In September 2004, before his mental state the subject of speculation, Dave Chappelle held an unannounced block party in New York City - a bit of a tribute to the 1972 Wattsax concert in LA. He invited his favorite artists to perform, while having Michel Gondry document, as he went about giving away "golden tickets." The highlights of this event and the days that lead up to it come together in Dave Chappelle's Block Party, a documentary that is exciting, hilarious, and even a bit moving. The choice of Gondry as director may seem odd at first, but it quickly proves to be the right decision. Unlike Spike Lee's The Original Kings of Comedy or Patrick Paulson and Michael John Warren's Jay Z: Fade to Black, Gondry and editors Jeff Buchanan and Sarah Flack don't let the event dominate the film. The film, instead, is an event itself.Gondry went hand-held with the shooting, and he lets Chappelle lead the way. It's a nice reminder of Chappelle's natural screen presence as he walks down uncrowded streets improving, and interacting with everyday people, inviting him to come to his block party (the majority saying "yes"). He is funny as ever, trying on coats in a thrift store - playing a pimp while looking in the mirror. It's rather moving see Chappelle just happen upon a marching band, and inviting them to come and play with Kanye West ("Jesus Walks" has never sounded so good"). Gondry speaks only once - asking Jill Scott, as she admires Erykah Badu on a television screen, whether she is nervous having to follow her. Scott looks at him nicely, but stern, and asks, "Have you seen me perform."
The artists seem to be having a blast - West, Talib Kweli and Common can barely contain their excitement on "Get 'Em High," as they forget words and miss cues. It's those moments of imperfection and spontaneity that make it so special - Badu joining Scott and the Roots for "You Got Me," Big Daddy Kane alongside Dead Prez, Common and Badu, Mos Def and Kweli. Because the performances do not dominate the film, they seem that much greater - anticipating them is a treat. Any doubt I may have had about the quality of Fugees reunion was squashed while watching their electric reunion performance. "I've been waiting ten years for this shit," Wyclef yells, before the group runs through "Nappy Heads (remix)." That moment is just one in a series of memorable ones that make this film seem over all too quickly.4 (out of 5)
::2 Related Links::
1•The Fugees Reunite, But is Will Happy About It?
2•Michel Gondry Fans - Much to Look Forward to
::Trailer::
2 comments:
I am really looking forward to this film. Both to see Gondry's take and Chappelle in his natural element, he is so amazing in candid bits. The musical guests were highlights of Chappelle's show, with some of these same artists, who seem to really relax with Chappelle. It's also great to see this kind of a project in wide release. Great review, one of my favorites of yours.
Thanks Jacquie ... Yeah, so excited to see this in wide release. I just found out there's a soundtrack as well. All the performers seemed to let loose and experiment in new ways. A really, really good film.
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