Customer Reviews

Slam [VHS]

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Working in a video store, I've seen "Slam" repeatedly dismissed by white folks as "a black film", or "a movie about rappers". Please, don't let race distinctions turn you away from this film. "Slam" is one of the most noble uses of film I've seen in a long time. It challenges and provokes and creates intense thought. It is a ferociously intellectual movie, though not in a highbrow way. It has the unique ability to present complex and daunting ideas in a way that makes them unusually comprehensible. At the same time, it places a value on the process of writing and personal expression that has been woefully lost in the age of stuff-goes-boom movies. The performances - especially by Saul Williams, Sonja Sohn, and Bonz Malone - are impeccable, and I'm not refering to just their dynamic slam poetry sessions, which are electrifying in a way that few passages of film are. If you see one movie this year, let it be "Slam".

This was a pretty intense experience. I recently became a fan of Saul Williams, and I had to have this movie. It's a dark, yet learning experience for a man(Raymond Joshua) who gets sent to jail for possession, is hunted for on the inside, gets bailed out but realizes he's going right back. It seems like there are a lot of movies about prison and black folk, but this one was a little different.
I thought Saul did quite a job for this being his first movie role. I think it's based in large part on his real-life self. Some of the acting was an eyesore, like the Chinese guy at the beginning, good God! A few of the other small parts were iffy, but I think the main characters, who are all pretty much unheard of, did fine. The best scenes to me were when Ray was about to get his ass kicked in the prison yard and he busted out with an exhilirating rap, and when Ray and the prisoner in the next cell were rhyming. The latter shows a contrast between two distinct rapping styles. The other guy was swearing up a storm kicking violent gangsta rhymes, while Ray's was intense, but loving, etheral, mystical, and mind-bending. The other guy's style represents what gets played the most on the radio and is popular, while Ray's embodies an 'underground' attitude and the style that Hiphop was created with. I am a huge Hiphop guru, and I prefer Ray's style, obviously.
Otherwise, the movie leaves an impression, and gets you thinking about the ways of the inner-city lifestyle, as well as that in the prison. The poetry was what set this movie apart. Ray and the main female(forgot her name) perform at a poetry slam at the end of the movie. I wouldn't give this a five-star, but it's still good and worthwhile. I think it could have covered Ray's life more before he went to prison, and the ending kind-of left us hanging, or did it? I still don't understand what he was doing at the end. Like I said, "Slam" is a gritty, raw, uncut slice of the projects and the prison life. Cuss words are aplenty! It definitely hits it's points, and works well with the predominantly no-name cast. I liked the directing too. If you pass by this at the store and see it for a good price, go ahead, pick it up! It may not be one to watch with the kids though.

It's a sign of SLAM's verisimilitude that I thought it might be a documentary for its first five minutes or so. (Not surprising, since director Marc Levin is known for his documentary work.) With only a couple of exceptions, the actors in it are amateurs, which actually works to the film's advantage.

Anyway, SLAM is a simple, sometimes dopey, sometimes thrilling story of a guy who winds up in jail, gets out, and might be heading right back in again. But both Saul Williams, the principal actor, and his love interest, Sonja Sohn (of THE WIRE) are real live poets, and man, does it show when they do their poetry readings... or "slams" as they are known.

And I'll tell you what: SLAM has some scenes that will knock your socks off.

There's one in particular where our protagonist avoids a fatal shanking in the prison yard by giving a dramatic reading of his poetry. One of his fellow felons says of the performance, "I still don't know what that nigga did, but it was fascinatin'." That was pretty much my reaction, too.

SIDENOTE: Yeah, that's crack smoker, prostitute patron, and former mayor of Washington, D.C. Marion Barry playing the judge. That was a cameo that blew my mind.

After seeing this powerfully delivered masterpiece of raw street savvy and mental intellect, I was moved. Saul Williams, as well as Sohn and Malone, in Slam inspired me, rather this (I don't want to call it a movie) this interpretation of life forced me to release a pent-up energy that was kept down for far too long. The completeness of this fantastic journey through urban, USA is exhilarating and painfully forgiving. A must see for all, the performances in this work of art are as moving as almost any book that I've read; it does not take away from the viewers mental imagery, it only adds to it (not too often that a movie can claim this). 5-stars are not enough -- see for yourself.

