FANTASTIC FEST 2022: ‘Solomon King’ Brings A Blaxploitation Classic To The Big Screen

Solomon King is an independent film directed by Sal Watts and Jack Bomay, with Watts also producing and writing the screenplay. He even stars as the titular detective, who is a former CIA agent turned nightclub owner. King’s path crosses with that of Princess Oneeba (Claudia Russo), who is fleeing a coup orchestrated by her cousin Hassan (Richard Scarso). Though the two end up falling for each other, Oneeba is ultimately killed by one of Hassan’s assassins. Wracked with grief, King embarks on a campaign of vengeance against Hassan.

The fact that Solomon King exists is a miracle. Watts, a prolific business owner, financed the entire film and also used most of his businesses as locations for the fight scenes. He also managed to wrangle most of his family members into playing parts in the film. For example, Solomon’s brother Manny is played by Watts’ real-life relative, James Watts. But the only copies of the film were seemingly lost to time… until now. Craig Rogers and Dennis Bartok, the founders behind Deaf Crocodile, eventually decided to restore the film with the help of Watts’ widow Belinda Burton-Watts.

The end results are a wonder to behold. Both Rogers and Bartok helped develop images for IMAX, and their work makes the imagery in Solomon King look as crisp and clear as if it was filmed today. Though the entire film couldn’t be restored – resulting in a few oddly placed jump cuts – it still looks pretty great. Watts also knew the rhythm of blaxploitation films and managed to utilize most of the familiar tropes. There’s the highly skilled protagonist, the network of allies he’s built up, and the grand conspiracy he ends up toppling. Even the action sequences feature spatters of red paint meant to be blood and over-the-top punches.

But there’s one distinct difference: many of the Black characters depicted are shown in a positive light. As Belinda said during a Q&A following the film, Watts chose not to put any pimps or drug dealers in the film on purpose. In an age where Black history, from samurai to cowboys to African warriors, is being explored, it’s good to know that filmmakers like Watts were taking steps to make sure Black characters were played in a positive light. However, I wish the same attention was given to the SWANA perspective as Russo and Scarso are playing the whitest Middle Eastern people ever. Granted, it was a different time, but still.

As for the titular detective himself, Watts carries himself with a confidence and swagger that’s magnetic. He’s able to get men to follow him, women to love him, and everyone to respect him. Plus, he has the most stylish outfits – I’ve never seen a man rock a fedora during a spy mission until now, but Watts definitely pulls it off! And judging from the Q&A, it seems like those qualities are something that Watts and King both shared. Hopefully, this restoration means that King can stand shoulder to shoulder with Blaxploitation icons such as Shaft and Dolemite.

Solomon King is a true piece of film history, as a lost relic of the blaxploitation era is restored to its former glory. I’m glad I had the chance to watch it, and with the Kickstarter being a success, I hope that more people will get to see it. And who knows? Maybe Deaf Crocodile will dig up more treasures from film history.

Solomon King screened at Austin’s Fantastic Fest 2022.