RENAISSANCE man Melvin Van Pee bles has lived life to the fullest, as a filmmaker (“Sweet Sweetback’s Baad Asssss Song,” 1971), play wright, novelist, musician, ladies’ man, world traveler.
Now in his mid-70s, Van Peebles looks back in the loosely autobiographical, digitally shot “Confessionsofa Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha,” which he wrote, edited and produced.
He also has the lead role, bravely portraying himself at every age from 10 on upward. His travels take him from Chicago to New York (where he meets his true love, Rita) to Africa and back to New York, with an 11-year stint in the Merchant Marine thrown in.
It has some very funny moments (Van Peebles floating up the Hudson in an inner tube, for instance), although it goes on too long. Still, it confirms Van Peebles’ reputation as a one of a kind.
Running time: 99 minutes. Not rated (sex, nudity). At Cinema Village, 12th Street, east of Fifth Avenue.