We have been anticipating the release of a film dedicated to NWA and the expressive art they pioneered in rap music and, Straight Outta Compton was nonetheless a remarkable movie; an essential movie; a movie worthy of anticipation. It may seem long overdue for some, but there is no better time than 2015 since the experience and creativity of the film producers are at a high level, allowing them to create a movie of splendour and greatness.
Receiving a positive reception from critics, Straight Outta Compton did not fail to impress. The majority of NWA fans were also impressed by the films production, but some have also pointed out that certain facts were missing throughout the film. However, as F. Gary Gray said himself, the movie would have been too long if one were to include "everything", hence why the producers focused on the most significant aspects of NWA’s musical endeavour (Rolling Stone).
Straight Outta Compton may comprise more of Ice Cube and Dr Dre's perspective of their experience, so it is quite apparent that certain characters and scenes were altered to their view. Of course, those involved with NWA, Ruthless Records, Death Row and Da Lench Mob, have different versions of particular events that were shown (or not shown) in the movie – such as Jerry Heller’s perspective, the perspective of Eazy-E’s family and even the lawyer’s perspective that worked for the record labels. But overall, regarding perspectives, the film does connote a fair conclusion on the events that continued from the origin of NWA. Those involved with the props, extra casting, locations and so forth, did a marvellous job with the restoration of what it was like to reside in South Central Los Angeles during the time of crack houses, gangs and corrupt law enforcement – it accurately captured the atmospheric essence of the 80s-90s lifestyles in harsh areas throughout the “City of Angels”. Nearly all films that have ever been released somehow incorporated a romantic story with unnecessary love scenes, but this film did not integrate such annoyance which made me further pleased with the film as I personally find “awkward-to-watch” romantic and sex scenes to be unessential and disinteresting. Straight Outta Compton encompassed numerous scenes that were well-directed and orchestrated; helping the viewer to develop one’s own emotional response to a particular event. Subjectively, the most emotional part of the movie for me was during the time Eazy-E was diagnosed with AIDS, following the doctors’ implication of him having only 6 months to live, the visit from fellow NWA members and then the tribute. The movie is evidently dramatized (as many biographical films are) and whether factual or fictional, they have to add some spice to make it more appealing – that is what carries the viewer to continue watching it until the credits role. To conclude, I must emphasise that the movie was superb to watch and it opens the eyes of those who haven’t significant knowledge on the history of hip hop music and the group that shaped it into its own unique form of expression. Straight Outta Compton pleased familiar fans, it enlightened unaccustomed new viewers and publicised the meaning of rap music and NWA’s indispensable contribution! |
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September 2017
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