Watch Iceberg Slim: Portrait Of A Pimp

Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp is a 2012 documentary about the life and career of Robert Beck, better known as Iceberg Slim. The film was directed and produced by Jorge Hinojosa, and features interviews with Iceberg Slim's family, friends, and experts on his work. The movie offers an intimate portrait of the legendary pimp and author, who revolutionized the literary genre of street literature with his gritty, unflinching accounts of life on the streets. Born in Chicago in 1918, Robert Beck grew up in poverty and turned to a life of crime at an early age. By the 1940s, he had become a pimp and began writing novels based on his experiences. His first book, "Pimp: The Story of My Life," was published in 1967 and became an underground sensation.

The documentary explores Iceberg Slim's complex personality and the many contradictions in his life. On one hand, he was a ruthless criminal who exploited vulnerable women for profit. On the other hand, he was a talented writer who used his art to expose the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and violence in America. The movie features interviews with Iceberg Slim's former wives and mistresses, who share their memories of him as a seductive and charismatic figure who could be both charming and cruel.

The film also delves into the impact of Iceberg Slim's work on popular culture, from the rise of gangsta rap to the influence of his writing on other authors. Ice-T, who wrote the foreword to the 40th-anniversary edition of "Pimp," offers his thoughts on Iceberg Slim's legacy and the ways in which his work continues to resonate with audiences today.

In addition to interviews, the movie features archival footage and photographs, including rare footage of Iceberg Slim himself. The filmmakers use a mix of animation and reenactments to bring some of his most infamous stories to life, such as the time he nearly killed a man for stealing his money.

Betty Beck, Iceberg Slim's third wife, is a major presence in the film, offering insight into his personal life and his struggles with addiction. She talks about how she met him in 1968 and fell in love with him despite his lifestyle. Diane Beck, Iceberg Slim's daughter with Betty, also appears in the movie, discussing her relationship with her father and the impact of his work on her own life.

Other interviewees include scholars and experts on African American literature and popular culture, who talk about the significance of Iceberg Slim's work in the broader context of black history and cultural expression.

Overall, Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary about a complex and controversial figure who left an indelible mark on American literature and popular culture. Whether you're a fan of his writing or simply interested in the history of African American culture, this film offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most provocative and influential writers of the 20th century.

Iceberg Slim: Portrait Of A Pimp is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 56.