Film Review 4. 8 Mile

Film Review

Directed by Curtis Hanson

Produced by Curtis Hanson
                        Brian Grazer
                         Jimmy Iovine

Written by  Scott Silver

Starring           Eminem
                          Kim Basinger
                          Brittany Murphy
                          Mekhi Phifer
                         Taryn Manning

Music by Eminem

Cinematography Rodrigo Prieto

Editing by Jay Rabinowitz

Studio Imagine Entertainment

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Release date(s) November 8, 2002
Running time 110 minutes

Country United States
Language English
Budget $41 million

Box office $242,875,078[

Plot

1995. Jimmy "B-Rabbit" Smith Jr. (Eminem) is a young factory worker. Because of the fact he learns that his girlfriend is pregnant, he her  and as  a result he has to move back to his family which lives in poverty in a trailer, in north of 8 Mile in Warren. At the same time Jimmy tries to start his rap career which seems to be In progress as he has a real talent in it. Jimmy has proved it while choking in the middle of a rap battle and getting booed off stage. Meanwhile, his private life is also full of events – he breaks with his pregnant girlfriend and begins new relationships with Alex (Brittany Murphy), who he meets at the factory he works in. Jimmy begins to realise that the most important aim he wants to achieve is his rap career which gradually becomes of primary importance for him. It is fillowed by strained relations between black and white people of this area which symbolizes a barrier and difficulty for Jimmy to be included tis subculture. In fact, for Jimmy rap is not only his hobby but the real way to support financially his mother and sister. The rap battle acts as a final conflict between Jimmy and a rap group known as "The Leaders of the Free World which they try to resolve with the help of so called rap battle.  In the last round, Jimmy is pitched against "Papa Doc" (Anthony Mackie), who is considered to be the most fear and skillful rapper  Fortunately, Jimmy wins the battle, and as Jimmy leaves the venue, Future suggests that he stay and celebrate his victory while also offering a position that would allow him to host battles at The Shelter. Jimmy turns him down, claiming he has to get back to work and to find success his own way.

Direction

First of all, I’d like to begin with mentioning the fact that the director of the film,  Curtis Hanson, is known in the world of cinema for his great skills of directing such movies. They are known for the spiritual depth and unique way of raising different themes which may vary from racial conflict to the role of music in our life. Besides, the mixture of such themes makes his movies worth watching. It’s obvious how he was sensible to the life story of the famous rapper Eminem and it’s perfectly proved in this film. Curtis Hanson’s particular style and specific way to tell the story has made the film is worthy of  96 minutes of your time. This direction is a striking example when both direction and actors’ performance are equally great.

Editing

The film is considered to be a classical drama with some element of biography, thus the computer-generated graphics with numerous explosions, inconceivable shootings and pursuits are not supposed to be used. In fact, I like it because this circumstance makes the film worth watching as it attracts your attention due to real people and their talent to perform and tell the story of their characters.

Actor’s performance

Speaking about this aspect of the film, there is no doubt that such film has become so famous not only thatnks for direction and celebrity cast but for brilliant actors’ performance as well. It must be admitted that I have chosen to watch this film because of my interest to Eminem as the world famous rapper. Eminem's performance as the struggling actor is very impressive. He tells his own life story without any high coloured stuff. People might say that he's just playing himself, so, they say it might not be very difficult. But, just imagine how it is hars to open yoir hear and sole and tell so intimate story of your life to millions of people all over the world. Besides I’d like to mention about Brittany Murphy who plays Alex who is looking for a way out of the town.

Costume design

There is not anything unusual in it. The film is not historical one, so it is OK. However, some Jimmy’s clothing, especially during his rap battles help to express his feelings and emotions in addition to her facial expression and gestures. Many costumes tell us more about this genre of music and is called rules of this sub culture. The racial difference between two different groups who live in the town is also conveyed with the help of clothes.

Impression

It's a nice movie in spite of the fact it was sometimes too difficult to understand for me. |It’s very specific movie, not for all peole. I believe it was rather easier to watch if you know something about this music genre. However, it has turned to be closely connected with the theme of music and it was very interesting and useful to learn more about this subculture and its origins.