David Lachapelles Documentary Film Rize - Essay Example

The film is quite captivating and brings something new to the hip-hop dance scene.

The main character decides to entertain birthday kids by painting his face and dancing in a new style that comprises simulated fighting and break dancing (Ebert 1). The vigorous dance style is known as clowning. It evolves to cramping as many youthful blacks dance on street corners. Essentially, the performers put in stiff robotic movements, make intense facial expressions, and combine it with old-school hip-hop break dancing. These facial expressions and breaking movements are characteristics of old hip-hop dancing. All the performers have their faces painted with bright colors and show some commitment to their Christian faith, unlike mainstream hip-hop dancing. The dance style signifies transformation. The dance picks up at a high pace such that the main character, Tommy the Clown opens up a clown school (Tucker 1). There emerge cramping dance competitions all over South Los Angeles.

Notably, the film resonates with positive change and transformation in people and an area that is ridden with hostilities. For example, A casket seller testifies that young people mostly die in the streets due to gang affiliations and violence. Additionally, the film shows amazing scenes that have not been altered in any way. The speed is accurate. This shows the dance moves with their authenticity intact. It is exciting that the performers execute their dances with such coordination, speed, and intensity. The setting and the effects used are accurate too. The scenes are moving and the characters express the right emotions when needed. For example, Tommy the Clown adjusts his expressions to make them hilarious for kids. This serves to show the relevance of the film. The social message, the authenticity of the dance moves, and the accuracy of the setting make this film a commendable effort.

There are several negative aspects of the film. One concerns the strip dancing routine. This raises a concern considering that there is a scene where preteen girls and dancers affiliated with the strict Christian faith perform it. The speed and exaggeration of the dance moves could come out to some viewers as unrealistic too. Nevertheless, the negatives of this film are overwhelmed by the appealing views of this film.

In conclusion, Rize is a very appealing and energetic film. It elicits high levels of amazement and interest in the viewer. The film director, David LaChapelle, shows his talent by making a captivating, accurate, and socially relatable film. The characters are instrumental in making the film a success by executing the dance moves powerfully and in a synchronized manner. Tommy the Clown serves as the main character and pioneer of the clowning dance, a mixture of break dancing and simulated fighting. He showcases transformation from a convict to a positively influential person on the streets through his unique form of dancing Read More