When I finally too the time to sit down and watch this movie, I didn't know what to expect. I have always been a huge fan of poetry, the older stuff including pope, frost, Cummings etc. As well as some newer beat generation stuff including kerouac and gindsberg (i recently learned that Saul williams performed on stage with Gindsberg). Despite my love for poetry, i began watching this movie with a weary eye. Needless to say this lasted only a few minutes and soon i was completely entranced in the story of Raymond Joshua.This story does two amazing things, it addresses the inner city problems so many directors shy away from or glamorize as well as openins the audience's eyes to the miracle of modern day poetry. I, like many white middle class americans, was blind to the cultural renaissance taking place in the so called 'ghettos' of america. I guess it is a logical progression. Historically, art thrived where there was oppression, helplessness, and greed. The apathetic view government has applied to modern day black Americans fuels the hope and poetic freedom of this movie. By forcing the realization of america's inner-oppression, this movie is assisting in a struggle that has gone under-exposed for many years. Although it is practically laughable to make such a blunt claim, but this movie could change the world

Great movie and extremely powerful and motivational. I am a 42 year old African American male military war veteran (single parent)with a BA in Social Science and a ThM in Theology. I have coached, taught and ministered to my people; African Americans. Only to become discouraged in the fight and caught in the same traps; sex, drugs, anger, remorse, unforgiveness, hate, regret, shame, mental pain etc. I fought so hard for others of my race not to placate to; even to the point of using drugs. But GLORY has come! This movie has given me new strenght to continue to advocate, fight and defend (help) my enslaved (physical or mental)people. I am also ordering extra copies for all individuals I am lead to help by the anointing, gifts and Spirit in me. Thank you God for this anointed message and gift; SLAM (1998). "What an encouragement."

Slam is not a silent film. Slam does not come off quiet and demure, though it is not a grossly violent film, nor is it preachy. This film artfully reinstates the importance of sound power, the beauty of the poetic imagination, and even ties in a bit of old Egypt. Leaving the story line altogether, this movie's dialogue moved me like a modern day Shakespeare. Never before Saul Williams (save Shakespeare) had I viewed a world where words and a stage (or camera) were so intensely exhilarating, inspirational, and emotionally giving. Slam holds nothing back. This is NOT just a film about a prophet in the ghetto. This is not just a film about poets. This is not just a film, period. When the closing credits rolled, I could do nothing more than sit in silent awe, hand over heart, trying to collect and tame the mad mess of thoughts running amuck in my head space. I won't ruin the story line for those who have not seen this film, but I will say that it is without a doubt one of the most gripping films I have ever seen, not forgetting that I am a film nazi and only boost the absolute greats (Fellini, Bergman, Lee, Tarkovsky, Allen and Smith...to name a few). This is an ABSOLUTE must see for all types and ages! I promise you won't regret having ever seen it and guarantee that once you have, you will recommend it to your friends, co-workers, strangers in the market, and your old, un-cool parents. Seriously, see this film!

The initiation story of Ray(Saul Williams) an African-American, mystic Hiphop poet, who journeys like Odysseus or Orpheus to the land of the dead(i.e. prison) and finds the way out of the cycle of violence surrounding him through the healing power of the Word- through poetic speech.With Saul Williams,Sonja Sohn, and music by DJ Spooky.

What happens to the main character in this film is really scary. But we know this kind of "slamming" of young brothers behind bars for nonsense charges really goes on with regularity in more cities than just Washington D.C., where this story is set. The prison scenes are stark, and streety characterizations are all too real. Great poetry by Saul Williams and the lovely Sonja Sohn, and the other brothers too. The ending made sense, but I still have questions about it. This is a real good film which should appeal to anyone who appreciates good story telling. I'm not necessarily a hip-hop or rap music enthusiast, but I liked this movie.

Slam is not a silent film. Slam does not come off quiet and demure, though it is not a grossly violent film, nor is it preachy. This film artfully reinstates the importance of sound power, the beauty of the poetic imagination, and even ties in a bit of old Egypt. Leaving the story line altogether, this movie's dialogue moved me like a modern day Shakespeare. Never before Saul Williams (save Shakespeare) had I viewed a world where words and a stage (or camera) were so intensely exhilarating, inspirational, and emotionally giving. Slam holds nothing back. This is NOT just a film about a prophet in the ghetto. This is not just a film about poets. This is not just a film, period. When the closing credits rolled, I could do nothing more than sit in silent awe, hand over heart, trying to collect and tame the mad mess of thoughts running amuck in my head space. I won't ruin the story line for those who have not seen this film, but I will say that it is without a doubt one of the most gripping films I have ever seen, not forgetting that I am a film nazi and only boost the absolute greats (Fellini, Bergman, Lee, Tarkovsky, Allen and Smith...to name a few). This is an ABSOLUTE must see for all types and ages! I promise you won't regret having ever seen it and guarantee that once you have, you will recommend it to your friends, co-workers, strangers in the market, and your old, un-cool parents. Seriously, see this film!