James Toback directs an extremely underrated film that plays out like a slick, urban version of a Robert Altman piece. Things unfold like a sledgehammer towards the end (I like how a rap music video carries the closing credits into a sort of weird epiphany). The performances are solid and the plot lines intertwine with a feverish tone. Black and White got an extremely unfair ribbing from critics. I think it's powerful stuff. In terms of the acting, Ben Stiller as the unacquainted lead, anchors things and he deviates from his comedic persona to give a unhinge performance. Also, look for a scene where co-stars Mike Tyson and Brooke Shields share a weird and poignant moment. All in all, Black and White gets my full recommendation. See it again (or for the first time) and give it its rightful due.

A white woman and her gay (sic) husband are making a documentary about white high school kids who hang with and emulate black people. There are several sub plots, one involving a basketball player who is offered a bribe to throw a game, but it's not clear if there is actually an overall plot to which the rest can be sub.James Toback is a well respected indie writer/producer/director, and he got a stellar and eclectic cast to work in this film. There's Robert Downey, Brooke Shields, Elijah Woods (in probably the only serious role he's ever had), Claudia Schiffer (speaking flawless Americanese), Mike Tyson (worth seeing just for the novelty), Joe Pantaleone, Ben Stiller, and some folks who are probably famous rappers but I am not acquainted with that world.What happens when you put this wildly inconsistent cast on a film that has a very loose plot and a kind of cinema (quasi-)verite style (shot with steady-cam) it's a little like watching an ice hockey game in which all the players are chess masters -- it sure is strange. I didn't say bad, or uninteresting, or unworthy -- just strange! Mike Tyson playing himself in this film is about what you'd expect -- shallow, unreliable, and self-absorbed, like any ex-con you'll ever meet. Elijah Woods gets what amounts to a cameo of no substance. Robert Downey Jr. does a clichéd gay man, and I couldn't help but think he looked very worried what his friends would think about it. Claudia Schiffer absolutely cannot act, but fortunately she gets to play a woman who is twisted and obscure anyway. Putting her in this film was a poor choice, but casting Ben Stiller as a NYPD detective and Claudia's ex! has to be the casting blunder of all time.So this is not your ordinary flick, but if you're up for something different you might enjoy it. Fans of James Toback will no doubt enjoy it for its subtler fine points, but I think most people will just be baffled by all the noise.

I really think this captured a time (turn of century) and place (nyc). This movie was easy to relate to if you are familiar with urban life. Brought a lot of interesting issues to the surface and had appearances by many great people. The blend between the hip hop world and upper east side world is addressed. It shows how people always want what they cannot have. Mike Tysons performance is nothing short of perfect, but then again, he is playing himself. Allen Houston also shows great acting ability. Ben Stiller is the only piece of the puzzle that doesn't seem to fit.MPM The Guide to Getting More Out of Life HTTP://www.THEGMANIFESTO.com

BLACK AND WHITE contains Mike Tyson playing himself, which is interesting since Mike Tyson as Mike Tyson advocates some interesting things in this film. Else than that, I found Bijou Philips irritating, the storyline poorly done, and Ray Allen's performance not exactly oscar worthy.