What's the best way to kick off a documentary about one of the world's hottest rappers? With some canned scratches and beats accompanying a few red carpet clips of other artists praising your subject. What's the next best thing they can do? Bring in a proper British accented woman to narrate the proceedings. Then proceed with talking head style interviews with family(?) members and friends(?) to talk about the past of the subject.
The subject in this case is Eminem. Eminem is an intriguing public persona, his seemingly meteoric rise to fame and fortune, his tumultuous relationship with now ex-wife Kim, not to mention that with his mother. There is also the prosperous relationship with Dr. Dre, and his popularity across the board. If anything, his background is a wealth of interesting tales and adventures. So, this begs the question, why is this so dreadfully dull? I really cannot see a fan of Eminem's sitting down and watching this all the way through.
The majority of the sixty minute runtime is taken up by uninteresting people that are supposedly from Eminem's past. The people who ran rap battles, people who listened to his early tracks, family members who helped raise him, they all parade across the screen never making much of an impression. A few of them tried to be clever, but it was forced and unfunny. Some of the, ahem, anecdotes that they share are so pointless and don't offer any genuine insight into his start, rather they seem to just want to be on camera.
Also mixed in here and there were some old clips of interviews. You don't here the questions, just him talking about whatever, but at least we get a little bit of him. It was better than listening to these nobodies. We may not get the context, but it was refreshing to see him once in awhile.
Article comments
1 - Catherine Stuckrath
When your asking what Eminem fan would want to sit through that...actually, id watch anything on him. I love him soo much and id buy anything with his name on it.Theres times where ill sit up all night watchin mtv music videos just hopein that theyll play one of Ems. Sometimes i get lucky and get to watch em. other times i dont, but hey i tried. Ive been listeinin to him for at least 5 or 6 years now and i wouldnt pass up watchin anything on him. God i love him!!!! Hes my everything!Hes the reason i keep goin and y i wanna wake up each morning! I LOVE <3 EMINEM <3
2 - kayleigh
eminem is the best rapper around he always sings about his life and has never set out to hurt anybody expecialy his family and friends i own every 1 of his album and i also want his dvd cant wait till he bring out a autobiography about him self i love eminem i just never want him 2 stop singing xxxx
3 - Kristen
I like all Eminem's music and the new 8 mile movie is great. I think his music always tells a story and it seems like he is a really good hearted person. I can't wait to see this documentary. Every Cd, 8-mile, and all the music videos on mtv and bet are great. He is the best in hop hop. Emenim No. 1 fan rep u to da fullest u know what u doin cant wait to see this dvd
4 - Venom
eminem is my idol. everyday is a struggle in my life, whether it be with school or with my parents. i usually come home from school or work with a bunch of negativity on my mind and no idea how to resolve it. if down, i just grab my ipod and listen to eminem. nothing has ever been able to calm me down but the controversial tracks with eminem's voice perfecting it. yo em, if you read this get back to me to kick a chat. it would be straight to kick it wit someone who helps you get through life a hell of a lot easier. Be easy bro.