialog that captures the frustrations of many men (not just African American men) in a fresh and compelling way. One of the best scenes in the film, involves a verbal sparring match between Street and a "local" in a bar. Brilliant.If you're looking for an intelligent serio-comedy, CHAMELEON STREET is an excellent choice. This is particularly true if you're looking for an alternative to the formulaic movies that Hollywood studios regularly crank out. CHAMELEON STREET is a film for the literate filmgoer who wants to be stimulated as well as entertained."

An excellent performance by Wendell Harris !!!

John D. Washington | Los Angeles, CA USA | 12/08/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although alittle dark at times, this true story is extremely funny and thought-provoking. Once you realize that Doug Street actually did ALL of these things (farces), it becomes a more remarkable story. Harris' performance as the "psychotic" Street is one that viewers will never forget. Both his intensity (and drastic mood swings) and expansive vocabulary were accurate depictions of the real-life Street. This is one of the unheralded gems!!"

Classic Cinema

Brother J | East Coast, USA | 01/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is a classic. I used to rent it on VHS years ago. Akin the "The Spook Who Sat by the Door", it's the story of a genius, African American man, who assumes various identities because he can. Life is a game to him and he plays it to the 'inf degree. Not for children. One disturbing scene. A must have for the video library!"