John Singleton (1968-2019) rocketed from obscurity to the top ranks of
Hollywood directors in 1991, when he released his debut film Boyz N the
Hood. The poignant coming-of-age story, set in the streets of south
central Los Angeles, where Singleton grew up amid gang violence and
hip-hop music, earned him Oscar nominations for best original screenplay
and best directing. Only twenty-three at the time, he was hailed as a
wunderkind and compared to the young Orson Welles. Some have credited
him with the mainstreaming of hip-hop music and style in cinema.
John Singleton: Interviews spans his transformation from USC film school
sensation to seasoned director and producer. The collection includes
lengthy interviews, in-depth profiles, and up-close glimpses of
Singleton filming on location.
Since his auspicious debut, Singleton has continued to make gritty,
character-driven "hood movies" that still speak to a mainstream
audience. He has made films in a variety of genres, including romance
(Poetic Justice), satire (Baby Boy), action (Shaft, 2 Fast 2 Furious),
revenge drama (Four Brothers), and historical drama (Rosewood).