In
the music world whatever Eminem touches turns to gold. Now he's crossed over into
the movie world with pretty much the same results. Why has 8 Mile been such a
success? First, it helps that this movie isn't some kind of dumb vanity project
(see Mariah Carey's Glitter or Vanilla Ice's Cool as Ice). Secondly, it's bursting
stellar talent--including director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential).
While
8 Mile isn't completely autobiographical, it is very much a glimpse into Eminem's
life growing up in Detroit. Before Marshall Mathers was a superstar, he was a
struggling artist who desperately wanted to be heard. Of course being white in
a predominately black neighborhood presented a world of challenges.
In
8 Mile Eminem plays Jimmy Smith (aka B-Rabbit), a talented musician trying to
break free of his tough surroundings. His mother (played by Kim Basinger) is a
dysfunctional woman who's happiness seems determined by whether or not she wins
at bingo, while most of his friends seem to be going nowhere. All this on top
of growing up fatherless in a hard, poverty stricken environment Smith has the
skills to take his music to the top, but he can't quite shake the fear that comes
with performing in nightly rap competitions at a local club.
The
heart of 8 Mile brought to mind two 70's cinema treasures. With it's depiction
of young friends cruising around getting into trouble, and it's main character
hoping to achieve success with extraordinary talent, I was reminded of Saturday
Night Fever. And with it's underdog tale of a young kid growing up in the sticks,
getting that all important shot at the big time, I was instantly reminded of Rocky.
There's even a moment in 8 Mile when our hero is about to face off against his
adversary, and while the two are merely about to rap, the scene is staged in a
way that suggest we're about to watch Sly and Mr. T bloody each other up in the
ring.
So how is
Eminem in his big screen debut? He's terrific, but then he isn't asked to do Shakespeare
here. Mathers is perfectly used in 8 Mile, and not surprisingly, he's most impressive
in the dynamic rap sequences. This is not the Eminem that we're used to seeing
in interviews. This is a stripped down version. The rap superstar manages to humanize
B-Rabbit, and this makes the experience all the more real. You'd never think that
at some point in his life, Slim Shady was so afraid before hitting the stage,
that he actually threw up. But then if you asked Eminem about this, he'd probably
reply by saying that it never did happen. It's just a movie thing. Basinger is
at her most unglamorous, and while she is making a big effort, she overplays this
underwritten role. Mekhi Phifer is very likable as B-Rabbit's best buddy and Brittany
Murphy excels as the new girl in Jimmy's life, a sort of sleazy young woman who
has aspirations of her own.
Director
Curtis Hanson has had an interesting career. Early on, he made a name for himself
directing thriller fluff like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and The River Wild.
No one was more surprised than me when he delivered the brilliant L.A. Confidential.
He followed that up with the impressive Wonder Boys. In all honesty, there is
nothing distinctively Curtis Hanson in 8 Mile. Hanson has the good sense to know
that this is the Eminem Show (if you'll pardon the pun) and he lets the charisma
of his star shine through. This isn't to say Hanson does nothing. He really captures
the gritty feel of Detroit, and the film is well put together, but there's no
flash here. 8 Mile is very subtle in terms of it's visual execution. Maybe a little
too subtle. I suppose that's because Eminem is such an intriguing performer that
Hanson didn't want to overshadow him.
Scott
Silver's screenplay has it's moments, but it does take a little too long to get
going, and the scenes in which Smith and his buddies cruise around talking about
life, don't really work. These guys don't have anything particularly interesting
to say to each other, but then I guess that's part of the point. They're not really
going anywhere in their lives. Still, it made for boring screen time. What I do
admire about the screenplay, is how each character effects Jimmy's life in some
way. These characters all push or motivate B-Rabbit, be it in a negative or positive
way. Silver also has fun playing with Eminem's media perpetuated rep as bad boy.
Jimmy even has a friend at work who happens to be homosexual.
The
movie really explodes when Eminem is performing, and I suspect much of this stuff
was improvised by the lyrical genius himself. The climax of 8 Mile really makes
you want to stand up and cheer, and you can't ask for much more than that.
Eminem
has proven that he is the real deal. He is, perhaps, the most relevant artist
since Kurt Cobain, in that he really seems to be connecting with a generation.
As a film star, he has potential, and I want to see more of his story. 8 Mile,
while engrossing, only scratches the surface of this superstar's life. I hope
we get to see more of his story.
