Director Larry Clark was one of the original members of the L.A. Rebellion, the UCLA-centered group of African-American student filmmakers who between the years of 1968 and 1977 made many politically and aesthetically rebellious films that challenged Hollywood’s black stereotypes, as well as blaxploitation chic. (He is not to be confused with the Larry Clark who directed Kids and Another Day in Paradise.) Passing Through tells the story of a saxophonist who is released from prison and struggles with the economic and cultural oppression of the music industry. He also searches for his grandfather (played by 87-year-old veteran actor Clarence Muse), who is his connection to his past and his future. The film also features music by the Pan-African People’s Arkestra.
This article appears in April 7 • 2000.
