Car Wash. Inside

Car Wash is an iconic ensemble comedy movie that was released in 1976. It was directed by Michael Schultz, known for his work in "Cooley High", and produced by Gary Stromberg. The film boasts a multitude of talented cast including Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Professor Irwin Corey, Ivan Dixon, Antonio Fargas, and Lorraine Gary are some of the remarkable actors who gave life to the diverse characters in the film.

The story of Car Wash occurs in the sunbaked and throbbing city of Los Angeles, explicitly within the confines of a full-service car wash. The movie audaciously features one ordinary day in the lives of its vast employees and customers, who are a blend of various racial, gender, and socio-economic backgrounds. Demonstrating the vibrant and multicultural nature of the city, it portrays the flaring 70's lifestyle and the complexities that accompany it.

Car Wash bravely takes a route less travelled for a comedy-drama, becoming a sardonic commentary on subjects such as racial tensions, economic disparity, crime, and gender politics in its era. Characters interact in a series of fragmented vignettes set against a backdrop of everyday life. Though each vignette presents its unique set of struggles, they are all tied together by the central car wash workspace and the cacophonous city milieu.

The charismatic black, white, and Latino employees of the car wash, form the backbone of the narrative. Each one with a unique background story, they add humorous, dramatic, and even poignant undertones to the storyline. Adding to this charm is the host of eccentric customers - from taxi drivers and Christian evangelists to city slickers and glamorous divas. Memorable moments such as a mad bomber on the loose, a money-laundering scheme gone wrong, and a mild-mannered driver's transformation into an enigmatic personality make up the various subplots, adding depth and excitement to the narrative.

Richard Pryor, arguably the film's most well-known star, delivers a standout performance as the comically volatile Reverend in a supporting role, while comedian George Carlin appears as an anxious taxi driver. Also notable is Bill Duke as the radical black Muslim Abdullah, formerly known as Duane. Fargas gives an unforgettable performance as the flamboyantly effervescent Lindy, contributing immensely to the film's flair.

Car Wash won the special Grand Prix du Jury at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. With a soundtrack sung by Rose Royce and written by Norman Whitfield, the music also significantly attributed to its popularity. The title song was a huge commercial hit, reached number one on the Billboard pop and R&B charts and earned a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album.

Visually, the movie reflects the gritty reality of urban life in 1970's LA, textured with rich details that make it feel both authentic and distinctively of its era. The cinematography expertly mirrors the bustling, hectic pace of the car wash and the intermingling lives of its staff.

As a film, Car Wash was ahead of its time, and seems more relevant today than ever. Behind the comedy and the colorful characters, it manages to tell layered stories and hints towards many universal truths. The characters, despite their shared workspace, display contrasting ideals and values, highlighting the individuality inside a collective society.

All in all, Car Wash is not just an entertaining dance-music-comedy roller coaster but also a thought-provoking exploration of ordinary people and their dreams and dilemmas. It's a testament to the bubbling energy, diversity, and stoicism of 70's-era blue-collar American life – a slice of time locked within the hustle and bustle of a day at the car wash. The movie is a unique celebration of life, which despite its ups and downs, is anything but monotonous. It is a work that has stood the test of time and still has a great deal of heart, fun, and profundity to offer its viewers. If comedy and socio-cultural commentary intersect somewhere, Car Wash lies right there.