A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan 1972
Jamaa Fanaka's debut film, *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan* (1972), reimagines Goethe's classic tale of temptation through the lens of Blaxploitation cinema.
Director: Jamaa Fanaka
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan* (1972) about?
This short film reimagines Goethe's *Faust* through the gritty, high-stakes world of Blaxploitation. It follows Willie Faust as he makes a deal with the devil, using his newfound power to indulge in destructive habits, with heroin symbolizing the corrupting allure of his bargain.
Who directed *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan*?
The film was directed by Jamaa Fanaka, a pioneering filmmaker known for his work in Blaxploitation and social commentary.
Who stars in *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan*?
The cast includes Jamaa Fanaka in the lead role, alongside Carmen Gordon and Boots, who bring intensity to this surreal morality tale.
Is *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan* (1972) worth watching?
While unconventional, this 17-minute short is a fascinating time capsule of early 1970s experimental cinema. Its bold visual style and provocative themes make it a must-see for fans of Blaxploitation and avant-garde filmmaking.
How long is *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan*?
The film runs for 17 minutes.
About A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan (1972) — Blaxploitation Meets Faustian Horror
Jamaa Fanaka's debut film, *A Day in the Life of Willie Faust, or Death on the Installment Plan* (1972), reimagines Goethe's classic tale of temptation through the lens of Blaxploitation cinema. Blending surreal visuals with a chaotic, non-synchronous soundtrack, the short film overlays Faustian bargains onto a remake of *Super Fly*, creating a disorienting yet provocative morality play. Willie's heroin injection—graphically spilling blood—replaces Priest's refined cocaine use, underscoring the grim reality behind Faust's deal. Shot with an intentionally jittery camera and often out of focus, the film radiates raw, nervous energy, challenging viewers to confront the cost of ambition and the seduction of power.
A product of its era, the 17-minute short merges experimental filmmaking with Blaxploitation tropes, offering a subversive take on a timeless legend. Its frenetic style and unflinching themes of addiction and consequence make it a cult curiosity, appealing to fans of avant-garde cinema and genre enthusiasts alike.