“Slam”
Today, the characterization of the urban thug has seeped into the suburbs of America and beyond. It is almost hard to believe that merely 10 years ago this image was used in film as the stereotype of the inner cities and housing projects. Now that the world has evolved, it is hard to remember a piece of art like the film “Slam” that was made in 1998.
“Slam” is a movie about a talented young poet named Ray Joshua who was played by real life poet, Saul Williams. The film illustrates the struggles within ones self and within their own survival. Joshua is a creative word genius that is jobless. Members of his neighborhood look up to him. He tries to spread a greater message than that of the thug life, but inevitably finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Joshua gets busted with possession of marijuana and like many young black predecessors, he is sent into the prison system. Once in the prison system he finds himself being battled for among rivaling gangs. He becomes fearful for his life and instead of compromising his beliefs; he uses his words and wisdoms to find safety. He uses his rhymes to not only set himself free within confinement, but to also make his audiences think about the struggles that they are faced with.
The film was shot in an interesting style. Some of the footage looks raw and documentary like, but other footage looks like regular film. This style makes the viewer feel like they are watching a true story, which can also make the viewer feel and understand the message to be authentic.
The film contains so many beautiful words and images of African heritage and struggle that it is amazing to learn that it was written and directed by Mark Levin who also arranged “Protocols of Zion” a film about anti-Semitism after 9/11. Even though both films attack the sensitive issues of stereotyping and racism, Levin successfully holds audiences attention in both films.
“Slam” is the type of movie that laid the foundation for other films, and it should not be forgotten. It questions the issues of a reality that many people may never realize exists and it does so with beautiful declarations. There are moments when the viewer may feel that the film is being overly dramatic, but this is when they should not give up hope on the greater issue. Words, wisdom and creativity are a better life than guns and violence.
- Story-A
- Acting-A
- Visuals-A
- Originality/ Innovation-A
- Enjoyability- B+
- Overall- A
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