CIFF 2011: Cooley High

I remember, I think, watching Cooley High on tv many years ago. The film screened as part of the Black Perspective component of CIFF 2011, with the writer, the producer and some actors staying for a Q&A. They still had some vivid memories about filming here, working with the actors and crew, and the storyline.

The story takes place in the 60s in Chicago, and is filmed on location. Its central character is Leroy "Preach" Jackson (played by Glynn Turman), a highschooler who has dreams of being a writer or a poet. Being a black teen from a housing project, this aspiration is unusual, unsupported and unfulfilled. He hangs out with his best friend Richard "Cochise" Morris (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), who, like Preach, doesn't get a lot of adult guidance. They spend their days cutting from school, and nights partying, flirting, or drinking.
A new girl, Brenda (Cynthia Davis), who seems a cut above the other girls.  Preach attempts to chat her up and convincing her he is sincere, but youthful indiscretions derail the relationship. Cochise meanwhile, drifts from day to day, pinning his hopes on playing basketball and spends his time finding his next sexual conquest.

While not as hard hitting as later films with similar themes, this story establishes many of the social issues concerning urban youths that still exist today: poverty, matriarchal-led families with missing fathers, easy access to illegal substances and gangs, disinterest in academics over athletics. But it still points out with realism how difficult life is for these teens, even if they don't realize it. Mothers have to take several jobs to support their families, teachers try to help in small ways, teens have dreams despite their rough lives. There is also some broad humor and comedic situations.

The film is supported by small roles such as the sympathetic teacher played by Garrett Morris, a Motown/period soundtrack, and its location filming--in high schools, hangouts, homes and seedy spaces underneath Chicago's elevated trains.